Motivational Speaker - Craig Harper

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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The Psychology of Getting on the Scales

Craig — Sun, 06 May 2012 08:13:58 +0000

Here’s part of a conversation I had last Friday with a woman who wants to lose weight. We’ll call her Meg.

CH: So Why are you here?
Meg: I hate my fat body.
CH: It’s a pretty big club (the ‘I hate my body’ club).
Meg: I’m sick of feeling and looking like this.
CH: What do you weigh at the moment?
Meg: Don’t know.
CH: So let’s weigh you and see where you’re at.
Meg: Can’t we do something else?
CH: Like what?
Meg: Er, not weigh me?
CH: We could but seeing as weight-loss is your goal, it’s a good idea to know where you’re at before we start any kind of program.
Meg: Then don’t tell me.
CH: Tell you what?
Meg: What the scales say.
CH: But you weigh what you weigh. Not knowing won’t make you any lighter.
Meg: I don’t want to know. It will depress me.
CH: Or maybe it will help you step into reality?
Meg: I’d really rather not.
CH: I know but let’s do it anyway.
Meg: I’ll cry.
CH: Really?
Meg: Yep.

She was totally serious.

Over the years I have been privy to some pretty weird thinking, habits and behaviours around scales. People who would weigh themselves up to fifty times a day. Literally. People who would get on and off the same scales repeatedly hoping to see a smaller number next time around. People who would lean on things (walls, bench tops, towel rails) to reduce their weight as they stepped onto the scales. People who would only weigh themselves on cheap inaccurate ‘light’ scales. People who would take off their wedding ring! People who would step carefully and softly onto the scales in the hope of seeing a lighter weight. People who would sneakily (and intentionally) leave part of their foot off the scales. People who would get angry with me when they stood on the very accurate commercial scales at my gym. People who would weigh themselves, go to the toilet and then weigh themselves again.

Gee we make simple things complex don’t we?

Meg still doesn’t know what she weighs.

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Stress-Head

Craig — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:08:33 +0000

Busy Me

Hey Guys. Been a little busy on Planet Harper this week, so I apologise for the scarcity. My dad is heading in for stent surgery today (Friday) following his heart attack a couple of weeks ago, so the Old Darl (my mum) is staying at Hotel Craig while the Old Bloke gets his ticker in order.

Good times.

I might take the Old Darl out for beers and burgers tonight. And a little clubbing later. Maybe some bowling. And monster trucks. Or not. Before I wheel out today’s instalment, let me remind you Aussie readers that our Sunshine Coast and Perth workshops (May 20 and June 17) are just around the corner, so if you’re in need of some inspiration, direction and stimulation, I’d love to see you there. You can find out more here. And don’t forget that our Melbourne gig is happening this Sunday.

I haven’t had time to write a new post for today but following a couple of stress-related discussions this week, I’ve decided to tweak and dust off the following (short) article from a while back. For some of you, this will be your first read and for the rest of you, consider it revision. And yes, there will be a test.

Stress-Head

“Wow, that’s a stressful situation.”

Really? Then why isn’t everyone (in that situation) stressed? If being stressed was really about the situation (as opposed to some kind of individual response to the situation) then everyone would experience the same emotional response at the same time. Clearly, they don’t. Situations don’t create stress, people do.

“This job stresses me.”

No it doesn’t; you stress yourself. But the job is your trigger.

“He makes me angry.”

No, that’s all you too. The only person who can control your emotional state is you. He only has the influence (control, impact, power) that you allow him to have. Even if you don’t realise it.

Being Stressed

The emotional state of ‘being stressed’ (as you experience it) is a self-created one. It is a reaction (to something) and you are the reactor. The moment you say “this or that makes me (insert negative emotion)” is the moment you hand over your power to a situation, a circumstance, an event or another person.

You have two choices:

(1) Consciously control your internal environment.
(2) Be controlled by your external environment.

See you Monday, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Whatever that means.

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15 Success Road Blocks

Craig — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:12:48 +0000

Hello. Mr ‘Can of Worms’ here. Well, it seems that my last two posts may have caused something of a minor ripple in the blogosphere. Or, at the very least, in our humble little community. How boring would it be if we all agreed on everything? On with the show…

Your Best Life

So, what’s standing between you and your best life? Do any of these ring a bell?

1. Inconsistency. It’s hard to succeed if you never finish anything.
2. Lack of clarity. What is success for you? If you can’t define it, you probably won’t create it.
3. Procrastination. Are always ‘about’ to change your life?
4. Who you hang out with. Are you surrounded by people who drag you up or down?
5. Self-limiting beliefs. What do you need to unlearn?
6. Relying on (the emotional state of) motivation. Motivation comes and goes. Success requires you to maintain certain behaviours and commitment even in the absence of motivation.
7. Over-thinking. Analysis paralysis; the modern scourge.
8. Your expectations of others. Expect more from yourself and less from others.
9. Being addicted to comfort. Enjoying comfort: fine. Being addicted to comfort: not fine. Like it or not, pain can be a great teacher.
10. Not acknowledging what ‘is’ (lying to yourself). You can’t address what you won’t acknowledge. Just ask an alcoholic.
11. The need for approval and validation. It’s exhausting and unnecessary. You’re big now.
12. Dormant knowledge and understanding. Having knowledge is not the same as using knowledge. Success lives in the application of the information.
13. Lack of accountability. What’s your accountability system?
14. Asking the wrong questions. Some questions propel us towards action, transformation and solutions. Some reflect our need for attention and sympathy. Better questions produce better results.
15. Attitude. Like many things, a good or bad attitude is optional. You can be the problem person or the solution person.

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