How to Beat Approval Addiction

The most insidious, debilitating emotional disease of the masses is known in psychological circles as “Approval Addiction”, or the emotional addiction to the approval of other people. This affliction is responsible (arguably) for the destruction of more careers, businesses and dreams than any other. Fortunately, a South African psychologist discovered the cure, completely by accident, as he was searching for the cure to severe phobias. Turns out the cure is the same for both afflictions, and in this short video, I explain. #personaldevelopment #mentaltoughness #approvaladdiction

In Defense of Performative Altruism

Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey and others have been accused of what some people negatively label “Performative Altruism” , which claims they are only altruistic for recognition, attention and accolades. I’ve defended all three on television about this while praising them for their generosity. The world is suffering and needs more givers. Please watch this and consider performing acts of altruism and kindness. #personaldevelopment #mentaltoughness #criticalthinking #howrichpeoplethink

Imagine Living an Unrestricted Existence

There’s an elite subculture amongst the world’s population that has either earned or has been granted unlimited freedom to live life on their own terms. It’s not for everyone. To even have a legitimate shot at it, you must know exactly what you want, what you’re willing to do to get it, and what you’re willing to sacrifice along the way. If you’re addicted to the approval of other people, you will fail. You must value your own philosophy of living above all others, and be willing to accept the harsh criticism of the masses. That said, if you can make

How Ambitious Are You?

On the psychological scale of 1-7, 7 being most ambitious, how ambitious are you? Ambition is an interesting form of human energy, fueled by emotion and guided by logic. Your level of ambition dictates your expectations, which is why it’s critical that you rate yourself accurately. When ambition and expectation are asymmetrical; confusion, disappointment and unhappiness can occur. This is common complaint among high achievers who rate themselves a 6 or 7 but are truly only a 4 or 5. It’s frustrating when you’re not getting the results you’re expecting. Watch this short video, and evaluate yourself as objectively as possible

The Pseudo-Intellectualization of Personal Development

I’m a big fan of the personal development industry. It changed my life. As the author of 12 personal development books with over 2 million copies sold in 7 languages, I’m grateful to rank among the industry’s best selling authors. That said, one of the problems this industry faces is the pseudo intellectualization of the concepts about which so many of us write and speak. Personal Development concepts, including those taught in all 12 of my books, can be taught to and understood by an 8th grader. The concepts are simple, yet powerful enough to change people’s lives for the better.

Millionaire Kids Most HATED Advice (from Parents)

After 40 years of interviews with self-made millionaires, there’s one piece of advice rich these people give their kids that they HATE to hear. In my book, Secrets Self-Made Millionaires Teach Their Kids, I dedicate Chapter 159 to this sage, yet loathed piece of wisdom. Teenage boys hate it the most, but later in life, when they become wealthy and powerful, they tend to appreciate it more than anything their parents ever taught them. If you’re raising kids that are destined for uncommon success, watch this video and share this age-old lesson with them. It could mean the difference between success

Did You Get What You Wanted?

Did you get what you expected out of life? Are you happy with the goals and dreams you’ve achieved? If you had to do it over again, what would you do differently? On a scale of 1-7, 7 being most satisfied, how satisfied are you with your life? Self-exploration is not about judgment, it’s about taking stock of your life. In this video, I pose some simple questions for your consideration. #personaldevelopment #mentaltoughness #criticalthinking

My Favorite Billionaire Mentor

After 40 years of interviewing self-made millionaires and billionaires, I have a few favorites. Many of the flashy ones were ego-maniacs, but the majority were down-to-earth, genuine people who were easy to talk to and learn from. You’ve probably never heard of the billionaire I discuss on this video, but he changed a lot of lives for the better, including my own. And luckily, he wrote a book that details the system he used to build his empire. This book is old and out print, but if you’re an entreprenuer, do whatever it takes to purchase a used copy. It’s a

Winning the Argument vs. Having the Argument

In civilized discourse, we make the distinction between winning the argument vs. having the argument. In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed me to the National Charity Awards Committee, alongside Hollywood legends Merv Griffin, Cheryl Ladd, and Pat Boone. We took the story to the press and were criticized for seemingly promoting the President’s agenda.. Same thing happended with President Obama, and now it’s Trump and Biden. If ‘winning the argument’ is the goal, civilized discourse is compromised. The goal should be ‘having the argument’ where both sides learn for the purpose of cultivating a superior solution. Watch this short video

Billionaires Advice After Losing My Fortune

There’s an old saying among the rich: “it’s easier to live without money if you’ve never had it.” I think that’s true. Financial independence makes for a cushy, comfortable life, and it’s not easy to re-enter the rat race. No matter, that’s what I was forced to do many years ago after earning a small fortune, and I was disheartened and disappointed in myself. After all, I had interviewed hundreds of the world’s wealthiest self-made millionaires and billionaires, and I was the beneficiary of their collective financial wisdom. I employed it and it worked, but after a couple of poor judgement