Anxiety to Confidence - The Personal Development Unplugged Podcast

I Want My Old Me Back Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "I just want the old me back"? It's something I've heard from clients for years. It's something I said to myself too. But what if that's not what you really want? What if the old you was part of the struggle... and what you're really looking for is the real you? In this Five Minute Quickie, I share a personal insight that changed how I think about personal growth, identity and lasting change. The next deeper dive explores why you don't need to become your old self again—you simply need to keep finding your way. In this episode you'll discover: Why so many people long for their "old self" The surprising problem with trying to go backwards A simple mindset shift that brings hope and stability Why your path naturally changes as you change A preview of the deeper hypnosis episode to come If you're feeling lost, stuck or disconnected from yourself, this episode is a gentle reminder that you're not broken—you may simply be becoming. Remember to share what you hear: https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/fmq-537-i-want-my-old-me-back/ and there's a video of me doing the recording https://youtu.be/L7S0uAc9bRU Shine Brightly 🌟 Paul Hey there! I'd love to hear from you—questions, feedback, requests—all welcome. Drop me a line or leave a comment. If you've enjoyed this episode or any other, please share and subscribe! You can reach me at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Podcast Ready to subscribe? Click here to explore your options. Or, if you're on Apple Music or iTunes, you can go straight to subscribe or leave a review here. Special Programs for You For tools on developing Supreme Inner Confidence, finding Freedom from Anxiety, or specialized Hypnosis Tracks, visit PaulCloughOnline.com. Free Hypnosis Tracks Want access to my FREE hypnosis tracks? Head over to paulcloughonline.com/podcast. Connect with Me Follow me on Twitter: @pcloughie Remember: I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. This podcast and any of my online resources are for educational purposes only. Never use the hypnosis tracks or exercises if you're operating machinery, driving, or if you have epilepsy or psychiatric conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure. Find Us on Other Platforms Catch the podcast on Spotify, Castbox, iHeart Radio, YouTube, or on our Libsyn page. Stay tuned, and keep shining brightly. ✨ Music Credits Music by Wataboi from Pixabay, Music by DreamHeaven from Pixabay, Music by ccjmusic from Pixabay, Music by freegroove from Pixabay, Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by will |Marshall from will marshall. And the transcript WARNING if you're a lover of the written word this may make you frustrated, or angry - you have been warned - is it an 'ism Hey my friend, back for a five minute quickie, the seed of something I think you're going to find interesting, but I also think is so important in this adventure of personal development, your personal development, you're creating the best version of you. You see, this is what I've been thinking of. When we're suffering, when we're suffering issues, you know, anxiety, fear, depression, loneliness, anything you can think of, you know, self-sabotage, procrastination, you know, that every blooming OCD, anything you can think of, you fill in the blank.   When it hits us to get out, we're looking for certainty, I guess. Everyone needs certainty. We need certainty and uncertainty.   But in that realm, we want certainty, stability. You know, I'm not going mad. I want to find a way out.   I certainly want to find a way out. You know, something I can hold on to, to lead me out. And I think that here's something that I experienced so often.   When I work with clients, we talk about their issues. And I talk about what you want. And you might think they want, well, you know, I'm so anxious, depressed.   I want happiness. I want fulfillment. I want this.   And they do. But then they really just go, do you not pull? I just want my old self back. The old me, you know, because that's stability, isn't it? The old me, the old me that I can remember.   You see, I don't know. That old me is something that you can remember with fondness, maybe. And we're going to talk about that in a longer podcast somewhere else.   Why the disconnection? Maybe even on this longer, deeper dive, following this FMQ. But you see, another thing, a personal thing. In my life's adventure, way back over there, I was in a big black hole.   And it was big and it was deep. And I was at the bottom of it. And I was doing all sorts of things to get myself out.   Because I knew a lot of different things. I was becoming my own therapist, day in, day out. It was literally day in, day out.   And what I used to say to people, I just want my old self back. The old Paul. If only I had the old Paul, I'd be okay.   And you see, during that time, I had a lot of help. Gave myself a lot of help. Looking for the old me.   So just like my clients. And then one day, one day, guess what? I had an aha moment. We have them occasionally, don't we? An aha moment.   I didn't want the old me. Why would I want that? I'd want the real me. Because the old me had, and was part of, those issues.   And the real me didn't. The thing is, I had something came about in my head. Because whilst that seemed to give me some stability to let go of that and look for this real me, I realised something that changed my thoughts.   This constant looking for this, to me, a new identity. Whatever that was, the real me. Well, it wasn't working.   And that's where the deep dive comes in, in the next longer podcast. You see, I think it's going to be really important when we go there. Because we'll discover something that will give you that certainty, will give you that stability, something to hold on to.   And give you something as a foundation to let go of things such as that fear, that anxiety, that depression, that loneliness, the old whatever, you fill in the blank. But on this lovely, I call it a lovely adventure. But sometimes it's, you know, adventures can be a little bit scary, can't they? I want to share with you one thing.   And I'd like you to think about it before the dive. And this one thing is, and it's like my second aha moment, when I've been sitting down with my puzzle book, and just thinking and trying to find a way, trying to find that certainty. I came up with this little sentence.   And it just makes me feel okay. And what I said was, I'm still finding my way. And my way changes as I change.   Say that again. I'm still finding my way. And my way changes as I change.   And that's where I think the direction of this podcast is going to go. It's how life changes as we change and how we can use these changes. And all the tools, I'm not forgetting all the tools, we're going to go through the tools, the things to help you get rid of anxiety, fear, depression, loneliness, all that stuff.   But realise we're finding our way. And when you're certain you're going to find your way, that's when, well, there you go. Come with me on the longer podcast, the next one to follow this.   I might still call it, I want my old me back. I might call it something else, who knows in between. But come with me, it'll be a longer, deeper dive.   It'll have a process or two to really get into understanding and feeling and grasping hold of this way of changing. So you can look forward to a wonderful future, a wonderful life. You know, creating your dreams, because I'm here to support your dreams.   Support you in getting whatever you want, because I believe you're entitled to it in this little old life. You're entitled to dream and have those dreams come true. Providing, and there is always a providing.   And the proviso is this, as long as it's good for you, the people around you, and little old planet Earth, because I want them economical. Economical? No. I want it good for the planet.   I want it good for the people around you. I want it good for you, because it makes sense then, doesn't it? So do join me on the longer podcast. Please do share this with people, anybody you can think of, because everyone, even if you say to them, hey, how you doing? Yeah, I'm good.   I'm good. We are all suffering in some way, because we're all changing. And changing gives you a little bit of a, you know, sometimes a little bit of uncertainty.   I don't want to give you certainty. So even if they're not saying that they have anxiety, fear, depression, loneliness, you fill in the blank. We all have something somewhere, don't we? That we're working through.   And this, I believe, will help you and help them. So do please share. Please press that subscribe button or follow button or whatever it is you have on your listening device of choice, because that means you won't miss out.   It'll come up on your feed and you go, yay, here comes Cloughie With. Yeah, just have a listen. And last upon last, and everyone tells you, don't keep asking too many things, but this is the third one.   If there is anything that you'd like help with, if you are having any challenges, do email me. My email address is feedback at personaldevelopmentunplugged.com. Do that, you get a personal request from me because I'm the only bugger here. And we'll create an episode just for you.   And I say just for you, but what it means is everyone gets the benefit of, because we're all suffering in some way, big, small, little, in the challenges that you have. We all have this very similar challenges, and we can transform the processes to deal with the ones that we have. Okay, please do that.   Let me know how you're getting on. Give me some feedback. Tell me if I'm talking a load of old, you know what, or if there's something you'd like me, you'd encourage me to talk more of.   Okay, have fun, because it's time to fly. And I'll see you back when you land on the longer podcast. Take it easy.   Bye-bye.     Personal development [self improvement] [self development] [NLP] [Hypnosis]

Finding Your Way: When You Feel Lost in Life Have you ever quietly said to yourself, "I've lost my way"? Not necessarily out loud. Just inside your own mind. That feeling that somehow you've become disconnected from where you're going, who you're becoming, or even who you really are. In this deeper dive episode, Paul explores a personal experience of feeling lost after making significant changes in life and identity. What emerged was a surprising realisation: perhaps we don't lose our way at all. Perhaps we simply lose connection with the part of ourselves that already knows the way. This episode explores the uncomfortable space between who you've been and who you're becoming, why that space can feel like grief, and how looking outside yourself for answers often keeps you stuck. Most importantly, you'll experience a guided hypnosis and visualisation process designed to help you reconnect with your future self, discover your inner direction, and uncover the next small step on your journey. Because maybe your path isn't something you find. Maybe it's something you feel. IN THIS EPISODE • Why feeling lost often follows personal growth and change • The hidden link between identity and feeling directionless • Why searching for answers outside yourself can make things worse • The difference between finding a thing and following a direction • How your future self may already know the next step • Using emotion to communicate with your unconscious mind • Why purpose is often discovered through feeling rather than logic • A guided hypnosis process to reconnect with your inner compass KEY TAKEAWAYS ✓ Feeling lost doesn't mean you've lost your way. ✓ Identity shifts can temporarily create uncertainty and confusion. ✓ Your future self can provide guidance when your conscious mind feels stuck. ✓ Direction often appears before the destination becomes clear. ✓ Purpose is experienced through alignment and feeling, not just thinking. ✓ Small steps create clarity far more effectively than endless searching. QUOTE FROM THE EPISODE "You don't have to have the whole plan. You don't need the perfect map. Your future self doesn't hand you the whole journey. It simply nudges you, one step at a time." REFLECTION QUESTIONS • Have I really lost my way, or have I simply lost connection with myself? • What parts of my identity am I currently letting go of? • What feeling am I truly seeking in my future? • If my future self could guide me today, what small step would it suggest? • Am I searching for answers outside myself that may already exist within? CALL TO ACTION If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who may be feeling uncertain about their direction in life. https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/485-finding-your-way-when-you-feel-lost-in-life And if there is a subject you'd like explored in a future episode, email: [email protected] Together we'll keep exploring, learning, and evolving. Until next time... Have more fun than you can stand. Shine Brightly 🌟 Paul Shine Brightly 🌟 Paul Hey there! I'd love to hear from you—questions, feedback, requests—all welcome. Drop me a line or leave a comment. If you've enjoyed this episode or any other, please share and subscribe! You can reach me at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Podcast Ready to subscribe? Click here to explore your options. Or, if you're on Apple Music or iTunes, you can go straight to subscribe or leave a review here. Special Programs for You For tools on developing Supreme Inner Confidence, finding Freedom from Anxiety, or specialized Hypnosis Tracks, visit PaulCloughOnline.com. Free Hypnosis Tracks Want access to my FREE hypnosis tracks? Head over to paulcloughonline.com/podcast. Connect with Me Follow me on Twitter: @pcloughie Remember: I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. This podcast and any of my online resources are for educational purposes only. Never use the hypnosis tracks or exercises if you're operating machinery, driving, or if you have epilepsy or psychiatric conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure. Find Us on Other Platforms Catch the podcast on Spotify, Castbox, iHeart Radio, YouTube, or on our Libsyn page. Stay tuned, and keep shining brightly. ✨ Music Credits Music by Wataboi from Pixabay, Music by DreamHeaven from Pixabay, Music by ccjmusic from Pixabay, Music by freegroove from Pixabay, Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by will |Marshall from will marshall. And the transcript WARNING if you're a lover of the written word this may make you frustrated, or angry - you have been warned - is it an 'ism   Hey friend, hope you're doing well and welcome to this longer, deeper dive. And we had the FMQ, the seed of freedom versus structure, freedom or structure. But maybe that's the wrong question.   Maybe I'm asking the wrong question. Maybe a better question might be, how do I create a life that feels free without becoming lost? Okay, something to think about here straight away. If I gave you complete freedom tomorrow, what would you do? There's no schedule, no obligations, no one telling you what to do.   Sounds wonderful doesn't it? Maybe you can feel it, feel what that would feel like, complete freedom. Just imagine what you'd see, hear, feel. Yeah, but just think for a moment.   What happens on day three? What happens when no one's asking anything from you? What happens when there's no deadlines, no structure, no bloody routine? Yeah, didn't think of that did we? I mean, me personally, I've been really wrestling with this. You know, this has been deep inside with my puzzle books and all that thing. Been struggling, wrestling, trying to get a grip of it.   You see, for years, I really wanted freedom. In fact, every client of mine, when I ask them, what do you really want? They say, I just want to be free Paul, I want freedom. But the thing is, when I got closer to it, I found something surprising, and so did they.   You see, I tell you what, let's do a little bit of exploration, the first part of our dive. So take a deep breath, and let's explore this myth. I'm going to call it a myth of freedom.   You see the dream? We've all got it, we've all had it, haven't we? No alarm clocks. Oh dear. No obligations.   You don't have to do anything. No one's telling you what to do, because there's no restrictions. You have a total choice in all of this now.   Total choice, oh my. But then, what's the reality of that? What is the reality? Maybe too many choices? Hmm. Too many choices, oh wow.   Because when you have too many choices, guess what? No direction, is there? There's no momentum. I feel disconnected. I feel stuck.   Can you get that? Can you feel that? That's the way I was feeling. I was feeling stuck because of all these things I started to look at. Feel it with me.   Now you see, I have been doing a lot of work lately on myself. You see, my roles have been changing. I've been deeply into a lot of work with therapy, and I'm starting to just ease that out a bit now.   Not doing quite so much. There's a lot of activities I have been doing, and I've decided to say, well, no, actually, I'm going to push them away. I'm going to change.   And so they dropped off. And because of that, I got space. It started to appear to me.   And you see, here's the thing. I look forward to it. I did.   Because space, to me, is precious. And it sounded so wonderful, until I found I was standing right in the middle of too much space. There's just too much of it.   You see, what I found out was, freedom without direction can start to feel surprisingly like being lost. I'm going to repeat that, because that started to really get inside me. Freedom without direction can start to feel surprisingly like feeling lost.   Let's go deeper. We've done that a little bit. Let's go even deeper now.   You see, maybe it isn't freedom versus structure. This is where we started. This is where I started.   It's a bit of a false choice, really. Because that's what I'm thinking. Maybe it isn't freedom versus structure.   Maybe that was the wrong question I was asking myself. In fact, that's what I've been asking you. Maybe, instead, I ought to have been asking, what type of support allows me to be free? What type of support allows me to be free? Because that was a good question, wasn't it? You see, when you think of structure, and this is what I did, I began to think of restriction, rules, pressure, obligation.   That was stuff I used to have sometimes, but it's too much now. When I think about it now, having structure, it's too much restriction, too many rules. The pressure was on, and there was an obligation.   But here's the thing, not all structure is control. Because some structure allows you, gives you support. Here's a couple of weird examples.   You know, riverbanks create flow. They're in a pond, they're in a lake that just sits there. Sitting there's good, but we want flow, creative flow.   Music is made of scales, isn't it? Because without those scales and notes, and the structure of that, we wouldn't have music. Sometimes you need a frame around a painting to make it stand out. Because if you think about it now, and I started to think about it, it's as if everything has a structure, a strategy, and it has a strategy that it follows.   And they're the things that started to make me think. You see, without that structure, the bloody thing disappears, isn't it? You see, freedom doesn't flourish in chaos. And I think that's what happens when we have freedom.   Sometimes, you know, you can hear the chaos going on because things are too free. Freedom flourishes when it has something to grow through, feeling alive. Think about that again.   Freedom flourishes when it has something to grow through. Yeah. Let's play.   Let's play for a moment. Think about, and you want to close your eyes, you can, or you can just daydream it with me. Think about a time in your life when things felt really good.   Maybe you can just bring to mind something of the past when things just felt really good. What was present regularly in those times when life was really good? What was present? What habits happen naturally? What are those natural triggers that just, you just did it. And again, what routines helped you without feeling restricted? You know, you had a routine, but you just loved it.   Imagine which one or which of those, not just the one, which of those felt really supportive in creating this life and which felt creating. No, I didn't mean creating. Which felt controlling.   Yeah. Because this is the first insight. Not all structures are equal, are they? Each time in your life when you felt really good, they were slightly different, but slightly the same, weren't they? So let's have a, let's have a little think.   And if you didn't close your eyes, maybe you want to close your eyes this time. And if you did close your eyes, you may want to keep them closed, but make sure it's safe to do so. You know that.   And this is just remembering a visualization. So it's not hypnosis, but it's great to be able to focus on you. Take the distractions away.   Give yourself some time. Give yourself the present of time. So just for a moment, I want you to imagine tomorrow.   Not even the most productive of days. Just a good day. Yeah, just a good day.   What is a good day for you? What are the anchors that create a good day? Maybe it's that morning reflection. For me, that's journaling. Maybe it's just spending time in the open, walking.   That freedom of just walking. Having time to maybe think or listen. Maybe it's time when you put aside to be creative.   An old puzzle book comes to mind. Thoughts, dreams. What about exercise? Maybe exercise, the movement.   What about, there's another one, reading or learning. What about when you record your ideas? Maybe you can identify even more. But maybe three just come to mind.   As being, maybe more prevalent in this good day. I'll repeat them. Morning reflection, walking, creative time, exercise, reading.   Maybe just recording your ideas. Just whatever comes to mind now. You see, these anchors are not a schedule, are they? They're not written down.   They're not a rule. They're an anchor, a trigger. You see, a rule tells you off when you miss it.   It's there to, you know, you have to, have to, have to. But an anchor helps you return. Takes you away from drifting.   And that's a beautiful distinction, I think. See, I want those type of anchors in my life. And I want those type of anchors in your life that just create a wonderful good day.   Because when we're having good days, I just get, and imagine that. Good days getting better and better. So just allow those anchors to be present in your life.   And maybe when you do open your eyes, you'll make a note of them. Or maybe take some time to think about them even deeper. So open your eyes.   Have a little look around. Take a deep breath. And we're back.   We're back in the present. And I want to be real now. Let's be real.   Real life. Let's explore where all this appears. You see, what happens to creativity when you have too much freedom? I think we never create when we've got too much freedom.   And I don't. I find I waste time. Because there's no, there's no nothing.   There's no pull. There's no desire. Because of too much.   But then again, if I structure, I'm going to be creative right now. Well, to me, creative or creativity just dies. It disappears.   It just evaporates. And then I get frustrated. What about your health? Think about this.   Your health. When you've got too much freedom, what happens? I'll tell you what happens. You do bugger all.   You let things slide. I know I do. And I'm sure I'm not the only one.   Maybe I'm the only bloody one. Maybe it's just cluffy. But you can't fool yourself.   But what happens with your health if if there's too much control? I've got to do this. I've got to do that. I've got to put this in.   I've got to go to the gym. I've got to burn out, isn't it? Burnout. There's too much.   Think about your relationships now. When you have too much freedom in a relationship, disconnection happens, doesn't it? That closeness just disappears. But if there's too much control, we have to do this, you have to do that.   Nothing is spontaneous. Too much control is in suffocation. We feel like we're tied in, we're bonded.   I can't move. I suffocate. I can't breathe in this relationship now.   Take a moment, just for a moment, and be intuitive. This is a weird question I'll ask you. Maybe you need to reflect on it.   Maybe you want to just write it down. But where in your life are you mistaking support for restriction? It's a weird question, isn't it? But it's an interesting one. Because support doesn't have to be restriction.   Let's get realer. I love the term. Make it more better.   Let's get more realer. You see, I want to get you from this thinking, it's either this or either that. Because it's not.   You see, I don't think you need more discipline. I really don't. Sometimes you just need the right environment.   Creating that right environment. Because so many people, maybe it's me again, just forcing ourselves to do things. Forcing creating the life that we want.   I know on personal development we say one percent more, one percent more, one percent more. But sometimes we just need a little bit of freedom. Because forcing isn't freedom, is it? It's not.   But the thing is, and this is what gets me, again a personal thing, a drift. And drifting isn't freedom either. Because I look back and I go, bugger.   If only I should have, I could have, and all that stuff. We always have those things, don't we? Or is that just me? You see, real freedom, I believe anyway, comes from setting your intention. What's important to you and what you want to achieve.   That's setting intention, isn't it? And setting your intention is a choice, isn't it? You choose what you want to achieve. And that to me gives me a support. It's a lovely support.   It's a comforting support. It feels real. There's no pressure in it.   Because I'm choosing. Choosing what would be good, what would be right, what would make my life better. And in that, there's no pressure.   No pressure whatsoever. Don't know how that gets you. I mean, yeah, let's look at the bigger picture now.   The bigger picture you could consider being your best life, the best version of you. Let's take it well beyond self-improvement. You see, when you find balance, and balance, as you know, is not just this, it's harmony.   When you find harmony, that's better. Let's be real. When you find harmony in your life, you become calmer, don't you? More comfortable.   And in that comfort, in that calmness, that peace, you can be more creative. You're open to intuition. Those are hard.   You're just there for it. Because you're present. You're giving yourself the present of being present.   That's what it's all about. And in this bigger picture, when you do that, people notice. We talk about the ripples, being the change you want to see in others.   People notice. Your family notices it. They love being around you when you're like this.   And you do become that example, the example of what is possible in this life. But you see, because you're living intentionally now, you're following the right path. I call it my North Star.   I know a lot of people do, but I've been working on this, finding my direction. Remember, your North Star is not a thing, it's a direction, it's a path that creates wonderful opportunities. And you see, I found when I did this deeper dive myself with my puzzle book and all those things.   My North Star isn't found with having complete freedom. It wasn't. But it was revealed to me through creating enough support to hear myself, give myself space to listen.   And that's a lovely place to be in your continuing exploration to create your best self. So let's ask ourselves a few questions. And again, you might want to write these down, you might want to, you know, just set some time and just come back to this, because these are really important questions.   They're easy, but they're important. And you remember, in simplicity, there's genius. And these are just wonderful, simple questions, but they dive so deep.   So you've listened to me ramble on. But here's the question, what does freedom really mean to you? So the question, what does freedom really mean to me? Maybe where has freedom and too much freedom created confusion in your life, you know, all that stuff, the noise, the chaos. But the flip side, where has structure become too much controlling, as it were, and then open it up? What supports me without restricting me? What are the things I can do? The things I've learned that supports me without restricting me? You know, we talked about those anchors, those three anchors, what makes a great day or a good day? What are those gentle anchors that would make tomorrow just that little bit better? And if that was to be that 1%, what would it be to have that good day? What are the three gentle things that you do that just create a good day? And this is what really got me, the question that made me really think and in some ways, you know, give myself a little bit of a bollocking.   What am I trying to force that might grow naturally with support? Because I was trying to force stuff. I really wanted it. And it didn't come until I gave myself support, the support was listening for me.   It was just listening, being available to myself, because I didn't know that I knew. But I did know. I just had to get out of the way.   And that's what happens. So here's what I want to ask you. I obviously want you to do all of that.   But I want to ask you a couple of questions. But me, what are your relationships with freedom? I'd love you to email me this feedback at personal development unplugged.com because I'm so interested, because it will help my path, my growth, my understanding of freedom, and relationships to freedom. You've heard about mine now I've told you about it.   Maybe what are your those anchors that really give you a great day? What are the things in your life that allows you to feel free? Real free, not that chaos of freedom, but real freedom, where you can explore, create and be you. And what are the things that support you that that make you feel supported? You see, I'd love to know those because I'll pinch them off you. But also, I'd like to share them with other people too.   You see, also, I want to encourage you to share this. Because there are people out there who need to hear this conversation. They really do.   And hopefully these are conversations. Another, they come from deep inside me. They're very personal conversations.   I'm expanding out into a way that the things I've learned, the things I share. And I'd like you to share this too, because people do need to hear these type of conversations to reflect, to create and live their best life. So maybe just share.   And also that blooming subscribe button, the follow button, please press that because that's going to help help this grow for other people to find it on the old platforms that you listen to. So here's the thing. Let's bring it.   Let's bring it all back together. Let's bring it all back together. I've done my little call to action.   I've really gone deep into my thoughts. Maybe freedom isn't what you're looking for, isn't what you want. Maybe freedom isn't doing whatever you want.   When you think about it. Maybe freedom is creating a life that supports what matters most. Who knows? Got to get a grips to that.   Just maybe. The structure that you've been resisting, well I've been resisting, is actually the support you've been looking for. But it's this structure that I'm giving you.   Structure to be free, as it were. Because we need a little bit of this. A little bit of that.   And as we say, that is harmony. Hey, have more fun than you can stand. Keep following that blooming North Star.   Find your path. Find your direction. Live the life until it bursts.   Because it's time to fly. Fly to that North Star. See you next time for deeper, little series of FMQs.   And let's get thinking and doing and moving. Enjoy our life. Until next time, my friend.   I'll see you then.  Transcribed by TurboScribe. Go Unlimited   Personal development [self improvement] [self development] [NLP] [Hypnosis]

FMQ 536 – Freedom or Structure… Which One? Do you really want complete freedom? I thought I did. No rules. No schedule. Just the freedom to do whatever I wanted. But the more I explored it, the more I realised something didn't feel right. Total freedom can leave us drifting, while too much structure can feel like a prison. So maybe we're asking the wrong question. Perhaps it isn't freedom versus structure at all. Maybe it's about support versus control. In this Five Minute Quickie I'm sharing a real part of my own North Star exploration as I try to discover what allows creativity, purpose and meaningful progress without feeling trapped. This isn't the answer. It's the seed. In the next longer episode we'll explore how a few gentle anchors can create more freedom, not less. In this episode you'll discover: Why complete freedom isn't always as freeing as it sounds. How too much structure can quietly drain creativity. The surprising difference between support and control. Why gentle anchors may be more powerful than rigid routines. A simple question to begin exploring your own balance. If you've ever felt torn between wanting complete freedom and needing enough structure to actually move forward, this episode will give you something worth reflecting on. Please share the episode: https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/fmq-536-freedom-or-structure-which-one Ready for the deeper dive? Follow the podcast so you don't miss the next episode, where we'll explore how to create a life that feels both free and grounded. Shine Brightly 🌟 Paul Hey there! I'd love to hear from you—questions, feedback, requests—all welcome. Drop me a line or leave a comment. If you've enjoyed this episode or any other, please share and subscribe! You can reach me at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Podcast Ready to subscribe? Click here to explore your options. Or, if you're on Apple Music or iTunes, you can go straight to subscribe or leave a review here. Special Programs for You For tools on developing Supreme Inner Confidence, finding Freedom from Anxiety, or specialized Hypnosis Tracks, visit PaulCloughOnline.com. Free Hypnosis Tracks Want access to my FREE hypnosis tracks? Head over to paulcloughonline.com/podcast. Connect with Me Follow me on Twitter: @pcloughie Remember: I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. This podcast and any of my online resources are for educational purposes only. Never use the hypnosis tracks or exercises if you're operating machinery, driving, or if you have epilepsy or psychiatric conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure. Find Us on Other Platforms Catch the podcast on Spotify, Castbox, iHeart Radio, YouTube, or on our Libsyn page. Stay tuned, and keep shining brightly. ✨ Music Credits Music by Wataboi from Pixabay, Music by DreamHeaven from Pixabay, Music by ccjmusic from Pixabay, Music by freegroove from Pixabay, Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by will |Marshall from will marshall. And the transcript WARNING if you're a lover of the written word this may make you frustrated, or angry - you have been warned - is it an 'ism     Welcome to the personal development unplugged podcast with me Paul, Cloughie and at the five-minute quickie. And in this five-minute quickie, I just want to have a little conversation with you because I've been wondering about something In fact, it's been more than just wondering, it's something that I've been struggling with. You see, it's all about having freedom, complete freedom, or is it? Or do we need structure? Because sometimes, well, I don't know which one I want.   Does that resonate? You see, loving freedom, we all want freedom, don't we? I know I did, and I do. I want total freedom. Well, I thought I did, you know, what does total freedom look like? To do anything you want, whenever you want, but there's a but there, isn't there? And that's what I've been, it's been like a battle for me, because I really want that freedom.   But then, there's a feeling of being lost, lost, you know, because I need some order, because without order, what gets done? Let that roll around inside your mind for a moment. And then, I think, sometimes, we just want complete freedom, and we're just going to Total freedom or complete structure? But, here's the thing that I came up with, and I'm still not there yet, and that's what I want to share with you in the longer podcast. You see, I had this void, because I couldn't make up my mind.   Because it didn't feel right. Total freedom didn't feel right. Total structure didn't feel right.   And then the aha moment came along. Maybe, just maybe, it's not structure. It's not structure versus freedom.   Maybe it's about support versus control. That's a weird difference isn't it? How much support do you need? How much control do you need? And the answers started to emerge and one of the answers came up was, in sort of an aha, intuitive, it came up and it said, I think I need some gentle anchors, not rules. And the thing is, that seems to make sense to me, but I'm still not fully there yet.   I'm still working on this thing. I'm exploring it. I'm sharing it with a few people, but mainly myself.   And I'm getting some answers. And that's where I'd like to go on this longer podcast, the one that follows this, because this is to sow the seed in your mind. Is it something that resonates with you? Maybe you have things that really need some structure, some control.   There are other places where you need freedom and the support to be able to be free. Maybe you're changing your life circumstances, like me. Moving from different roles, and we've talked about roles before, but these things that I used to do, and now I no longer do it.   And I have a path to follow, and I need to find that path. And in that path, is it constrained by freedom? And imagine that being constrained by freedom or structure. So what I want to dive deeply with you is, in the longer episode, I want to find the freedom that we're comfortable with.   And I think the answers will surprise you. I hope that's of interest. And we can just have a meander down this path of exploration.   And I think the things that I find will resonate with you too, as you wouldn't be here. So please have a little thing, let it roll around in your mind. Maybe you do some little bit of diving yourself before the longer episode comes along.   What do you think of freedom? What do you think of structure? What do you think of support? What do you think of control? And then we can dive deeper together. And I believe we'll find the answers. So come with me.   Make sure you don't miss it by clicking on that subscribe or the support support follow button. Don't know where we got that from. To make sure that you don't miss any episode whatsoever.   Because we're going to have fun, but you've got to be there. You've got to come with me, you've got to do some work with me. And then that's when dreams become our reality.   And you make wonderful, subtle changes. So it's only when you look back, you go, wow, that thing I did back then has created such wonders and richness in my life. Didn't seem so at the time, but wow, when I look back now, where I am now, it was so worthwhile.   So if you'd like that type of feeling, come with me on that longer podcast. So until then, have a think and have a fly because it's time to fly. See you next time.   But before you fly, so the 90 seconds of hypnosis tracks. Why have I put hypnosis tracks on a separate website? Well, it's so simple, really. I wanted you to have them all in one place.   So you can look through them all, you can find the particular one you want. I've even made them downloadable. So you can put them on any of your playing devices that you prefer.   You don't need Wi Fi, you don't need the iTunes or whatever, you can put them anywhere you like. You can even burn them onto disk if you want. Where'd you get them? Well, there you go.   I told you it's paulcloughonline.com/podcast. If you're worried about your email address, please don't be because they stay totally safe with me. I only use them to send you out that email and give you access.   Simple as that. I'll send you a link, a special link so you and only you can access those hypnosis tracks because I want them just for you. And the other thing about this is you've taken responsibility.   I don't want to make these open to everyone, just random. You have taken responsibility to listen and be part of this community of personal development. And I want to help you.   I want to help you personally to get your dreams, your goals, and therefore I'm giving you these tools, these protocols, these paradigms, whatever you want to call them, but in deep hypnosis. So just enjoy. Have more fun than you can stand with hypnosis.   Warning. You are now leaving the unplugged mind of Paul Clough. It's time to fly.   Be brave, my friend. Personal development unplugged.  Transcribed by TurboScribe. Go Unlimited    Personal development [self improvement] [self development] [NLP] [Hypnosis]

Resistance- The Fear That Is Stopping Your Success Why do we resist doing the very things we know would move our lives forward? In this episode, I share a live training session exploring the hidden force behind procrastination, self-sabotage, overthinking, limiting beliefs, and the fear of change. Although these challenges appear different on the surface, I believe they often stem from the same place – fear-based resistance. We'll look at why your unconscious mind may be holding you back, how overthinking disguises itself as productivity, why perfectionism creates paralysis, and how small steps can dissolve fear far more effectively than giant leaps. I also share practical ways to work with resistance, including reflection, visualisation, questioning limiting beliefs, and reconnecting with the feeling of where you truly want to go. Because success isn't about forcing yourself forward. It's about understanding what's holding you back and learning how to move beyond it. In This Episode Why resistance often shows up as fear rather than laziness The hidden connection between procrastination, self-sabotage and overthinking How perfectionism keeps you stuck Why limiting beliefs create resistance to success The fear of change and stepping beyond your familiar zone Using reflection and journaling to uncover answers already inside you Why small steps beat giant leaps every time How to create momentum without overwhelming yourself The question that helps dissolve resistance and create movement Key Takeaway Resistance isn't the enemy. It's a signal. When you stop fighting it and start understanding what fear is underneath it, you can begin to move forward with confidence, clarity and purpose. Success often isn't about learning more. It's about removing the resistance that's already stopping you. Please share with a friend: https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/484-resistance-the-fear-that-is-stopping-your-success Shine Brightly 🌟 Paul Hey there! I'd love to hear from you—questions, feedback, requests—all welcome. Drop me a line or leave a comment. If you've enjoyed this episode or any other, please share and subscribe! You can reach me at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Podcast Ready to subscribe? Click here to explore your options. Or, if you're on Apple Music or iTunes, you can go straight to subscribe or leave a review here. Special Programs for You For tools on developing Supreme Inner Confidence, finding Freedom from Anxiety, or specialized Hypnosis Tracks, visit PaulCloughOnline.com. Free Hypnosis Tracks Want access to my FREE hypnosis tracks? Head over to paulcloughonline.com/podcast. Connect with Me Follow me on Twitter: @pcloughie Remember: I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. This podcast and any of my online resources are for educational purposes only. Never use the hypnosis tracks or exercises if you're operating machinery, driving, or if you have epilepsy or psychiatric conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure. Find Us on Other Platforms Catch the podcast on Spotify, Castbox, iHeart Radio, YouTube, or on our Libsyn page. Stay tuned, and keep shining brightly. ✨ Music Credits Music by Wataboi from Pixabay, Music by DreamHeaven from Pixabay, Music by ccjmusic from Pixabay, Music by freegroove from Pixabay, Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by will |Marshall from will marshall. And the transcript WARNING if you're a lover of the written word this may make you frustrated, or angry - you have been warned - is it an 'ism #484 Resistance- The Fear That Is Stopping Your Success   . Hey, welcome to the Personal Development Unplugged podcast with me, Paul Clough. And a little while ago, I recorded a live call all about resistance.   Resistance and what resistance is, where it comes from, that fear-based resistance, and how it affects our lives in all different areas. And then how to cognitively be able to deal with that resistance and that fear. And then also added a process that allows you to do it a different way with one very special question.   And I think, well, I thought it was so interesting that I wanted to put that on to the Personal Development Unplugged podcast too. So here it is, have a lesson, have some fun and give me some feedback. It'd be great.   Because we had a discussion about resistance. Resistance and what form resistance plays in our lives and where it shows up, how we can deal with it cognitively, because I think there's always a good space that there are things that we can do just ourselves. And then there was a question that I found that I thought would be absolutely brilliant to go with it.   And we may just do a little process at the end. So resistance. Now, Stephen Pressfield, who's an author, wrote a lovely book.   And most of his books are all about resistance. And he, I think he's one of those, The War of Art. That was the first one I read.   And there's a few more. And it's all about being a creative. He talks about writing a lot.   But it's that creative side where we want to do something, we have something, and we resist doing it. And that resistance, he is saying, is born out of fear. And I think he's right.   Because if you think about anything that we do, or don't do, because we're resisting it, then there's some fear in there somewhere. What the cause is, what the positive intention is, may be different. But I think it's something that we could explore.   So here's a few things that I came up with. One of it was cognitive dissidence, which is basically holding to conflicting beliefs. A typical example of that is a smoker.   A smoker who smokes because they're a smoker. But also, they know, and they believe that smoking causes them bad health. And in the future, we'll do that.   You know, we'll create not such a good ending, probably. Yet they continue to smoke. And they're probably smoking because they believe it does something for them.   They've got two conflicting beliefs. It does good for me, it does bad for me. But the way I see it is, in the cognitive, I can't even say it all the time, cognitive dissidence is things like, it's an intuition.   You know, when you want to do something, or you think you ought to be doing something. And what happens is, I think we've all had it, haven't we? We've all had that feeling where, I'm not sure, it's not a voice, it's not anything concrete. And sometimes we go with it, and sometimes we don't.   But that feeling, I think, is like your unconscious mind connecting with you, and wait, do something, think about something. And I think sometimes when, if you're like me, and you've gone against that feeling, because if the other thing was the right thing to do, you know, either peer pressure, or social or whatever it is, you just think, I think this is the right thing to do because of everything out there. But yeah, I still got that feeling.   Most times it doesn't quite go as good as you thought it would. Sometimes it doesn't go good at all. I can remember a time when I spent days thinking about a particular thing, an opportunity I had.   And I knew peer pressure. Everyone said, no, do it, do it, do it. It's what we've been thinking about.   This is the thing you've been thinking about. You're going to have such a great time when you do this thing. But all the while inside, there was this feeling of, I don't know what, but it wasn't a good feeling.   It wasn't going, yes, Cluffy, go do it. It was, I don't know. And I went against it.   And if you've had those similar examples, I went against it, and it didn't turn out right at all. Yeah, I made a similar decision a few years later. And it did feel, yes, this is the right thing.   So, but there's that fear. But it's like an unconscious signal, I think. So have a think about that.   Have a think about that. There's another area, another area I thought of, which was fear of change. Now everyone says, oh, everyone is, doesn't like change.   Well, it maybe doesn't like change, but it's a bit like, well, I'm in my comfort zone. And you know, what we call our comfort zone, we call it a familiar zone. Because there's that imaginary line, although it doesn't feel imaginary, because we're in this pocket of familiarity.   I can't say the word all the time. Familiarity, nearly got it, nearly got it. And stepping past that line is not sure.   And we resist going past that line. You know, we think it's good for us, but not sure. I'm going to give you a little example.   Everyone who has come to mind mastery, probably had that feeling. You know, I've got this issue, I really want to get rid of it. But you know, there's that thing about being unsure of maybe the result.   But also, I've lived with this for a long time. I know what it is. Doesn't feel good all the time.   But I know what it is. And I know of people who have completely resisted any stepping over that boundary. And it's imposed up here, isn't it? It's our boundary that we put on it.   Because even how bad it is in the world, not knowing what's on the other side. Well, they don't, they don't go past it. But we've all had that experience when we just fear of change, we just go past that familiar zone and things have happened, which can be so brilliant.   Especially if we do it in the right way. But there's that signal of fear. Signal of fear is a resistance.   Where else do we notice it? Have a little think yourself. You see, what about self-sabotage? Now, if you've listened to me over the years, I really have trouble with self-sabotage. Not myself doing it, but listening to people.   Because at one time, it was like a badge of honour. Instead of having this little thing emblem here, it was I self-sabotage and people were proud of it. Oh, yeah, I haven't been able to do that because I just keep self-sabotaging all the time.   No, you don't. It just shows up, doesn't it? And there's reasons why, but it is, there's a resistance to doing the thing that you're doing. And, you know, when you do different things, alternative things that put you off it.   And it's very close to procrastination, which we're going to deal with. And that was a question that Craig came up with in my previous Q&A, doing things that we don't want to do. Why can't we do them? There's a lot of it.   There's that fear of change. These are all interlinked, by the way. You know, the cognitive dissonance.   I know I need to do it. I know it'd be good for me. But yeah, but there's also all the stuff that might not happen.   We've got different beliefs, fear of failure. And then we come to beliefs in a minute. But that self-sabotage is that we do things, but we follow different instincts.   And why is that? And it's like the unconscious. It could be unconscious, conscious. Certainly the two are acting together because it doesn't feel good.   Because we know, you know, as well as I do, when you do these things that not allow you to move on, you have this, it's like clash, isn't it? Things rubbing together. It's that, oh, I know I want to do this. It's that part's integration in some way.   One part of me wants to do this, the other part. And it's all, I think, based underneath a fear. What else? What else comes from or shows up as resistance? Well, I think it's like limiting beliefs.   That was the next thing I came up with. You know, things like, I'm not good enough. And we've all had that.   We've all had that. And if you, again, if you've been around me a lot, you know that I have problems with I'm not good enough as a limiting belief, because I think it masks what the real limiting belief is, and then the real core issue and the real positive intention behind that. But when we have things like I'm not good enough, there's fear in that, isn't there? You know, because of what the effect may be, the result may be, success or failure.   And again, NLP presupposition, there's no such thing as failure. It's only feedback. Well, that's yeah, that's about right.   Unless you don't take the feedback and you do the same bloody stupid thing again, and again, that to me is a failure. Because you have the opportunity to learn, but the fear underneath. And you also get that thing.   And this is what really sometimes bubbles in my head sometimes, because some people will also say I'm not worthy. Now, how many times do you use the term worthy in your normal daily life? You know, to me, it's like Knights of the Round Table. Ah, sire, you're not worthy.   But we come up with it. As a limiting belief, which is resisting going forward to do things. Yeah, positive intention.   Could be fear of failure. But you also get the other beliefs, things that when we go even deeper, I'm stupid. I just can't do it.   Who am I? It's all a form of resistance pulling us back, I think, not letting us go forward. Always wonderful positive intentions. Never get away from that.   Every behaviour we have has a positive intention for ourselves. But there are better ways, as we know, to keep the positive intention and find better behaviours. But we're looking at this resistance and the fear that's underneath it.   What else do we get? And this is, I started to really just go to the edges of my mind, in a way, in my thinking. And then I thought, you're doing a lot of thinking here, Cluffy. Are you overthinking? You know, overthinking is, you know, I'm an options person.   Told people before, I love options. But then sometimes I would have not just because people say one option is not an option. Two options.   Well, they're not options really, because it's either this or that. Three options. Now we've got something to grab hold of and look at the different effects.   But I wouldn't stop at three. I'd go four, five. I've had on a problem up to seven different options where I think I can do this.   And then I get, well, I'm not going to make a move. Because I can't decide which option to take. There's a resistance.   I've told you about my friend. Excuse me. My friend.   Call him my friend, but he was my business partner. But he was my friend. We worked really closely for 15 years.   And I would, we would have a problem. And he would send me away. So you, Paul, you go home.   Have a sit down and have a think about, you know, the way you think. Get your mind maps going, get your options. And let's see where we're going to go.   Come back tomorrow. And we'll, we'll, we'll have a look. And I used to come out with all these options.   And I said, come on, Mike, we're going to have a chat with each one. He goes, no, no, no, no. Pick one.   Can't. He said, pick one. Because you've done the work.   Stop overthinking. Let's take action. Because that's what overthinking stops you doing.   Stops you doing rather. Stops you taking action. Because there's always another thought.   And you see, one of those thoughts might be, well, it's got to be perfect. And that was a little bit of problem. Because everybody, you know, when you have a, have a thought that things have got to be perfect, which is then linked to, I'm not good enough, isn't it? Because if I'm not good enough, I've got to be perfect.   He said, I might be good enough. But guess what? As we know, nothing is perfect. So you're always going to fail on trying to achieve perfecticity.   I think that's the word I used last time, because it isn't a word, but it's a great word. Perfecticity. But it's not going to get there.   So there's that resistance with failure and with fear underneath, isn't there? Overthinking. Can you see these are all these different things that we do in our daily lives that I never, at the time, before I got into this little topic, I never really thought about too much as fear. Yeah, one or two obviously came up in the work that we do.   But generally, some of these things, well, I didn't think overthinking was fear. But when I thought back as I was preparing here, yeah, I did have a sort of fear of making mistakes. Maybe I can't, I got to find the perfect answer.   And as we know, there's no perfect answer. And if you take action, you can always take small steps of action, which means then if something isn't quite going right, you get back on course by taking a different small step. And what else is there? There's the other badge of honour.   Procrastination. Oh, I always procrastinate. No, you don't.   Don't always procrastinate. I'll tell you that now, because you'll see those people who always procrastinate will do things that they want to do. But we find, I think you can define procrastination as just putting things off.   Just putting things off. And we can even put off, if you remember, coming here, coming to mind mastery. How long and hard did you overthink, maybe, put off the decision to come to mind mastery? You know, was that fear of changes there still? Was there those limiting beliefs really playing up? Coming to the fore? Did you sabotage it a little? You can see how this all interlinks and there isn't just one standalone area of resistance.   They all have their own different steps interlinked with each other. You know, you can even procrastinate on growth. We're here in the mind mastery, not just to let go of your core issue.   You think you do. You think that's what the aim is. But no, that's part of it.   It's all about developing ourselves into the person we are meant to be. That best version of ourself. But it can be scary, can't it? Have a little, again, stepping out of that comfort zone, familiar zone, changing.   And because that's scary, and what is scary? A little bit of fear. So there's a few areas. I'm sure there's more.   Sure, there's more. Maybe you could have a think about different areas of your life, where you maybe come up with different parts of where you've resisted moving forward. Dreams, goals.   And I think you'll find either they fall into those areas. Or if you find another area, you'll find how they link. They all have a limiting belief in it, maybe.   Maybe there's a fear of change. Maybe it's, you know, part of overthinking, procrastination, fear of change, all those things. But then I thought, having gone through that, I wanted to come up with some solutions.   Things that we could do to ease this resistance, to let it go, really. Because we shouldn't really base our decisions on fear. Because if you're in a negative emotion, that is not the right emotion to make choices, is it? Do we have to step out of that? And I wanted some cognitive ones, things that we could do with our conscious mind, and our unconscious, but it's led by our conscious mind thoughts, things that we can do.   And we can do them now, we can actually create the behaviours. So going back over that list, let's go back to cognitive dissonance, where we hold different beliefs. And we've got that feeling, we don't quite know what, what can we do? Literally, what can we do? And as I thought about this, I thought, well, that's what we do in journaling, isn't it? Self-reflection.   We write about areas of our life, that sometimes, and I tend to find, this is maybe just me in journaling, I tend to err on the negative, not the negative, but the problematic areas of my life, the things I need to deal with, as opposed to all the good things. Getting better at it now, recognising and being, you know, getting gratitude with that, but self-reflection. Now, also have, as you know, I think I've, sure I've said it before, call it a puzzle book.   It's a really complicated book, it's a book of plain pages, basically, where as I open it up, if I've got an issue, I can, and I love mind maps, I can put the problem in the centre of that page. If I open it up, it's a nice big page. Plenty of room to think, not overthink, but to reflect.   And I can then reflect and journal around that particular issue, self-reflection. And when you do that, and it doesn't always happen straight away, you do your thoughts and you leave a few bits. I love a mind map that has a few tails with nothing on, because you're saying to your unconscious mind, you can think of something, let's add it.   And so when you go for your walk or you're out doing things, you get those aha moments, that epiphany. Have you noticed most epiphanies never really happen when you journal or when you're writing, it's when you're out, where you're with, ah, just listen to something, this is the thing. But I believe it's come from that reflection, reflecting about your beliefs.   But we'll think about that in a minute. It's giving yourself time just to pause. And when you're pausing in your thinking, and you've got your own positive intention, I want to reflect about this, I want to find an area, your state is different than fear.   You're in a productive state, as it were, positive state. And that's why I think the answers start to come. You know, we've stepped out of that emotion that we were in.   And we're looking for answers, especially if we start with the positive intention, I'm going to, you know, reflect on this to try to find the answer. I wonder what the answers will come, what answers will come that will lead me to something new. And when you say that to your unconscious mind, I think it just comes up, it will come up, but you've got to do the effort first.   Okay, what about the fear of change? Well, what could you do about the fear of change? What can you do? Well, a lot of people think that change is massive, you've got to do this big jump of change, big leaf of faith, everything's got everything, throw everything out and start afresh. That's bloody frightening, isn't it? That is frightening. That's where fear is.   But what about taking small steps? You know, this is where we get to the edge of our familiar zone. And we don't leap way past it. We take one small step.   And we take smaller steps. Now, isn't this how we do our goals? We don't jump to the next part of the goal. One of the metaphors I used to love, I don't even know who told me or whatever, but it was all about you never try to jump over across a river or stream that's too wide.   Because when you do, you're going to get wet, which is like taking too big a step to your goal. But you find a place where there's some stepping stone, and you take one small step onto that next one, and then the next one. And then you find those steps get bigger naturally, as you're building confidence and competence.   Again, you've got a different emotion now, not through fear, because you're seeing what is happening, you're judging, you're looking at the results in those small steps, which give you the confidence. And if it's still too big a step, I'm gonna find a smaller step. And that's when we realise when we go past that edge of this familiar zone, that is self-imposed.   We take that small step out and you go, Oh, actually, that's not too bad. I remember saying in the actual recording that didn't work out, that there was metaphors in mind. It's a book by two people, and I can't remember their names.   It was a long time ago that I went to one of their courses on metaphors and minds. And it's all about we live our lives in metaphors. This is just another set of processes.   And it was, it seemed to come as a more often than not, that people metaphor would be, there'd be a wall of some kind that they couldn't see through. They couldn't look over the top. It seems huge.   And it stopped them moving forward. But with that process, it was literally in the metaphor, removing some of the bricks, maybe you can remove one and look through it. Maybe you could make a set of steps and look over and then notice what's on the other side.   But taking those small steps allow you to see what's over the other side, without making the big jump, which is fearful. But taking a little step, well, that's easy, isn't it? Because I can always go back. But if I go forward a little bit, and what happens is that if there is a zone, if we make it a little bit bigger at the top, that's moving out there, the whole diameter of that circle gets bigger, it matches the whole path.   It seems to just happen that way. So that's fear of change. What about self-sabotaging? What can we do to stop us having this badge of honour? What can we do? Well, I think it's all about setting clear goals.   I tend to find people who self-sabotage just don't really know where they're going. They haven't even thought about it. So we have a clear goal that we want to do.  We may, if we want to do a little bit of visualisation, notice what that goal would be like when we get there, to make sure it is the goal that we want to do. Because why would you self-sabotage or even just sabotage a goal that we really want? Because now we know what it feels like. We don't stay there, we come back out of that feeling.   So we know that we haven't got it, and it's a direction we're going. But we've got that feeling of the wish fulfilled. But how do we do it? We take small steps.   We may reflect. See, they're all interlinked again. We're using strategies from each of these little boxes.   I draw them in boxes because I'm a mind mapper. But they're all interlinked, and we can take the skills and resources from each one. So that's how we can get rid of self-sabotage, get a clear vision of where we're going, what it will feel like.   Therefore we're motivated to actually do it. It's a self-sabotage. Limiting beliefs.   I'm not good enough. I'm not worthy, Your Honour. Your Honour, what can we do to really work on limiting beliefs? I did say cognitively, but we've also got module six, remember? Module six on that timeline set of processes.   One of them is releasing a negative belief, a limiting belief. But how do we do that? The actual process itself is a lovely process. I love timeline therapy.   But it allows the unconscious mind to learn from the original event, the root cause. And when you learn from the root cause, you don't need the emotions, which is the first part of those module six. But we don't need the limiting belief either, because we've learned from it, and we can then form positive beliefs from the experience that we've been missing out on.   But again, you can begin to think and go, well, is this belief that I have, I'm not good enough, actually true? Because I'm not good enough is a bloody great generality, isn't it? It's everywhere. I'm not good enough. No, specifically, where are you not good? And where are you good? Because if you're good at different areas of your life, then I'm not good enough doesn't hold water.   It means you've got a strategy of being good enough. And if you took that strategy and put it into the one that you've been using, I'm not good enough in, unconsciously, you'll go, that's a safe way of being, which is one of the things we do in NLP, take a different context, where you have the skills and, and beliefs and emotions and put it into another one and try it out. That's what hypnosis is, isn't it? You try things out, and then the unconscious mind will choose.   Well, that's what we do. Giving the unconscious mind choice, choice to do the things when they're appropriate and let go of the things that are inappropriate. The other question you could put is, well, where did this bloody belief come from? Now, I can remember when I've been talking to people going below the, I'm not good enough belief.   They've come up with things like, I'm stupid. And when they've looked back, that's what someone said to me. Or is that one time that's now generalised everywhere else? It doesn't make sense.   In fact, it's not even my belief. Now, is it mine is a question? Is that really my belief? Or is it have I picked it up along the way? What's the data that I'm relying on? Because sometimes we have a belief and you go, I can't even find where it came from. Or there's nothing that bears a foundation of truth in it.   It's just words. And when you get to it's just words. Oh, well, they're just words.   What's a better belief that will support me through this? overthinking, all these options, ever such an easy way, but it is a little bit, you give yourself time, not a lot of time, you give yourself a time to think, and then take action. So I'm going to think about this issue for the next half hour. Whatever you think is appropriate, but don't be.   Well, I always take five hours to do it. That's because you're overthinking. No, I'm going to do this in an hour or whatever, and then go, Okay, I'm now going to take action.   But how do we take action? Small steps, maybe that visualization, and the feeling of the wish fulfilled, knowing where you're going, if you start from the end and work backwards, and then you go, Okay, well, if I take this one small step, then I'll see the options. And if there's anything I have to mitigate, I can mitigate it and keep moving forward. It's one of the parts of the new behavior generator, which I think is module two, where we get our unconscious mind to look at the bigger picture and hold the smaller steps in mind.   So we've always got that connection and continuum. So that's overthinking. I say, if you are an overthinker, that is something that's quite difficult.   But then you go, No, sorry, I'm just going to do it. I'm not going to overthink this, because does overthinking work? No, it doesn't. It's in the title, it's overthinking.   Thinking works, overthinking doesn't. Procrastination. Well, I think, if you really want to get rid of procrastination, you have to be focused.   You have to understand what you're trying to achieve. So that's the first one. What is it I'm trying to achieve, which is a bit like self-sabotage, very much.   These are all interlinked. Remember, you get focus on what you want. Now, here's the thing.   And this is the thing that you have to do. You have to do both parts of this process. The first part is, what's the pain of not doing this? Real pain.   And if I don't do it, because a lot of people don't realise the pain of, you know, when they get to, when they procrastinate and they put off doing what they're going to do, in the end, they're going to do it anyway, aren't they? That's what we do. We know we've got this thing that we have to do by the end of next week, and I put it off, put it off. And then we do it on the last day.   And it's painful. And the thing is, it's not as good as it could be. And I've bloody had these thoughts all the way through trying to worry, anxiety, and putting it off and then creating something from a negative emotion and the beliefs that go with it.   See that pain, see that failure, feel that failure, if there is a failure. I like failure in this one. I want you to really feel how bad it could be.   And then you change state. That didn't happen, because it hasn't happened yet. Because it's not going to happen.   This hasn't happened yet. Because that's in the future. You haven't got to that point where you've got to, you know, finish this project or whatever.   What's the other one? The pleasure. What am I trying to achieve? What would happen if it went absolutely wonderfully? Now I did all the things I started early. In fact, if I started now, in this relaxed state, I'd get it done before I didn't have time to tweak it, make it even better.   I'd be really pleased and proud of what I'm doing. And I know when people see it, they're going to be pleased and proud. They're going to be thinking good things of me.   Other opportunities are going to come along because of the things I've done. And plus, I've probably done it and I've got time to spare where I can relax and feel good about myself. And the positive belief that's going to come from that, the confidence, because I'm confident in what I'm doing, and I've demonstrated it.   And I did it with ease. Time to spare. And I feel so relaxed about it.   Put the two together. Which one do you want? It's a no brainer, isn't it? I want to go for that pleasure. That's why you have to do the two together.   Don't want to stay in pain. But I really want you to get into that state of pleasure and go, okay, now let's do a plan. Let's think a bit for the next bit.   Let's see what steps I've got to do. What is a wonderful belief I would have to have? Because I now know where I'm going to go. I've done that visualisation.   I've got the feeling of the wish fulfilled. See, they're all true. And the small steps.   Just get there. All seems to work. They're the things you can do cognitively.   But if you remember, I said there's a question. And the question is this. Because this what if seems to just get you into that state.   You know, if you're worried about something, you have this resistance, this fear of, you know, doing something, fear of change, fear of failure, fear of anything, which has caused you to have this cognitive dissonance, fear of change, self-sabotage, limiting beliefs, overthinking, procrastination. Just think of what you're doing and go what? What if it went, feel it? What if I was able to access every resource I need in a wonderful calm and comfortable manner? What if I did this in the time available and just did it bit by bit with ease? What if this thing I'm changing went so well? What opportunities would come my way? How would my life change for them? So if it's okay, I just want to finish off I know it's not as long as a normal Q&A, but I haven't got interaction with people. I wonder if you could bring to mind something that you've been, not a big struggle, not a 10 out of 10, just something where you've been indecisive, where you've had that maybe cognitive distance, or you've had the fear of a little bit of change here, or I've been self-sabotaging or putting things off.   Have this little thought of me, why me? Am I good enough for this? Should I be here? Bring to mind that particular issue, and if you would, just allow your eyes to close for a moment. And as you bring that issue to mind, take a wonderful in-breath with me. That's right, hold it for a moment or two, and let it out long and slow, as if you're being drawn inside as you breathe out.   And as you breathe out, and breathe in, nice and gently. Maybe you could wonder inside, what would it be like to be three times as comfortable as I am now? What would that feel like now? That's right, so, so comfortable. And what would it be like if every muscle, every fibre of me just relaxed? And as you relax with every breath, every in-breath being more gentle than the one before, drifting deeper, just for a moment, you have that little issue in mind.   Giving yourself permission, and giving your unconscious mind permission, just ask the question, what if I did this really well? What if I was able to access all the skills and resources that I have inside to make this a success? What would that be like? What if I brought all my competence and confidence and energy, all the positive energy to this, and it was such a success? What if having done that, having done this, I was to attract wonderful opportunities? The changes would be so wonderful. What if I was able to establish those small steps to find my way to success? What if I was to have the most powerful set of supporting beliefs, positive beliefs that empowered me? What would that feel like? What behaviours would I begin to do? What emotions would support me to creating this achievement, to be able to celebrate? What if I was to look back having made those changes and felt so grateful, so good? Yeah, and feel that feeling, and you could be so grateful because you and your unconscious mind are now as one, aligned to creating the success you deserve. Feel the feeling, and feel that connection with your best friend, and when you're ready, knowing and being confident, then you're going to find a way now.   Your unconscious mind will create all that you need, access all that you need to create that success, to create that wonderful change in a special way. Yeah, with that wonderful sense of competence and confidence, you can take a lovely in-breath and just open your eyes. And there we go, we're back, we're back.   I really hope you enjoyed that, really apologize for the problems we had, but I wanted to bring this to your attention, because I think it's really important to know you've got different things, it's that we haven't just always got hypnosis, but there are things that we could do, and things that we experience in life, that we can get better, make changes, do the things that we want, and take control, and become the real driver of our bus. We're going in a direction, we're driving that way. Joseph and I will help you steer occasionally, just keep you on track, but you have it all, you really do.   So there you go, thank you so much, and do enjoy, and I will see you on my next Q&A, and let's hope everything goes 100% the way it should do. Well, not 100%, because it never will with me, I tell you that now. We'll aim for as close as I can.   Enjoy, I'll see you the next time. Bye-bye now.  Transcribed by TurboScribe. Go Unlimited   Personal development [self improvement] [self development] [NLP] [Hypnosis]

What's Stopping You Reaching Success? You know there's something you need to do. A conversation. A decision. A project. A change. And yet... you don't do it. We often call it procrastination or self-sabotage, but what if that's not what's really happening? In this Five Minute Quickie, I explore what might actually be stopping us from moving forward, why change can feel uncomfortable even when we know it's right, and how unconscious resistance may be behind many of the fears, doubts and limiting beliefs that keep us stuck. This isn't about forcing yourself to do more. It's about understanding what's really going on underneath. In this episode: Why we resist change even when we want it The hidden cost of limiting beliefs How fear disguises itself as procrastination Why overthinking keeps us stuck The one emotion that may sit underneath it all A preview of the deeper dive to come Questions to consider: What are you currently avoiding? What would happen if you embraced the change instead? What would life feel like without that resistance? The deeper dive is coming next, where we'll explore what's really driving this unconscious resistance and how to move through it. Please share: https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/fmq-535-whats-stopping-you-reaching-success Remember if you want to see the video, go here: https://youtu.be/4U14pVlGWAA Shine Brightly 🌟 Paul Hey there! I'd love to hear from you—questions, feedback, requests—all welcome. Drop me a line or leave a comment. If you've enjoyed this episode or any other, please share and subscribe! You can reach me at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Podcast Ready to subscribe? Click here to explore your options. Or, if you're on Apple Music or iTunes, you can go straight to subscribe or leave a review here. Special Programs for You For tools on developing Supreme Inner Confidence, finding Freedom from Anxiety, or specialized Hypnosis Tracks, visit PaulCloughOnline.com. Free Hypnosis Tracks Want access to my FREE hypnosis tracks? Head over to paulcloughonline.com/podcast. Connect with Me Follow me on Twitter: @pcloughie Remember: I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. This podcast and any of my online resources are for educational purposes only. Never use the hypnosis tracks or exercises if you're operating machinery, driving, or if you have epilepsy or psychiatric conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure. Find Us on Other Platforms Catch the podcast on Spotify, Castbox, iHeart Radio, YouTube, or on our Libsyn page. Stay tuned, and keep shining brightly. ✨ Music Credits Music by Wataboi from Pixabay, Music by DreamHeaven from Pixabay, Music by ccjmusic from Pixabay, Music by freegroove from Pixabay, Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by will |Marshall from will marshall. And the transcript WARNING if you're a lover of the written word this may make you frustrated, or angry - you have been warned - is it an 'ism Hey, welcome to the five minute quickie. The seed of something really interesting.   And the thing is, question to you. A question. A question I've been thinking about.   We've all got them. We've all got that thing. The thing that you have to do.   But for one season, one reason, guess what? You don't. I mean, some people will call it bloody self-sabotage. Some will call it procrastination.   And what gets me is some people wear those badges of honour. I hope you're not one of them. But would it be important, would it be important to you to learn what's causing that? And how to do the things you're not doing? Would that be important? You see, there's that feeling we get, isn't there? That feeling we get when change comes.   And I know about this because I've had it so many times before and I've really resisted it. I've resisted that bloody change. Even, even, and this is, I don't know, this is hard for me to admit.   Even when I know I shouldn't be resisting it. I know it's wrong, but I've resisted it all the same. That's really weird, isn't it? And it just feels weird, doesn't it? So what if, here's a question for you, what if we could choose to embrace the right change? Yeah.   And have or be part of the success that would bring. Because there's a special way of doing it. You see, sometimes, sometimes I think it's those limiting beliefs that we have.   You know the ones. I'm not good enough. Oh, I don't belong here.   I'm not worthy. They'll find me out. All those ones.   And with each one of those negative beliefs, even though they're trying to do something for us, I'll explain that. There's an anxiety around it, isn't there? There's a fear. There's a loss of confidence.   Bloody self-esteem gets a whack around the ears, doesn't it? What would it be like? Here's a question. What would it be like if we didn't have those negative beliefs? We didn't have that anxiety. We didn't have that fear.   We didn't have that loss of confidence or that lack of self-esteem. What would that be like? Do you want to know how? Because that's where I'll be going. I'll explain that in a minute.   And there's another thing that we do is when we get this feeling that's sort of stopping us. I'm not going to call it self-sabotage or procrastination. It's just that feeling we have, that unknown feeling.   We tend to overthink it, don't we? And it's that feeling of being stuck. What shall I do? It's that feeling. What's that about? That's what I want to know.   That's what I've been thinking about. Now, everything, and I know that's a big generalisation because everything is a big generalisation, but I think it's pretty 99% bang on the money on this one. Everything I've just mentioned is, well, we could put it down to an unconscious resistance.   You're not consciously stopping doing things. It's an unconscious resistance, your unconscious mind. And that unconscious resistance is linked to one emotion.   That's all. One emotion. Now, final question.   If you didn't have that resistance, you didn't have that stuck feeling, you didn't have those negative beliefs, you didn't have that old feeling, all that anxiety, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, all the stuff that's stopping you moving, moving on, doing the things that you just, well, to get success. And success could be in everything, to live a rich life in every different way. What would that be like? Just think about it now.   What would it feel like? Well, that's where I'm going. That's where I'm going on the deeper dive. So in the next episode, we're going to explore this.   And it's really fascinating. It's interesting. What really happens when you start changing yourself? Because personal development isn't just about changing you.   It's about changing everything. It creates ripples in the whole of your life. Internally, externally.   It affects you, the people around you, the little old planet Earth. And when we get it right, we're on the money. So if that's of interest to you, and it's important to be able to do the things you're not doing that you know you need to do, come with me on the deeper dive, the longer podcast.   To do that, to make sure you don't miss it, press that bloody subscribe button, or that follow button. Because it's there somewhere on that listening device that you have. Press that so that the next time the longer podcast comes along, the deeper dive, you've got it all in one.   And if you know somebody who is always self-sabotaging, procrastinating, always has this problem with change, tell them about it. Share this episode. Share the Personal Development Unplugged podcast.   And then we can do some real good stuff together. Okay? I'll support you in every way I can. But I will see you on the longer podcast.   Well, I'll be in your ears. Have fun. Time to fly.   So before you leave this unplugged mind of mine, this hypnotic mind, if you enjoyed this podcast or any of the other podcasts, please do subscribe. It helps this podcast grow and affect so many more people. And we love to leave everyone in a better place than we found them.   And this will help. Help the podcast. It will help you.   And it will help, well, everyone that you know. So if you could just subscribe and share. Share this podcast to everyone you bloody well know.   That's the only cost. Pay it forward to everyone. And when you do that, boom, we are all going to make a difference to this little old planet Earth of ours and the people in it.   Let's make a good world, a nice world. Okay. Okay.   You can now prepare to leave this unplugged mind. Warning. You are now leaving the unplugged mind of Paul Clough.   It's time to fly. Be brave, my friend. Personal development unplugged.  Transcribed by TurboScribe. Go Unlimited   Personal development [self improvement] [self development] [NLP] [Hypnosis]

Are You Thinking Too Much to Hear Yourself? Have you ever noticed that the harder you think about something, the less clear it becomes? In this episode, I explore the difference between overthinking and intuition. Not the mystical stuff, but that quiet inner knowing that often gets drowned out by endless analysing, making lists, asking everyone else's opinion and searching for certainty that never quite arrives. I share two personal stories. One where I ignored my intuition and paid the price, and another where I listened to a small inner nudge that completely changed the direction of my life. Together we'll explore why overthinking feels productive but often keeps us stuck, how intuition tends to whisper rather than shout, and why clarity comes more from listening than thinking harder. There's also a simple reflective process to help you quieten the noise, reconnect with your own inner guidance and discover the next small step that feels right for you. Because maybe the answer isn't something you need to figure out. Maybe it's something you already know. In This Episode Why overthinking often creates more confusion than clarity The hidden cost of needing certainty before taking action How intuition feels different from analysis My narrowboat lesson and what it taught me about ignoring inner guidance The small decision that led me into hypnosis over 26 years ago A simple process to help you listen beyond the mental noise Why the next right step is usually smaller than you think Learning to trust yourself a little more Questions to Reflect On Where am I overthinking instead of listening? What has my intuition already been trying to tell me? What does "quietly right" feel like? What's the next small step that feels right enough? What would change if I trusted myself more? Please share this episode (and the podcast itself) with a friend or many https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/483-intuition-vs-overthinking/ Share your thoughts or questions: [email protected]   Shine Brightly 🌟 Paul Hey there! I'd love to hear from you—questions, feedback, requests—all welcome. Drop me a line or leave a comment. If you've enjoyed this episode or any other, please share and subscribe! You can reach me at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Podcast Ready to subscribe? Click here to explore your options. Or, if you're on Apple Music or iTunes, you can go straight to subscribe or leave a review here. Special Programs for You For tools on developing Supreme Inner Confidence, finding Freedom from Anxiety, or specialized Hypnosis Tracks, visit PaulCloughOnline.com. Free Hypnosis Tracks Want access to my FREE hypnosis tracks? Head over to paulcloughonline.com/podcast. Connect with Me Follow me on Twitter: @pcloughie Remember: I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. This podcast and any of my online resources are for educational purposes only. Never use the hypnosis tracks or exercises if you're operating machinery, driving, or if you have epilepsy or psychiatric conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure. Find Us on Other Platforms Catch the podcast on Spotify, Castbox, iHeart Radio, YouTube, or on our Libsyn page. Stay tuned, and keep shining brightly. ✨ Music Credits Music by Wataboi from Pixabay, Music by DreamHeaven from Pixabay, Music by ccjmusic from Pixabay, Music by freegroove from Pixabay, Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by will |Marshall from will marshall. And the transcript WARNING if you're a lover of the written word this may make you frustrated, or angry - you have been warned - is it an 'ism   Intuition versus overthinking. Are you thinking too much to hear yourself? It's a deep title, isn't it? Oh, by the way, welcome to the Personal Development Unplugged podcast with me, Paul. I'm going to support your dreams.   And sometimes we think too much, don't we? See, have you ever noticed the more you think about something, the less clear it gets? You can go round and think about all the pros, think about all the cons, because there's so many of them. And you get even more pros. And then you can think of even more cons because of the more pros.   And guess what? You end up exactly where you started. Yeah? Completely where you started. And then guess what? You tend to think, oh, I better think some more, because I haven't got enough.   And that is the problem. Here's maybe something to think about. What if? What if you're not stuck because you don't know, but because you are thinking too much? But there's an add-on to that sentence.   Because you're thinking too much to hear what you already know. That's weird, isn't it? You see, sometimes you don't know that you know. You just don't know it, but you do know, and we get in the way.   You see, let's have a think. What do we do when we have this looping experience? We're going to make some lists, aren't we? When we're thinking, get all the lists out, get all our options. You probably even go and ask other people to find out what they want.   And guess what? We feel really busy, don't we? We feel like we're doing something, but getting nowhere. And I think that's mistaking. Mistaking thinking as getting somewhere.   Now, thinking is good. Don't get me wrong. You need a bit of thought.   But how much if we're getting in the way? You see, even that thought, am I doing the right thing? Because I've been there. Does that resonate with you just a little bit? You know, it feels like we're doing something. I'm working on this thing, doesn't it? And it does feel productive.   It does feel just a little bit clever. But in the end of the day, we're just spinning, aren't we? We're just spinning. You see, I think overthinking is just loud.   Everything going on is urgent. It's a bit frantic. But intuition is quiet.   It's simple. It's actually almost too simple. But as we say with old Mr. Einstein, in simplicity, there's genius.   See, I can remember a long, long time ago when I had the opportunity to buy a narrowboat, a canal boat. It was something that I think I wanted, I thought. And I finally had an opportunity to get into the purchase of one.   And what would normally have been that quick a decision, because everyone kept saying, Well, this is what you wanted, Paul. This is what you wanted, Cloughie. Go out and do it.   But I couldn't make that decision. I really couldn't. And it took days and days, what should have been minutes, maybe hours, but certainly days and days.   And I had this feeling, I had this really weird feeling about it, which I kept pushing aside. And do you know what? It was the worst bloody decision I ever made. Because initially it was okay, but then it just went worse and worse.   And all I ended up with was bloody regret and all the things that came from it. I wasn't listening. I didn't listen to that feeling.   I pushed it away. But then there's something else that I did. My journey, my hypnosis journey, way back 26 years ago.   Going to learn hypnosis for reasons I didn't really know, because I didn't realise it was my path to NLP and everything else. But hypnosis was just a stepping stone. I didn't really want to be there, do it, didn't understand it.   I just wanted to get on to NLP. But when I got there, something felt different. And I listened to it.   It was like giving me a little nudge, saying, I know this isn't what you thought it was, but I think it's something that's really good. And what happened? Well, 26 years later, I'm here talking to you. And I've done hypnosis, NLP, masterpractice NLP, timeline therapy, trainer of NLP, trainer of hypnosis, hypnotherapy.   What a bloody thing from that little nudge. And the thing is, same bloody person. Same brain up here.   The difference? I listened. I listened with all my senses. I listened to me.   And that's the difference. You see, here's the thing. Really, we're not trying to find an answer.   We're trying to hear it. You see, you've got a multitude of experiences, learnings, wisdom. You've been here a long time.   However long it is, it could seem a long time. But we want to hear it. We want to expand it.   You see, the answers you're looking for are already formed. They're in your unconscious mind. They're processing right now.   And when you start to overthink and impose this conscious bit, it's interference. It's mucking up the signal. There's no clarity.   You know what? Sometimes I say to myself, get the fuck out of your way, Cloughie. Get out of the way. Let the real you do the work it's here for.   You see, overthinking is an intelligence. It's just trying to, I don't know, control the uncertainty. And no one likes uncertainty, but you need a little bit of uncertainty.   Because if you were certain about everything, it would be a flatline, boring, bloody life, wouldn't it? So we need a little bit of uncertainty. Because that's where life begins, I think. And here's the thing.   Here's another thing, because I say here's the thing quite a lot. And it's the thing that no one tells you. The more you try to force the clarity, the further away it feels.   Because it's your unconscious mind going, no, no. Listen to me. Get out of the way.   Let intuition, let those aha moments come. Until it feels right. You see, clarity doesn't come from thinking harder.   It comes from listening better. Because that's what you've got to do, listen better. You know, maybe we could think of quietening the noise so you can hear the signal.   Let's take a moment. Let's just take a moment. If it's safe to do so.   If it's okay. Maybe you could close your eyes, if it's okay. I just want your attention, your focus attention on you.   Take away the distractions. And if you could do that. Again, providing it's safe to do so.   Just bring to mind something you've been overthinking. Something you've been trying to solve. And then just notice all the noise around it.   Yeah, just all that noise. You see, if you were to label that. That's called analyzing.   That's called doubt, doubting. And you know, it's that what if voice. Because a what if voice will take you on and on.   So let's just imagine for a moment. Turning that volume. Turn the noise down.   And as the noise softens. Notice. What's left? What feels right? Not logically.   But quietly right. Because that's the signal. So listen with all your senses.   Here. Now. With that feeling.   Just tune into that feeling. You don't have to plan the whole journey. One step at a time.   Just ask yourself inside. Knowing that nothing has to be perfect. Nothing's guaranteed.   Everything is just right enough. What is? The first small step that feels right. That's your question.   Just ask yourself. What's the first step that feels right? Remember again. Not perfect.   Not guaranteed. Just right enough. And notice.   Notice that that step usually feels too simple. It's almost too obvious. That's right.   And you're not committing to this forever. Because it's just one small step. In the direction of the answer.   You see, because intuition doesn't shout out the whole plan. It nudges you to the next step. There.   And open your eyes. Open your eyes. If you did, close them by the way.   And just ask yourself. Take a breath. Just have a look around.   So where's overthinking right now in your life? Let's have some examples. Is it a career decision? Is it creative ideas? Relationships? Starting something new? Because, you know, where have you already had a feeling maybe? But you've ignored it. Yeah? You've ignored it.   What are you waiting for? Certainty? Certainty never comes, does it? Not at all. It doesn't. You see, maybe you're not confused at all.   You're not really. Because it's just that you're not listening. You see, I'm an options person.   And when I get an issue, I love to get as many options as I can. But that just brings worries. And then I try to mitigate those worries.   And then I go back and back until I stop. I've learned to listen now. Listen with those feelings and look for that one small step.   And you say, here's the empowering bit. I believe you already know more than you think you do. Well, I know you know more than you think you do.   Because you don't know what you know. Because you don't know it, but you know it. Weird bit of conversation there.   You see, sometimes you just don't need any more information. You actually need less interference. So instead of pushing, you can choose pause.   Choose to pause for a moment. Instead of trying to force it with that pause, choose to listen. And listen with all your senses.   Go inside and listen. Because sometimes you might get a memory. Sometimes you might get a word on the tip of your tongue.   You might get a feeling. All the words and the memories create that feeling. And all of a sudden, yeah.   And when you do that, things just start to feel easier, don't they? They feel clearer. They really do. You see, when you start, and now I think this is one of the keys, trusting yourself.   When you trust yourself, life begins to change. But it changes in a very quiet, subtle way. But that quiet, subtle way is one of the most powerful ways.   You see, because when you do that, second-guessing disappears. You get more aligned with those decisions. Because why? Because it feels right.   You're not just going to go directly on your feelings. You've got to have the information, but not too much. Enough.   And that creates a confidence in your competence without effort. And you see, when you do that, here's the big win for everybody. Everyone around you, every other person around you, gets to feel it through you.   You become clearer. You become calmer because of that clarity, as it were. And then you can start to model the trust you have over the noise around you.   And it's a little bit like the ripples. You never know how far the ripples of change will go, because they're subtle. It's only when you look back, you notice how far you've come.   You know, creating that wind of change, because you become that butterfly, flapping your wings gently with these wonderful steps and things you're creating in life, and creating a wind of change. So what I'd like you to think about, just reflect on these, maybe. Maybe you get a notebook and just ask yourself, where am I overthinking instead of listening? Maybe you've already missed it.   So what has, here's another question, what has my intuition already told me? Maybe you pushed it away a little bit. Let it come back. Don't push, pause.   There's another question, what does quietly right feel like to you? Maybe you can think back of times in the past when you did follow your intuition, and it was the most wonderful thing to do because you did it in small steps. The ones that go wrong, where we just feel it and do the big step. Now these are small, gentle steps because you're really feeling that.   That wonderful question, what is the one small step I can take today? And you can enjoy the process. And if you did really trust yourself, what would change in your life even more? Yeah. So here we go.   Did that resonate with you? Did it? I'd love to know what came up for you. I really would. And maybe the quiet information you got, the steps.   Please let me know at feedback at personaldevelopmentunplugged.com. That's my email address. I'm the only bugger here. Personal replies, all that stuff.   And I think so many people need this reminder that we can be confident in ourselves. So maybe if you could just share this episode with others, because you probably don't know, but every other person is probably got their issue stuck in their head, in the loop. And let's see if we can stop that and start making these wonderful decisions.   And I go back to mine, the one 26 years and still cracking it out, still enjoying every moment of it. Getting that buzz working with a client that changes right in front of my eyes. They do the work.   I do the steering, as it were, to guide them. That buzz has never left me. Seeing how wonderful and how quickly people can change from the most darkest, deepest things that they think will never, ever go.   And they can do it that quickly. And there's so much more I want to share with you. So if you would just press that subscribe button, wherever it is on your listening device of choice, or the follow button.   You know the one. Just so you get all of these through. Some will resonate you more than others, I know.   Some you might think, that's that old BS bug. But there's always a golden nugget in these things if we look for them, listen for them. Set your intention to learn as you listen.   And remember, you drive your own bus. So set your sat-nav in the right direction, where you want to go. Set your intention.   Just listen to your internal sat-nav. Yeah? Because you don't need to think harder. You just need to listen better.   That's all it is. And maybe, maybe, just think of this. Give that overthinking brain of yours a bloody holiday.   Let it have a little rest. Yeah? Because that way you can have more fun than you can stand. Yay! Anyway, I'm going to see you next time.   Have more fun than you can stand. And it's time to fly. I'll see you now.   Warning, you are now leaving the unplugged mind of Paul Clough. It's time to fly on your own. Be brave, my friend.   Personal Development Unplugged.  Transcribed by TurboScribe. Go Unlimited  Personal development [self improvement] [self development] [NLP] [Hypnosis]

Intuition vs Overthinking When thinking harder isn't the answer — listening better is Have you ever thought about something so much… that you ended up more confused than when you started? You make lists. You weigh up the pros and cons. You ask other people what they think. You go round and round in circles. And still… You don't know what to do. In this Five Minute Quickie, we explore a powerful possibility: Maybe you're not stuck because you don't know… Maybe you're stuck because you're thinking too much. Because beneath all that mental noise, there's often something quieter — a whisper, a nudge, a feeling that already knows. That's intuition. And the trouble is… Overthinking drowns it out. In this episode, I share: why overthinking feels productive — but often keeps you stuck what intuition really feels like (hint: it rarely shouts) how clarity comes not from more thinking, but from listening two personal stories where I ignored intuition… and where I trusted it why your unconscious mind may already know your next step And perhaps the biggest takeaway: You don't need more information. You need less interference. This FMQ is the seed for a deeper dive where we'll explore how to recognise intuition, trust it, and act on it without slipping back into overthinking. Because maybe… The next step isn't something to figure out — it's something to feel. Please share : https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/fmq-534-intuition-vs-overthinking/ Have more fun than you can stand. Go fly. Shine Brightly 🌟 Paul Hey there! I'd love to hear from you—questions, feedback, requests—all welcome. Drop me a line or leave a comment. If you've enjoyed this episode or any other, please share and subscribe! You can reach me at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Podcast Ready to subscribe? Click here to explore your options. Or, if you're on Apple Music or iTunes, you can go straight to subscribe or leave a review here. Special Programs for You For tools on developing Supreme Inner Confidence, finding Freedom from Anxiety, or specialized Hypnosis Tracks, visit PaulCloughOnline.com. Free Hypnosis Tracks Want access to my FREE hypnosis tracks? Head over to paulcloughonline.com/podcast. Connect with Me Follow me on Twitter: @pcloughie Remember: I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. This podcast and any of my online resources are for educational purposes only. Never use the hypnosis tracks or exercises if you're operating machinery, driving, or if you have epilepsy or psychiatric conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure. Find Us on Other Platforms Catch the podcast on Spotify, Castbox, iHeart Radio, YouTube, or on our Libsyn page. Stay tuned, and keep shining brightly. ✨ Music Credits Music by Wataboi from Pixabay, Music by DreamHeaven from Pixabay, Music by ccjmusic from Pixabay, Music by freegroove from Pixabay, Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by will |Marshall from will marshall. And the transcript WARNING if you're a lover of the written word this may make you frustrated, or angry - you have been warned - is it an 'ism Hiya. Paul here again on the 5-Minute Quickie, Personal Development Unplugged podcast.   Trusting your intuition or overthinking. Question for you. Have you ever noticed how the more you think about something, the less clear it becomes? What if the reason that you feel stuck isn't because you don't know, but because you might be thinking too much? Have you ever had that gut feeling, and then bloody talked yourself out of it? I know I have.   You see, you do know. You do know. You do know, but, I don't know, maybe you don't trust it.   Thinking might equal trying to control something too much. Intuition is, you know, maybe allowing direction. The thing is, overthinking drowns out what's already there.   And what happens? What happens? You go round in bloody circles, don't you? Round and round. You get the pros and the cons list. And I'm still not sure.   I'm an options person. I write options and options, and I think I'm getting clarity, but I'm not. You can ask everyone.   Ask as many people as you like. Still don't know. I'm still not sure, am I? Have you had that? And the thing is, all of this, you delay taking some action.   Moving on. Because, you know, it's, I don't know. We're just waiting for certainty, I guess.   And the more you think, the more you think, think and think, the further away the bloody answer feels, doesn't it? But, you know, there's a thing about overthinking. There is a thing that we think about when we're overthinking. It feels that we're being busy, doesn't it? It feels a bit noisy sometimes.   We get urgent, and then we start looping in our bloody mind, don't we? But what does it, you know, what does intuition feel like? What does it feel like? Sometimes, for me, anyway, this is me. See if it resonates with you. Intuition feels, I don't know, maybe it's quiet.   Certainly very simple, isn't it? Calm. I think sometimes it's certain, but it's not very loud. It whispers.   And then sometimes it's like a nudge. A nudge. It's nudging you in the right direction.   As I said, it whispers, it doesn't shout at you. And the thing is, here's the thing, here's the thing. You're not trying to find the answer.   That's where it all goes wrong when we're overthinking. You're not trying to find the answer. You're trying to hear it, to feel it, to make sense of it.   And thinking too much just blocks out that bloody signal. You see, you don't need any more information. You've got all the information you need.   You need less interference. Because clarity doesn't come from thinking harder. No, it doesn't.   It comes from listening better. Listening to yourself. Because it's all in there.   You just have to be quiet and listen. Because you've done the work. You see, I don't know, here's a question.   Take a moment, just take a moment for a minute. What happens if you just pause? Just pause and notice what feels right. Just if you stop analysing just for a moment or two.   What would you do next? That's different, isn't it? And on that feeling, what's the first small step that feels just right? That feeling that feels just right. Yeah, you see, we've talked about this before. We've talked about feeling lost.   Now, this might be one of those reasons why we just feel lost. But the thing is, question, maybe you're not lost. I don't think you're lost.   Maybe you're just not listening. It's a thought. So, deeper dive coming up.   How do you tell the difference between intuition and overthinking? How do you tell the difference? How do you learn, or how do you first of all trust that quiet voice? Learn to trust that voice, the voice inside. And then how do you act upon it? Without second guessing yourself and going back to the overthinking. You see, that's where we're going.   That's where we're going on the deeper dive. We're going to get some clarity, get some understanding, and learn to trust. You see, you and your intuition, your unconscious mind, already knows.   You've done the work, you see. And now all you have to do is get out of the bloody way. So, maybe the next step isn't something to figure out anymore.   But something to feel, learning how to feel. Less thinking, less thinking, more trusting. You see, I can remember just very quickly, if you bear with me just for a moment.   I can remember a long time ago, somehow I wanted to have a narrowboat, one of those boats that go on a canal. And I got the opportunity, out of the blue, to own, or part-own, one of those narrowboats. And it had been a goal of mine for ages and ages.   But, you know, something inside me kept saying, I don't think this is right. I should have, if it was right for me, or it was my goal that I really wanted, I should have been able to say yes straight away, and I didn't. It took me about three or four days going backwards and forwards, overthinking.   And I didn't listen. And I didn't feel. I didn't follow that feeling.   And to be honest, bought the boat, it was a disaster. Everything, it started okay, but then it just went completely wrong. Didn't listen.   Then, there's the opposite of what happened to me. And this is years and years and years ago. When I learnt hypnosis.   And I thought to myself, I am not a people person. I'm not interested in people. Well, I'm not interested, I was in it for business.   But something inside kept feeling, there's something here. There's something to carry on, to learn more of. 25 years later, here I am, I'm still learning.   It's absolutely wonderful, the things it's allowed me to do. The people I've seen, the people I've worked with, the changes I've been around. They've been magical.   Not magic, but magical to be part of it. And I listened. And whilst it felt, this is, logically, it didn't, it didn't, this is not you, Paul.   But inside, there was that little feeling saying, this is the real Cloughie. Take a step. And I did, and I say, it's actually 26 years now.   26 years later, I'm still taking steps, learning, enjoying, sharing with you. So come with me. Come with me on this deeper dive.   So we can all learn to think. But most of all, step aside and listen. And make good decisions, good choices.   So come with me on the deeper dive. We're going to have fun. There'll be a process, at least one or maybe two processes, to really get you to, you know, be there with yourself.   I'm looking forward to it. I really am. We're going to have some fun.   In fact, we'll probably have more fun than we can stand. Have fun. Enjoy.   Tell everybody, by the way, share it. Do whatever you can to just share what you know. And if this has interested you, other people will be interested too.   Because they're like you, and they like you. And they'll like you even more for doing it. And subscribe.   Press the subscribe button on that thing you listen to. So when the next deeper dive comes in, boom, it's there. You don't have to think about it.   Okay? Have fun. Look forward to it. And by the way, if you want to just send me a little email, tell me how you're doing, or if there's an area of concern you have, and we want to do another deeper dive on a particular topic, please do.   It's feedback at personaldevelopmentunplugged.com. But there you go. Have more fun than you can stand, as I said. And you go fly.   Warning. You are now leaving the unplugged mind of Paul Clough. It's time to fly now.   Be brave, my friend. Personal Development Unplugged.  Transcribed by TurboScribe. Go Unlimited   Personal development [self improvement] [self development] [NLP] [Hypnosis]

If You're Stuck - Lets Move On - Here's How Episode Overview Ever had that quiet thought… "I've lost my way…" Not shouted out loud. Not dramatic. Just a whisper somewhere in the background. In this episode, I share something personal — a moment where I genuinely felt that. Like the direction had gone. Like something inside me had faded. But here's what I discovered… You're not lost. You haven't lost your way. You've simply lost connection with the part of you that already knows. And when life changes — when you let go of old habits, old roles, even old identities — there's a gap. A space. A kind of emotional "void." And if you don't understand it… it can feel like grief. In this deeper dive, we explore that space — and more importantly, how to reconnect with your inner direction using a simple but powerful process. What You'll Discover This episode gently but powerfully shifts how you think about feeling lost: Why "feeling lost" is actually a sign of growth, not failure How identity is often tied to what you do — and what happens when that changes The hidden mistake: looking outside for direction instead of inside Why your future self already knows the way The key insight: Your path isn't something you find… it's something you feel And most importantly… How to reconnect to that feeling and take your next step with clarity The Big Insight Most people think: "I need a plan." "I need to figure it out." "I need the answer." But what if that's the problem? Because… You don't find your path by thinking — you find it by feeling. Your unconscious mind doesn't work in bullet points and spreadsheets. It works through: Sensation Emotion Intuition And when you reconnect with that… Direction replaces confusion Movement replaces stuckness Certainty replaces doubt The Process: Reconnecting With Your Inner Direction In this episode, I guide you through a gentle but powerful process to: Step away from overthinking Connect with your future self (the one already living your purpose) Feel what that life is like — without needing details Let that feeling become your compass Ask one simple question: "If this is who I am… what's the next small step?" No pressure. No forcing. Just noticing. Because your answers don't shout…  They whisper. Key Takeaways Feeling lost doesn't mean you've lost your way It often means your old identity is dissolving The "void" is not empty — it's space for something new Looking externally keeps you stuck Your future self is already inside you Direction comes from feeling first, action second You don't need the whole plan — just the next step A Simple Reflection Take a moment after listening and ask yourself: What am I trying to replace instead of reconnect with? Where am I looking outside… instead of inside? What does my "best life" feel like — not look like? What's one small step that feeling is nudging me toward? How This Fits the Journey This episode builds directly from: FMQ 533 – Why Are You Stuck? Where we explored the fear of losing identity And leads into: The Missing Part of Success (#480) Where we bring in mind-body alignment and embodiment Because the full journey is: You're not stuck — you're protecting something You're not lost — you're disconnected You don't need more thinking — you need alignment Final Thoughts You don't need to rush this. You don't need to "figure it all out." Because… Your path isn't a destination. It's a direction. And it reveals itself… One step One feeling One moment of awareness at a time Call to Action If this resonated: Hit subscribe so you don't miss what's coming next Share this with someone who might be feeling a little lost right now https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/482-if-youre-stuck-lets-move-on-heres-how And most importantly…  Take one small step today Shine Brightly 🌟 Paul Hey there! I'd love to hear from you—questions, feedback, requests—all welcome. Drop me a line or leave a comment. If you've enjoyed this episode or any other, please share and subscribe! You can reach me at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Podcast Ready to subscribe? Click here to explore your options. Or, if you're on Apple Music or iTunes, you can go straight to subscribe or leave a review here. Special Programs for You For tools on developing Supreme Inner Confidence, finding Freedom from Anxiety, or specialized Hypnosis Tracks, visit PaulCloughOnline.com. Free Hypnosis Tracks Want access to my FREE hypnosis tracks? Head over to paulcloughonline.com/podcast. Connect with Me Follow me on Twitter: @pcloughie Remember: I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. This podcast and any of my online resources are for educational purposes only. Never use the hypnosis tracks or exercises if you're operating machinery, driving, or if you have epilepsy or psychiatric conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure. Find Us on Other Platforms Catch the podcast on Spotify, Castbox, iHeart Radio, YouTube, or on our Libsyn page. Stay tuned, and keep shining brightly. ✨ Music Credits Music by Wataboi from Pixabay, Music by DreamHeaven from Pixabay, Music by ccjmusic from Pixabay, Music by freegroove from Pixabay, Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by will |Marshall from will marshall. And the transcript WARNING if you're a lover of the written word this may make you frustrated, or angry - you have been warned - is it an 'ism   Welcome back to the Personal Development Unplugged podcast, with me, Paul. And subject today, the deeper dive today, is I've lost my way.   Or have I? You see, just saying those words, I've lost my way, have you ever said that to yourself? I did, not too long ago, and it was really weird, where, you know, because you don't necessarily say it out loud, but just quietly, in your own mind, yeah? And it's like, I don't know, I just don't know where I'm going anymore. And the thing, here's the thing, here's the thing, it's not that you've lost your way, because you haven't, you haven't lost your way. But I think sometimes it's like you've lost that connection with yourself, with that part of you, that already knows the way.   Which is weird, it's like, you don't know that you know, but you do know, just that you don't know the word is yet. And you see, have you ever noticed, have you ever noticed this? When life changes, because it does, doesn't it? Everything changes, it evolves. When things you used to do seem to fade away, or you decide to change, there's suddenly a space, isn't there? There's a space, it's like a void, a void that needs to be filled.   It's a little bit like grief, isn't it? There's just that void there. And it's, I don't know, it's a funny old thing, that void, because it's as if a part of you knows there's something new happening. And that can be a little bit frightening, can't it? But the other part goes, yeah, okay, but what is it? What is it? And you can look.   I know I did, I looked and I looked. And the harder you look, and the more you look, nothing. It seems you can't grasp it, you can't get hold of it.   It just disappears, this is void. And it's not a void inside here, it's now a void out there. Now I'm tempted to say, does that make sense? But apparently that's not the thing to say.   But it made sense to me, because it actually happened to me. You see, it did feel like grief. It felt I'd lost something.   Not just what I did, but who I was. And that's the thing. I'd made some changes, deliberate changes in my life.   Let some things go. Decided I'm going to change, this is a time for a change, big changes. And the thing is, it was as if I was losing my identity.   And that's a shift, you see. When your identity shifts, directions disappears. It really does.   But here's the thing, it disappears for a while. That's all just for a while. But while you're waiting for that while, it is quite unnerving.   Have you ever had that? It really happened to me a few months ago. And my life was changing, but it felt that I was really losing who I was. I was no longer the person I thought I was, because I'd put my identity into these behaviours, the things I did.   And now not doing them, I felt I was no longer the real Paul anymore. And because when that direction disappears for a while, it's as if you don't know who you're becoming. Because you're not there yet, but you know you're not that anymore.   How can you know though, where you're going, when you make those changes? Because the thing is, you look out there, that's the problem. You look out there for the things to fill it. I did, I looked everywhere.   And the more I looked out there, the less I found, the more it seemed to fade away. But the thing is, what I learnt was, it isn't out there. It was as if I already knew it was inside.   Inside. Because if you've ever been like that, I want to tell you it's in you. It's already in you.   But you just haven't connected again, because that evolution is moving forward. Now the thing is, I got a little bit of insight. I call it my future self-insight.   And I want you to play with me. Just play with me for a minute. I love this bit where we just keep playing.   Imagine this. And yeah, you can close your eyes or you don't, because I just want you to imagine something now. Like a daydream.   Give yourself permission just to be free to daydream in imagination. Use your imagineering. Imagine there's a version of you.   Not perfect, because nobody's perfect. But they are aligned. They're living their purpose.   That you is living your purpose. With purpose. Living a life with purpose.   Feeling a wonderful sense of fulfilment. I say that again. Living with purpose and feeling that sense of fulfilment.   Yeah? That's your best self, isn't it? Think about it now. Wouldn't that be your best self? When you could see yourself over there? They're not perfect, but aligned. They're congruent.   Living with purpose. Feeling that sense of fulfilment. Now, the interesting thing about that, and the thing I found, is that version of you had to walk to get there.   It had to walk a path to get there. It didn't just evolve. Well, it did evolve.   But it wasn't just a poof. Magic. Just because we imagine it.   It's out there. That future self is out there now. And the thing is, when you think about it, well, if they've walked that path now, it's that future you over there.   They know the way. So, maybe, maybe, instead of asking, like I did, what should I do? Because that's what I did. What should I do? And I couldn't find it, because I wanted something.   Maybe I could have asked. I did in the end. What would that version of me over there, living that life of fulfilment, a path, a passion, what would that version of me do next? The next step, as it were.   Now, how are you going to find out? I've already told you that that future version of you is really inside, but we just haven't connected yet. Notice the word yet. So, here's the thing.   I do say that a lot, don't I? Here's the thing. But I do. And do you know what? I'm going to say it even more.   Because I like saying it. Here's the thing, because what I want you to do now is play even more. I want to, because I love doing these things, create a purpose and a process, a real process to help you, because I think it just works.   So, if it's okay, because this is where I want you to find the answers, because you don't have to be like me, being totally lost, just a little bit. Even if you know where you're going, you can check up with this future self of yours to find even more. Because a lot of yours are very conscious, we want it unconscious, aligned.   And the only way to do that, I think, is you have to feel it first. You might think you're intelligent enough to imagine and think about it consciously what you want, but you're not. Nor am I, by the way, nobody is.   But once you start giving information to your unconscious mind with emotion, then your unconscious mind gets it. And now we can go backwards and forwards with that future self. So play, play with me.   Find a wonderful place that you can just be undisturbed for a moment or two, or maybe a little bit longer, where you can just let yourself go into this little bit of hypnosis, maybe. It's a guided visualization. Maybe it's like a meditation.   Whichever you want to call it, that'll be what it is. But find a place where you'll be undisturbed. Yeah? Because I want you to close your eyes, to take away all the distractions, and where you can truly focus inside, because that's where we said it was.   You don't have to look on the outside, you're looking on the inside. So if that's okay, if it isn't, by the way, either just listen to this gently, not too much, to get an idea of the process, but ideally just bookmark this point, and then come back to it. Okay? So you can really devote focused awareness on yourself.   Give yourself permission to spend time on you, because you're the only person who can give yourself that permission. Okay? And when you do that, finding that comfortable place where you'll be, as I say, undisturbed. Remember, this is hypnosis.   I'm a therapist, but not your therapist. But we're only looking now to your future self and guidance. So just take a wonderful deep breath.   Hold it for a second or two. And as you breathe out, just allow your eyes to close. Yeah? Just allow your eyes to close.   There you go. And breathe gently in, making every in-breath more gentle than the one before. And then with every out-breath, allow yourself to be gently pulled inside to that wonderful place of comfort.   And as you do that, that comfort can grow. You could even wonder to yourself right now, ask yourself the question, what would it be like to be three times more comfortable than you are right now? And feel that comfort now. Feel it going through every cell of your body as you breathe, easily and effortlessly, where you and your unconscious mind can get closer and closer.   Now, just let go. Let go of trying to figure out anything at the moment. No thinking.   No thinking whatsoever. Just enjoy the just feeling. That's right.   We're just going to feel and imagine that you are already living your best life. Yeah? If you take that future self back into you right now, living your full, wonderful best life, not the details, just the feeling. Imagine how that would feel, living your best life.   Just get that quiet sense of it. Yeah. Just notice that.   Allow it to maybe grow a little bit more intense so you could really feel it. How does it feel in your body? Maybe just notice. Where do you feel it in your body? It might be all over.   It might be in that special place where you just feel this living your best life. Maybe you could describe it to yourself. How does it feel? Is it warm? Does it have a sense of ease? Maybe.   Because you're living this fulfilled life. There's a certainty now. What does that feel like? Maybe there's a curiosity.   An excitement. They get together, don't they? Because this feeling is your direction. And that's a thing.   That's a thing that I discovered. We're not looking for a thing. We're looking for a direction.   A direction that will lead us into a wonderful adventure of purpose, of passion, of curiosity and excitement, and that certainty. And as you tune into that feeling, just the feeling, give it permission. Allow that feeling to grow just a little bit.   That's right, just a little bit. Really allow your mind to get in tune. Your conscious mind and your unconscious mind to get in tune with this feeling.   And as it grows, maybe you could just ask gently, if this is who I am, what's the next small step that I would take right now? And there's no need to force an answer. Just notice what comes up. Listen with all your senses.   Because your answers come in many, many ways. They may be visual. They may be a word, a feeling.   It might be tiny. Or it might be so obvious to you. It might even surprise you.   As I say, it comes in many different ways. So just listen and notice. This is how the path begins.   Not all at once. It's all about one step. Just taking one small step.   One step from that feeling. Really allow that feeling to grow and get your unconscious mind, I'll ask your unconscious mind, to learn from this. To allow you to give you the intuition of the next small step and the next small step after that.   To look for opportunities to create this wonderful filled life. The direction. As you learn, consciously and unconsciously.   That's right. Because you can bring this awareness back into your reality. In a minute.   But not just yet. Because just maybe, consider this. You don't need to have the whole plan.   You don't need the five year vision, the ten year vision. Or even the perfect map. Because your future self doesn't hand you the whole journey.   Just nudges you. Just a little bit. One step at a time.   Remember this path is not a thing. It's a direction. And it's a direction to... That's right.   It's an adventure. And it's yours. All from a feeling.   Not a formula. And... As you think of that, there's something I want you to consider one more time. If you've ever been afraid of losing yourself, as I did, and unsure how to step into the new one, maybe this is the bridge.   You don't have to jump. You just have to become. And just allow that to resonate within you, integrate within you.   And allow your unconscious mind to find the resources to feed you those steps along the way. So you can enjoy every step. And as you do that, take a wonderful in-breath.   And open your eyes and feel absolutely wonderful. There you go. That's how we do it.   I hope you enjoyed that. Because it is a direction. And that's the bit that got me.   Because as I say, I was looking for things to replace the things I'd stopped doing. And I thought my identity was about the doing. But they're just behaviours.   It's the being. And then finding that path. Allow that path to come to you as you just follow that direction.   And I'm going to be doing deeper work on this, because as I'm doing deeper work on myself on this. Because I think it's so important. And it's so, sometimes to me, it's ambiguous, it's vague.   And sometimes we want something that we really firmly hold on to. But it's just not there to hold on to, because it's not a thing. But as you walk that path, bit by bit, step by step.   I believe it all unfolds. The beauty of life unfolds for you. Because then you start to create it.   This is creating your reality by having the feeling. It's a bit like having the feeling of the wish fulfilled. When you look at goals, try them on, feel it.   You get that direction to the feeling, isn't it? Yeah. So, maybe if you just ask yourself the way I did. Have you really lost your way? Because I was thinking at the time, I've lost my way, I don't know.   But then I thought, no I haven't. I've just been looking in the wrong direction for the wrong things. Because I say, I don't know, because your path isn't something you find.   It's something you feel, it's something you tread. And then you follow it, pace by pace, step by step. You might even say, you might drive it, driving that bus.   Because ultimately you do drive the bus. The metaphor keeps coming, you drive the bus. You're in charge, you're responsible.   I'm here to give you a little guide, maybe I'll give you a little nudge down again. You know, searching, because for me, for the things I was giving away, stopped doing, looking for things to do. I suddenly found that actually, I just need to reconnect with what I called my North Star.   I know other people call it North Stars as well, I think everyone does. Do they? I don't know. But it's my North Star.   And I was searching for things to do, and they're not there. As I say, it's a direction of being. So, you drive your bus, I'll drive mine.   Maybe we'll meet up on holiday. If you could, it would be wonderful, I think, as part of this path, this direction you take, to share this type of things with other people. Share your path, verbally.   Not all of it, because a lot of it might be personal and you're working through, but other people can help you as well. But as you express it outside, it allows you to be clearer, or understand where you're not clear, and you can do more personal work. And if it's not clear, you can always email me, feedback at personaldevelopmentunplugged.com, and we can work on this together.   Just as I'm working with you. Sharing the things that I'm experiencing now. And this is where I want to take the Personal Development Unplugged podcast to real stuff.   Not just picking the clickbait stuff. I know the title's a bit clickbaity, but you have to have that, I think. But I just want you to... Yeah, if you can share it, subscribe, and all that stuff, but just live your path.   Think about it. Take a few moments to sit quietly. And just go, what did I hear? What did I learn? You know, we're not pushing stuff away.   We're just being open now. So, there you go. I hope you enjoyed that.   Please share, as I say, subscribe, and all the stuff that everyone says you to tell. If you would, it would be great. But this is just me, Paul, your mate Cloughie, just sharing some of my journey, my adventure, and trying to put it into processes, the things that I learn.   And I know every episode is not going to be the one that... Ah, this is it. Every time. But I know there'll be some golden nuggets, and I hope just to give you that little nudge to think.   So, if there's any subjects, by the way, anything that you would like me to explore, I have to try them on first, and see what we can find. Come up with processes, or even the processes that I already know, we can express them and do them together. And we're going to keep changing.   We're going to become not only that future self, quicker, bigger, better, brighter, but we're going to develop it even more, so we can have more passion than we can stand, more fun than we can stand. And do you know what? We can also feel happy for no reason. So, on that note, I'll see you next time.   I'll be in your ears. Have more fun than you can stand. Go fly.   Warning. You are now leaving the unplugged mind of Paul Clough. It's time to fly in your eyes.   Be brave, my friend. Personal Development Unplugged  Transcribed by TurboScribe. Go Unlimited   Personal development [self improvement] [self development] [NLP] [Hypnosis]

Why Are you Stuck? The Seed: You've done the work. You've read the books. Watched the videos. Made the plans. You know what to do. And yet… You're not doing it. You're not moving. Not really progressing. Maybe even plateauing. So the question is… Why are you stuck? Here's the Truth You're not stuck because you can't grow. You can. Absolutely you can. So it must be something else. Something a little deeper… just under the surface. The Hidden Reason There's a part of you asking questions you might not even notice: "What if I change too much?" "What will I lose if I succeed?" "Will I still be me?" And that last one? That's the big one. Because so many people say: "I just want my old self back." But here's the thing… Your old self is part of what got you here The Real Shift It's not about going back. It's about letting the real you come forward. The part of you that already has: The resources The potential The direction You're not losing yourself…  You're uncovering yourself Why This Keeps You Stuck Because a part of you is trying to: Hold onto the familiar Protect your identity Keep things "safe" Even if that safety is keeping you small What's Next? So how do you: Let go of that old identity… safely? Allow the real you to come through? Move forward without fear of losing yourself? That's what we're diving into next. The Deeper Dive In the next episode, we'll explore: The hidden fears of identity loss Why change can feel unsafe A simple process to align all parts of you How to finally step forward with confidence Pay It Forward If this hit home: Share it with someone who feels stuck https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/fmq-533-why-are-you-stuck/ or the video https://youtu.be/YfcM6hovFEk Help them see what's really going on Final Thought Maybe you're not stuck at all… Maybe a part of you is just waiting to feel safe enough to move. Shine Brightly 🌟 Paul Hey there! I'd love to hear from you—questions, feedback, requests—all welcome. Drop me a line or leave a comment. If you've enjoyed this episode or any other, please share and subscribe! You can reach me at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Podcast Ready to subscribe? Click here to explore your options. Or, if you're on Apple Music or iTunes, you can go straight to subscribe or leave a review here. Special Programs for You For tools on developing Supreme Inner Confidence, finding Freedom from Anxiety, or specialized Hypnosis Tracks, visit PaulCloughOnline.com. Free Hypnosis Tracks Want access to my FREE hypnosis tracks? Head over to paulcloughonline.com/podcast. Connect with Me Follow me on Twitter: @pcloughie Remember: I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. This podcast and any of my online resources are for educational purposes only. Never use the hypnosis tracks or exercises if you're operating machinery, driving, or if you have epilepsy or psychiatric conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure. Find Us on Other Platforms Catch the podcast on Spotify, Castbox, iHeart Radio, YouTube, or on our Libsyn page. Stay tuned, and keep shining brightly. ✨ Music Credits Music by Wataboi from Pixabay, Music by DreamHeaven from Pixabay, Music by ccjmusic from Pixabay, Music by freegroove from Pixabay, Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by will |Marshall from will marshall. And the transcript WARNING if you're a lover of the written word this may make you frustrated, or angry - you have been warned - is it an 'ism Welcome back to the next seed, the five minute quickie FMQ 532. Can you believe that? Why are you stuck? Or you could say, why aren't you doing it, crushing it? Why aren't you reaching your goals? You know, making it happen. Maybe you're plateauing.   You know, you've done all the reading. You watched all the videos. You've done all your planning.   You know what to do. You're ready to walk the walk, not just to talk. And just to move on to that next level of you, as it were, personal change.   I wonder why you think you're stuck? Because you're not stuck, by the way. You're not stuck just because you can't grow. Because you can.   Absolutely, you can. You see, there's a reason why I think you're stuck. And the thing about being stuck is, you can choose to unstick yourself.   You can, because I believe there's a, the question is, just below the surface, inside you. It's like there's a little part of you, little part of you that's saying, what if I change too much? Frightening, maybe. Yeah.   What will I lose? What will I lose if I start to succeed? Yeah. Also, and the big one is, will I still be me, my identity, who I think I really am, or my old me? You see, so many clients that I see always say to me, you know, ask them what they want. And they say the very same thing.   Nearly always, nearly always. They say, I want to be my old self, my old me. I can remember my old me.   And we used to, I used to do so much, we used to do so much stuff. And I just want my old me back. And what they don't realise is, the old me is part of this.   What I want you to do is to be who you really are. Allow that real you to come to the surface. So you'll still be you.   You'll be able to say, this is me. This is the real me, the real me that's going to start moving on. Because I'm looking to succeed.   I know what I'm going to lose. I know what I'm going to gain. And I can't change too much.   So that's where the answer is, I think. But it's how do you do that? How do you do that? How do you let that real you come to the surface and be who you really are? And that's where we're going to go on the deeper dive. We're going to go into something, I think, really exciting.   Really exciting because we're going to dive deeply into maybe the hidden fears you have about loss, your identity. And we're going to do a process or two to really allow you to set yourself free. Have freedom to pursue the paths you were put on this bloody little planet earth to do.   Create the life you were meant to create. And enjoy every heartbeat. And that's where I want to go.   So if that is of interest to you, make sure you press subscribe because I want you to make sure that you don't miss the next deeper episode. And if you know of anybody who might want to really start flying too, support them by paying this forward by sharing it. Sharing the episode, sharing personal development unplugged because I'm going to be here to support your dreams, your goals and everything I can think of to make you, well not make you, to allow you to develop and evolve into the real you.   That to me is really exciting. And it's really only down to your imagination and there's no limit to that. No limit to your imagination of how far you can dream of going, creating, doing, serving, making this world a lovely place to live in for everybody, especially you.   So I say, if that's of interest, tune in to the next deeper dive and we're really going to set you free. Okay, time to fly. Hiya, it's me Paul from the Personal Development Unplugged podcast with a five-minute quickie.   It might be a little bit longer than five minutes because nowadays I like to use these as a seed, a seed to plant into your mind, maybe a little deeper than that to get you thinking. And what I have here is a question. Why are you stuck? Because there's a reason you're stuck by the way.   I think we all get stuck at some point in our lives. I've explained a little while ago that I had some real issues about where I was going and I felt I was really stuck. And I've talked about that but the thing is, the question I want to ask you is, if this is you, you know, you're not reaching your goals.   You know, you've got your goals, you've got your goals for different contexts of your life, whether it's career, relationships, your health, fitness, all that stuff, family life. But you're just like on a platter, you feel stuck, you can't move. It's as if you're treading water, you've got your feet in mud, quicksand.   And you can see it over there. But you can't quite get there. It's as if, you know, the momentum's gone.   You're not really getting pulled back, but you're not moving forward. Does that make sense? And certainly I did. I thought I know a lot of this stuff.   I do know a lot of stuff. I've done a lot of reading. I've watched a lot of videos.   I've gone to trainings and all that stuff. And I want to walk the walk, but I just can't. Something is holding me back, as it were.   And the thing is, and this is where the seed goes in, it's not that you're stuck because you can't grow. No, there's something else. Something interesting, fascinating, actually, that when you discover it, things just change straight away.   And you see, I think part of the answer is just below the surface. We struggle with it up here consciously. But unconsciously, there's a little part of you.   There's a little part of you that is just doing and saying something to you, which you didn't get, but you're acting and behaving that way. You see, it's a little thing. When I work with clients, there's so many of them.   When we start talking deeply about how they want to be, where they want to go, their dreams and goals and desires, they tend to go, well, I really want my old me back. I want to be my old me. I can remember times when I was my old me and they were so good.   And that's part of the problem. Because part of that problem is, your old me is part of this. And I really believe now, it's not the old me that you want.   And I had this for years. I really wanted my old Cluffy back, the old Paul back, until I realised, I had an aha moment that said, you don't want the old me back, Paul. You want the real you, the real Cluffy.   Because the real Cluffy has it all. The old me was part of some of the problems I had, some of the patterns that I needed to change. Because that part of me was like, what if I change too much? What if I change too much? Will I still be me? That was one of them.   Will I still be me? Because I wanted my old me, but I don't know if I change too much, what's going to happen? What will I lose if I actually succeed in getting these goals? Will I lose that sense of identity of who I am? And there's an answer to those. Because it's not about letting go of the old you. It's not about letting go of the old you.   It's about letting the real you out, the real you, with all your skills, your values, your beliefs, your dreams, your goals, your desires. That's what it's about. But we need to look at that, because allowing that part of you to let go.   And sometimes we need help with that. And that's where I think it's going to be really interesting and fascinating. And all that stuff, when we go into the deeper dive in the next longer podcast, where we're going to explore this.   We're going to find those questions that your unconscious mind or that part of you is scared of, the fear, the fear of losing your identity, maybe. So we're going to go into a longer, deeper dive, looking at that, and also coming up with a process or two that will allow you to be free and give that part of you all the safety it needs. So you can work as one, be absolutely aligned where you're going, and then start walking the walk.   And then you will be start reading and doing, looking and doing, dreaming and becoming and getting those dreams into reality. Because that's what it's all about. And that's what we all want, isn't it? Create dreams, create our reality, make a life that's so wonderfully rich and rich in a way, in every shape, being everywhere.   So inside and out, making a difference to you, making a difference to the people around you, and making a difference to the whole planet Earth, as we always say. Because that's when it's totally ecological. And that's when things start happening, because you're aligned, you've got that real buzz, you've got that real feeling, and that feeling will attract all that you want.   And I'm here to support you in that. That's the reason for doing the Unplugged podcast. I want to support you in your dreams and goals, and allow you that real you to just evolve, maybe explode with excitement, curiosity, adventure, following your real true path, which we've talked about, treading the path that is here for you.   And now you can. So if that excites you, press subscribe so you don't miss that longer, deeper dive. And also, if you know anybody who might want to come on that type of journey, that adventure of letting go, being able to walk the walk and create the dreams, create the reality you and they desire, then pass this on, please, just share it a little while.   That's all. So I look forward to seeing you, hearing from you, no, you hearing from me, being in your ear, in your mind, with you, your conscious and your unconscious mind to create the changes that will just be so good. So that's good for you.   I will see you, hear from you, be in your ear on the next longer, deeper dive. You go fly and have a think. Let it just germinate.   So when you come back on the longer, deeper dive, we are going to move. We're going to create and we're going to be the real you. Transcribed by TurboScribe. Go Unlimited   Personal development [self improvement] [self development] [NLP] [Hypnosis]

Finding Your Way: When You Feel Lost in Life Why you're not lost — just disconnected from your inner direction Feeling Lost? Or Just Disconnected? "I've lost my way…" Ever said that quietly to yourself? Not out loud… just in your own mind. That moment where things feel unclear. Where direction fades. Where who you were no longer fits… and who you're becoming hasn't quite arrived yet. It can feel like a void. A strange mix of uncertainty, frustration… even a little grief. But here's the thing… You're not lost. You've just lost connection with the part of you that already knows the way. The Truth About Feeling Lost This feeling often shows up when: You've made changes in your life Old patterns or roles no longer fit Your identity is shifting And in that space… You go looking "out there" for answers. But the harder you look… The further they seem to disappear. Because your direction isn't out there. It's inside you. Why This Feels So Uncomfortable When your identity changes, it creates a gap: You're no longer the "old you" But you're not fully the "new you" yet That space can feel like: Loss Confusion Uncertainty Almost like grief. But it's not the end of something… It's the beginning of something new. Your Inner Direction (Your "Future Self") Instead of asking: "What should I do?" Try this… "What would the version of me who is already living that life do next?" Because that version of you: Exists Has walked the path Knows the direction And here's the key… It doesn't give you the whole plan. It gives you the next step. This Episode Includes a Guided Process In this deeper dive, you'll be guided to: Connect with the feeling of your "best self" Tune into purpose, fulfilment, and alignment Ask for the next small step Begin trusting your internal guidance system This isn't about forcing answers. It's about feeling your way forward. From "Finding" to "Following" Your path isn't something you find. It's something you: Feel Step into Follow One step at a time. Not a fixed destination…  A direction. Key Takeaways You're not lost — you're evolving The "void" is a transition, not a failure Your answers aren't out there — they're within You don't need the whole plan — just the next step Alignment comes from feeling, not forcing Ready to Reconnect? Take a moment after listening: Sit quietly Reflect on what came up for you Notice any small nudges or insights And most importantly… Trust them Share the Journey If this episode resonated: Share it with someone who might feel "lost" right now Help them reconnect with their own direction https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/481-finding-your-way-when-you-feel-lost-in-life Get In Touch Got thoughts, questions, or something that didn't quite click? Email: [email protected] Shine Brightly 🌟 Paul Hey there! I'd love to hear from you—questions, feedback, requests—all welcome. Drop me a line or leave a comment. If you've enjoyed this episode or any other, please share and subscribe! You can reach me at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Podcast Ready to subscribe? Click here to explore your options. Or, if you're on Apple Music or iTunes, you can go straight to subscribe or leave a review here. Special Programs for You For tools on developing Supreme Inner Confidence, finding Freedom from Anxiety, or specialized Hypnosis Tracks, visit PaulCloughOnline.com. Free Hypnosis Tracks Want access to my FREE hypnosis tracks? Head over to paulcloughonline.com/podcast. Connect with Me Follow me on Twitter: @pcloughie Remember: I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. This podcast and any of my online resources are for educational purposes only. Never use the hypnosis tracks or exercises if you're operating machinery, driving, or if you have epilepsy or psychiatric conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure. Find Us on Other Platforms Catch the podcast on Spotify, Castbox, iHeart Radio, YouTube, or on our Libsyn page. Stay tuned, and keep shining brightly. ✨ Music Credits Music by Wataboi from Pixabay, Music by DreamHeaven from Pixabay, Music by ccjmusic from Pixabay, Music by freegroove from Pixabay, Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by will |Marshall from will marshall. And the transcript WARNING if you're a lover of the written word this may make you frustrated, or angry - you have been warned - is it an 'ism   Welcome back to the personal development unplugged podcast with me Paul and subject today the deeper dive today is I've lost my way. What have I? You see just saying those words I've lost my way.   Have you ever said that to yourself? I did not too long ago and it was really weird where do you know because you don't necessarily say it out loud but just quietly in your own mind yeah and it's like I don't know I just don't know where I'm going anymore and the thing here's the thing here's the thing it's not that you've lost your way because you haven't you haven't lost your way but I think sometimes it's like you've lost that connection with yourself with that part of you that already knows the way which is weird it's like you don't know that you know but you do know just that you don't know the word is yet and you see have you ever noticed have you ever noticed this when life changes because it does isn't it everything changes it evolves when things you used to do seem to fade away or you decide to change there's suddenly a space isn't there there's a space it's like a void a void of that needs to be filled it's a little bit like grief isn't it there's just that void there and it's I don't know it's a funny old thing that void because it's as if a part of you knows there's something new happening and that could be a little bit frightening can't it but the other part goes yeah okay but what is it what is it and you can look and I did I looked and I looked and the harder you look and the more you look nothing it seems you can't grasp it you can't get hold of it it just disappears as this is void and it's not void inside here is now void out there now I'm tempted to say does that make sense but apparently that's not the thing to say but it made sense to me because it actually happened to me you see it did feel like grief it felt I'd lost something not just what I did but who I was and that's the thing I'd made some changes just deliberate changes in my life let some things go decided I'm gonna change this is a time for a change big changes and the thing is it was if I was losing my identity and that's a shift you see when your identity shifts directions disappears it really does but here's the thing it disappears for a while that's all just for a while but it while you're waiting for that while it is quite unnerving you ever had that it really happened to me a few months ago and my life was changing but it felt that I was really losing who I was I was no longer the person I thought it was because I put my identity into these behaviors the things I did and now not doing them I felt I was no longer the real Paul anymore and because when my that direction disappears for a while it's as if you don't know who you'll be coming because you're not there yet but you know you're not that anymore how can you know though where you're going when you make those changes because the thing is you look out there that's the problem you look out there for the things to fill it I did I looked everywhere and the more I looked out there the less I found the more it seemed to fade away but the thing is what I learned was it isn't out there it was if I already do it was inside inside because if you've ever been like that I want to tell you it's in you it's already in you but you just haven't connected again because that evolution is moving forward now the thing is I got a little bit of insight as I called it my future self inside and I want you to play with me just play with me for a minute I love this bit where we just keep playing imagine this and yeah you can close your eyes or you don't because it's only I just want you to imagine something now like a daydream give yourself permission just to be free to daydream in imagination use your imagineering imagine there's a version of you not perfect because nobody's perfect but they are aligned they're living their purpose that you is living your purpose with purpose living a life with purpose feeling a wonderful sense of fulfilment I'll tell you that again living with purpose and feeling that sense of fulfillment yeah that's your best self isn't it think about it now wouldn't that be your best self when you could see yourself over there they're not perfect but aligned as a congruent living with purpose feeling that sense of fulfillment now the interesting thing about that and the thing I found is that version of you had to walk to get there it had to walk a path to get there it didn't just evolve but it did evolve but it wasn't just a poof magic just because we imagine it it's out there that future self is out there now and the things when you think about it well if they've walked that path now it's that future you over there they know the way so maybe maybe instead of asking like I did what should I do because that's what I did what should I do and I couldn't find it because I wanted something maybe I could have asked I did in the end what would that version of me over there living that life of fulfillment a path of passion what would that version of me do next the next foot the next step as it were now how you gonna find out I've already told you that future version of you is really inside but we just haven't connected yet notice the word yet so here's the thing I do say that a lot don't I here's the thing but I do and you know what I'm gonna say it even more because I'd like to say it here's the thing because I'm what I want you to do now is play even more I want to because I love doing these things create a purpose and a process a real process to help you because I think it just works so if it's okay because this is where I want you to find the answers because you don't have to be like me being totally lost just a little bit even even if you know where you're going you can check up with this future self of yours to find even more because a lot of yours is very conscious we want it unconscious aligned and the only way to do that I think is you have to feel it first you might think you're intelligent enough to imagine and think about it consciously what you want but you're not nor am I by the way nobody is but once you start giving information to your unconscious mind with emotion then your unconscious mind gets it and now we can go backwards and forwards with that future self so play play with me find a a wonderful place that you can just be undisturbed for a moment or two well maybe a little bit longer where you can just let yourself go into this little bit of hypnosis maybe there's a guided visualization maybe it's like a meditation whichever you want to call it that'll be what it is but find a place where you'll be undisturbed yeah because I want you to close your eyes to take away all the distractions and where you can truly focus inside that's where we said it was you don't have to look on the outside you're looking on the inside so if that's okay if it isn't by the way either just listen to this gently not too much to get an idea of the process but ideally just bookmark this point and then come back to it okay so you can really devote focused awareness on yourself give yourself permission to spend time on you because you're the only person who can give yourself that permission okay and when you do that finding that comfortable place where you'll be as I say undisturbed remember this is hypnosis I'm a therapist but not your therapist but we're only looking now to your future self and guidance so just take a wonderful deep breath hold it for a second or two and as you breathe out just allow your eyes to close yeah just allow your eyes to close there you go and breathe gently in making every in-breath more gentle than the one before and then with every out-breath allow yourself to be gently pulled inside to that wonderful place of comfort and as you do that that comfort can grow you could even wonder to yourself right now ask yourself the question what would it be like to be three times more comfortable than you are right now and feel that comfort now feel it going through every cell of your body as you breathe easily and effortlessly where you and your unconscious mind can get closer and closer now just let go let go of trying to figure out anything at the moment no thinking no thinking whatsoever just enjoy the just feeling that's right we're just gonna feel and imagine that you are already living your best life yeah if you take that future self back into you right now living your full wonderful best life not the details just feeling imagine how that would feel living your best life just get that quiet sense of it yeah just notice that allow it to maybe grow a little bit more intense so you could really feel it how does it feel in your body maybe just notice where do you feel it in your body it might be all over it might be in that special place where you just feel this living your best life maybe you could describe it to yourself how does it feel is it warm does it have a sense of ease maybe because you're living this fulfilled life there's a certainty now what does that feel like maybe there's a curiosity an excitement I get together don't they because this feeling is your direction and that's the thing that's the thing that I discovered we're not looking for a thing we're looking for a direction a direction that will lead us into a wonderful adventure of purpose a passion curiosity and excitement and that certainty and as you tune into that feeling just the feeling give it permission allow that feeling to grow just a little bit that's right just a little bit really allow your mind to get in tune your conscious mind and your unconscious mind to get in tune with this feeling and as it grows maybe you could just ask gently if this is who I am what's the next small step I would take right now and there's no need to force an answer just notice what comes up listen with all your senses because your answers come in many many ways they may be visual they may be a word it might be tiny or it might be so obvious to you it might even surprise you as I say it comes in many different ways so just listen and notice this is how the path begins not all at once it's all about one step just taking one small step one step from that feeling really allow that feeling to grow and get your unconscious mind I'll ask your unconscious mind to learn from this to allow you to give you the intuition of the next small step and the next small step after that to look for opportunities to create this wonderful filled life the direction and as you learn consciously and unconsciously because you could bring this awareness into your reality in a minute but not just yet because just maybe consider this you don't need to have the whole plan you don't need the five-year vision the ten-year vision or even the perfect map because your future self doesn't hand you the whole journey just nudges you just a little bit one step at a time remember this path is not a thing it's a direction and it's a direction to that's right it's an adventure and it's yours all from a feeling not a formula and as you think of that there's something I want you to consider one more time if you've ever been afraid of losing yourself as I did and unsure how to step into the new one maybe this is the bridge you don't have to jump and just allow that to resonate within you integrate within you and allow your unconscious mind to find the resources to feed you those steps along the way so you can enjoy every step and as you do that take a wonderful in breath and open your eyes and feel absolutely wonderful there you go that's how we do it I hope you enjoyed that because it is a direction and that's the bit that got me because as I say I was looking for things to replace the things I'd stopped doing and I thought my identity was about the doing but they're just behaviors it's the being and then finding that path allow that path to come to you as you just follow that direction and I'm gonna be doing deeper work on this because as I'm doing deeper work on myself on this because I think it's so important and it's so sometimes to me it's ambiguous it's vague and sometimes we want something that we really firmly hold on to but it's just not there to hold on to because it's not a thing but as you walk that path bit by bit step by step I believe it all unfolds the beauty of life unfolds for you because then you start to create it this creating your reality by having the feeling it's a bit like having the feeling of the wish fulfilled when you look at goals try them on feel it you get that direction to the feeling isn't it yeah so maybe if you just ask yourself the way I did have you really lost your way because I was thinking at the time I've lost my way I don't know but then I thought no I haven't I've just been looking in the wrong direction for the wrong things because I say because your path isn't something you find it's something you feel it's something you tread and then you follow it pace by pace step by step you might even say you might drive it driving that bus because ultimately you do drive the bus the metaphor keeps coming you drive the bus you're in charge you're responsible I'm here to give you a little guide and maybe I'll give you a little nudge down again you know searching because he for me it for the things I was giving away stop doing looking looking for things to do I suddenly found that actually I just need to reconnect with what I called my North Star I know other people call it North Stars as well I think everyone does do they I don't know but it's my North Star and I was searching for things to do and they're not there as I say it's a direction of being so you drive your bus I'll drive mine maybe we'll meet up on holiday if you could it would be wonderful I think as part of this path this direction you take to share this type of things with other people share your path verbally not all of it because it's a lot of it might be personal and you're working through but other people can help you as well but as you express it outside it allows you to be clearer or understand where you're not clear and you can do more personal work and if it's not clear you can always email me feedback at personal development unplug calm and we can work on this together just as I'm working with you sharing the things that I'm experiencing now and this is where I want to take the personal development unplug podcast to real to real stuff not just picking the clickbait stuff I know the title is a bit click baity but you have to have that I think but I just want you to yeah if you can share it subscribe and all that stuff but just live your path think about it take a few moments to sit quietly and you go what did I hear what did I learn you know we're not pushing stuff away we're just being open now so there you go I hope you enjoyed that please share as I say subscribe and all the stuff that everyone says you to tell to tell if you would it would be great but this is just me Paul your mate Cluffy to sharing some of my journey my adventure and trying to put it into processes the things that I learned and I know every episode is not going to be the one that this is it every time but I know there'll be some golden nuggets and hope just to give you that little nudge to think so if there's any subjects by the way anything that you would like me to explore I have to try them on first and see what we can find come up with processes or even the processes that I already know we can express them and do them together and we're going to keep changing we're going to become not only that future self quicker bigger better brighter but we're going to develop it even more so we can have more passion than we can stand more fun than we can stand and you know what we can also feel happy for no reason so on that note I'll see you next time I'll be in your ears have more fun than you can stand go fly personal development unplugged  Transcribed by TurboScribe. Go Unlimited   Personal development [self improvement] [self development] [NLP] [Hypnosis]

I've Lost My Way… … Or Have I? Have you ever felt that? Like something's changed… And the things that used to light you up… just don't anymore? And now there's this space… A bit of a void… And if you're honest… You're not quite sure what fills it. Here's the thing… I've been there too. And it feels a bit like losing something… Maybe even losing a part of yourself. So you start looking for a new direction… A new purpose… A new "North Star"… But the more you look… The less you seem to find. So what if we're looking in the wrong way? What if the answer isn't something you have to go out and find… But something you can begin to feel? In this episode, just for a moment… We start there. Not with answers… Not with plans… But with a feeling. Because maybe… just maybe… That feeling already knows the way. The Next Step In the longer episode, we're going deeper… We'll explore how to connect with that future version of you… And how it can begin to guide your next steps — naturally. There'll be processes… Maybe a little hypnosis… And definitely a few "aha" moments. So if this sparked something… Stay with me. Share the Seed Know someone who feels a bit lost right now? Share this with them. https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/fmq532-ive-lost-my-way/ This might be their starting point. Shine Brightly 🌟 Paul Hey there! I'd love to hear from you—questions, feedback, requests—all welcome. Drop me a line or leave a comment. If you've enjoyed this episode or any other, please share and subscribe! You can reach me at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Podcast Ready to subscribe? Click here to explore your options. Or, if you're on Apple Music or iTunes, you can go straight to subscribe or leave a review here. Special Programs for You For tools on developing Supreme Inner Confidence, finding Freedom from Anxiety, or specialized Hypnosis Tracks, visit PaulCloughOnline.com. Free Hypnosis Tracks Want access to my FREE hypnosis tracks? Head over to paulcloughonline.com/podcast. Connect with Me Follow me on Twitter: @pcloughie Remember: I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. This podcast and any of my online resources are for educational purposes only. Never use the hypnosis tracks or exercises if you're operating machinery, driving, or if you have epilepsy or psychiatric conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure. Find Us on Other Platforms Catch the podcast on Spotify, Castbox, iHeart Radio, YouTube, or on our Libsyn page. Stay tuned, and keep shining brightly. ✨ Music Credits Music by Wataboi from Pixabay, Music by DreamHeaven from Pixabay, Music by ccjmusic from Pixabay, Music by freegroove from Pixabay, Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by will |Marshall from will marshall. And the transcript WARNING if you're a lover of the written word this may make you frustrated, or angry - you have been warned - is it an 'ism       Welcome to the five-minute quickie, which, as you know, isn't a five-minute quickie. It's going to last a little bit longer, not too long, but I want to sow another seed into your mind. Just another one.   And from the title, I've lost my way. Now, have you ever wanted to change direction in your life? Have you ever felt boxed in? Maybe even helpless, I don't know. Helpless with which way to go, which way to find fulfilment? Have you been looking for fulfilment and can't get it? Me too.   And personally, me too, because over the last few months, I did mention it slightly in the last episode, I've been looking for a new way. Call it my North Star. Well, I think everyone calls it a North, do they? Call it a North Star, but a new direction because things in my life have been changing.   And when things change in a way that sometimes you let things go to move on to new things, but where the bloody hell are what are those new things? Because I couldn't find them. And when I got to this place where I couldn't find the things to fill that void, it was like grief. I'd lost something.   I'd lost part of my old me, my identity, as it were. And have you ever had that? I think we've all experienced grief. But have you felt it personally, about a direction in life, maybe? Imagine it, that void.   It's really weird, isn't it? Because you can talk to yourself about, yeah, I'm going to do this, do that. But it just doesn't feel the same, does it? It just doesn't feel that there's anything there. Like an emptiness.   Or is that just me speaking? That might be a little bit too personal. No, it isn't too personal. I want to share my journey, my adventure, but also want to put it in a way that I think we've all felt that need of a direction change.   Sometimes it's in your career. Sometimes it's in a relationship. Sometimes, like with me, it's just the way and the things I want to start doing in my life.   Now, the thing is, would you like to know a way that fixes all of that? A way to find purpose? A way to, well, maybe just re-find purpose. If you're like myself, I had my purpose. I had my mission in life.   I thought I knew the direction I was going, and I was living it, and now I've changed direction. Or I'm looking for that new direction. You could say looking for the continuation of life's path towards that best version of myself.   Heavy stuff, eh? Heavy stuff. But it's not going to be heavy, because this is the seed to get you just thinking for the moment what it might be like. And then, on the longer episode to follow this, we're going to have some processes, more deeper thoughts to get your unconscious and conscious mind aligned to this, to find this new way.   And there may even be a little bit of hypnosis in there. You never know. But I want you to just think, because this is a primer.   I want you to just think for a moment, and if you want to, even in this short 5-10 minute quickie, if it's safe to do so, just close your eyes for a moment, and imagine if you were to let go of that feeling, of feeling boxed in maybe, or feeling helpless, or not knowing where to find fulfilment, your path, your passion. If you could let that all go, and you knew you were on the right path to fulfilment, following your purpose, living your best life, being your best self, without seeing any of that, what would it feel like? Just imagine it now, because you can. Imagine the feeling of what it would feel like to live your best life, following your purpose, the reason for being on little old planet earth, making a difference to you, personally, to your friends and family, the people around you.   And again, the ripples of change go so far. Little old planet earth gets a little bit better. Just feel it for a moment, because I think you can, and in that longer episode to follow, this feeling will grow by the way.   You might even find, if you did this for maybe a minute, just a minute, every day in between this episode and the longer deeper dive, that feeling starts to show you different things in life. Maybe you start to see the world just a little bit different before we dive deeper into it and make wonderful changes. You see, because in that next episode, we're going to go to somewhere pretty fascinating, I think.   We're going to find new stuff. And the thing is, when we do look at the ways to change in this wonderful way, one thing I can assure you, that not only will your life forever be changed in a wonderful way, but the ripples of that change will go so far and wide. You will not know how far and wide they'll go, but they will.   They'll affect the people in your life. Maybe the different people in your work, your career, your relationships, all those new people you're going to find along the way when you're on this path. If you haven't opened your eyes just yet, you can, because we're thinking now.   Just imagine doing this for one minute every day. Just imagine what it would just feel like. I don't want you to see anything.   Just feel it. The seeing comes in the deeper podcast, the deeper dive, where we really explore something, as I say, really fascinating, really interesting, and make changes. Changes at the conscious and changes at the unconscious level.   So when you become aligned with your path, the reason for being on this world, life will be absolutely wonderful. And that feeling of fulfilment will just start to grow and grow. And you will make those changes yourself.   As I say, you're driving the bus. I'm just, you know, maybe steering the wheel just a little bit. Just a little bit, but you're driving it.   Okay. If that has excited you, just a little bit, just a little bit. Come with me on that deeper dive in the next longer podcast.   And it won't be I've lost my way. Maybe the answer is this is the way to find the way. I don't know.   I don't know what the title is going to be yet. We'll see what happens. But there'll be some processes, maybe a bit of hypnosis, as I say.   Please join me. By the way, press subscribe on that little player of choice, because when you do that, you won't have to think when the next one's coming up. You go, oh, there it is.   Let's find some time and find a little bit of space where maybe I can just listen to this and disappear somewhere and make some wonderful changes. And just in case, share it with a friend so they can find their path too. Because they might not tell you.   You can say to them, hey, how you doing? They go, yeah, fine. But maybe they do feel boxed in. Maybe they do feel helpless.   Maybe they want to grow and find fulfilment, but they haven't told you. And this could be their seed too. Anyway, my friend, it's time to fly.   I'll see you on the next longer, deeper dive. So before you leave this unplugged mind of mine, this hypnotic mind, if you enjoyed this podcast or any of the other podcasts, please do subscribe. It helps this podcast grow and affect so many more people.   And we love to leave everyone in a better place than we found them. And this will help, help the podcast. It will help you and it will help, well, everyone that you know.   So if you could just subscribe and share, share this podcast to everyone you blooming well know. That's the only cost. Pay it forward to everyone.   And when you do that, boom, we are all going to make a difference to this little old planet Earth of ours and the people in it. But let's make a a nice world. Okay.   Okay. You can now prepare to leave this unplugged mind. Warning.   You are now leaving the unplugged mind of Paul Clough. It's time to fly. Be brave, my friend.   Personal development unplugged. Transcribed by TurboScribe. Go Unlimited     Personal development [self improvement] [self development] [NLP] [Hypnosis]

The Missing Part Of Success Why Thinking Isn't Enough (And What Actually Works) The Bit Everyone Misses You've done the work. You've read the books. You've said the affirmations. You've visualised success over and over again. "I've got this." "I'm a winner." And yet… nothing really changes. Sound familiar? That's because mindset alone isn't enough. In this episode, we uncover the missing part of success — the part that turns thinking into doing, and knowing into being. It's Not Just Mindset Yes, mindset matters. But it's only half the story. Because if your body isn't aligned with what you're thinking… Your results won't align either. You can't: Think confidence while your body shows doubt Say "I'm relaxed" while holding tension Speak powerfully while shrinking physically Your mind and body are always working together. Always. 💡 The Mind-Body Connection (Made Practical) This isn't theory — it's something you can feel. In this episode, you'll: Discover how successful people embody success Learn to recognise the physiology of confidence and competence Experience how small physical shifts change your internal state instantly Because success isn't just something you think… It's something you become. The Key Shift: From Thinking → Being Forget "fake it till you make it". That's not alignment — that's conflict. Instead, this episode guides you to: Step into the version of you who already has it Align your posture, breathing, and movement Create congruence between your thoughts and your body When that happens… Things don't feel forced anymore. They click. The Process (Experiential) This isn't just listening — it's doing. You'll be guided to: Identify a meaningful goal Visualise someone who already embodies it Notice their physiology (movement, breath, presence) Step into your own version of that state Allow your body to lead your mind into alignment Simple. Powerful. Effective. The Ripple Effect When you align like this: Confidence becomes natural Anxiety fades into the background You act from who you really are And more than that… You become an example. Not by trying — but by being. And that changes everything around you. A Deeper Reflection If you're not stepping into this… What are you holding onto? What are you afraid of losing? Because sometimes the only thing in the way… is the old version of you. 🧭 Final Thought You already have everything you need. This isn't about becoming someone new. It's about uncovering what's already there and aligning it. Mind and body. Together. Calls to Action Subscribe and follow the podcast Share this episode with someone who needs it: https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/480-the-missing-part-of-success/ There's even a bonky video of it all (I do my best) https://youtu.be/skoK-08oe1E Email your thoughts: [email protected] Explore more tools and hypnosis resources Shine Brightly 🌟 Paul Hey there! I'd love to hear from you—questions, feedback, requests—all welcome. Drop me a line or leave a comment. If you've enjoyed this episode or any other, please share and subscribe! You can reach me at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Podcast Ready to subscribe? Click here to explore your options. Or, if you're on Apple Music or iTunes, you can go straight to subscribe or leave a review here. Special Programs for You For tools on developing Supreme Inner Confidence, finding Freedom from Anxiety, or specialized Hypnosis Tracks, visit PaulCloughOnline.com. Free Hypnosis Tracks Want access to my FREE hypnosis tracks? Head over to paulcloughonline.com/podcast. Connect with Me Follow me on Twitter: @pcloughie Remember: I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. This podcast and any of my online resources are for educational purposes only. Never use the hypnosis tracks or exercises if you're operating machinery, driving, or if you have epilepsy or psychiatric conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure. Find Us on Other Platforms Catch the podcast on Spotify, Castbox, iHeart Radio, YouTube, or on our Libsyn page. Stay tuned, and keep shining brightly. ✨ Music Credits Music by Wataboi from Pixabay, Music by DreamHeaven from Pixabay, Music by ccjmusic from Pixabay, Music by freegroove from Pixabay, Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by will |Marshall from will marshall. And the transcript WARNING if you're a lover of the written word this may make you frustrated, or angry - you have been warned - is it an 'ism Welcome to this longer podcast and the missing part, the missing part of success. Why thinking isn't enough.   You see, you can say things like, I'm a winner. I'm a winner. I got this.   I got this. I got this all day long. I can do this.   And if you say it loud enough, and long enough, then maybe it'll come true. But the thing is, it's not just what you keep saying. They just don't fall into place.   Because there's a reason for this. It really is. So maybe it'll come true.   Maybe it won't. But here's the thing. What if I told you this? That's literally only half of the story.   We call that part the winning mindset. And some people will just say, the winning mindset is all you need. So over and over again, long enough, loud enough, and you'll get there.   No, that's not really the case, is it? It's only half the story. You see, have you ever noticed this? You know exactly what to do. You've read all the books, you've dived deep, you've read everything.   You've seen all the blooming videos. You've got it all. You've got it all inside here.   You say those affirmations, I got this, I'm a winner, everything else. And you visualize the goals. In fact, you can do this over and over again, because you've got the t-shirt, you've got the multi-vision t-shirt with all the visualizations and everything.   But nothing really changes, does it? You had that experience? You know, you maybe sit there and go, well, what's happening? I really put everything in to learn this stuff. And it's just not going on. You know, could you remember what that feels like? What does it feel like in your body? Isn't it sometimes like a little bit of a void and there's a little bit of sadness, maybe a little bit of grief and sometimes guilt, because you've spent so much time on it and it's just not showing and giving the fruits, bearing fruit.   Now, what tends to happen then is you drift back. You're drifting back into the old way. And you see, there's a really good reason, not an excuse, there is a reason for this.   You know, and you might even say, come on, Cluffy, why is that? Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me. You see, because up here, that's where you've got the psychology of success, that winning mindset. But you see, something is missing.   And you know what it is? It's down here, down here, down here in the body. That's the other side. It's all about mind-body connection.   Think about it. The mind-body connection. And you can't really have one without the other.   Think about it now. Everyone talks about mind-body connection, but you can't have a mind without the body. It comes together, don't they? You can't have a body that doesn't reflect what your mind is thinking.   You know, you can say, I'm happy, I'm happy, I'm happy and happy. But your body, if you're not happy, your body doesn't reflect that and you're just walking around. You know, you can walk around in a slump, being depressed and you've got that physiology of depression or anxiety and you're all tight.   And you can say, oh, I'm so relaxed, I'm so relaxed. That ain't happening, is it? Because the mind and the body work together. And that's always.   Now, you don't normally get an always because people say, oh, it's too general. You can't have generalizations, but you can here because it's always the mind-body work together. You see, if you say, I've got this, but your body's not quite sure, guess which one wins? And it's the other way around too.   If your body's there and your mind isn't there, you still won't get it because they're not separated. And that's where we want to go. See, most people, I have to say this, most people miss this.   Play with me for a minute, play with me. This is what I want you to do. Now, you might want to just think about it, visualize it with open eyes because you can do that because that's what's called daydreaming, isn't it? But if you want to close your eyes and it's safe to do so, you might want to get a little bit more focused because it just takes away the distractions.   So if it's safe to do so, you can close your eyes. It's not hypnosis, not yet, but this is what I want you to do. Let's just play for a minute.   Think about somebody, someone who has what you want. Let's take a moment and keep it simple. Keep it simple.   Just something that you want. Maybe they have, I don't know, confidence. Maybe they have the success in a particular area.   Not general because we're going to be a bit more specific than that, but it's an area of your life that you would like to have, but they have it, what you want. So maybe they have that confidence, they maybe have the success. Maybe they're just at ease with what they're doing.   It just seems that they just do it so naturally. Now, remember, you're seeing the result of probably years of practice. But it's because of that practice, it's become that easy for them.   Now, just take a moment. See it in your mind's eye. See them in your mind's eye.   As if they're over there, just below you. I love it. Just below you and in front of you, so you can look down upon them and at them.   And just notice this, if you would. Notice how they move. How are they moving? Just notice everything about that.   Do they have a strength about their walk or their movement or is it fluidity? How are they standing? How are they standing? Because in a mind-body, this is just, they're together, they're aligned, aren't they? Their non-verbal communication is there because they are aligned. You know there's no doubt in this. How do they stand? And when they're moving or just standing still, notice if you could just focus in now, if you could just focus in a little bit more, how do they breathe? Are they breathing at the top of their chest? Are they breathing in the middle or are they really got that slow breath? Because in different ways of being, sometimes we do have to breathe a little bit higher up in the chest.   Sometimes we're visualizing stuff and we're thinking that way and it gets a little bit more excitable maybe. But maybe other times when they feel at ease, they've got that slow breath because they're not just thinking about success. No, they're not.   They're not just thinking about how confident they are or how at ease they are. They're not at all. They're embodying it.   100% aligned, congruent. They are it. Mind, body, everything.   And you see that what you see there, that's the physiology of success. And you've seen it before. You've seen how other confident people or people at ease just move.   They are confident in their competence. We've talked about this before. They're not overconfident.   They give an appearance that they're confident, but they're confident not outwardly but inwardly. They're confident about their competence. They just know.   It's as if they just glide through life that way. And that's the physiology of success, as I said. And it's the whole system, by the way.   It's not just one or the other. It is the movement, the breathing. Maybe there's a tone of voice.   It's the energy that they're using and give out. It's all of that. Yeah.   And it all lines up, doesn't it? It all lines up. It's one line. It's congruent.   It's alignment in its best way, because that's what it is. And when it lines up, you're not faking it. You're being it.   Because that's the thing. We've talked about fake it till you make it. I've said it so many times that I hate the bloody saying, because in the title it's got faking.   And when you're faking something, this, the mind, and this, the body, is not lined up. And you can see it. You can see it in their nonverbal communications, the way they move their body.   It's not, you know, the voice and the words don't match the physiology. That's faking it. But this isn't.   It all lines up. It's being it. Being the person.   So, if you open your eyes, by the way, or if you close your eyes, you can open again, because we're going to close them again. Because I want to do a little process with you. I want you to, let's call it, step into the physiology of success.   Because we don't always do this. We always try to get our mind and the voice and everything else together. But I want you to step into the physiology of success.   So, let's take a moment. And again, if it's safe to do so, I'd love you to close your eyes. If it isn't, I think sometimes it might be best just to pause and come back to this.   Or just listen to it and make sure you want to come back to it. Because even just listening to it does give you an idea of what we're going to be doing. So, you're prepared.   But I want to make sure that you don't just listen and then not do it. Because that'd be a waste of bloody time. Waste of time.   So, if you want to listen to it, make sure you put a time when you're going to do it and make it like a timestamp on this, where you're going to come back to. But if it's okay, and it's safe to do so, this is a time where you're going to be undisturbed. Just for a few moments, just minutes.   Undisturbed and it's safe to do so. I'd love you just to close your eyes. Is that okay? That you just close your eyes.   And as you close your eyes, I'd love you to take a gentle in-breath. That's right. Just gently breathe in and then breathe out.   Just notice you can feel so relaxed as you breathe out. It's as if you're being pulled inside. And you can just ask yourself, what would it be like if I was twice as comfortable as I feel right now? What would that be like to feel that now? And allow that to go through every cell of and fibre of your whole being.   And I want you to begin to bring to mind, think of something that you want to succeed in. Now, I want to just point this out now. Make sure it's something that's going to be meaningful to you.   This is not an experiment where you go, well, I'll do it on this first and then I'll do it on the meaningful stuff. Because if you do it on the stuff that isn't meaningful, what's the point? But make it a simple thing. Let's just go through the process easily and effortlessly.   But pick something that is meaningful to you. A goal. A desire.   Something that you want to succeed in. And as you bring that to mind, imagine this. You've already got it.   You've done all the work. You've done all the work and you've got it. Not someday in the future.   I don't know. You've got it right now. And as you do that, and you just imagine you've got it right now.   Where are you? Look around. What's around you? What is this environment you're in? And as you notice this environment you're in, more importantly, notice you. You're here.   How are you standing? How are you standing? Feel the muscles. Feel the balance. Feel how strong, strong, rooted, grounded you can feel now.   Even if you're moving, you can feel that stability. There, feel it now. How are you breathing now? How are you breathing when you have this success right now? This thing that is meaningful to you, the thing that you really desire, this goal.   You've got it now. How are you breathing? That's right. Just notice that.   And what's the expression on your face? Is it a focus expression? Is it smiling? Or is it just a loose, relaxed way of being? Have you got it? If you could see it, a sparkle in your eye. This is an eyes. That's right.   Can you feel the softness or tension in your cheeks? Yeah. And your shoulders. How are they? How are those shoulders? At ease, or are they a little tense? Sometimes we need to be, just have that little bit of tension, and sometimes we just have total comfort, relaxation.   But this is your dream, your goal. You've got it now. So how is it for you? And how do you move your head? How do you move your head? You can be aware of things going on.   So you might be focused, looking directly ahead of you. Or maybe you're taking different things in as you're looking at different people, being connected, if that's what's important to you. And as you do this, I want you to notice something different.   I want you to notice this particular thing, because it's really important now. And this thing that's really important is, this is you, acting as if. Now.   That's it, this is you. This is the way you would act, having achieved that goal, that desire, that thing that you want to succeed in, that's so meaningful to you. Very gently, now, allow your body to just begin to match this version of you.   That's right, allow your body right now to match this version of you. Maybe your spine, your back just shifts a little bit. That's right.   Maybe your breathing deepens just a little bit. Your face maybe softens or becomes more certain. Feel it now, allow it to happen now.   Just tiny adjustments, we're not forcing it, we're allowing it. Just allow it to happen, as you just fit into this body. That's right.   And notice, as you do this, what happens inside. Take a moment, there's no rush. Just notice what happens inside, right now.   Because when your body changes, the mind follows. And when the mind and body align, that's where things just click into place. So just take that all in.   All in, get your unconscious mind, I want your unconscious mind to take that all in too, at an even deeper level, a more specific level. Notice all the changes of what it's like to have this goal, this desire, the thing that's important to you, that you wish to succeed in. Have it all at the unconscious level, so you can bring that back when you're ready.   And just wonder, as you can begin to take a in-breath, you can begin to wonder how this will affect all other areas of your life. Yeah, all other areas. And the thing is, this isn't about pretending.   It's not fake it until you make it. Because you're not faking it. Because you know when you're faking it, don't you? And this feels so much different.   So open your eyes and notice. This is all about becoming aligned, isn't it? Aligned with who you really are. And that's the thing.   Who you really are. That's all you have to think of now, is who you really are. At your best.   Succeeding at the things that are important to you. Because when they're important to you, you've got the motivation anyway. It's just putting the pieces of the puzzle, the mind and the body together.   We call it becoming congruent. Your mind and body totally align to you at being your best. And you can do this for everything, can't you? Anything and everything.   And it isn't a version of you you have to create. That's the thing. Because it's what you uncover.   You've got all these resources inside you. You're just putting them together so you're uncovering it. And it's been here all the time.   We forget it sometimes. Because we've got it all the time. And the real thing when you think about it now, and I want you just to think about this.   When you were feeling it, and thinking of how it affects all other areas of your life, and specifically the goal itself, the desire, just notice how comfortable you are. How safe you are. How the confidence in your competence just lets any anxiety, fear, just evaporate, disappear.   Because this is a much safer way of being. You're aware, you're acting to your true potential. And when you act to your true potential, this is it.   And you're growing. Yeah. And if you think, if you go back to FMQ 530, there's something to think about here.   If you don't step into this, what are you holding back from? What are you thinking of losing? The old ways, the old way of being. Because it was just an old way of being. That old version of you, which is now discarded.   Because maybe this is, if this is something that you can't quite get, you have to think about what you're afraid of losing. And we went into that deeply on the longer podcast as well, linked to FMQ 530. But now, just, you can even remember that feeling now, can't you? Just, ah, I can feel it.   You see, you know, you've got all the pieces. You've got them all. You've got the pieces of the puzzle.   We've now just shown you the picture. And it's just about putting them together, slowly, easily, comfortably. Just putting them together, driving your bus.   I mean, you do drive your bus. This is the metaphor I like to use. I didn't make it up, by the way.   I think it was made up by Richard Bandler. I don't even know that. The NLP guru man.   Guru? No, he's not a guru. He is a genius of NLP. But you drive the bus.   I'm just helping to guide you, just maybe moving the steering wheel, or tell you what gear to go into. Because you've got it all together. I'm just here trying to shine a light on the bits you're missing, or you haven't noticed.   I'd love you to share, I love you anyway, but I'd love you to share this with somebody, because it'll make a difference to them. And guess what? Was that complicated? It wasn't complicated at all. Because in simplicity, there's genius.   And it's just about shining the light on the things sometimes that we're not seeing. Bringing the spotlight into your wonderful skills that you have, the resources you have. They're all there.   We just weren't accessing them. And now, when you put that goal in mind now, you've got a direction. You've got a direction.   It's not a thing, it's a direction, a path you're following. And when you have this mind-body connection, you'll adapt, you'll evolve, moving towards that ultimate vision of yourself. But if you would share this with your best friend, or anybody basically, anybody, because we can all do with this type of insight, to realise that we have it, we have it all already.   We don't have to go somewhere to find ourselves, because wherever you go, you're already here. You just look inside for the resources you've already got. Get those positive beliefs, get those skills and resources.   Because you see, if there's anything about this that has sprung up into your mind, going, yeah, well, but let me know, email me, feedback at personaldevelopmentunplugged.com. Because there's might be that little thing, as we said, you know, things holding you back, things you're frightened of losing. And we'll do a deeper dive on that too. Because it's important to me that you are able to be your best self, your ultimate vision, or move towards your ultimate vision of yourself, because that will always keep changing.   We can always be a little bit better, but as long as we're having fun doing it. Because the thing about having fun, is what I want you and your unconscious mind, is to have more fun than you can stand. And I'd like to speak to your unconscious mind just for one second, well, maybe five.   I'd like you, the unconscious mind, to surprise them. Surprise them to feel happy for no reason. There you go, my friend.   Oh, press subscribe, by the way. Yeah, why not do that before you fly, because it's time to fly. See you next time.   Ta-ra.  Transcribed by TurboScribe. Go Unlimited   Personal development [self improvement] [self development] [NLP] [Hypnosis]

The Missing Part Of Success The Seed of Success Most People Miss We hear it all the time… "Think positive." "Have the right mindset." "Say your affirmations." And yes… that's part of it. But what if that's only half the equation? In this Five Minute Quickie, we uncover the missing piece of success — the part hardly anyone talks about, yet it changes everything. > It's Not Just Psychology… It's Physiology You can have: The perfect plan The right words The strongest mindset …but if your body isn't aligned? It won't land. Success isn't just in your thoughts — it's in: The way you move The way you breathe Your tone of voice Your energy It's how you show up Because the truth is… You can't separate the mind and the body. They work together — always. Acting "As If" — The Real Way This isn't about faking it till you make it. That's… well… fake. This is about: Becoming aligned Being congruent Acting as the real you When your psychology + physiology match… That's when things click. Same words. Different energy. Completely different results. Where This Shows Up in Your Life Career: People feel your certainty (or your doubt) Relationships: It's not what you say — it's how you say it Confidence: It's embodied, not just thought about When it's all aligned… You don't try to be convincing You are convincing The Ripple Effect Here's the bigger picture… When you step into this aligned way of being: You stop forcing things You become the example You inspire others — naturally No effort. No pretending. Just being. And that's where real change spreads. What's Next? In the Deeper Dive, we go beyond the "what"… Into the HOW How to align your psychology and physiology How to become the real you (not a fake version) Because that's where everything changes. Ready to Go Deeper? If this sparked something in you… Subscribe so you don't miss the deep dive Share this with someone who needs that missing piece Pay it forward — let's create that ripple And if you want more…  Visit the hypnosis tracks and resources Remember: Success isn't just in your head It's in your whole being Align it… and watch what happens. Please Share with a friend https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/fmq-531-the-missing-part-of-success Shine Brightly 🌟 Paul Hey there! I'd love to hear from you—questions, feedback, requests—all welcome. Drop me a line or leave a comment. If you've enjoyed this episode or any other, please share and subscribe! You can reach me at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Podcast Ready to subscribe? Click here to explore your options. Or, if you're on Apple Music or iTunes, you can go straight to subscribe or leave a review here. Special Programs for You For tools on developing Supreme Inner Confidence, finding Freedom from Anxiety, or specialized Hypnosis Tracks, visit PaulCloughOnline.com. Free Hypnosis Tracks Want access to my FREE hypnosis tracks? Head over to paulcloughonline.com/podcast. Connect with Me Follow me on Twitter: @pcloughie Remember: I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. This podcast and any of my online resources are for educational purposes only. Never use the hypnosis tracks or exercises if you're operating machinery, driving, or if you have epilepsy or psychiatric conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure. Find Us on Other Platforms Catch the podcast on Spotify, Castbox, iHeart Radio, YouTube, or on our Libsyn page. Stay tuned, and keep shining brightly. ✨ Music Credits Music by Wataboi from Pixabay, Music by DreamHeaven from Pixabay, Music by ccjmusic from Pixabay, Music by freegroove from Pixabay, Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay. Music by will |Marshall from will marshall. And the transcript WARNING if you're a lover of the written word this may make you frustrated, or angry - you have been warned - is it an 'ism Welcome, welcome to the FMQ, the seed, the seed of, in this case, the seed of success. We always have a longer podcast of diving deeper, but I want you to think of a few things.   All you have to do is, well, listen for a little bit, watch for a little bit, get your mind going, and see what intuitively comes up as being the right thing to do. So, the physiology of success. I'm a winner.   I'm a winner. I've got a winner's mindset. Do you know what? I say positive things over and over again.   I have a positive mantra, and do you know what? It gets louder and louder and louder and louder. I've got this. I've got this.   Oh, that's not the physiology of success, is it? That's the psychology of success. That's up in here, and you need it up here. Some people will say, you know, there's 10% of success is in the mind, but it's that special 10%, and they're not wrong.   They're not wrong, but you can't have one without the other. You can't have a mind without the body. You can't have a body without the mind.   You can't have all the things that make your mind fresh and alive without a body that's fresh and alive and acting in a particular way, and what I'm talking about is the physiology of success. If you think about it, or if you can remember the five keys to success, I talk about it loads of times. I've got it everywhere.   The fifth key is acting, acting as if with a psychology and a physiology of success. The two together, you can't have one without the other. Now, knowing that you need up here, it would be silly if you didn't have everything else, wouldn't it? You see, and I'm not talking about being physically fit, but you might need it for certain things.   If your goals, your dreams, and desires are one of being superbly fit, yeah, you're going to need your body. You're going to have to do all sorts of things. If you're mountain climbing or doing all that stuff, you're going to have to do that, but I'm not talking about the physically fit bit.   You have to be that anyway, and if you're in personal development, you are going to want that part of your body or part of you to be as best it can be, just as you want your brain to be the best it can be, so you can be integrated, aligned, congruent, all that stuff. That's what we do, but without a physiology of success. It's the way you move, the way you breathe, where your muscles just seem to act as if you're doing what you should be doing.   So, what I mean is, I guess what I mean is, if you could just think about doing something, you have it all up here, you've learnt what it's all about, but you've never actually done it, you'd have a bit of a problem, but if you can visualise it a little bit, visualise yourself and see yourself doing it, or watching somebody else do it and go, ah, I see how they move, how they balance, you're starting to get the physiology of success. You're beginning to act as if, and if you're going to succeed at anything in life, every goal, every dream, every desire, every different part of your life, when you've got it, you are acting as if you've got it, because you have, you're thinking you've got it, because you have, you're aligned, and you see, without it, without the two together, you're lost. So, you can do all the planning, you can do all the steps, but we need to get this physiology of success, acting as if, because as I say, this applies to everything.   It applies to things like your career, you know, if you're trying to be a salesman, or you're giving ideas, and you're motivating people, if you act like you're depressed, and you're cunched over, and you've got nothing about you, it ain't going to happen, is it? You might have the right words, but without the right, call it, some people call it body language, but that's not it, is it? It's that, that just a communication, nonverbal communication, where your nonverbals, your body, your movement, the sound of your voice, the way you breathe, the way you look, the intensity, as well as what the words mean, that's when you get it. Relationships, you can say to somebody, I love you, I love you, oh, you mean the most to me, or you can say, yeah, I love you, yeah, you mean the most to me, don't you? Yeah, same words, same bloody words, but they're not together, you have to put them all together. So, relationships, going out with your friends, socializing, everything that you want is aligned, and this is where we're going to go, how do we get the psychology and the physiology of success? Are we going to talk about physiology, because I think, I believe not many people talk about it, they talk about how you've got to think, how, what type of words, you know, the tactics, but they don't tell you how to put it all together, because when you put it all together, and you do it properly, you're not faking it until you make it, we've talked about that so many other times, you're not faking it, it's in the bloody title, faking, and when you're the real you, and they call it the authentic you, but the real you, you're not faking it, are you? You know, because you can't fake yourself, you know you're telling little fibs if you're not fully aligned, so we've got to get that physiology of success, truly aligned, being yourself, and how are we going to do that? Well, that's in the next Deeper Dive, you see, in the next Deeper Dive, we're going to explore something I think is really fascinating, I think you'll find it fascinating, it'll be so interesting, because it's not just the what, it's how, the bit that people miss out, and what happens when you do, and when you start, you know, changing yourself back into yourself as it were, your goals, your dreams, everything you want to create in life, the good life, the brilliant life, will start to come to you naturally, and the thing is, this is what I found out after a while, it's not just about you, I used to think it was just about you, you've got to get it, but when you're in this wonderful way of being, then you create changes in other people too, because you show them what's available to them, look at him, look at her, oh man, if she can have it, if he can have it, I can do it too, you become the example of what can be done, and that's without trying, you don't try to be the example, you just are, and the ripples of change go further and wider, so if you want to come into this little Deeper Dive of knowing how to be the real you, come with me, I'll see you next time on Deeper Dive.   So before you leave this unplugged mind of mine, this hypnotic mind, if you enjoyed this podcast or any of the other podcasts, please do subscribe, it helps this podcast grow and affect so many more people, and we love to leave everyone in a better place than we found them, and this will help, help the podcast, it will help you, and it will help well everyone that you know, so if you could just subscribe and share, share this podcast to everyone you blooming well know, that's the only cost, pay it forward to everyone, and when you do that, boom, we are all going to make a difference to this little old planet Earth of ours, and the people in it, but let's make a world, a good world, a nice world, okay, okay, you can now prepare to leave this unplugged mind. Warning, you are now leaving the unplugged mind of Paul Clough, it's time to fly and run     Personal development [self improvement] [self development] [NLP] [Hypnosis]

Listen to yourself It's Simple When You Do Another personal sharing that I hope inspires you to do the same or similar. Making things simple and taking the time to be aware of what your unconscious may be trying to tell you. This is also a forerunner to the longer podcast #241 A new way to Journal to take this simple act of listening and taking things deeper to find the deeper 'Stuff' (technical personal development term) which come out in a couple of weeks time I hope this teases you, in a good way. here's the link if you want to share this FMQ: https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/fmq-337-listen-to-yourself-its-simple-when-you-do Shine brightly Paul Please remember you can leave a comment or email me with questions, requests and feedback. If you have enjoyed this or any other episode please share and subscribe. Just email me [email protected] If you want to subscribe to the podcast (I know you do) click here to learn more Or simply click here to go straight to Apple Music / iTunes to subscribe OR leave a review Remember for my specially designed programs for developing Supreme Inner Confidence, Free Your Life of Anxiety and specialize Hypnosis tracks go to PaulCloughOnline.com If you want to access my FREE HYPNOSIS tracks go to paulcloughonline.com/podcast Follow and inter-react on twitter @pcloughie Why not look for me and the podcast on > SPOTIFY AND the app Castbox I'm also in iHeart radio YouTube - copy n paste UC3BlpN4voq8aAN7ePsIMt2Q into search bar The Libsyn podcast page http://personaldevelomentunplugged.libsyn.com Stitcher, tunein, learnoutloud, Google Play Music Here is your show on RadioPublic: Listen to Personal Development Unplugged on RadioPublic I'm a therapist but not your therapist The information with this website or online work, techniques and exercises provided within these free and paid products are for educational purposes only. Do not use the techniques or exercises contained within some of these free or paid products whilst driving or operating machinery, or if you suffer from epilepsy, clinical depression or any other nervous or psychiatric conditions. The information provided is not a substitute for proper medical advice. If in doubt, please consult your doctor or licensed medical practitioner. Any decision you make having received any of Paul Clough's free or paid products are your own and you remain wholly responsible for any decisions and actions you take.