In this episode of ASKITA, John explores the little understood nature of being "nice", kindness and how others may use this in not so nice ways. Have a listen and take away a list of actions you can either use to protections or leverage to change your terms. Not sure if I cussed in this one. But, if you are follower of this show, you know some of these topics are kid friendly. So be warned, this one exposes Nice for what it really is. And if you would be so kind, please leave comments about the show, nice or no so nice.

In this episode John talks about a technique he uses to expand his opportunities and have good positive change come to him. All it takes is you listening to this episode to give yourself room to grow.

With no doubt, John's journey has had grief along the way. But that is only one part of John's journey. We cant change some of our terms. We will grieve. But We will also Live and kick some ass along the way. Time to move on from grief.

In this episode, you will learn how John defines these "Terms" and , better yet, why he defines the terms he faces and always has. Don't miss it!

In the episode...John gives you the information you need to get a foothold on your positive change.  Sit down. Ties your shoe laces and take a listen to John's PLAN (Problem|Learn What You Can Do| Align Goal With Reality| Know that no plan is perfect. 

Are you ready for change? Not just talk...but real change?  Listen to this episode. You are ready for A Swift Kick in the Ass!

In this episode, John talks about the wake up calls that have brought him to the Here and Now. How does this help you? Experiencing it for yourself is the only way you will find that out

This episode is not for the faint of heart. You may cringe as John shares a very personal challenge to the terms of his life. 

In this episode talks about what he has been doing, where he is at and what he is doing about Facebook censoring the name of the podcast. Will this be the end?  Take a listen.

It's time to get your ass moving! John talks about how to be king (or queen) of the chaos of the world rather than a pawn. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode about how he overcame his depression, anxiety and grief through sitting still and looking inward.

On this episode of ASKITA, John lays out ways for a person to pivot the terms of life they are trying to change and to focus on arriving rather than just wandering. Don't miss this episode!

In this episode, John talks about the nature of change and how to snowball the change you want in your life. Here is your opportunity to take one step forward in a Life lived on your terms.

In this episode, John says goodbye to Tommy and provides Tommy's last lesson. Without Tom. what will happen? Listen and find out.

In this episode, Tommy and John talk about the vulnerabilities we all face and what you can do about it to negotiate better terms for yourself and others.

John and Tom blend old and new in an episode that celebrates the longtime childhood friend's journey so far. Get caught up on how Tom is doing and take a walk down memory lane while having a laugh a two.

With Tom out on Medical Leave, John talks about how to get better terms by renegotiating with Life.  

With Tommy out on Medical Leave, John takes on the topic of nerds ruling the world, how to stop living paycheck to paycheck and what he did to get traction on a plan that got him out of a $200k hole. Don’t worry. There is no actual math involved in this episode. No need to bring your pillow either as this episode will help you turn financial pain into financial pleasure. You won’t want to this episode

At this point in the journey, Tom is still on Medical Leave and John talks about the importance of improving our connections with other people as a means of bettering the terms of our own life and how it impacts others.  There are few choice words used in the beginning for the episode not intended for younger children.

With Tom out on Medical Leave, John continues the journey of how to create positive change with the topic focusing on People, Friendship, and Self-Imposed Limits; as well as how he unintentionally pissed on a cat.

Ep 94 The Power of The Unexpected - A Swift Kick In The Ass Podcast. As illness prevents lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren from creating regular content, this is the first episode completed where John flies the show solo focused on how the power of the unexpected effects the terms of our life and what to do about it. ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346 

ASKITA 093 Longtime friends Tommy Stewart and John Curren discuss Tom's cancer treatment.  

episode 92 A Swift Kick In The Ass. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how to live positively while faced with a terminal illness. For the last 5 months, Tom struggled with an unknown neurological illness. A wrong diagnosis led him to seek a 2nd opinion and ultimately a brain biopsy to reveal what was wrong. The biopsy revealed three stage 3 tumors known as anaplastic astrocytoma a rare form of brain cancer. Now he is in the biggest fight of his life while trying to remain positive, his life depends on it.

Ep 91 Persistence In The Face Of Adversity. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how it is to face mortality when facing an unknown disease or condition. A continuation of the last episode THE kick In The Ass. We provide an update on Tom's condition and how he is dealing with the unknown neurological condition that is wreaking havoc on his life. What is it like to face possible death? how do you cope and accept the possibility of a terminal disease? Why you should question the experts and how even a layperson can have a fresh perspective on a problem.   

EP 90 THE Kick In The Ass! Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how to face the fear of death and undiagnosed illness. The holidays brought Tom an unexpected gift...A neurological condition that has yet to be identified. How do you deal with the fear of possibly having a terminal disease? Tom discusses how he mentally faces an undiagnosed illness that has been plaguing him over the past month. Unbearable fear and anxiety are met with logic and spirituality to find a way to deal with the issue. We all face our own "Kick in the ass" and we can not change the things that happen to us but we can change how we react to them. How do you remain optimistic while facing the unknown? The doctors think All the MRI images indicate Tom most likely has MS, Multiple Sclerosis. His doctor who is an MS specialist doesn't think he has it and is looking for other diseases or possible injury from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Ep 89 Why Mom Was Right About Gratitude. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss gratitude and how it can make you a better version of yourself. This is a Thanksgiving episode and will reveal wisdom from ancient Greece and Rome in the form of Stoic philosophy. How to help others without expecting anything in return.  ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346 

Ep 88 Before You Get To Enough Is Enough Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how to cope with the frustration of wanting to leave your job and pursue your "passion".  How to tackle the problem of wanting to be somewhere else but needing to be where you are. How John got out of a bad relationship that would have changed his entire life and making the leap into entrepreneurship before he was ready. Decision making before you make a leap of faith. Tom discusses how he is preparing for the future with a long-term attainable plan. How to describe your world on a piece of paper helping you to attain focus and get the thought out of your head. Downsizing and clearing out the clutter to help you clear your mind and free up living space. Making the plan by figuring out what you are up against,  define the problem and how to survive so you can thrive.   ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346 

Ep 87 Fail To Plan - Plan To Fail - A Swift Kick In The Ass Podcast. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how it is imperative to make a plan when trying to reach goals or make personal change. John and Tom talk about Hurricane Irma and how the people of South Florida failed to prepare and how that lack of preparation is similar to failing to reach goal milestones.     ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346 

Ep 86 The Secret To Getting More Action - A Swift Kick In The Ass Podcast. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how to reach your goal and achieve more action with less talk. Recent studies show that when you verbalize your goals to others that there is a less likely chance you will achieve those goals. John and Tom cover why you should keep your lips sealed when it comes to goal setting.   ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346 

A Swift Kick In The Ass podcast episode 85 Like A Virgin. How and why you should think like a virgin and more on stepping out of your comfort zone. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss overcoming anxiety and fear and embrace it and the rewards of getting uncomfortable and entering new situations with an empty cup virgin like mindset. Tom discusses the stress involved in changing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gyms and instructors. How his family embraced the fear of new circumstances and how hard it is to leave behind a familiar community in order to grow and overcome stagnation. ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346 

Ep 84 Does Re-Centering Make You Feel Stupid? A Swift Kick In The Ass podcast. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how trying to find balance during life change can be overwhelming and leave you feeling down. This unique episode is recorded in Virginia while Tom and his family are visiting John. Recorded in the backyard of John's house with the ambiance of birds chirping in the background. ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346 

Episode 83 Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how to work with what you have... limited resources. This topic stems from a meme that John posted on our facebook page showing a toilet paper roll with only one sheet of paper left on the roll. Trudging through the toilet humor will get you some actionable advice that you can use to use whatever resources you have to get results. Tom talks about his mentor Ernesto who often worked in countries with limited resources and how he used ingenuity to solve problems even when stuck on top of a mountain with nothing else but his pocket knife. John gives great advice on how to use what cards you have been dealt and still be able to deal a winning hand.   ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Ep 82 A Kick In The Ass Manifesto. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how to create a manifesto and why you should do it in order to reach your goals. Having a vision and working backward is essential to creating a framework for your written manifesto. Small goals are like building blocks or the larger vision. It is to pivot if life throws you a curve ball. It is also important to build in some fudge factor or cushioning in your goal to account for unexpected life events. Accountability is important for helping you stick to your goals. You can hold yourself accountable or have an accountability partner or sponsor. ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

A Swift Kick In The Ass episode 81 Kicking the crap out of anxiety. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss the positive side of anxiety and how to deal with the negative effects.  This episode is not for people that suffer conditions related to anxiety or social anxiety disorder. Tom and John cover the fight or flight response we inherited from our ancestors and how it relates to anxiety.  Positive aspects of anxiety are discussed such as heightened ability and being prepared for multiple outcomes. Studies are mentioned that show that anxious people make better leaders and are more likely to survive dangerous situations. ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss implementing last episodes idea of "A Minute Of Your Time". How to create time to make a positive change in your life. It is time management but not in the stuffy corporate way we are used to. Making time for yourself first and making time to improve your relationships and the quality of your life. It is time management but not in the stuffy corporate way we are used to. Making time for yourself first and making time to improve your relationships and the quality of your life. Learn how Tom is improving his relationship with his wife and is getting into the best shape of his life using this simple principle. John reiterates how he got out of 240 thousand dollars in debt by implementing these tactics. How can you use this principle to make a positive change in your life? ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how valuable a minute of your time can be. How small changes in your routine can lead to big changes in your life over time. John uses the analogy of a snowball rolling down a hill and getting larger and larger as it progresses down the hill. Life is the same as that snowball and we can make small minute changes in our health, finances and love live that pay off big.   ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss overcoming fear with everyday courage. Learn the tactics and strategies that will help you overcome the fear that is holding you back from living a full and abundant life. Tom and John re-live some of the scenarios that created their fears and how they overcame them. Fear is prevalent in the nation of the United States of America after the election of Donald Trump. How can one calm themselves using logic and mindfulness in these turbulent times? Plus a secret workout routine that will give you an ass like a baboon!

Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss courage and how it plays a role in self improvement. Courage as a skill vs. trait. How one must feel fear and act despite it in order to have courage. ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Episode 76 of A Swift Kick In The Ass podcast. Lifelong friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss the importance of persistence. Fall down, stand up, repeat is a motto of A Swift Kick In The Ass podcast. If you fail to reach a goal, simply get back up and try again. Write down your goals and have a road map that will help guide you day in and day out. Thomas Edison failed ten thousand times before he was successful inventing the light bulb. Keeping a journal or diary is a great way to evaluate if your plan is working or if you should pivot. Winning is not the most important thing. If you are on the wrong track you must have an indicator to let you know when to pivot or acknowledge the goal is not right for you. Little changes add up over the years and lead to big changes that can be measured. ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss the problem of self doubt and how to handle it on A Swift Kick In The Ass podcast episode 75. Doubting our actions and thoughts. David Brinkley say a success is one that can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at us. Why middle school and high school is such a formative time in our lives. John and Tom discuss the effect of bullies and how those memories remain even into adulthood almost like software that is programmed on a computer. How even family and friends unknowingly add to our self doubt. John remembers a lady who challenged him in his early years of college after he almost flunked out his first year. John and Tom give some recommendations on how to overcome self doubt. ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Episode 74. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how to Change At Your Leisure, spending time in the ways that create personal change. How to utilize your free time to lead to a positive life on your own terms. How to kill two birds with one stone by utilizing time spent while listening to audio books, courses or podcasts to learn and grown. Create the life you want by planning and scheduling free time to take advantage of personal growth. The importance of stress and vacation. Getting in touch with your self, example of a war veteran that created a business from an idea he had to help himself. Why did Tom and John start "A Swift Kick In The Ass" podcast? Outsourcing your mundane chores and tasks to make more time for your self.     ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss The Catch 22 Of Choice. How too many choices actually create overwhelm, paralysis and regret. Tom and John also mention Barry Schwartz's book the Paradox Of Choice and his discussions at Tedx and Google.   ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

How to reboot your life. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how to make a fresh start in your life.  Episode 72 of A Swift Kick In The Ass podcast Ctrl+Alt+Delete - Rebooting Your Life. What to avoid when looking to set new goals and make positive change in your life. Getting rid of toxic people, staying laser focused, being very specific when setting goals, letting go of negative emotions and thought are all important elements of rebooting your life. Tom and John discuss the similarities of personal change and rebooting your computer to return it to a fresh state for optimal performance. Learn strategies that will help you make lasting personal change. ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheass https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss Robert Greene's best selling book the 48 Laws Of Power - Law 27 Play on People’s Need to Believe to Create a Cult like Following. 5 Ways to Create a Cult 1. Keep It Vague; Keep It Simple 2. Emphasize the Visual and the Sensual over the Intellectual 3. Borrow the Forms of Organized Religion to Structure the Group 4. Disguise Your Source of Income 5. Set Up an Us-Versus-Them Dynamic   Focus on the us vs. them. Exclusive club pit against a devious enemy out to deceive you. Use religious terms such brother, sister, bishop, elder, guru, guide, shaman and doctor.  Found in politics, martial arts, religion, exercise trends, diet lifestyles, apocalyptic sects, racist organization and nationalist. Join our cult and get stink perfume and boot sole flap jacks to kick your self in the ass with. ———————Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.comhttps://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickin…https://twitter.com/AKickintheasshttps://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/—-Listen to the podcast on iTunes—https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346  

Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss Rober Greene's best selling book the 48 Laws Of Power - Law 26 Keep Your Hands Clean. This law focuses on finding a scapegoat rather than admitting wrong doing. This is counter intuitive to what we are taught as children which is taking responsibility for our actions.  This law can be seen quite often in politics, work and military operations. Having a designated "fall guy" can save face for high ranking officials who might lose face if they admit a mistake. Kings had whipping boys who would accept the punishment on behalf of their king when they were young. Sin eaters used to consume food during funerals that absorbed the sins of the one who passed. Often while passing gas, we tend to blame others or the dog. ———————Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.comhttps://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickin…https://twitter.com/AKickintheasshttps://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/—-Listen to the podcast on iTunes—https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346  

Episode 69 of A Swift Kick In The Ass podcast. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss Robert Greene's best selling book The 48 Laws of Power Law 25: Recreate Yourself———————Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.comhttps://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickin…https://twitter.com/AKickintheasshttps://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/—-Listen to the podcast on iTunes—https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346  

Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss Robert Greene's best selling book The 48 Laws of Power Law 24: Play the Perfect Courtier———————Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.comhttps://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickin…https://twitter.com/AKickintheasshttps://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/—-Listen to the podcast on iTunes—https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346  

Episode 67 of A Swift Kick In The Ass podcast. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John W. Curren discuss the need for withdraw from society and work. The importanceof taking a vacation for your mental well being and overall health. Come back to work as a more productive worker and creativethinker. Form stronger social bonds with your family and friends by developing shared memories. Get of electronic devices and get back in touch with nature as we were meant to be.———————Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.comhttps://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickin…https://twitter.com/AKickintheasshttps://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/—-Listen to the podcast on iTunes—https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346  

Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John W. Curren discuss blame. How to take responsibility for our actions and not blame others for where we are in life. Racism and the divide in the United States is also discussed. How can we change ourselves and our own prejudice. BLAME IS LAME askita episode 66 Accountability accelerates your growth- develop a strategy and work the plan. It will keep you personally responsible for your own actions - you are ultimately responsible for how much progress you make every day. Evaluate yourself and get rid of excuses. helps you measure your success and progress. It can help you silence the devil on your shoulder that whispers doubtful messages in your ear. Find a partner who will hold you accountable Get a coach or a mentor to help you along the way. Mentors - They do not have to be an expert. Sometimes they can be just a little further along than you. Sometimes it is just someone who you can relate to that will call you out when you start making excuses for yourself. Make the Habit a Priority Research what it is you want to change about yourself. Start small – small wins lead to big changes Have Faith Write it down Accept failure and learn from it. Fall down, stand up, repeat. Blame- there is a lesson to be learned in all failure. Admit responsibility that you might have helped create the problem. Where you are now is often a direct result of your own choices and how you chose to react to certain situations. Let go of the problem and focus on how to solve it or avoid the issue next time. I’m gonna make a change, for once in my life It’s gonna feel real good, gonna make a difference Gonna make it right... m starting with the man in the mirror I’m asking him to change his ways.   Michael Jacksons Man in the mirror. "All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you. The only thing blame does is to keep the focus off you when you are looking for external reasons to explain your unhappiness or frustration. You may succeed in making another feel guilty about something by blaming him, but you won't succeed in changing whatever it is about you that is making you unhappy." —   Wayne Dyer  

Episode 65. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how uncertainty keeps you from reaching your true potential. Definition - Uncertainty is the situation which involves imperfect and/or unknown information. Is there a genuine decision to be made, or are you just postponing the inevitable? clearly identify what the decision to be made is. Investigate to the best of your ability and surrender to what ever comes your way. The Buddha taught that mental suffering arises out of ignorance. By “ignorance” he meant the misperceptions and delusions that your mind has about its own nature. The most common decisions they present are about whether to take a new job, have a baby, leave a relationship, attend a school or make a purchase. 1. re-connect to the reasons WHY you are doing what you are doing and how it will make you feel when you have achieved it. 2. Have faith and believe in yourself. Trust your intuition. 3. Accept that we all are subject to uncertainty. We can not predict the future, it is fluid and unpredictable even for the most well put together individuals. Come to grips with that fact that some things are out of your control. 4. Keep moving towards your goals. In BJJ one of our mantras is keep moving. 5. Keep perspective. One event has nothing to do with the rest of your life. It’s easy to put things together, make assumptions and imagine that the Universe is conspiring against you. 6. Don’t Take Things Personally and keep your emotions in check. 7. Take Accountability 8. Feel the fear and do it anyways. Avoiding unpredictable situations might cheat you of opportunities. ———————Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.comhttps://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickin…https://twitter.com/AKickintheasshttps://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/—-Listen to the podcast on iTunes—https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346  

Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss living life on your own terms on A Swift Kick In The Ass podcast episode 64. It is not about living on a beach with a laptop making buttloads of money. Money is a factor, control your debt. Money is just a tool. Do not follow the herd mentality. Create a mind set to live life on your own terms. Keep inspirational pictures, trinkets or songs around you to keep you on the path. Develop respect for yourself and others. Contribute not for applause but for a sincere need to help others.    ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickin… https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Episode 63 The Irishman Who Can’t Drink Beer Or Eat Potatoes. Life long childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss Asking Questions when you really don’t want to know the Answer”?    We all say we want to make changes in our life and often seek the answer to how will we change…What happens when you get an answer that you really don’t want to follow through with?   My personal story concerns these food allergies...The allergist says I am allergic to Brewers yeast/beer and wine, potatoes, chicken, milk….If I had not found this out, I would have just keep eating these things and been complacent.   Same holds true for asking people their opinions when you aren’t really going to listen.         ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickin… https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss ho to Get Your Ass Off The Couch - A Quick Fix For Complacency  Episode 62 A Swift Kick In The Ass Podcast     ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickin… https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Life long childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss friendship. How is friendship like dogs and chilli? Why it is difficult to maintain many close friends. What are the main characteristics of a friendship and how to keep them going. Building trust and having fun. Being honest with your friends and how to end a friendship if necessary. ——————— Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.com https://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickin… https://twitter.com/AKickintheass https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ —-Listen to the podcast on iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

ASKITA episode 60. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how environment and peers can determine success. Chillin like a villain. We are pack animals, so who is in your pack? Love your family and your friends but pick your peers. Jim Rohn says that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Get involved in social groups, church, synagogue, community, school, sports etc.. to get around other positive minded people. Join meetup groups or online forums to find like minded people. Imaginary council with a mastermind of your own team could do wonders. Clean and organize your home and workspace. Open the window or get good lights, hang art and photos. Surround your self with positive quotes or inspirational images. Avoid the unhappy and unlucky. Do not continue toxic relationships at work or at home. Listen to positive podcasts and audio books. Chill with some good music. Get a coach to help you. Organize your kitchen to help eat healthier. Create an area or join a gym to get in shape.   ———————Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.comhttps://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickin…https://twitter.com/AKickintheasshttps://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/—-Listen to the podcast on iTunes—https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how keeping score can help you predict future results. The final part of the gamification series. Learn how keeping track of goals using a journal or log book can help you keep moving forward without slowly back pedaling. The difference between keeping score with yourself and competition. How not to keep score in relationships with others.   ---------------------Find out more on www.aswiftkickintheass.comhttps://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickin...https://twitter.com/AKickintheasshttps://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ ----Listen to the podcast on iTunes--- https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Part 2 in the gamification series - Goals. Episode 58 Grabbing Goals By The Short Hairs discusses how to set realistic and reachable goals. John talks about how he was able to pull himself out of 90 Thousand dollars of debt by setting financial goals with his wife. There goal was to have money in the bank and not owe anyone anything. Tom recounts seven steps laid out in Brian Tracy's book "No Excuses" Decide what you want Write it down Set a deadline Make a list of everything you can think of that you could possibly do to achieve your goal List obstacles, skills and knowledge you will need to acquire,  make a list of people whose cooperation and support you will require to reach your goal, continue to add to the list that will help you achieve the goal Organize your list by both sequence and priority Take action on your plan immediately Do something every day that moves you in the direction of your major goal. John explains the differences between goals, objectives and strategy.

A Swift Kick In The Ass podcast episode 57. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss the rules of personal change. This is the first in a series on how gamification applies to personal change. This first part discusses the rules of personal change and how to break them if necessary. Found on psychologytoday.com The 10 Rules of Change- Change isn't easy, but it is possible: an expert offers 10 rules to change. by Stan Goldberg, Ph.D All Behaviors Are Complex Strategy: Break down the behavior. Almost all behaviors can be broken down. Separate your desired behavior into smaller, self-contained units. Change Is scary – It can result in clinging to status quo behaviors. Strategy: Examine the consequences.  Compare all possible consequences of both your status quo and desired behaviors. If there are more positive results associated with the new behavior, your fears of the unknown are unwarranted. Strategy: Prepare your observers. New behaviors can frighten the people observing them, so introduce them slowly. Strategy: Be realistic. Unrealistic goals increase fear. Fear increases the probability of failure. Change Must Be Positive - research demonstrates, reinforcement-not punishment-is necessary for permanent change. Strategy: Enjoy the act. Intrinsic reinforcement occurs when the act is reinforcing. Strategy: Admire the outcome. Strategy: Reward yourself Strategy: Take baby steps Strategy: Simplify the process Strategy: Prepare for problems Slower Is Better Strategy: Establish calm Strategy: Appreciate the path Know More, Do Better - Surprise spells disaster for people seeking change. Knowing more about the process allows more control over it. Strategy: Monitor your behaviors Strategy: Request feedback Strategy: Understand the outcome Change Requires Structure Strategy: Identify what works Strategy: Revisit your plan regularly Strategy: Logically sequence events Practice Is Necessary Strategy: Use helpers Strategy: Practice in many settings. I did this with my diet coke addiction, testing myself while out to eat, at parties, with specific foods that I always wanted with a diet coke. New Behaviors Must Be Protected. Even when flawlessly performed, new behaviors are fragile and disappear if unprotected. Strategy: Control your environment Strategy: Use memory aides. Because a new behavior is neither familiar nor automatic, it's easy to forget. Anything that helps memory is beneficial. Small Successes Are Big Strategy: Map your success. Approach each step as a separate mission and you'll eventually arrive at the end goal.

Getting out of your comfort zone is the topic of the day. Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how to create personal change by overcoming fear and being uncomfortable. whatisyourcomfortzone.com - Marcus Taylor created this website that has a tool with a scientifically supported algorithm that leads you to have an idea which he believes is the beginning of someone taking action. Think about it. If you never left your comfort zone you would still be living at home with your parents and lead a life like the boy in the bubble. You would never have any interactions with others, no relationships with the opposite sex, no job, etc.. Some of the data Marcus discovered through analysis of the data he has acquired through his survey. Men have a larger comfort zone than women. Our comfort zone changes as we grow older. Positive correlation between how much we get out of our comfort zone and how much money we make. He found that entrepreneurs, athletes and successful people scored the highest on the app. If you want something you don’t already have, you have to do something you haven’t already done. That is what these people have made a habit of doing. You have to embrace the challenges that make cause anxiety in order to grow. We have to experience new things. It allows you to get comfortable with the things that terrify you. Uncertainty is terrifying and most people do whatever they can to stay away from it. The reality is, if you don’t expand your comfort zone and experience that uncertainty, you’re never going to know what you’re truly capable of. Treat your life as a story. Would anyone want to read your life story? How to Break Out of Your Comfort Zone Do everyday things differently. Take your time making decisions. Think don’t just react. Make educated decisions by slowing down. Do it in small steps. Identify your fears, and then face them step by step. You can't live outside of your comfort zone all the time. You need to come back from time to time to process your experiences. The last thing you want is for the new and interesting to quickly become commonplace and boring. This phenomenon, called hedonistic adaptation, is the natural tendency to be impressed by new things only to have the incredible become ordinary after a short time.    

Lifelong childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss creativity in regards to personal change.  Change Your "I Don't Know" or "I Can't" Thinking to "What If...?" ”To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination.”  — Albert Einstein Instead, come up with open-ended statements and questions such as: "I have what it takes to figure this out." "I'm open to the possibility that solutions will come up.” "I will find the inspiration I need to solve this." “There’s always a way…” These open-ended statements and questions are your creative mantras. When you repeat them to yourself, don’t try to consciously come up with answers. Instead, empty your mind, Take a break. Take a departure from your normal routine: Take a different route to work, listen to unfamiliar music, try unusual foods, visit an interesting store, problem solve in a new environment. When you are not creative….Exercise. After my father passed away in 2003 I returned to training in the martial arts. I lost all creativity. I gave away a Lego mindstorm set Jen got me for Christmas because I had lost all creativity. Return to Nature. Place yourself in someone elses shoes. I used to imagine, what if Lex Luthor inhabited my body? What would he do in order to get him self back to his level of financial security starting with the same resources that I presently have? Stand on the shoulders of Giants. Use the internet to gather information and watch speeches from famous inspiring people.  Steal like a thief. Good artists copy; great artists steal. Picasso. Emulate and build upon the work of others. Change it to make it your own. Combine thoughts or objects such as the pen/highlighter. Substitute, combine, adapt, modify, magnify, eliminate, rearrange or put to other uses. In 1904, The hot dog was created when Antoine Fushwanger was selling sausages at the Louisiana Expedition. The problem was his customers were burning their fingers so he tried using plates and even cotton gloves but it became too expensive when customers would walk away with them. Instead his brother in law who was a baker created a long bun with a slit in it to hold the franks. They MODIFIED the selling of sausages and created a completely new product. Ray Kroc who was a middle class high school drop out who sold paper cups and eventually milk shake machines which could make six milkshakes at a time. When Dick and Maurice MacDonald purchased eight multimixers, Ray drove out to the California hamburger stand to investigate. The MacDonalds had inadvertently stumbled upon the fast food concept of predictable items that are quick and easy to prepare. Kroc formed a partnership with them to find new sites, open them and run them. He eventually bought out the MacDonald brothers and he would lease and develop a site, then re-lease it to a franchisee who would have to pay the rent and a franchise fee. That put MacDonald’s into the Real Estate business which still makes up 10 percent of their business. So Kroc ADAPTED someone else’s idea. He MAGNIFIED it by creating franchises. He PUT TO OTHER USES by creating additional revenue streams for his company by owning the property that each MacDonald’s restaurant sits on. Mind map. Map your thoughts to spark new ideas. ---------------------Find out more on www.aswiftkickintheass.comhttps://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickinasshttps://twitter.com/AKickintheasshttps://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ ----Listen to the podcast on iTunes--- https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Life long childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how to turn your vision into reality. Last episode they talked about the big picture of why you need a vision, this is the steps you need to take to get there.       ---------------------Find out more on www.aswiftkickintheass.comhttps://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickinasshttps://twitter.com/AKickintheasshttps://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/ ----Listen to the podcast on iTunes--- https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Life long childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss how clarity of vision will drive you forward. They start the show with Feelin' down and dirty, feelin' kind of mean a lyric from the band Foreigner's song Double Vision." I've been from one to another extreme". is another lyric that perfectly describes a swift kick in the ass. Pictures can say a thousand words. A picture of where you want to be in life can help you attain what you want out of your life. The big picture you create in your mind will help you get to your main goal.  Arnold Schwarzenegger would imagine his biceps were mountains while preparing for the Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia contests. He knew that he wanted to be the best body builder in the world that would eventually become an actor like his hero Steve Reeves. Seek solitude to discover what your vision might be. Jesus, Moses, Buddha and Mohammad all sought solitude before they had their great visions. Focus on the here and now. Control what you can do and do not depend on others to attain your goals. Focus on what you want and not what others expect of you. You must belief in yourself even when others doubt you. Do not allow fear or imagination to keep you from attaining your vision. Acronym for fear is Fantasy Expectation Appearing Real. Your vision can change over time due to life experience and changes in values.

Life long childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren interview Aaron Anastasi the author of The Voice Of Your Dreams. Aaron Anastasi is a Southern California native who graduated with a master’s degree from Princeton where he studied philosophy and psychology. He’s also the founder and coach of the internationally recognized, Superior Singing Method, an online singing lesson program that grosses 7-figures annually. With nearly 10,000,000 views and over 100,000 subscribers, Aaron has the #1 singing/life lesson channel on YouTube. He is also a prominent success coach for clients in industry-leading roles ranging from film directors to marine biologists to TED talk speakers. His book, The Voice of Your Dreams, is scheduled for release in January, 2016. ———————Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.comhttps://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheasshttps://twitter.com/AKickintheasshttps://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/—-Listen to the podcast on iTunes—https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Life long childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss death and its effect on motivation. What is it like to lose a loved one, family or friend? How does that make one reflect on their own life? What will be said at your funeral? Will you leave a legacy? All of the questions will be addressed as Tom and John dig deeper into the fate that awaits us all. ———————Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.comhttps://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheasshttps://twitter.com/AKickintheasshttps://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/—-Listen to the podcast on iTunes—https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Life long childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss the one habit that will refocus your life...Choice. How can choice become a habit? Some solid principles for good decision making. Scientific method applied to decision making using the observation phase, classification phase and definition phase. ———————Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.comhttps://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheasshttps://twitter.com/AKickintheasshttps://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/—-Listen to the podcast on iTunes—https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

Life long childhood friends Tom Stewart and John Curren discuss The Seven Deadly Sins Of Personal Development. Pride Greed Anger Envy Lust Sloth Gluttony ———————Find out more on http://www.aswiftkickintheass.comhttps://www.facebook.com/aswiftkickintheasshttps://twitter.com/AKickintheasshttps://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/—-Listen to the podcast on iTunes—https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346