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Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   On episode 19 I mentioned how important it is to keep learning.    Today I want to talk about the importance of filtering the information we consume. In a not so distant past I heard about the term “information diet”, and the concept of it instantly made sense to me.   So what is the so called “information diet”?   I’m pretty positive you got it already.   Nowadays we are bombarded with all kinds of information, whether we want or not, like it or not. It’s just how it is.   It’s our responsibility to protect ourselves from the useless and unnecessary information that keeps getting into your news feed, email box and television.   Filtering the information you consume on a daily basis may not look or feel like a big deal, but it makes all the difference.   Don’t be afraid to unsubscribe from email newsletters that are not currently adding valor to your life. Don’t be afraid to unplug fr

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   We fail by default more often than you think.   But what do I mean by failing by default?   It’s pretty simple, let’s say that you have an exciting idea for a new business. After spending a considerable amount of time thinking about this idea, you’ve come to the conclusion that it should stay as it is… just an idea.   This is failing by default. Your future business failed. You didn’t even give it a fighting chance.   Of course, the majority of our crazy ideas and plans are bound to fade away and never see the light of the day.   But it’s extremely important to be thoughtful when deciding on what’s worthy of your time and attention, and what should be left behind.   We usually prefer to fail by default because it’s the easier solution.   You may not be able to see this right now, but you’re capable of achieving so many incredible things in your life.   Refuse to fail by default, be o

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   Get off the blame train. This was a very destructive habit I had, I'd blame everyone and everything for  all my problems.   The fault was always theirs. I did nothing to deserve this or that outcome.   If you can see yourself in my shoes, please start paying attention. Playing the blame game is a terrible habit, and you should really change it rather sooner than later.   Start accepting what is. If you find yourself on a bad spot in life right now. It's only by accepting that this is where you are, that you'll be able to start changing your reality.   If you keep blaming others for your failures, you'll keep drifting and not making any progress. Frustration and anger will be following you around.   Accept the fact that your life is in your own hands, try to look at your situation from a different point of view.   You're responsible, you're the one in charge. Take action!   I'm Rod Gomes and I'll come back with another 1 minute tip soon.

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   We should always be expanding our minds, our relationships, our barriers. But for some us, all it takes is a person with a negative, or mean attitude to drag us down.   When I say that you should refuse to shrink, I mean that you shouldn't lower your standards or act in a manner you don't approve, just to please others, or to fit in.   This has absolutely nothing to do with acting selfishly, or that you're egotistical.   It simply means that you’re following your core values. When you stop giving permission to lower your standards, it's certain that some people will dislike your new attitude. That's 100% natural.   Remember to stick to your beliefs and values, follow your heart and act accordingly. What others think or expect of you is none of your business.   Keep expanding, keep learning.   I'm Rod Gomes and I'll come back with another 1 minute tip soon.   Take care, stay active, stay positive!

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   Today's episode is about facing the fear of not being good enough.   Learning a new language isn't exactly easy. This varies from person to person. I personally have always liked English, even when I knew nothing about it.   I thought it sounded amazing in movies and music. So that's where I first started to learn more about the language.   Then I had to opportunity to live abroad for a few years, and that's when I really learned it... the practical way.   As you can tell, my English isn't that good. I have a hard time because I allowed my pronunciation to get rusty. I stopped practicing it. I've managed to keep making progress by continuously consuming information in English (reading and writing, watching movies, listening to podcasts, etc.), but I've failed for not including "speaking" in my plans. Just having regular spoken conversations would have done the trick.   This is not a big deal, I know my English is not the best. But it's good enough, and

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   Have you ever had that feeling, specially when you're writing a blog post or want to express yourself to a loved one, and you're just not sure if you should say it?   You wrote a message, deleted and re-wrote it for a hundred times, and you're still hesitant about posting it.   You thought of at least a dozen ways to say it, but when you picture yourself saying it, you think it isn't good enough.   That's when you should say it anyway.   As long as your intentions are good and you're not saying it to cause harm to yourself or anyone, the best thing you can do is just say it.   If you keep trying to find the perfect moment or way to say whatever you want to say, it may never happen. And then you will never know what kind of impact your words could have caused.   You will have to live with the "what if's" forever.    What if you said it, and that girl you liked also had an interest in you? What if you said it, and your father accepted your

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   You are not alone. Just take a look back, over your right shoulder.   Just kidding! :)   When we're stuck with a problem, the first thought we come up with is that we're screwed, a close second thought is that we're alone.   So now we're screwed and alone with a big problem!   Both thoughts are false, well you might really be screwed. But everything is "figureoutable".   For every problem that you face, there's at least a dozen people that have faced this very same problem.   So, even if you want to feel self-pity and play the victim, you're not alone!   You can try to find the solutions for yourself, or try to find help, look for people who faced the same situation before.   Either way you can dig yourself out of the hole. As long as you commit yourself to make progress and change your situation.   Don't be afraid to ask for help, you'd be surprised by how many people are more than willing to help, even if you're a total stranger o

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   When I came up with the title for this episode I thought it sounded a bit weird at first. But this is exactly what I meant to ask.   When do you feel free?   This is a powerful question. If you answer it with honesty.   What are the moments when you really feel free? Free of fear, free of the shackles, free of judgment.   Do a small exercise, close your eyes and try to remember when these moments occurred in the past.   You may even want to write down whatever comes to your mind.   If you can't find such moments, that's absolutely fine. There's nothing wrong with you.   They are there, maybe a bit clouded. But definitely there.    The important thing is to keep in mind that right now, you're creating new moments.   How will you want to remember today's moments? Are they freeing you? Or keeping you hostage?   You are in charge, create moments of freedom.   I'm Rod Gomes and I'll come back with another 1 minute tip soon

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   Remember when you were little and your parents told you to be a good boy, or girl.. And to do unto others as you would have them do unto you?   This golden rule seems to disappear after we grow up. I'm pretty sure we keep it parked in the back of our minds somewhere.   It's there, but since it's no longer mandatory, we don't care for it.   The funny thing is that we will remember about this golden rule whenever we notice someone breaking it, against us.   Make an effort to do good. No big deed is needed, just be good.    Say kind words, be a good friend, be a good husband, be a good son, be a good father.   Be a force for good!    I'm Rod Gomes and I'll come back with another 1 minute tip soon.   Take care, stay active, stay positive!

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   The way I experience my life will never be the same  way you experience yours, and vice-versa.   We can go watch a movie together, or read the same book. My experience will be unique to my own life. The same is true about yours.   That's why I believe we shouldn't judge our experiences.   A perfect example to illustrate my point of view is this:   You're in a party and a friend comes over, super-excited and raving about his vacation. He had the best time in Cancun, Mexico.    He stayed in a super all-inclusive resort, the days were nice and sunny. The nights, simply amazing!   He met new people and had a blast! He can't wait to go back!   Now, after hearing such a great story, you want to go down there and experience this for yourself. And you do just that!   Shortly after arriving, you find out that your hotel is crowded. You had no idea that thousands of students were headed there for spring-break. Your all-inclusive experien

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   In yesterday’s episode I mentioned that I would risk sounding like your grandma.    Today, let me go ahead and risk sounding like your parents by saying that you should always be learning something. Always!   Even if you feel like you're on the top of your game, go and find something new to learn, either in your area of expertise or a totally unrelated area.   We are blessed to be living in a time with abundance of information.    In a not so distance past, we had to go after information. And in some cases it was really hard and expensive.   Today, all the information you need is literally a few mouse clicks away.    There's someone out there that have faced the exact problems you're facing right now. All you have to do is search.   Be careful with the traps, the internet is full of black holes.   You should keep a tight "information diet". I will do an episode about this in the future.   For now, focus on whate

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   I’ll probably sound like your grandma here, but I’ll say it anyway: Do what’s right.   It’s a given, right? We should alway do what’s right.   Indeed we should. But sometimes life gives us many ways to deal with a situation. We will often feel tempted to do what’s easy, or what will be better for our own sake, even if it means doing the wrong thing.   Most of the times this will happen automatically, meaning you didn’t consciously wish to do wrong. It’s just how our brain works. It will try to find shortcuts, and the easier way out.   It’s our job to be aware when such moments occur. So we can consciously analise the situation and make the appropriate choice.   If you are well aware of your choices, and you make a conscious decision to do what’s wrong, them you’re looking for trouble. And you will certainly find it.   It doesn’t take a lot of effort, just decide that from now

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   If I asked you to give me the name of the biggest critic in your life. Right off the bat, who would you nominate?   If you didn't nominate yourself, I'm sorry, but you're wrong.   We are the toughest critics we'll ever face in life. Even when we deserve a break.   This is definitely something we can (and should) control. Learning to accept our faults is really important. But this is a topic for another episode.   In this episode I just want to point out the importance of celebrating all your victories. This isn't about popping a bottle of champagne or going wild every time you accomplish something (or if this is you, by all means, go for it). What's important, in my opinion, is to reward yourself whenever you reach a goal.   This way you are creating important triggers. By doing this long enough, whenever you have a new challenge or goal, your brain will automatically trigger the memories of when you celebrated in the past. Giving you a magic boost tow

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   Take a look at your calendar and clock. This day and this time, is all you have.   If you want to forgive someone, love someone, let go of someone, start on a diet, change a habit, learn a new skill, find a new job... All you have is this moment!   We love to keep waiting for that perfect moment. A moment that will NEVER arrive. The time will never be just right.   Do whatever you need to do now. Or risk looking back later in life and wondering what could have been if only you took the plunge.    I know that it's not as simple as it sounds, you may be facing a  big obstacle or challenge. But believe me, the only way you will ever get through it, is by embracing it. Face whatever is keeping you from moving forward and I guarantee that you start seeing an unclouded version of your future life unfolding right before your eyes.   Remember, all you've got is this moment! Make it count!   I'm Rod Gomes and I'll come back with another 1 minute

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   Letting go of the past is a topic that causes confusion in most people's minds.   Why should you let go of the past? It was part of your life after all.   We could go really deep here, for this is a complex topic. But since we only got a minute or so here, let me give you the short version.   Letting go of the past doesn't necessarily mean trying to forget your memories. The memories you have are yours--good or bad.    They are results of your life experiences.   You really should cherish the good ones. They are powerful!   You can't forget the bad ones, but you can learn how to "archive" them.   We usually get stuck on the past trying to find reasons for stuff that went wrong, trying to find someone to blame.   Another common reason is to try to relive a pleasurable or remarkable moment, usually with a loved one.   When you stop cherishing the memories and start trying to make them come back to life, that's when it will go wro

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!    On episode 7 I mentioned the energy draining kind of people. I call them "energy vampires".   They need to drain your energy in order to feel good with themselves. They are the perfect example of people you don't want to surround yourself with.   When you start to notice how the people around you influence the way you think and act, you will understand why you must let some people go.   And by letting people go I don't mean calling and letting them know that you can't be friend anymore because he or she is a bad influence. This is not third grade.   Use common sense, trust your instincts. Learn to set  limits on certain types of relationships, stop the energy leakage.    And if you don't think it's worthy it, then by all means, just move on.   Surround yourself with people you find inspiring and positive, and you will see the toxic ones start to move away.   I'm Rod Gomes and I'll come back with another 1 minute tip soon. Take

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   You know that feeling, like you're ready to take on the world and nothing can stop you. No one can get on your way today, no negativity or stress will bring you down, not today!   That's called inspiration. It gives you the much needed boost to go on and annihilate whatever challenges cross your way.   The thing is, it doesn't last forever. And if you don't go after it consistently, it may take a long time for it to find you again.   Go out there and get inspired!   Find people that you can look up to, people that you appreciate and that you consider to be good example.    Read books that will elevate your spirits. Watch a movie that you like.   Sometimes we forget how good it feels to be inspired, to be energized. And that's when we get lazy, we stop looking for that feeling.   Don't let this be you! Go get inspired!      I'm Rod Gomes and I'll come back with another 1 minute tip soon. Take care, stay active, stay positiv

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   Today I want to talk about investment. Not monetary investment.    A much more important kind of investment, time!   If you had to rate how well are you investing your time on a scale from 1 to 10. 1 meaning you're not managing your time, and 10 meaning you are Mr. Get it Done Guy!   Just think about it and give yourself a honest rating.    Some of you will give yourself a higher rating for feeling busy all the time. Being always busy does not mean getting stuff done. It also doesn't necessarily mean that you're using your time wisely.   Time is our biggest asset. Every human being on this planet knows it, yet most of us simply don't care.   Thankfully, if you're listening or reading this. It means you're looking for ways to improve yourself, and that already puts you in front of millions of people who are just clueless.   There are so many ways to stop wasting time:   You could cut the hours in front of the TV, cut the time on

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!   So you probably read this episodes topic and already started to think about it. Anticipating what I was going to talk about.   By anticipating about this episode you now expect it to turn out in a certain way. If I don't deliver the kind of message or content you're expecting, you may get upset or let down.   This is a simple but effective example of how overthinking can ruin things for us.   The point is that overthinking can cause more harm than good.  It's something all of us do, we play scenarios, we create imaginary problems and then try to come up with imaginary solutions, just in case these problems ever become real.   Overthinking makes it really hard to unplug. I struggle with it whenever I try to quiet my mind and meditate.   But I know this can be changed, and eventually it will.   Stop thinking too much, sometimes the best thing we can do is to  let it be and let go of our thoughts.   That was my tip for today my friend.

Welcome to 1 Minute Tips!    Hello! Are you listening? Yes, you!   There is so much noise nowadays. We're always connected and rarely present.   We're not as engaged as it seems. Yes, we are "connected". We have thousands of friends all over social media. We follow celebrities, movie stars and singers.   We choke on the amount of news that's thrown to us every single day.   We can deal with all of that. But when we have to listen to what a loved one, or a friend has to say... we can't.   I mean, we are there, we are physically there. We hear his or her voice, we're hearing.   But not really listening.    Be present. The next time someone wants to say something, be truly present for that person. Listen to what he or she has to say, make eye contact. Let that person know that your whole self is there.   Pro tip: This can work wonders on relationships.    That is all for now my friends. Be present, be in the now!   I'm Rod Gomes and I'll come