Interview with Nico Veressen

What can being punched in the face teach you about leadership? From Vice-Champion fighter to success coach, Nico Veressen has taken some blows. And as someone used to winning, he knows how to dish it out, too.   Raised in Belgium and now living in Portugal, Nico says he was shy at 14 and that’s when he knew he wanted to get into competitive fighting. After winning his way up the ranks in championships, retinal detachments stopped him. He could take no more physical blows.   Layering his experience on his psych background, Nico has a lot to share that is relevant for us all. Some of the key take-aways are: Sometimes, even though you have success, you can feel empty.  Personal success is just that - it’s something different to everyone. Stress is normal and can be enhancing. To get to the next level, engage in open conversations, recognize that you can move past  your current level of psychological safety, and engage in co-creation Plan your pleasure - build that into your schedule Engage in both entertainment AND pleasure There’s a difference between dopamine that comes when you’re striving and serotonin that you get when you’ve paused to enjoy. You need both. If a task is distasteful, keep the outcome/benefit in mind. Stress can be a pleasure enhancement and can be leveraged for a competitive advantage. On intimacy: loving deeply is healing. Sensual meditation is about going slowly and becoming more aware. Ecstasy is about being absorbed in the moment… it’s Flow.   Nico says, “I’m a champion; I get results.”  And I’m thinking, what if we all lived that way!!!   Find Nico at www.PerformWithPleasure.com, download his free masterclass, and stay in touch with him. Look for Nico Veressen on all social platforms.   Thank you for listening to One Sharp Sword!  Be sure to also check out Wednesdays With Wayne for quick, fun, and inspirational mid-week reading.  www.WaynePernell.com/blog