A Year In Review… and then some!

While so many people at this time of year look back over the year just gone, I find myself looking back over the last two decades.

Most of my entrepreneurial and business life I, like so many other people, was focused on making profits, building wealth and having the toys of success. I'd attended so many business building courses and listen to so many ‘experts’ sprouting how to 10x my business. Chasing financial freedom and all of the toys.

At the beginning of this millennium was a real wake up call for me. Now faced with my second divorce my world had been turned upside down. Surely there must be something more valuable than just making money. Having overcome the shyness of my youth I could talk to just anybody in any situation. And having worked in so many industries I could turn my hand and mind to just about any task. Yet I realised that something major was missing.

Although I communicated well, I didn't really know the people I was talking to. I realised I was missing the true understanding of other people. That true connection that would have given me greater purpose to my life. My focus turned into understanding what makes people tick. To that end I've continually added new skills to be able to make stronger connections - not only for myself, but for others as well.

The currency and the focus of my business is not that of the dollar but one of the quality of the relationships I build. If we determine our success through the currency of our businesses, how successful have I been?

This year alone I’ve been the guest in over 90 interviews, being asked back for a second interview in many cases. I won 5 major awards including Education Business and GOLD Business of the Year, Business Person of the year, awarded Silver in the Social Changemaker and Gold in the Man of Influence for Australia, and nominated for another 7 awards.

I have a number of JV’s with other professionals bringing together Business and Wellness Retreats, have my courses on other people’s platforms and am featured on several other people’s websites here and overseas.

I've spoken on numerous global Men's Health Summits and Leadership Forums

I created the #WeTogether and The Campfire Project and brought together a Global Community of men and women.

My granddaughter became my youngest student at the age of 11 – and now my business partner on projects at the age of 13. Yes, I’m a very proud grandfather.

All of these things were made possible only because of the people around me.

If you ask me am I a man, my answer is always “you tell me”. If you ask me have I been a good father, my answer is “ask my sons”. Am I good at Reading People, understanding what makes them tick, helping them to understand each other and guide them to do the same, again my answer is “ask my clients and those around me.”

On my online courses I’ve received over 100 five-star reviews and 4 four-star reviews. And I am grateful to every one of them.

What brought me to tears though was this Facebook live discussion between two men.

To feel I have mastered my craft is one thing but to know the impact it has had on others I am for ever grateful to know.

What we do for ourselves dies with us, but what we do for others and for our environment and community is, and always will be, eternal

Am I living my purpose. What do you think?