The High-Level Personal Development Playbook: Life Lessons from Two Decades of Coaching
Reading Time: Approx 8 minutes
Let’s keep it real, because that’s what I do. People often say I “vibe” amazing for 63 (their words, not mine, and I’ll take it!) What’s my secret sauce? It’s no magic potion or exclusive club, it’s a cocktail of grit, grace, hard earned wisdom and a lot of laughs.
Here is my no-messin’ recipe for thriving in every stage of life. Consider it your ultimate guide to personal development… with a dash of sass and a generous splash of honesty.
Part One: The Recipe For Aging (and living) Like a Boss
Be Passionate About Life
Find what lights your soul on fire and chase it relentlessly. Whether it is work, hobbies, or the people you surround yourself with, let passion be the fuel.
Love What You Do and Who You Do It With
Nothing kills your vibe faster than working with people who drain you. Seek appreciation, create meaningful connections and let your work reflect the best of who you are.
Own Your Gravitas Like a Boss
Confidence isn’t born, it is built. Stand tall in your truth and let your presence speak for itself. Gravitas is the silent power move of the truly self-assured.
Eat Clean. Hydrate. Be Conscious
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Fuel your body like you love it, and don’t skimp on water or a good green juice. Take care to avoid processed, chemicalized foods and go heavy on the natural. We really are what we consume.
Almost Sober Is The New Sober
I’m not saying ditch the bubbly altogether (although many have and are loving it) just know your limits. Conscious living means knowing when to toast and when to tap out. The definition of a drink problem is not knowing who you will be once you’ve had a drink.
Do The Work
The Work. The capital letters are intentional. Whether it is therapy or (top grade) coaching, invest in your inner world and your outer glow-up will follow.
Laugh (a lot)
Laughter is free, it’s contagious, and it burns calories. It’s also a great antidote to stress. What’s not to love?
Stretchhhhh
Your body will thank you. Every. Single. Day. Trust me, flexibility is underrated, and not just physically.
Invest In a Great Face Doc and Regime
Skincare isn’t vanity; it’s self-care. A little botox never hurt anyone, but consistency is key. Find what works and stick to it.
As we get older less is more. As my favourite muse Coco Chanel famously said: “By the age of 50, a woman has the face she deserves.” Chanel’s point? That as we age, our faces reflect the lives we’ve lived… Our emotions, habits, and attitudes are etched into our features. It’s a reminder that kindness, joy, and self-care leave their mark just as much as stress or neglect. It’s less about judgement and more about embracing the idea that our faces tell the story of our journey.
Love Hard, Squeeze Joy, and Get IV Drips
Love deeply, cherish the small moments, and yes, IV drips are a game-changer. Who knew hydration could feel so glamorous?
Part Two: Grand Finale Wisdom—The Real Glow-Up
Strut Through Fear
Fear doesn’t disappear; you just have to learn how to sashay right through it. Confidence grows when you do the scary stuff anyway.
Swear. A Lot
There’s a reason cursing feels so damn good. Sometimes, you just need to let it out. Nothing has the same vibration as letting out a good old eff-word or three!
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Life is too short to obsess over the crumbs. Focus on the whole damn cake.
Never Settle
For love, for work, for anything. You’re worth the best: act like it.
Own Your Power, Stay Authentic
Take no shit, but also, do no harm. Authenticity is your superpower, so don’t dilute it for anyone. In an age where fake is everywhere, keeping it real is one of the most sought after traits of all!
Crisis = Opportunity
Every setback is a setup for a comeback. The secret? Learn fast, pivot faster. It’s okay to stumble, lose your balance, feel sorry for yourself, but only for a short period, do not let it become the norm. If it feels like too much to get your mo-jo back in flow, get help, find someone who has been through it and has proven experience.
Get a Great Coach
Coaches are the cheat codes of personal growth. Find one who challenges you, inspires you, and calls out your BS. Not all coaches are created equal. The sad truth is that the industry is unregulated and everyone and their dog is now a self-proclaimed coach. Research their experience, life journey and catalogue of training. Coaching out of a book or a college course is unlikely to provide the benefits you should expect.
Keep Dancing and Embracing Change
Whether it is literal or metaphorical dancing, keep moving. Stay curious, adapt to new tech, and evolve with the world. Nothing accelerates ageing more than losing touch with modern culture and getting behind with technology. Today’s TVs, phones and gizmos come with an entire spaceship control panel of buttons, menus, and features. Use YouTube to conquer your fancy new tech without losing your cool.
Keep an eye on the latest in Longevity Science. I am currently taking the Wolverine Stack of peptides made famous by Dr Andrew Huberman and Joe Rogan. I use LED beds, infrared saunas and several times a week I spend five minutes in a cryotherapy booth with temperatures of -90 degrees. The world is changing quickly and with it great opportunities to keep healthy, wealthy and wise whatever our age.
Respect the Planet and Every Living Creature
High-level living means thinking beyond yourself. Treat the Earth and its inhabitants with love. Live life in awe of the smallest things and take time to see the beauty and synchronicity in nature. A walk barefoot on the grass, or hanging out with trees is scientifically proven to release stress too.
Channel Sexual Energy (wisely)
If you’re having sex, make it 🔥. If you’re not, redirect that energy into something creative, fulfilling, and exciting. Never let it go to waste!
Refuse Crumbs. Demand Cake
Settling for less than you deserve? Nope, not on my watch. Squeeze every last drop of juice out of life. When we know our worth and what we bring to the table it’s about not settling for less than you deserve. Whether in relationships, work, or life in general, expect reciprocity and walk away from one-sided relationships that damage self esteem. “What we tolerate we’ll get more of” was one of my most profound life lessons.
Celebrate Abundance
Life is too short to live on scraps. Go for the things that bring you joy, fulfilment and satisfaction. Wealth gets a bad rap and comes in all sorts of flavours. Money gives us choice and the power to choose is not to be sniffed at. Health is wealth, without it we have nothing. An abundance of love and feeling appreciated can make us feel the richest person on the planet. Move over Elon!
Love Your Cheerleaders, Ignore the Doubters
Pour your energy into those who lift you up. As for the rest? Wave a polite goodbye. The people who pee on your parade, dampen your dreams and pour fear on your fire are simply projecting their own inner limitations and frustrations. Vibe with the people who challenge, excite and cheer for you every step of the way.
Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste
This is my all-time favourite quote. Winston Churchill’s wisdom is cited by me, both to myself and my clients, whenever facing a crossroad or a jittery juncture. Crisis is the ultimate teacher, it is messy, painful, and transformative. Don’t fear it; embrace it.
A Few Final Thoughts
Life is your project, your masterpiece, and your stage. Don’t grow old without fulfilling your potential, let yourself off the leash. Whether you are dancing through fear, swearing like a sailor, or squeezing joy from the little things, own it all. The secret to high-level personal development isn’t in doing more, it’s in self mastery and doing YOU, unapologetically.