From Money to Happiness: Rethinking Priorities and Embracing Well-Being with Brad Burton
Do you yearn for a life filled with greater contentment and overall well-being? Are you ready to discover the solution that will lead you to this result? I have a powerful answer that will help you achieve a life of fulfilment and happiness. By understanding the importance of time and prioritizing it over money, you can unlock a newfound sense of purpose and satisfaction.
Once you realize that everyone's blagging it, it becomes a whole lot easier. The only way to become an expert is by making mistakes. - Brad Burton
My special guest is Brad Burton
Brad Burton's life is the perfect illustration of a journey filled from humble beginnings to becoming a go-to expert, bridging the gap between wealth and well-being. As a motivational speaker and founder of 4Networking, he defies the stereotype that success requires relentless sacrifice of one's well-being. Brad's early experiences have shaped his unique perspective on life's little details that hold profound meaning. His infectious charisma and unwavering integrity have propelled his remarkable journey. From the lights of the UK's biggest stages to sharing his wisdom with entrepreneurs, Brad demonstrates the art of embracing the unpredictability of life.
This is Brad Burton's story:
Brad Burton's journey is anything but ordinary. Barely escaping the possibility of becoming a criminal, he instead found himself on a stage, captivating audiences with his story. From a humble beginning in a refugee camp, his mother's resilience served as his beacon, guiding him through the rocky terrain of life. It was this steadfast upbringing which taught Brad the significance of time and the importance of not sacrificing well-being for money. He recalls the day he lost a fuzzy felt farm set due to hesitation. The incident, seemingly trivial, shaped his perspective, teaching him the importance of acting swiftly. Another incident that left an indelible mark on him was when he gambled his last pennies at a fair, hoping for a win. As luck would have it, he hit the jackpot, further instilling in him the belief that fortune favours the bold.
In this episode, you will be able to:
The importance of self-reflection and contentment
Engaging in regular self-reflection is a fundamental part of human growth. It allows us to understand ourselves better, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and illuminating the path towards self-improvement. Through self-reflection, we can cultivate self-awareness, creating space for self-improvement and personal growth. This process also cultivates a sense of contentment, as we become more accepting of ourselves, appreciating our qualities and understanding our potential. In the conversation, Brad highlights how his own practice of self-reflection led him to a state of contentment. He shares that he underwent periods of self-doubt and challenges, such as facing criticism and negative attention. Through self-reflection, he was able to understand that these trials weren't impediments, but stepping stones for personal growth and improvement. The realization that success often comes with its share of challenges helped him develop resilience and a sense of contentment. His insights underscore the significant role of self-reflection in personal growth, maturing a mindset that embraces challenges and fosters contentment.
Embracing discomfort and finding contentment
Living a fulfilling life involves embracing discomfort and finding contentment amidst trials. Discomfort can fuel growth by prompting us to address and resolve issues. Such moments are rich opportunities to deepen self-understanding and develop resilience. They compel us out of our comfort zones, stretching our boundaries and proving to us that we're capable of more than we think. Contentment stems from accepting our current circumstances, fully aware that we're a work-in-progress. This acceptance is a gateway to inner peace and mental freedom, being content with what we have and where we are in life's awe-inspiring journey. Brad speaks from the heart about his own seasons of discomfort and how these times were essential for his personal and professional growth. Sharing how he navigated waves of criticism, unwarranted attention and complex challenges in business, he acknowledges the value in these experiences. They taught him powerful lessons and guided him towards a state of contentment. Brad’s approach is testament to the wisdom embedded in discomfort, underlining that even the most challenging encounters have valuable lessons to offer.
Achieving greater fulfilment and well-being by valuing time over money
In today's fast-paced world, the classic phrase 'time is money' has become ubiquitous. However, the real value lies not in the accumulation of wealth but the meaningful use of our time. When we begin to prioritize time and cherish every moment, we open doors to greater fulfilment and well-being. This transformational shift in perspective begins when we acknowledge that time, unlike money, is a non-renewable resource. Each minute lost is a minute that can't be regained, leading to the realisation that choosing how to spend our time wisely can be far more rewarding than the relentless pursuit of money. Brad Burton shares an enlightening view on this topic. He speaks candidly about his personal journey, offering insights into the worth and immensity of time. He learned the hard way that unlimited ambition might lead to immense financial success, but it could neglect the more profound emotional, societal, and spiritual benefits that valuing time can bring. His experiences underscore the need for a healthy balance: aspiring for success while maintaining focus on relationships, mental health, and personal satisfaction.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:04 - Introduction,
David introduces Brad Burton as the founder of networking, author, and the UK's number one motivational business speaker.
00:00:18 - Impact of Brad's Speech,
David shares how Brad's speech at Xerocon motivated his friend to start his business, while Brad reflects on the profound message of saying yes and living life to the fullest.
00:01:15 - Validation on the Biggest Stage,
Brad discusses the validation he felt when receiving a round of applause on the biggest stage in the UK during his presentation, highlighting the importance of perseverance and overcoming challenges.
00:03:11 - The Importance of Making Mistakes,
Brad emphasizes the value of making mistakes and learning from them, comparing it to a boxer learning not to get punched in the face, and how mistakes lead to expertise and success.
00:06:22 - Early Life and Shaping Experiences,
Brad shares how his childhood experiences, such as his parents' separation and a significant fight, shaped him, and reflects on how people can become better versions of themselves by making positive choices.
00:12:26 - The Impact of Seemingly Innocuous Events,
Brad Burton discusses how seemingly innocuous events shape who we are and influence our decisions in life. He reflects on how different choices could have led him down a violent path or a slower-paced life. It's important to take responsibility for our decisions and not blame others for where we are in life.
00:13:22 - Taking Ownership of Our Lives,
Brad emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of our lives and understanding how we got to where we are. He encourages listeners to stop blaming others and turn up the volume on their self-belief. Our decisions shape our path, and it's up to us to make the necessary changes.
00:14:41 - Pursuing Dreams and Overcoming Doubts,
Brad shares how his dreams and aspirations have evolved throughout his life. He reflects on the influence of childhood experiences, such as visiting a car dealership, on his career choices. Despite doubts and naysayers, he followed his own path and achieved success, including taking his son to Disney World multiple times.
00:17:18 - Adapting to Unexpected Challenges,
Brad recounts how the pandemic impacted his business, causing it to collapse overnight. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to challenges and finding new opportunities. Brad's experience highlights the need to be resilient and flexible in the face of unexpected setbacks.
00:20:00 - Embracing Discomfort and Finding Contentment,
Brad discusses his addiction to discomfort and excitement in the past.
00:23:58 - The Importance of Self-Reflection and Contentment,
Brad emphasizes the importance of realizing one's self-worth and finding contentment. He shares his personal experience of showing off materialistic possessions to impress others, only to realize that true happiness doesn't come from external validation.
00:24:21 - Time as the Most Valuable Asset,
Brad discusses how time is a valuable asset and encourages listeners not to chase after more money just to buy materialistic things. He shares how he now prioritizes his well-being and personal fulfilment over accumulating wealth.
00:25:24 - The Illusion of Success,
Brad opens up about his struggles with his health, marriage, and overall well-being despite having a successful multimillion-pound business. This realization leads him to question the belief that money equals happiness and highlights the importance of finding true fulfilment.
00:26:03 - The Consequences of Neglecting Health,
Brad reflects on the impact of neglecting his health in pursuit of business success. He shares his personal experience of developing type two diabetes due to unhealthy habits and the realization that prioritizing health and well-being should be a top priority.
00:28:25 - The Journey of Life and the Importance of Enjoying the Present,
Brad emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey of life and appreciating the present moment. He shares his own realization that material possessions and success are temporary, and what truly matters is the relationships and experiences we have along the way.
00:36:28 - Navigating through challenges,
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Brad discusses the challenges of being seen as a strong person and the importance of being able to navigate through difficult times.
00:37:12 - Becoming a better version of yourself,
Brad reflects on personal growth and shares his belief that everyone can become a better version of themselves by focusing on self-improvement.
00:39:15 - Dealing with depression,
Brad shares his approach to dealing with depression, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing it early on.
00:40:51 - Managing energy levels,
Brad explains the significance of energy in one's daily life and shares his strategy of "burst working" to maximize productivity and maintain high energy levels.
00:42:33 - Avoiding distractions,
Brad discusses the importance of avoiding distractions and not wasting energy on things that don't matter, such as online arguments or negative comments. He also shares his experience of dealing with a stalker and the need to focus on what can be controlled.
00:48:46 - The Importance of Understanding Others,
Brad emphasizes the need to recognize that everyone is dealing with their own challenges and struggles. He shares his system of categorizing people into different areas of life and how he has transformed his own life through self-reflection and personal growth.
00:49:39 - The Masks We Wear,
Brad discusses how people often have a version of themselves that they present to the world, but underneath, they may be dealing with hidden difficulties. He emphasizes the importance of being authentic and honest about one's struggles and challenges.
00:50:28 - The Empty Promised Land,
Brad shares his realization that reaching the top of the success mountain doesn't guarantee happiness or fulfilment. He reflects on how his obsession with business success had a negative impact on his marriage and personal life.
00:53:10 - The Art of Juggling,
Brad compares being a business owner to being a juggler, constantly trying to balance different aspects of life and business. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing when to say no and prioritizing what truly matters.
00:55:32 - Honoring Your Word,
Brad discusses the importance of being a person of integrity and doing what you say you're going to do. He shares his own experiences of facing scepticism and criticism but staying true to his vision and goals.
01:01:20 - The Importance of Communication and Networking,
Brad Burton discusses how his ability to communicate effectively and network with others has been essential to his success. He emphasizes the value of treating everyone with respect and not underestimating anyone's potential connections.
01:04:17 - Letting Go of the Past,
Brad Burton shares his perspective on the need to let go of the past in order to move forward. He uses the analogy of holding onto a red hot coal, explaining that holding onto past grievances only causes unnecessary pain. He encourages embracing change and focusing on personal growth.
01:06:11 - Treating Everyone Equally,
Brad Burton highlights the importance of treating everyone with respect, regardless of their background or status. He believes in treating everyone on the same level and not looking down on or up to anyone. He credits his success to this mindset and the opportunities he has created for others.
01:08:59 - Reflecting on the Impact of Networking,
Brad Burton reflects on the impact of his networking organization, Four Networking, and how it changed the lives of thousands of individuals. He acknowledges the challenges brought by the pandemic but remains proud of what he accomplished and the opportunities he provided for others.
01:10:13 - Redefining Success,
Brad Burton challenges societal notions of success and questions the pursuit of excessive wealth. He shares personal anecdotes and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family and personal well-being over material possessions. He encourages individuals to define their own version of success.
01:13:28 - The Importance of Balancing Physical, Mental, Financial, and Spiritual Well-being,
Brad emphasizes the need to prioritize our physical, mental, financial, and spiritual well-being in today's digital age.
01:14:31 - The Challenges of Juggling Multiple Aspects of Life,
Brad discusses the increasing demands of balancing different aspects of life, such as the physical, mental, and financial, and highlights the additional challenges posed by the digital world.
01:15:36 - Losing One's Way and the Importance of Thinking,
Brad shares his personal experiences of losing his way in life and emphasizes the significance of taking time to stop, think, and reflect in order to find one's way back.
01:16:59 - The Negative Impact of Excessive Screen Time,
Brad acknowledges his own digital addiction and warns of the dangers of society being consumed by screens, leading to a lack of self-awareness and human interaction.
01:18:20 - The Decline of Meaningful Conversations,
Brad discusses how online platforms have shifted from being social to becoming weaponized and divisive, hindering meaningful conversations and preventing the resolution of important issues.
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