My Top 5 Personal Growth and Creativity Thought Leaders.

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
— Viktor Frankl

Personal growth. I am obsessed with it. I cannot get enough of the books, the podcasts, the interviews with thought leaders, creatives, motivational speakers. I know, if I’m feeling a little rough one morning, I can stick on Tony Robbins, or Lisa Nichols or one of Oprah’s many speeches; and go from “ergh..life” to ready to take on the world and make the most of every minute of the day ahead.

Something comes alive within me when I hear someone talk passionately about changing your life for the better. My soul really does light up when I’m reminded of what’s possible, what’s achievable when you really want something. Seeing interviews with individuals who have endured some of the worst imaginable circumstances and gone on to achieve the unimaginable, the impossible; it’s mind-blowing, and it makes me want to be better, live better…(or at least make a concerted effort to follow my dreams…)

It can all come across as so cheesy, so cliché, but most of it is so very true; if you want to live your truest, fullest, most interesting life, you have to consciously make an effort to do just that. You have to look past your problems, your excuses, your shit, and decide to live with intention. Intention, along with a whole lot of purpose, several scoops of faith and a dollop of gratitude.

Story after story, lesson after lesson, I began to notice patterns emerging, similarities between every single one of the people being interviewed. (People from a range of careers and backgrounds, each with their own struggles, mistakes and failures). I would make notes, take down quotes and really consider how I could apply these lessons to my own life, my own mindset and habits. I was hooked. I admire these people, I am excited by this world, I love absorbing all the knowledge and wisdom squeezed out in each conversation. That being said, it is worth mentioning that:

Deep down we all know the most important wisdom is already within us.

This stuff; the motivational speakers, the interviews, a lot of it is just reminding us of things we already know, but is clouded in our minds with life clutter. Sometimes we need a reminder, a jolt. We need to be inspired, uplifted, pushed in the right direction. And really, I just love hearing people’s stories.

So for now I will share with you five of my favourite people from the world of personal development:

1.) Marie Forleo: Life Coach, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author and host of Marie TV.
I’ve been watching Marie Forleo on YouTube for a couple of years now and only wished I’d found her channel sooner. She interviews some of the most successful people on the planet. Everyone from entrepreneurs, to leaders in the spiritual field, actors, writers, and everyone in between. She also gives great business advice.

2.) Lewis Howes: Entrepreneur, author and former professional Arena League football player.
Lewis hosts The School of Greatness as a podcast and YouTube channel. His guests are as above, individuals from a range of different areas, all with a high level of success in their field, all with valuable insights into how they, quite literally, made their dreams come true.

3.) Chase Jarvis: Photographer, director, artist, and entrepreneur.
Chase interviews “the world’s best creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs” on his show Chase Jarvis Live. When I think of the word creativity, I think of his channel.

4.) Tim Ferriss: Entrepreneur, author, self-proclaimed “human guinea pig”, and public speaker.
I am a huge fan of Tim Ferriss. His Book “The Four Hour Work Week” has changed the way I see my life, and the way I want to live it. Again, he interviews some of the world’s most successful individuals, from a range of areas on his Podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show and shares his research and wisdom on his blog and YouTube channel.