Think on These Things

On the show today, I'm diving into the power of gratefulness—the simple answer to life's tough challenges. We're talking about the difference between people who preach and those who practice their message, and why integrity is your greatest asset. 

On the show today, I'm sharing the deeply personal story behind a surprise message I received last week from a former friend. It’s a powerful reflection on what happens when a friendship isn't fortified or true in test. We'll talk about a difficult call from last May, a failed attempt at reconciliation, and the final 'breakup text' that ultimately brought me an incredible gift: confidence, clarity, and assurance. Plus, we'll touch on the crisis of true friendship in our world today, and why every loss is a lesson when viewed through the lens of gratitude.#thinkonthesethings #clarity #confidence

On the show today, we explore the immense power of a "North Star" in helping you achieve your biggest professional and personal goals. I will share three of my major goals for the year 2026, and reveal the two individuals I’ve zeroed in on as North Stars in my life: trailblazing executive Michael Leach (First-ever White House Chief Inclusion Officer) and Leila Hormozi (Founder and CEO of Acquisition.com, who is scaling toward $1B).This episode includes notes on how to:Identify your own North Stars to eliminate guesswork and build a stronger gameplanUtilize North Stars to maintain focus and momentum toward your goalsHarness the regenerative force of gratitude to build positive momentum and "organic moments of exhilaration" in your lifeMichael Leach LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-leach-07334a15/ New Book ‘Faith Over Fear’: https://www.myfaithoverfear.com/ Leila Hormozi LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilahormozi/ Newsletter: https://leilahormozi.com/subscribe Visit Self Exploration Academywww.selfexploration.academy Visit The Academic Glossary @ SEAwww.theacademicglossary.com

On the show today, I share the full, personal story of joining a church community—only to be suddenly and unceremoniously exiled after questioning the pastor’s commitment to principle over political gain.From being presented as a "God-send" ministry leader to being cut off via an intermediary, hear the full account of the leader who thought they could play politics with the Gospel. I break down the ironies, the receipts, and why the "veneer of principle obfuscating the reality of politics" is all too common in today's church.If you’ve ever felt conflicted, disheartened, or ashamed because you've been rejected or mistreated by church leadership, this is for you. Plus, learn how to give thanks with your life, not just your lips, and why You Can't Block God.#thinkonthesethings #clarity #confidence

Happy Monday and Happy New Year (it's not too late to say that)!On today's episode, I want to reflect on a sort of loosely-formed goal from 2025 that ultimately was dead on arrival, and I want to explain why. Also, I want to do some light housekeeping in a segment I'm calling "How to Deal With Liars."#thinkonthesethings #clarity #confidence

A few months ago, I got on the show and announced that I’m launching a new min series called “This is War”. As I thought about it yesterday and today, it got a lot clearer. Welcome to the 92nd episode of the Think on These Things podcast.

I've been offline mostly for the last few days, and last week was The Week of Difficult Conversations. If I'm completely honest with you, life is pretty hard, but I'm going to tell you why I'm not crashing out.

The presence of disagreement is not equal to the absence of belonging. #thinkonthesethings #clarity #confidence

Somehow I've learned how challenges invite opportunities for wonder over worry. #thinkonthesethings #clarity #confidence

Challenges and trials come to make us stronger. They are a reminder to lean into the source of your strength—joy.#madeupmind #selfexploration #confidence #encouragement #positiveaffirmations

I want to talk today about something that is really (really, really) important. We all go through hardship. We all go through good times. We all go through bad times. We all go through happy and sad. But there is a marked difference between good and evil.Things that are good are very easy to define. Here's the cheat sheet: Is it of use? Is it of value? Is it holding potential?Key topics touched on today: The Importance of FriendshipsGood vs. EvilBPA 1:20Hate SpeechDavid "d4vd" + Celeste story (donation link for Celeste's family below)Charlie Kirk MemorialPrayers for Tom HollandHelp Lay Celeste Rivas Hernandez to Rest Here:https://gofund.me/724c60926

Happy Monday, and welcome to episode 86 of The Think on These Things podcast! Today's episode is going to be brief, but there are three things I want to talk about in today's episode:Manifestos; A Response to Death (particularly, the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk); and The Power of Friendship.Self Exploration Academy (Host-Founded)Join today and register for a course or download resources today at www.selfexploration.academy. The Book of Positive Affirmations (Host-Written)Purchase the Book of Positive Affirmations today https://a.co/d/cOFM3Zo Buy Me A CoffeeSupport my work (thank you for your generosity!) https://buymeacoffee.com/highaski KIRU Official Website — https://highaski.com Think on These Things on Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/5oZ1aIQ... Think on These Things on Apple — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Rest in Peace to Charlie Kirk.

Today, we're doing something that's NEVER been done before on the Think on These Things podcast – we're starting a miniseries, and the title of that series is inspired by a bunch of stuff that's been going on in both my personal life as well as in the world. And it perfectly encapsulates some of the things I want to talk about very specifically. The title of this miniseries "This is War".  During this miniseries, I will talk about a series of events that led me to write out what it is that I believe, including a formal presentation of The Sainthood Manifesto (from The Discipleship Manifesto). You're really gonna wanna hear what's inside that. Not shared in this episode is the research and commentary on the negative connotation often ascribed to manifestos, however, we will talk about some things happening in the world like with Sarah Jakes Roberts and the Woman Evolve conference, and the Cracker Barrel saga.The Sainthood Manifesto – https://highaski.com Self Exploration AcademyJoin today and register for a course or download resources today at www.selfexploration.academy. The Book of Positive AffirmationsPurchase the Book of Positive Affirmations today https://a.co/d/cOFM3Zo Buy Me A CoffeeSupport my work (thank you for your generosity!) https://buymeacoffee.com/highaski 

The Think on These Things podcast returns + Made Up Mind turns two. This episode is about the psychological phenomenon of parent-child estrangement, and how to navigate trauma + resentment.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU talks about the relationship between challenge and growth in our lives, and calls out the key element that determines our ability to leverage the challenges we face and make the most of them.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU reflects on the importance of willingness, and talks about its role in successfully building new habits and making the most of new year’s resolutions.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU sheds light on the essential elements in developing self-awareness and leading an intentional, purpose-driven life. They also share some important announcements for what’s ahead in 2024.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU exposes the utility of awareness when it comes to our weaknesses, how people in society are largely conditioned to neglect their individual weaknesses and how the challenges we face as individuals are often related to our own negligence.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU talks about the importance of perceiving and understanding personal strengths. They also share practical tips on creating space to reflect on the year behind and prepare for the year ahead.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU explains why it is important to value others—even when we disagree with them and even when we deeply despise their words or actions.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU breaks down what it takes to confidently make decisions that are aligned with our purpose as individuals.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU explores the utility of human life stories in depth. They share how ups and downs, and even regular moments can be used to further the construct of a meaningful life.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU provides context to the ways in which we perceive and define beauty within ourselves.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU sheds light on the role of self-awareness in purpose-driven living, as well as what is (and what is not) needed in order to know who we are.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU talks about how we can discover what we are capable of in life. They also illustrate the importance of our willingness in the process of achieving our goals and/or building momentum towards them.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU reveals how we discover and engage a willingness to move forward in life, even when enduring hardship, in the context of interpersonal relationships.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU speaks on the accessible and essential nature of the four quadrants of emotional intelligence, and how exercising the powers that are available to help us lead purpose-driven lives can produce and/perpetuate gratitude and success.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU explores the need for boundaries and why it is important to understand how and which ones to use in the context of our relationships with ourselves and with others.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU explains the utility and imperative nature of understanding and embracing the concept that when we share love with others, it is the same love we are sharing with ourselves.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU conveys the concept that when we choose to share love with others, we gain the power to navigate conflicts within the context of our relationships with more mindfulness, clarity and confidence.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU illustrates how love allows us to mindfully manage mistakes in our words and our actions, and to transform our behaviours and relationships with grace and accountability.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU talks about a simple, concrete affirmation that can be applied and leveraged daily in the life of every person, and in a variety of ways.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU touches on a slightly controversial topic about our purpose, or our utility in life.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU encourages listeners to set aside the struggle of choosing to believe that their life’s purpose is or should be difficult to discover. They share practical tools and insights on perceiving, pursuing and leveraging purpose in the interest of leading a meaningful life with intention.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU conveys the concept that although life lessons are available in abundance, it is unnecessary to break our minds in an effort to find and understand them.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU gives a rare look into their love life, sharing a story of heartbreak that took place while they were finishing ‘The Book of Positive Affirmations’ before it was published, as well as the lessons they learned from this experience.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU reflects on a recent interaction that proved the concept of today’s affirmation for them. They share how allowing love to be at work in us changes the way we interact with others.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU speaks about the importance of being mindful with the words that we say, especially when the opportunity of misunderstanding presents itself in the context of our relationships.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU draws the connection between interpersonal relationships and self awareness. They also share how these connections that we build or invest in can help us to better understand the world we live in.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU presents the case for honesty in the context of relationships. They explain why we are sometimes apprehensive about being honest with others, and why we should work to overcome this apprehensiveness.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU reflects on the evolution of their own beliefs while discussing the potential for consistency and the need for confidence when it comes to being honest about who we are and what we believe.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU opens a discussion on the starting point of honesty and accountability for our words, deeds and belief systems. Feel free to contact them @highaski if you would like to contribute to this conversation!

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU reminds us that opinions are often a product of perspective or a matter of motive—not a matter of fact. When we are faced with outside opinions, we get to determine the utility of their influence in our actions.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU talks about how the fear of comparison often compels us to avoid authenticity in our lives.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU shares how we can see and understand what makes us unique to others, whether the things we do are perceived as relatively peculiar or commonplace.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU encourages us to begin (and continue) the process of embracing the most authentic version of ourselves, and building healthier boundaries with experiences and relationships that discourage authenticity.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU addresses the need to see value in ourselves, presenting the concept of inherent value and self worth in practical terms.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU articulates the importance of perceiving and understanding our desires from a place of authenticity, and how that can be accomplished in love.

On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU illustrated the concept of understanding the utility of things that are less than perfect for us, particularly in the balance of pursuing purpose and manifesting our goals.