Health Consultant Ben Tule on Navigating Personal Growth

Embarking on a journey of self-improvement is more than just reaching a destination—it’s about having a strategy, adopting the right mindset, and having a support system. Join Sydney as she sits down with Ben, one of the leading consultants at the Zoe Wellness Center Headquarters, to ask about Ben’s secrets to staying inspired, overcoming challenges, and nurturing a growth mindset. Together, they dive into decluttering life, setting priorities, and embracing compassion. Let’s see how Ben turns aspirations into reality.

Interview Transcript:

Let’s dive in! I’d like to kick it off with how you maintain motivation while making positive changes. How do you personally keep yourself inspired?

Ben:
To stay motivated, I need to surround myself with people who have the same goals as me. I intentionally surround myself with success-oriented friends. The company you keep is crucial; as the Bible says, “bad company corrupts good character.” So, aligning myself with those who share a similar definition of success is key. Now, a second thing I do to stay motivated involves social media. I often come across things that are encouraging, inspiring, and motivating. I save them, but the crucial part is revisiting them. I let each impactful message sink in and then apply it. Given my busy weekdays, I commit to this process on weekends, particularly on Saturday or Sunday mornings. It’s about blocking out that time intentionally.

Exploring deeper into times of significant change, what goes on in your head during challenges, and how you overcome resistance?

Ben:
Whether the change is positive or not, it’s about recognizing what I can control and what I can’t. For things within my control, I focus on managing them, especially with what I can do short-term. However, there are some things, maybe long-term, that need to be put on the shelf for now. It’s a matter of not worrying about those far off stressors right at this moment. I think you can apply that towards anything negative or positive, where there’s lots of changes coming up. Look and see what is in your power to be able to control. It’s a delicate balance of addressing what is actionable now and acknowledging what can wait. For someone like me, who tends to be rigid, it’s vital to also embrace flexibility. Being flexible is key.

You mentioned “putting it on the shelf,”  as if the different factors create life clutter. How do you “declutter” your life?

Ben:
When you have life changes going on, sometimes there are just so many moving parts. There are certain things that have to be done now. In such cases, I prioritize the immediate tasks, those that need attention in the short term. On the other hand, there are certain things, more long-term in nature, that need to be put on that mental shelf. It’s like focusing on one goal at a time. This is vital for avoiding anxiety or feeling overwhelmed. Recognize what needs attention now and what can wait. It’s about putting things on the shelf that can wait – not just postponing and pushing things off, but pausing to intentionally set aside stressors that don’t require immediate attention. This allows me to focus on what truly matters.

How does your growth mindset contribute to this approach?

Ben:
Personal growth requires being open to change. I think it’s important to look at people that you admire and their characteristics you want to emulate. It’s a process, you say, “ that’s the style that I like, that’s what I want to be able to do.” and then see if you can follow that. It’s about evolving and embracing challenges. It involves recognizing the need to adapt. Not to mimic them entirely but to adapt strategies that match those goals. To be able to incorporate that in your style, according to how you achieve things.

What common challenges do you see people facing when making significant life changes?

Ben:
I think that a lot of it is going to be fear. Especially fear of failure or the unknown. Identifying and understanding these fears is crucial. So I think you got to understand where people are coming from. Each individual brings unique concerns- health, relationships, finances. Tailoring the approach to address their unique fears and challenges enhances the support I try to give to people that come in.

For those feeling overwhelmed, what practical tips do you offer to regain balance?

Ben:
The key is to slow down. I think we can go back to what I said before about recognizing if it is absolutely necessary right now. Evaluate and prioritize tasks based on urgency. Recognize the need to handle one thing at a time rather than attempting to manage everything simultaneously. Scheduling tasks, setting deadlines, and approaching them with a system that works for you.

Thank you for that. Finally, what have you learned through helping others?

Ben:
So what I’ve learned from helping other people is that you just have to really look at each person as the individual they are, and be compassionate. Think about where they’re coming from. A lot of times, I think it’s about just listening to what’s happening in that person’s life. To help someone you have to genuinely understand the need and how are you going to do that unless you listen. Right? Because you only have your own perspectives to weigh in. Yeah, we’ve really got to learn to just slow down, stop talking and start listening. Because we are programmed to want to fix stuff and check off a list, because that’s how we feel like we’ve contributed. But sometimes it’s not a matter of just checking off the list, it’s a matter of getting in there and just listening. You could talk to your significant other, and she doesn’t want you to fix it. She just wants to know somebody’s gonna listen.

Overview:

In this enlightening conversation, Ben shares his insights on maintaining motivation when life throws you curveballs. From creating a success-driven environment to addressing challenges, he reveals practical strategies for navigating change. The growth mindset takes the spotlight, guiding us to explore how fear often hides behind our desire to transform. Unpacking life’s complexities, Ben emphasizes slowing down, assessing priorities, and facing one challenge at a time. Lastly, delve into the lessons Ben has gained from helping others, highlighting the transformative power of compassionate listening.

Takeaways:

1. Curate Your Circle:
Surround yourself with individuals who share your definition of success and value the journey. Having morals and values that match yours is the key to seeing the success you want.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Put a Pin in It :
Distinguish between short-term and long-term priorities, focusing on what can be controlled in the moment. Take it one thing at a time.

3. Embrace a Growth Mindset:
Open yourself to change, learn from successful individuals that inspire you, and confront challenges with adaptability.

4. Fear, The Silent Player:
Understand and address the fears that hinder progress, recognizing that everyone’s journey is unique.

5. Unpack the Overstuffed Suitcase:
Slow down, prioritize, and tackle challenges in a way that works for you.

6. The Art of Compassionate Listening:
When guiding others, be a compassionate companion—sometimes, a listening ear is more powerful than a solution mindset.

Conclusion:
Ben’s practical tips cut through the noise. Whether you’re facing a career shift or just need a spark of inspiration, this conversation serves as a compass, guiding you towards a more empowered and intentional existence. Let the adventure begin!

What resonated most with you in Ben’s approach to navigating challenges? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below!