Motivational Speaker - Craig Harper

The “But Healthy Food is Too Expensive!” Paradigm

Craig — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:22:20 +0000

Convenience

And what a popular and convenient paradigm it is. The “I don’t want to eat junk; I’m just trying to save money” argument is one that gets wheeled into my space on an almost-daily basis. Not by me, however.

Now, before I continue this chat, let me be clear that the point of this article is not to criticise or marginalise anyone who consciously chooses to eat (what’s commonly called) junk food. Of course, it’s personal preference and a completely different discussion to this one. If you choose to eat less healthy food options and you’re happy with your decision, then this post is not for you or about you. No, the point of this little exploratory is to logically and unemotionally consider the “my diet is not very healthy but that’s all I can afford” mindset.

So, is it true? Does healthy food necessarily mean expensive food? Well, I’m gonna save us all a lot of time and cut to the chase.

No. It doesn’t.

Can healthy food be expensive? Of course. Does that mean all healthy food options are expensive? No.

The Lazy Diet

I’m of the not-very-popular opinion that for some people (notice I didn’t say all), their habit of fast food, highly-processed food and poor nutritional choices (in general) has less to do with their financial restrictions and more to do with their laziness and lack of motivation (and/or willingness) to invest the required time and energy to prepare healthy meals. The truth is that healthier meals often require a little more time, effort, organisation and preparation.

But not necessarily more money.

It’s also my contention (Your Honour) that ‘less healthy foods’ (for want of a better term) are in huge demand, not so much because of their financial value, but because (1) fat, salt and sugar (the cornerstones of junk food) are highly addictive ingredients and (2) you can literally buy the stuff through the window of your car. In other words, it’s ultra convenient and if there’s one thing we consumers and instant-gratification types hate, it’s being inconvenienced. After all, who wants to peel, slice, dice, steam, poach, blend and grill when you can exchange burgers and fries for cash through the car window?

Let’s take a peek at the financial breakdown of my rather large porridge breakfast from this morning. By the way, oats are possibly the healthiest and most affordable breakfast cereal on the planet. Nice combination that.

My Breakfast:

100 grams of oats: 12 cents
250 ml of milk: 25 cents
1 banana: 27 cents
20 raw almonds: 20 cents

Total Cost: 84 cents
Taste: awesome
Nutritional Value: very high

If I remove the fruit and nuts and go with regulation porridge (as I often do), the total cost for my breakfast is 37 cents. This will give me twenty-five high quality breakfasts for less than ten dollars. Or ten breakfasts for the price of a single cappuccino from the café down the road.

My 84 cent breakfast was followed by a cup of English Breakfast tea with a splash of milk. An additional expense of around 5 cents. Interestingly, the equivalent beverage purchased from a local café (using the same ingredients) would cost around three dollars. Or, sixty times more than the identical home-made brew.

Quite the mark-up that.

Dinner:

And then there’s last night’s lean minced beef stir-fry:

I won’t break this meal down so specifically as vegetable and meat prices vary (a little) but suffice it to say that I can make a great-tasting, healthy lean beef, basmati rice and vegetable stir-fry for less than five dollars per serve (I make it in bulk and freeze it – single male style). For a kid’s serve, the cost might come down to somewhere around three to four dollars.

Here’s some more food for thought (I mean that both, literally and metaphorically):

A 60 gram Mars Bar: $1.60 approx.
A 60 gram banana (here in Melbourne): 13 cents approx.
A ‘sports drink’: $3.00 approx.
The equivalent from the kitchen tap minus the sugar, colour and chemicals: Free

I could go on but I won’t bore you…

A Group Activity…

So, let’s do something fun, interactive and potentially valuable for our online community.

Today, I’m inviting you to share either (1) a healthy low(ish) cost recipe or meal idea or (2) some kind of money-saving concept or strategy pertaining to food. Your contribution might be something quite specific and detailed or it could be something more general and simple (like buying rice in bulk). Either way, I’m looking forward to your suggestions.

Now, I know that some of you have an aversion to coming out of the cyber-shadows and participating here at me-dot-com but we’re all friends interested in the greater good, so why don’t you do something different (see yesterday’s post) and manage your fear rather than be managed by it? As an incentive, I’ll give away five signed copies of my NEW KID’S BOOK (sent to anywhere in the world) for my fave contributions.

I know; I rock.

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New Experiences

Craig — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:10:29 +0000

Doing New Stuff

How long since you’ve done something totally new? Something totally unfamiliar? Something totally un-you? When was the last time you stepped away from your normal routine? Your default setting? Your predictable, safe, comfortable but-not-very-fulfilling pattern of typical behaviours, habits and outcomes? Do you ever feel like your life (or part thereof) is in something of a perpetual holding pattern? And does that suck?

Just asking.

Welcome to the club.

There’s much to be said for doing new things. Consciously choosing to have new experiences. Perhaps in new places with new people. When we do new things significant internal shift is often the result. When we do new things we unlock emotional doors, break down psychological barriers, confront fears and tap into our previously unexplored potential.

Physical Therapy

A few years ago, I coached a woman who struggled with depression, poor self-esteem and a total lack of confidence. Before we met, she had done the rounds of various experts in the hope of somehow changing the way she saw herself and felt about herself. After our first meeting, it was my opinion that she had done enough talking, so we decided to create a plan based around doing.

Four months after we met, she ran her first half marathon.

She was never the same. For her, positive transformation lived in the doing. The moving of her limbs. The exploring of her potential in a practical way. The facing of fears in a physical context. The new experience. The unfamiliar experience. In the process of completing something that was ‘totally not her’ she smashed many of her self-imposed limitations and dispensed with numerous fears. In the space of two hours and twenty-one (and a bit) kilometres, her life changed. Forever. Her thinking changed. Her standards changed. Her beliefs (about her potential and possibilities) changed.

And for the first time, she was genuinely excited about her future rather than fearful of it.

Is it time for you to have a new experience?

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The Limitation of Personal Development

Craig — Sun, 20 May 2012 17:04:20 +0000

The following post might seem somewhat counter-intuitive, if not insane, coming from a Personal Development writer and speaker but it’s what I believe to be true, so honesty and integrity will prevail.

Before we start, let’s first identify what Personal Development is and isn’t.

What it is: In 2012, Personal Development is, for the most part, a business. A big business. At its core, it’s a collection of information, ideas, and philosophies presented by a range of people in a range of (mainly) commercial settings. Put simply, it’s a bunch of theories that may or may not be of value to you.

What it isn’t: A solution to your problems.

Application

Over the years, I’ve come to realise that most people who read or listen to Personal Development (including many who visit me-dot-com) rarely apply the vast majority of what they read or hear; no matter how relevant or potentially transformational that information might be; not consistently, anyway. Neither do they typically change their behaviour, habits or outcomes (and therefore, reality) as a result of exposing themselves to such information.

And no, this is not necessarily an indictment on any particular Personal Development program, presenter or product but rather a commentary on the likelihood of us (the people wanting to change our lives) finding a way to consistently apply certain ideas, information and strategies. And, to ultimately turn those theoretical concepts into life-changing habits instead of occasional behaviours.

A Resource

Of itself, Personal Development is neither good nor bad. Powerful or useless. It’s nothing more than a resource. An ever-expanding accumulation of words. It’s kind of like an exercise bike; a waste of money and space until you do something intelligent with it (relate?). Of course, there are better and worse exercise bikes. So too with personal development.

PDJs

And then there are the Personal Development Junkies (PDJs). And I have met many. They are the theorists. They have libraries full of change-your-life books. They have CDs in the car. DVDs in the recorder. Posters on the wall. Affirmations on the mirror. And without invitation or provocation, they will recite motivational quotes and philosophical insights from their favourite gurus to impress their long-suffering friends or to create some kind of personal brand. If you don’t believe me, take a stroll around Facebook some time.

And when they meet new people, they will say things like “Oh yeah, I’m really into Personal Development.” And while they might be highly competent when it comes to the task of memorising and quoting Oprah, Deepak, Steven Covey and Big Tony, they are generally far less competent when it comes to the practical process of quietly, diligently and methodically changing their own lives.

They are like the athlete who wears all the appropriate workout gear but never actually trains or competes.

The irony being that, if they would only apply the relevant information (as opposed to, memorise and recite it), their reality would begin to shift because authentic ‘real-world’ transformation lives in the practical doing; not the theoretical knowing. In other words, the application of the information. After all, we are the ‘knowing-est’ generation ever. For this reason, my biggest challenge as a coach and mentor is not to provide direction, advice or information but rather to empower people to apply what they already know.

To becomes doers.

The Personal Development Show

PDJs love the ‘idea’ of Personal Development because it requires no effort, discipline or discomfort. It only requires talk; something they excel at. They like to look and sound as though they have their shit together when in reality, away from the smoke and mirrors of their self-help jargon and pseudo-confidence, more often than not, they are spinning out of control with their secret, unhealthy and destructive behaviours. I know this might seem a little harsh but I see it all the time. So, at the risk of offending, I choose to be honest. As I’ve said many times before, it’s easier to get offended than it is to be honest or to change. Being honest (with ourselves) is painful. Change is painful. Getting mad at the messenger is easy.

By the way, don’t confuse ‘being honest with yourself’ with ‘beating yourself up’. One is self-awareness, the other is self-loathing. One healthy, one not. One productive, one not.

Feel Good Fluff

In my opinion, much of Personal Development has become a ‘space’ where too many facilitators (for want of a better term) are more concerned with being warm, fuzzy, feel-good and popular than speaking the simple truth and calling people on their crap, irrespective of the potential commercial or financial backlash. Having said that, I’m not suggesting a need for anyone to be harsh, offensive or insensitive. Or, to be some kind of self-help ball-breaker. No, I’m only interested in what works over the long term. I’m interested in measurable results. I’m talking about turning down the emotion, the ego, the fluff and the jargon and stepping into the practical, sometimes-messy reality of what it actually takes to transform a life. Forever. Not to get ‘motivated’ for a week.

At worst, Personal Development will be a waste of your time and money, at best it will be a valuable resource but ultimately, you will always be the solution.

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Some ‘When’ Questions

Craig — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:48:11 +0000

When…

When will you stop wasting your potential?
When will you make that decision you’ve been avoiding?
When will you stop looking for ‘easy’ and starting doing ‘effective’?
When will you stop waiting for the right time?
When will you create opportunities rather than wait for them to appear?
When will you stop spending money you don’t have on crap you don’t need?
When will you stop having the same unhealthy conversations, about the same issues, with the same people?
When will you stop giving your body food it doesn’t need?
When will you maximise your genetics rather than complain about them?
When will you love your legs because they work and stop hating them because they’re not skinny enough?
When will you stop wasting emotional energy on shit you can’t change?
When will you stop complaining about the rain and start dancing in it?

* Don’t forget my new kid’s book (The Angry Ant) is out now!

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Weight-Loss Bullshit

Craig — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:56:01 +0000

For the last thirty years or so, I’ve been helping people lose weight (among other things). And, over the journey, there are not many conversations about fat arses, legs, hips and guts that I haven’t had. At least once a week (on average), someone will interrogate me about some amazing, incredible, new, never-seen-before, miracle weight-loss pill, program, product, powder or potion.

So…

To all the people looking for that quick, easy, painless path to a lean, functional, sexy body, here are (some of) my considered thoughts based on three decades of working with thousands of bodies, minds and personalities.

1. When it comes to weight loss, there are no quick fixes or miracles cures. And, as appealing as it might sound, you won’t undo twenty years of bad choices, behaviours and habits in twenty days.
2. In terms of fitness gizmos and gadgets, most of what you see on television and in magazines is called advertising and creative writing; not science.
3. Weight-loss centres that “want to help you create your best body ever” (a) want your money and (b) don’t know you or give a shit about you.
4. Rapid weight-loss is almost always followed by rapid weight gain.
5. Rapid weight-loss is not the same as rapid fat loss. When you lose a vast amount of weight rapidly, you’re losing water, muscle and fat (in that order).
6. There is no (fixed) optimal daily calorie intake for your body (height, weight, age, etc.). Your energy expenditure varies from day to day. Therefore, so too do your energy requirements.
7. There are no new anatomical movements; just new equipment, new brands, new choreography, new music and new marketing. Functional anatomy and physiology hasn’t changed.
8. There is no best program. There are many.
9. If you only have only twelve weeks left to live, then a twelve-week weight-loss program is a great idea.
10. Most commercial metabolism boosters (fat-burners) increase blood pressure, resting heart rate, core body temperature and risk of heart attack, stroke and death. Other than that, they’re awesome.

More to come…

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All Kinds of Smart

Craig — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:28:19 +0000

This morning I was talking with one of my friends over a cup of coffee and he referred to a recent conversation he had with a “much smarter (than him) friend” about a particular issue. I considered his choice of words to be most interesting. And somewhat self-limiting. I wondered what made his friend so much smarter and why he thought that way. In what sense was the other guy smarter? Was he generally smarter or was his intelligence specific to a particular task, situation or conversation?

Sometimes, the difference between smart and stupid is a few inches. Put me in one conversation and I might appear to be moderately intelligent but take me to the other side of the room and put me in a different conversation with different people and I might be considerably less comfortable, confident and seemingly, intelligent.

That is, I might look like an idiot.

Some people have great mechanical intelligence (can build a space shuttle from scratch) but poor social intelligence (can’t hold a conversation). Others might typically score well on IQ tests (the most common intelligence assessment tool) but don’t know when, or how to, offer someone comfort, encouragement or support (poor emotional intelligence). Some will write profoundly beautiful music (creative intelligence) but struggle to resolve or complete simple day-to-day problems (practical intelligence).

My friend (the one I was chatting with) is a successful builder. A carpenter by trade. When I ask him technical questions regarding the renovations I’m about to do on my house (which is often), he needs to explain his answer three different ways before I actually understand what he’s talking about. It’s apparent that, as a handyman or tradesman, I’m a good speaker and writer. It’s been said that I’m as handy as an ashtray on a motorbike; which is why my five year-old tool set remains in its original box. Untouched.

Of course, this ineptitude may be a byproduct of me being only seventy percent male. Whatever the reason, it’s fair to say that, depending on the situation, conversation or task at hand, there are times when I can feel (and appear) a little stupid.

Or a lot.

Conversely, there are times when I have a different conversation with the same guy (maybe something to do with bodies rather than buildings), and I definitely feel (and possibly, appear) a little more intelligent.

Put a spanner in the hand of the university professor and ask her to adjust a bike chain and she might not seem so clever. Ask the computer genius to explain ‘the birds and the bees’ to his ten year-old son and he might need to default to his more emotionally intelligent wife. Ask the neurosurgeon to choose the best cushions and throw rugs to compliment his or her new couch and there might be an interesting, if not distasteful, result.

In many ways, all traditional intelligence testing tells us is how well some individuals complete certain types of written tests. At best, an IQ score provides us with a very limited insight into an individual’s potential and possibilities. Having said that, I’m of the (not very popular) opinion that putting a number on a person’s intelligence and potential is, more often than not, stupid.

If not, potentially dangerous.

Yes folks; smart comes in all shapes and sizes.

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Creating Momentum

Craig — Sun, 13 May 2012 17:04:52 +0000

Getting the Ball Rolling

Amazing things happen when we create momentum. Tasks become easier. Challenges become less daunting. Stuff gets done. Barriers crumble before our eyes. We begin to see results. And, in the middle of it all, we change. We learn new things. And unlearn old things. We gain new perspective. Acquire new skills. Build confidence. Expectation. And belief.

Belief in what’s possible (for us).

Last Friday I wrote about my new kid’s book; The Angry Ant. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what would happen in terms of feedback, general response or sales. I wondered if the post might be met with deafening silence and overwhelming disinterest; kind of like a first-time comic looking at a sea of blank, bored faces after his first joke. After all, who’s interested in a talking angry ant? As it turns out, quite a few people.

Phew (wipes brow).

The Response

Since Friday morning, I have received more than a hundred emails (yes, I’ve read them all) from people with comments ranging from “well done” to “you’re brave for writing a kid’s book” to “I’ve been ‘almost’ writing a kid’s book for years”. At the same time, we’ve also pre-sold more than three hundred books (in about a dozen countries) with no external marketing, no PR campaign, no posters (yet), no media exposure and not one single book in any book store (yet). On Friday alone, we sold books to three libraries and two schools, with a Montessori school buying fifty books in one hit.

Momentum.

Another Idea

One clever mother suggested that we produce a colouring book (remember: everything starts with an idea) as an accompaniment because kids (of that age) love to colour in. The thought had not even crossed my mind. So smart. As we already have the illustrations (from the book), this seems like, not only a good idea, but a very do-able one, also. From one idea, more ideas grow. And from one project, more (exciting) projects grow.

Momentum.

To be honest, there are many people who are vastly more qualified, experienced and ‘appropriate’ to write a kid’s book than I am. After all, my last book had ‘F*ck’ on the front cover (my mum still won’t display it on her ‘Craig’ wall). And I have no kids of my own. Or nieces. Or nephews. As an only child, I didn’t even grow up around other kids, so what would I know about connecting with the primary (elementary) school brigade?

Nonetheless, I developed the initial idea, wrote the words and my father brought the story to life with his illustrations. I asked the relevant questions. Had the appropriate conversations with the appropriate people and did what was required. I spoke with parents, teachers and, of course, kids. I stood in front of rooms full of young students. I spoke with experts about practical stuff like layout, font, design, paper, cardboard, binding and dimensions. And like most projects, before long, the book had an energy of its own.

Momentum.

A Heartbeat

There comes a point in time (with any project) when the original idea finds its own heartbeat. Its own personality. It begins to live and breathe independent of its creator. And the creator’s idea. Sadly, most people give up long before then.

Have you ever accidentally tried to drive your car with the handbrake on? It’s hard to make progress isn’t it? Well, some of us have been driving our lives that way for years. Our ‘handbrake’ might be fear of failure, embarrassment or rejection. It could be procrastination. Or the need for approval. Maybe it’s laziness or apathy. Or maybe it’s a curious combination.

It’s Time

Today friends, I’m encouraging you to take your handbrake off. To get your wheels turning freely. To write your kid’s book. To commit to your dream. To tap into your untapped possibilities. To make a courageous decision. To find a solution, not a problem. To take a chance. To stop planning, waiting and over-thinking. To step out of your safe, familiar and comfortable routine.

And to shine the light of your potential into the darkness of your fear.

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My New Book: The Angry Ant

John — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:08:25 +0000

Hi Guys. I apologise if the following sounds a little ‘advertisement(y)’ but I am a bit excited about something, so you might have to excuse me. Actually, I’m a lot excited. It’s not every day that I get to announce a first in the world of me (dot-com). Having said that, feel free to ignore the following post and come back tomorrow.

Good, you’re still here.

So, I’ve finished my first kid’s book and it’s just about to be pushed out of the literary nest into the big wide world of book distributors, book stores and, of course, readers. Very young readers. Specifically, somewhere in the four to eight year-old range. At first, I doubted my ability to be able to produce something that would connect with young people but as the project rolled on and we ‘test drove’ the product with hundreds of kids, the feedback was great and the experience (from concept to final product) has been more rewarding and enjoyable than I ever would have imagined.

I may have started something.

I must say that reading the book to classrooms full of children (who didn’t understand my fragile only-child emotional state) was scarier than anything I’ve dealt with in the media or corporate world. Kids don’t have the same social filters as we grown-ups. If they think something is crap, they’ll just tell you. And just to put your mind at ease, no; there’s not a single swear word in the entire book. Impressive, I know.

About the Book

One of my friends described The Angry Ant as a personal development book for children disguised as a ‘Once Upon a Time’ story. I hadn’t seen it in that light (sounds a little sneaky) but I think she’s right. It is a ‘normal’ kid’s book with some important messages, themes and conversation-starters. It also has some very cute illustrations from my talented dad, Ron (the artist). The great thing about having an artist in the family is the cheap illustrations for your first kid’s book.

Okay, the free illustrations.

Woven through the tapestry of the story are insights into tolerance, communication, awareness, perspective, choices, kindness, happiness, anger, acceptance and friendship. As well as test-driving the book with kids, we also gave it a spin with numerous parents and teachers, who kindly gave it the thumbs-up.

The general feedback is that the book is most appropriate for kids in the four to eight (year) range but one teacher suggested that the story (and its key messages) is something that could be explored and discussed by kids of any age. It takes about fifteen to twenty minutes to read to a youngster depending on how quickly (or slowly) you read and how long the kid(s) care to peruse the illustrations. Yesterday, I read it to a four year-old (took about twenty minutes, complete with special voices) who loved it but needed a little enlightening on the meaning of a few words. With the end result being that he learned some new words and had a story read to him. It seems that most kids from about seven years on can read the book by themselves without too many problems.

Practical Stuff

On a practical note, the book is A5 (size), is perfect bound (a square edged spine) and we have used the best paper and cardboard (with a gloss finish) to ensure quality and durability. In order to keep it affordable, we have set the price at $15.00 (AUD) including free delivery anywhere in Australia for the next month. Next to comparable products, this is about a ten dollar saving. For our international readers, the figure is $22.00 (AUD) posted anywhere in the world. Buying three or four books brings the unit price down to $12.00 in Oz and five books or more brings the unit price down to $10.00 delivered. If you’re interested in buying multiple books (one school has done this already), email Johnnie and we will discount either, the books, the postage or both, depending on the size of the order.

*Note: when you change the quantity (of books) on the ‘buy’ page, the unit price will change accordingly.

Anyway, enough of the spiel. Thanks for your patience. Books are being delivered (to us) next week, so orders should be received within ten to fourteen days (hopefully sooner).

To buy a book (or twenty)

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What’s Your Idea?

Craig — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:12:45 +0000

A Personal Training Centre

There was a time (twenty-five years ago) when my Personal Training centre was just an idea. Over time, I turned my theoretical something into a physical something. My intention into my action. The business now has a life of its own. It breathes. It grows. It has good and bad days. Peaks and troughs. It has its own identity and heartbeat, independent of me; its creator.

Who Dot Com?

So too, there was time when this website was an idea. Not mine; Johnnie’s. To be honest, I didn’t think much of his idea. Who’s gonna be interested in the ramblings of some aging ex-bodybuilder? A few people, apparently.

Once Upon a Time..

Three months ago, one of my clever friends had an idea. She suggested I turn an article that I was writing into a kid’s book. I thought she was nuts. The book is currently at the printer. And I’m very excited.

Crazy Ideas

There was a time when air travel was just a crazy idea. And tiny computers (like smart phones) only existed in the imagination of eccentric Science-Fiction writers. And while we’re at it, let’s not forget the internet; as if that’s ever gonna take off! There was even a time when a bloke in some kind of animal skin ensemble fathomed that rolling stuff might be easier than dragging stuff.

And presto; the wheel was born.

And This?

Come to think of it, there was even a time (about thirty minutes ago) when the article that you’re now reading was an idea in my head. I had an idea about ideas and now you’re reading this. In other words, the potential something (an idea about ideas) has become a literal something (an article about ideas).

See how that works?

Two Questions For You:

1. What’s your idea(s)?
2. What are you doing with it (them)?

Remember: ideas are worthless until you breathe life into them via your actions.

Feel free to share an idea, dream or intention. Your public declaration might just create some momentum.

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Thirty Percent Female

Craig — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:32:46 +0000

My Feminine Side

For the last thirty years, the majority of my clients, audience members and (more recently) readers, have been women. And for some reason (that we won’t explore now), even eighty percent (or so) of my subscribers and commentors on this website belong to the fairer, better smelling (mostly) sex. Last Sunday I ran a seminar at my Brighton centre here in Melbourne and we had about a hundred and twenty people come along. Of those in attendance, about fifteen were blokes. Alpha males. Yep, fifteen.

Happy with that ratio fellas?

Over the years, I’ve spent so much time with women (er, professionally) that many people have suggested that I often think like one. A woman, that is. Many of my female friends have been surprised by my female insights and awareness. And some of my male friends have been a little disturbed. And scared. It was suggested by an amusing friend a few years ago that I may, in fact, be thirty percent female. I’m not sure how she arrived at that figure but I’m hoping she meant it in a psychological and emotional sense. Whatever she meant, the thirty percent figure is often brought to my attention. It seems to have stuck. Some people suggest the percentage might even be higher.

Pfft. As if.

Excuse me while I scratch my large manly testicles.

In my capacity as a trainer and coach, I have had thousands of conversations with women about their bodies, emotions, fears, dreams, medical issues, careers, relationships and (for want of a better term) their very personal stuff (a big category, this one). Having somebody like me in the picture (trustworthy but not a friend or family member) seems to have provided some people with a ‘safe place’ to download thoughts, ideas, experiences and feelings without fear of judgment or condemnation. I think they have also appreciated being able to ‘bounce’ things off a (relatively normal) bloke.

Relatively.

Over the journey, we’ve spoken about everything from Olympic preparations to boob implants. From battling cancer to battling an ‘ex’ in court. From menopause to men. From eating disorders to designer shoes. From business management to parenting. From losing weight to losing hope. From changing attitudes to changing cars. And from finding a partner to finding a purpose.

All normal stuff.

And while I’m quite attached to my testicles (literally) and all the accompanying manliness (don’t over-think that), spending so much time with women has given me a much greater understanding of the human condition, both male and female. Ironically, we men often pride ourselves on thinking like men when, in reality, it’s in our interest to periodically think like women. Or, at the very least, to endeavour to understand life (and all its complexities) through the eyes of our female counterparts.

Right, I’m off for a pedicure.

On my large manly motorbike.

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