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Welcome to The Brighter Side of Everything.
This newsletter serves a simple purpose → To help you build optimism, resilience and a solution-focused perspective.
Each week, I’ll share actionable insights that not only brighten your day but position you to be a leader within your own life and seize it’s opportunities.
Read time: 10-12 minutes.
Hello Brighter Side readers ☀️
A warm welcome to our new subscribers, and a big thank you to those who continue to read along..
There’s something magical about fresh snowfall, especially when it falls on a Friday night in a bustling city like Toronto.
As it begins to fall, blanketing the streets in a soft, white layer, the world seems to pause for a moment.
I love waking up on a sunny Saturday morning to quiet streets where the glistening snow remains untouched.
Unlike during the week when commuters rush around, turning pristine snow into slush, Saturday mornings invite us to embrace the winter wonderland.
People step outside with a sense of playfulness.
Building snowmen, throwing snowballs and gliding across ice rinks.
Snow day! ❄️ ⛄️
It’s a beautiful reminder that we should never lose our inner child.
When we approach life with that playful spirit, we see the world as a playground and every moment as an opportunity.
Don’t let cynicism or a closed-off mindset set in.
Kids naturally embrace each day like it’s an adventure waiting to happen.
If more adults could adopt this perspective, I have no doubt we’d all see a lot more positivity and optimism in our lives.
There’s a massive difference between ‘I have to walk through this snow’ and ‘I get to walk through this snow!’
Channel that childlike spirit.
Welcome each moment with an open mind and a sense of adventure.
It’ll do wonders for your outlook.
See you on the Brighter Side,
Chris
P.S. I always love hearing from you - feel free to reach out anytime.
P.P.S. This kid’s pure wonder and excitement are infectious and a reminder of the beauty in embracing life's simple pleasures.
Bright Side in Brief
What’s covered this week?
Are You Really Communicating? - Or just going through the motions.
Bright Reads - Quick links to fun or insightful articles.
Roasting Negativity - An Aussie ad calls for kindness.
Bookmarks - ‘How to Live an Extraordinary Life’ by Anthony Pompliano.
A Bright Idea to Consider - Chimamanda Adichie.
Positively Hilarious - Smile like you mean it.
Daily Gratitude Journal - Transform your daily routine through reflection.
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Are you really Communicating?
Or just going through the motions
Remember the last time someone truly listened to you?
If it’s been a while, it might be time to rethink how you engage in conversations.
In 2025, capturing and retaining someone's attention is harder than ever.
With constant distractions, many are quick to pass judgment without knowing the full picture or understanding the complete story.
This then leads to unnecessary misunderstandings and even missed opportunities for connection.
Effective communication is the backbone of every strong relationship.
Whether it’s with your partner, a family member, friends, colleagues or the stranger you pass in the street.
It’s the glue that holds connections together and grows understanding.
Yet, many folks struggle to have meaningful conversations.
So, how can you enhance your conversational skills?
I’ll get to that part, but for now, let’s start where most people stumble:
Listening.
The Importance of Listening
First and foremost, listening is key.
Take this example from one of last year’s newsletters.
The sentence “I never said she stole my money” can convey different meanings based on which word emphasis is placed on.
“I” implies that someone else said it.
“never” suggests a timing-related denial.
“said” implies communication via other means.
“she” shifts the focus to a specific individual.
“stole” highlights the nature of the action.
“my” indicates personal ownership.
“money” draws attention to the object in question.
It’s not just about hearing words; it’s about understanding the emotions behind them.
Research shows that active listening significantly improves the quality of conversations.
This means putting aside your own thoughts and genuinely focusing on what the other person is saying.
To many of us, this seems like common sense but what I find interesting is how rare this trait is becoming.
Humans have become so accustomed to constant distractions that listening to one another takes a backseat.
We live in a world filled with noise and activity, whether it’s from our busy lives or the devices in the palm of our hands.
Listening actively, not passively, has become a lost art, yet it’s an essential ingredient for building genuine connections.
Would you ever make guacamole without avocados?
If you answered yes to that, I don’t know what to tell you, other than here are some tips to improve your active listening.
Practical Steps for Active Listening:
Give Full Attention: Remove distractions like your phone or laptop. Make eye contact and lean slightly towards the speaker to show you’re engaged.
Avoid Interrupting: Let the person finish their thoughts before you chime in. This not only shows respect but also allows you to fully grasp their message. This can be hard at first, especially if it’s a common habit, so catch yourself each time and acknowledge your interruption.
Use Reflective Listening: After they speak, paraphrase what you heard to confirm you understood. For example, say, “So what you’re saying is…” This technique helps to clarify any misunderstandings and makes the speaker feel valued.
The Listening Paradox
Listening is essential for effective communication, that part isn’t up for debate.
But … it comes with its own set of challenges.
One is a phenomenon known as the listening paradox.
This paradox highlights a conflict between the speaker's perception and the listener's experience.
Often, while speakers benefit from expressing their thoughts, listeners can feel emotionally drained by absorbing those feelings.
For instance, I once had a colleague who regularly vented about their work frustrations.
While I wanted to be supportive, I often found myself feeling overwhelmed following our conversations.
An emotional toll like this leads to disengagement in future conversations if you don’t address it directly.
So, what did I do?
I had an honest conversation with them and set clear boundaries.
Did the conversations continue?
Yes.
As often?
Not even close.
Here are some simple ways to negate this paradox:
Overcoming the Listening Paradox:
Set Boundaries: If you find yourself feeling drained from listening too much, it’s okay to set limits on how long, how often or to what extent you engage.
Self-Care: If you are blessed (or cursed) with being a good listener, take breaks between emotionally charged conversations to recharge your emotional batteries. You can’t charge the batteries of others unless you charge your own.
Encourage Mutual Sharing: Use a two-way dialogue where both of you share your feelings and experiences. This balance can ease the burden on one person.
Clarity Over Assumptions
Another common pitfall in conversations is assuming that your message is clear.
Just because you said it.
That doesn’t mean it was heard.
Just because it was heard.
That doesn’t mean it was understood.
To avoid this trap, strive for clarity in your messages.
Tips for Clear Communication:
Be Direct: Use simple language and avoid jargon unless you’re sure the other person understands it.
Use “I” Statements: Instead of saying “You never listen,” try “I feel unheard when I’m interrupted.” This will reduce defensiveness and start a conversation.
Check for Understanding: Ask questions like, “Does that make sense?” or “How do you feel about that?” This invites feedback and ensures both of you are on the same page.
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
The Rate of Speaking vs. Listening Paradox
If you are someone who struggles to listen, it doesn’t make you a bad person.
It just means you need practice.
Everything in life that requires skill … requires practice.
Did you know that we, as humans, can listen at a much faster rate than we tend to speak?
On average, we can process around 300 words per minute while most people speak at about 120-180 words per minute.
This discrepancy creates a challenge where the listener could become distracted or disengaged when speakers don’t pause for processing.
Explains a lot, right?
This is why it’s hard.
But most things that are worthwhile, are hard.
Because of this phenomenon, learning to listen is like swimming against the natural current.
It’s hard at first but once you find your form (through practice) it becomes easier, and the rewards follow.
What rewards, Chris?
Well …
When you swim, you exercise your body.
When you listen, you exercise your mind.
Tips to Overcome This Paradox:
Pace Your Speech: If you're the one speaking, consciously slow down your delivery to allow listeners time to digest the information.
Use Pauses: Use pauses strategically in your speech to give the listener time to reflect on what you've said.
Encourage Questions: Invite the listener to ask questions throughout your conversation rather than waiting until the end. It won’t feel like an interruption if you set the rules prior.
Empathy and Validation
Empathy plays a crucial role in effective communication.
It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and acknowledging their feelings or their situation.
When people feel understood, they’re more likely to open up.
They’re more likely to engage in meaningful discussions.
It’s important to remember that listening to someone is not the same as agreeing with them.
You can fully understand another person’s perspective while still holding a different view.
This distinction opens the door to deeper conversations where diverse viewpoints can coexist without conflict.
By embracing empathy, you not only elevate your relationships but also encourage a culture of respect and understanding that can transform your interactions and flow into your daily life.
Ways to Show Empathy:
Acknowledge Emotions: If someone shares a tough experience, say things like, “That sounds really challenging; I can see why you’d feel that way.” Avoid comments like “I completely understand”, because you don’t.
Avoid Judgment: Create a safe space for sharing by holding back judgment or criticism. This encourages openness and honesty. Remember we’re learning to listen here.
Share Similar Experiences: Sharing a relevant personal story can help bridge understanding but be careful not to overshadow their feelings with your own narrative.
Tough discussions are inevitable in any relationship, whether personal or professional.
They can surface from misunderstandings, differing opinions, conflicts of interest or simply the need to set some boundaries.
It’s how you approach these discussions that make the biggest difference to the outcome.
Putting it simply, winning the argument achieves far less than resolving the issue.
Unfortunately, we see this all the time throughout business and politics.
Eckhart Tolle reminds us that our ego often complicates communication.
When we set aside our ego, we can focus on resolving issues rather than winning arguments.
The ego tends to prioritise being right over understanding, which leads to defensiveness and escalation rather than resolution.
By recognising and managing your ego, you create a space for open dialogue where both sides feel heard and respected.
Oh … and you’ll likely solve the problem.
Strategies for Difficult Conversations
Choose the Right Time: Timing matters! Find a moment when both of you are calm and receptive to talking.
Stay on Topic: Avoid bringing up past grievances during current discussions; this will derail the conversation.
Seek Compromise: Frame discussions as “us versus the problem” rather than “you versus me.” A collaborative approach builds teamwork in resolving conflicts.
“As long as the ego runs your life, most of your thoughts, emotions, and actions arise from desire and fear.”
My Takeaway
Improving your conversation skills doesn’t happen overnight.
It takes time and effort.
But so does anything worthwhile in this life.
By prioritising active listening, clarity and empathy you’ll find yourself building stronger relationships all around.
Today, keeping someone's attention is harder than ever.
Many of us are far too quick to pass judgment before having the full picture or understanding the complete story.
This tendency leads to misunderstandings and missed opportunities.
If more of us recognised the give-and-take that conversations require to be productive, we could grow a culture of deeper understanding and empathy.
That is what the year 2025 should look like.
Imagine a world where people took the time to listen fully before forming opinions.
Where conversations became a bridge rather than a barrier.
Personally (and fortunately), I learned this lesson early on in my career.
I was never a natural listener.
When I stepped into my first leadership role, an early mentor encouraged me to work on this skill.
And boy did I practise hard.
I wanted to ensure I was leading the right way.
The impact was immediate; my team felt heard, supported and engaged.
Fast forward 12 years, and I was overseeing a national business with over 1,000 employees.
This journey taught me that if you’re willing to put in the work to truly understand something, you reap the rewards.
On the flip side, if you keep taking shortcuts, you’ll never really learn or master that skill.
Growth should be a constant throughout your life.
The world moves quickly, and if you stop learning, you'll get left behind.
By adding these simple but powerful strategies into your interactions, you'll develop deeper connections.
The ones that thrive on trust and respect.
Because at the end of the day, life is all about connection.
“The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.”
Bright Reads
Interesting insights to ignite your inner optimist.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables: a month-by-month guide to produce.
Seeing the funny side: 10 striking portraits of nature’s comedians.
An aggregate of 2024 music year-end lists.
What makes people satisfied with their lives?
When you listen to music, you’re never alone.
Roasting Negativity
An Aussie Ad Calls for Kindness
Image sourced from Canberratimes.com.au
Have you seen the latest Australian ad for Lamb?
I’m guessing not, given it was released last week in Australia.
It was released just in time for summer and is a celebration of the country's diverse culture and love for outdoor barbecues.
The ad cleverly combines humour and a sense of national pride, showcasing how lamb is a staple in Australian summer gatherings.
It features a variety of characters from different backgrounds coming together to enjoy a meal, highlighting the unifying power of food and shared experiences.
Oh … and one other thing.
It’s not just about lamb.
It’s a clever (and hilarious) commentary on modern societies’ social media habits.
Created by Droga5 ANZ, the ad takes a humorous look at the wild world of online comments, showcasing some truly ridiculous exchanges.
It reminds us that while social media can feel like a battleground, Australians are generally pretty kind and united when it comes to gathering around a barbecue.
This is a reminder that rings true across the entire globe.
Why This Message Matters
Today, social media is a mixed bag.
On one hand, it connects us.
On the other, it can bring out the worst in people.
This ad playfully taps into this reality by highlighting how the most trivial topics can lead to heated debates online.
Not the kind of debate that encourages constructive dialogue, but rather the kind that spirals into endless arguments and misunderstandings.
By doing so, it cleverly underscores the absurdity of these exchanges.
Nathan Low from Meat & Livestock Australia makes a profound point, in that if you only look at social media, you might think Australians are always at odds.
But in real life, they’re much more likely to share a laugh and enjoy good food together.
It serves as a wake-up call about how we communicate with each other.
Scrolling through a feed full of negativity and hostility is incredibly draining.
And it doesn’t have to be that way.
A Call for Positivity
The beauty of this ad is that it encourages us to make a conscious choice about how we engage with others.
Every comment we make has the power to either lift or bring someone down.
Why not choose positivity?
Even if you don’t like what you’re seeing or agree with what’s being said, there are waaaaaay more productive ways to share your views.
When we come together over something as simple as a barbecue, it symbolises our innate ability to connect and find common ground.
But here’s the thing: it shouldn’t take an ad about lamb to remind us of the importance of kindness.
Image sourced from Adnews.com.au
The annual release of "The Lamb Ad" has become a beloved moment in Australian culture.
It’s a fun reminder that summer has arrived, and you can enjoy good food in good company.
However, it also highlights a bigger issue: we often forget to be kind until someone points it out in an entertaining way.
If you find your default response is constantly negative, you’re robbing yourself of opportunities to grow, a chance at quality connections and living a content life.
A negative mindset limits your perspective and holds back your ability to see potential solutions.
It can also prevent you from embracing new and different experiences.
It’s crucial to remember that each of us has the power to create change in our communities.
We can do better than getting caught up in negativity online.
By choosing to engage in positive conversations and celebrate or, at worst, acknowledge our differences, we create an environment where everyone feels valued.
The ad leans on clever humour to remind us that life is better when we step away from our screens and connect over shared experiences.
Not only does it nourish our bodies, it strengthens our relationships.
My Takeaway
The 2025 Australian Lamb ad is more than just a fun marketing campaign.
It’s a smart reflection on how we interact in today’s world.
By poking fun at online behaviour while promoting unity through shared experiences, it encourages us all to be better with our words and actions.
As we all dive headfirst into 2025, let’s take this message to heart.
We are better than the negativity that often fills our feeds.
We have the power to lift each other through kindness and understanding, creating a more compassionate society where everyone can thrive.
So let’s embrace this challenge.
Not just during summer barbecues … but every single day.
“When you delve into the world of online commentary, it would leave you thinking Aussies are at each other’s throats, no matter how trivial the topic. But in real life, Aussies don’t treat each other like that. The Summer Lamb campaign is an irreverent reminder that Australians are always at our best when we’re united, and there’s no better way to bring everyone together than over an epic Aussie lamb BBQ.”
If you’ve yet to see the ad, feel free to enjoy it now:
Bookmarks
How to Live an Extraordinary Life
by Anthony Pompliano
If you’re looking for a book that’s packed with practical advice and relatable insights, How to Live an Extraordinary Life by Anthony Pompliano might just be what you need.
Pompliano, known for his work in tech and finance, takes a unique approach by writing 65 letters to his children, Sophia and Leo.
This format makes the writing feel personal and heartfelt.
Almost like you’re having a conversation with a friend rather than reading a dry self-help manual (trust me, I’ve read quite a few).
A Personal Touch
What stands out is how Pompliano shares his own life experiences alongside the lessons he aims to share.
He’s been through a lot.
From serving in the Army to navigating the fast-paced world of Silicon Valley, he uses these experiences to illustrate his points well.
Each letter feels like a little nugget of wisdom, drawing from real-life situations that you can either relate to or learn from.
Actionable Advice
The reason I like this book is that it’s all about action.
Pompliano doesn’t just throw around big ideas.
He gives you concrete steps you can take to improve your life.
Whether he’s talking about building better relationships or diving into entrepreneurship, he lays out practical advice that feels doable.
It’s refreshing to see a self-help book that encourages you to get up and do something rather than just think about it.
Action solves problems.
Mindset Matters
Pompliano emphasises the power of mindset.
He believes that our thoughts shape our reality and building a positive outlook is key to achieving success.
A concept I believe personally, with every ounce of my being.
I love how he connects childhood experiences to character development.
By reflecting on our past, we can better understand what drives us and how then to move forward.
Building Relationships
Another key takeaway from the book is how important it is to build meaningful relationships.
Pompliano stresses that success isn’t just about money or career achievements; it’s also about the connections we make along the way.
He encourages you to invest time in nurturing friendships and family bonds, reminding us that these relationships are what truly impact our lives.
A Few Critiques
While I enjoyed the book overall, there were a few moments where I wished he dug a bit deeper into certain topics.
For example, he mentions Bitcoin quite a bit - maybe even too much for my taste - and while it’s an important part of his story, I think other fascinating experiences from his career could have added more variety.
Also, even though I enjoyed it, the letter format might not be for everyone.
Some might prefer a more traditional style.
Universal Lessons
Despite these minor points, How to Live an Extraordinary Life is filled with lessons that anyone can apply, no matter where you are in your journey.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for ways to reignite your growth, Pompliano’s insights are both relevant and timely.
His straightforward style makes complex ideas easy to digest, almost like you’re having a chat over coffee.
Final Thoughts
How to Live an Extraordinary Life is an engaging read that inspires and guides you toward unlocking your potential.
Pompliano's down-to-earth writing style makes it easy to follow along and absorb his lessons without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re searching for motivation or practical steps to enhance your life, this book should be on your list.
It’s quick enough to read in one sitting but packed with enough insights to keep you coming back for more.
Ultimately, Anthony Pompliano has created a guide that shows us all that living an extraordinary life isn’t just for a select few.
It’s something we can all strive for.
If we’re willing to put in the effort.
“You will always be only as good, only as happy, only as successful as you perceive yourself to be. Happiness springs from within, never from without.”
Got a recommendation?
Please share; I'm always keen to hear quality suggestions.
A Bright Idea to Consider
Chimamanda Adichie
Chimamanda Adichie, an acclaimed Nigerian author, emphasises the importance of expressing your admiration openly.
Her words remind us that far too often we hold back our compliments and appreciation for others.
Even though we understand they’ll have a profound impact on their lives.
Understanding the Concept
The Fragility of Human Experience:
Adichie points out that "we humans are so fragile." This fragility means that everyone is navigating their struggles and a simple acknowledgment can lift their spirits. By openly sharing what we admire in others, in the moment, we help to build a culture of support and encouragement.
Giving Flowers While They’re Here: The phrase "give people their flowers while they are still here" serves as a powerful reminder to appreciate others in the present moment. Too often, we wait until it's too late to express our gratitude or admiration, missing opportunities to make a difference in someone's life.
Practical Applications
Express Your Admiration:
Make it a habit to tell people what you appreciate about them. Whether it's a colleague's hard work, a friend's kindness, or a family member's support, vocalising your admiration strengthens relationships and boosts morale.
Speak Well of Others:
Don’t just share your compliments directly. Also, speak about the people you admire in conversations with others. This not only amplifies their achievements but also creates a positive atmosphere where everyone feels valued. Important note: never do the opposite.
Create a Culture of Appreciation:
Encourage those around you to express their admiration as well. Whether at work or socially, creating an environment where compliments are freely shared leads to increased motivation and joy.
Reflect on Your Relationships:
Take time to think about the people in your life who inspire you. Make a list of qualities you admire in them and reach out to share. Let me know how you feel afterwards.
Conclusion
This statement is a powerful reminder that expressing admiration is not just about making others feel good.
It's about acknowledging the fragility of human experience and the importance of connection.
When we maintain this mindset, we can create a more supportive and uplifting environment for everyone around us.
So, don’t just think it.
Say it!
Your words have the power to uplift, to inspire, and most importantly, remind others of their worth.
"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."
Positively Hilarious
A quick laugh as we part ways this week.
Daily Gratitude Journal
Transform your daily routine with my specially crafted gratitude journal. Start (or end) each day with a moment of reflection and positivity.
Thank you to all who have purchased a copy so far, I am truly grateful and for every journal sold, I will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
This means that as you develop daily gratitude, you're also helping grant wishes to children facing critical illnesses.
It's a powerful cycle of hope and optimism.
🌟 What's Inside:
Thoughtful prompts to inspire daily gratitude.
Space for personal reflections and affirmations.
Beautifully designed pages to make each entry a delightful experience.
Ready to embrace the power of gratitude?
Click here to order a copy now!
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