This week is a very different kind of episode. We've tried to record it three times, but fourth time's a charm. But apparently, this was a topic that required a little waiting.

In this episode, George and I explore the role of humor in our lives and how it can be used to hide old resentments or mask uncomfortable discussions. We reflect on their own dreams and goals and the importance of taking them seriously, as well as the impact of our goals on our lives and the lives of those around them.

The conversation explores the role of humor as a shield and its impact on personal growth and relationships. We discuss how humor can be a diversion, providing emotional relief and social bonding. We also delve into the power of humor to change perspectives, diffuse tension, and challenge authority.

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Our chat also took an unexpectedly deep turn, as I shared my personal experience of using humor to seek validation and connection, while George reflected on how humor has been both a shield and a sword for him.

However, humor can also aid in achieving goals by providing emotional relief, reducing stress, enhancing focus and productivity, and strengthening social bonds. Maintaining a balanced use of humor can create an atmosphere conducive to achieving goals and living a life beyond our default.

Topics We Cover

highlights, lowlights, weight loss, goals, humor, dreams, animal spirit cards, humor, shield, diversion, emotional relief, social bonding, perspective change, deflection, empowerment, vulnerability, connection, humor, shield, weapon, distraction, avoidance, procrastination, strain relationships, harm credibility, emotional relief, stress reduction, focus, productivity, social bonds, positive mindset, resilience, team dynamics, enjoyable work environment, morale, motivation, balanced use

Takeaways + Highlights

• Taking goals seriously can lead to personal growth and positive change in one's life.
• Humor can be used as a shield to hide old resentments or uncomfortable discussions.
• Reflecting on dreams and goals can help uncover unfulfilled desires and lead to a more purposeful life.
• Journaling about the prompts from the animal spirit cards can provide valuable insights and self-reflection. Humor can serve as a shield, providing emotional relief and social bonding.
• It can be a diversionary tactic, deflecting attention from deeper emotions or issues.
• Humor has the power to change perspectives and reframe negative situations.
• It can diffuse tension and prevent confrontations, making difficult conversations more manageable.
• Humor can challenge authority and highlight social issues.
• Vulnerability and genuine connection are essential for true understanding and personal growth. Using humor as a shield or weapon can distract us from our goals and undermine our focus.
• Humor can provide emotional relief and reduce stress, enhancing our productivity and resilience.
• Appropriate humor can strengthen social bonds and improve team dynamics.
• Maintaining a balanced use of humor can create a positive and productive work environment.
• Humor can be a valuable tool in achieving our goals and living a fulfilling life.

"We should do an episode about rest, but it would be three minutes long. It would be more of a cry for help, actually. 'Please help us. We don't know how to do it.'" — Liz Moorehead (That's me!)

This week is a different kind of episode. George was hospitalized for almost a week last week unexpectedly due to an inflammation issue with his heart. He's home, healthy, happy, and on the road to recovery with a renewed outlook how he wants to approach life.

But we knew that, this week, we needed to throw out our planned outline for a candid conversation about what he went through, and how many of the topics we've been discussing on Beyond Your Default fortuitously came barreling to the forefront of his experience while he was in the hospital.

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Our conversation, of course, immediately drilled into the topic of rest and how important it is. George went on to share the lessons he learned around self-care — a topic he was previously resistant to — and relinquishing control.

He also discussed the importance of creating space in his life for the things he enjoys and taking control of his own healthcare. George also explored the previously held beliefs he had that were challenged during his hospital stay, such as feeling like he had no space and relying too heavily on medication.

⚡ Go Deeper: How to embrace an owner's mentality in your own life

But he focused on more than just his health and personal aspects of this journey. We also talked about the impact his hospitalization had on his role as a business owner of Sidekick Strategies, and the trust he had in his team to handle things in his absence.

We also discussed the lessons he hopes our listeners can learn proactively from his experience without having to go through it themselves. While these types of life events can be crystallizing in terms of helping us pivot our mindsets and beliefs in healthy ways, think about how much more you could achieve if you didn't wait for life to stop you in your tracks to see how you need to alter your path.

Topics We Cover

rest, self-care, hospitalization, relinquishing control, trust, business, self-care, health, hospital, inflammation, space, medication, active participant, non-negotiables, reflection

Takeaways + Highlights

• Taking time for rest and self-care is essential for avoiding burnout
• It's important to listen to your body and seek medical help when needed
• Relinquishing control and trusting your team can lead to a sense of peace and allow for personal and professional growth Create space in your life for the things you enjoy and prioritize your own well-being.
• Be an active participant in your own healthcare and make self-care and healthcare non-negotiables.
• Reflect on previously held beliefs and be open to challenging and changing them.
• Ask yourself important questions about your health and well-being before a crisis occurs.