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Own Your Own Future Notes

Unlock Your Potential: The Ultimate Journaling Guide

Keeping a journal is said to be a powerful tool for your personal growth and development. If you keep a journal it can help you clarify your thoughts, set personal goals, and track progress against such goals. You can also use a journal to reflect on your behaviors and experiences.

Some tips and ideas to use in your own journal include:

Write Down Your Goals

Writing down your goals is thought to help make them happen. It acts as a powerful way to make them more concrete and increase your chances overall of achieving them. Be specific about what you want to achieve and the steps you need to take to get there. Write about your progress and make sure to celebrate your wins along the way.

Keep A Daily Log

I like to do this if nothing more than as a reminder that I can look back on in future days to remind me of times gone by. Write about things that you did or ate, places you visited, and any other experiences throughout the day. Think about things that you are grateful for and jot them down in your journal too. What challenges do you face and what lessons have you learned? This can help you stay present and mindful, and provide a record of your growth and progress over time. That said, don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day or two, you don’t want journalling to be a chore. I keep my daily journal online on this website, although as you will notice I am occasionally too consumed with work or other projects and therefore occasionally miss a day or two (or more🙄)

Journal Your Problems

Use your journal to work through difficult decisions or challenges you are facing, these could be either at home or at work. Write about your options and then weigh up the pros and cons.  Explore your feelings and thoughts. This can help you gain clarity and perspective, and find solutions to your problems.

Express Your Creativity

Use your journal as a means to express your creativity and explore any ideas that you may have. Maybe poetry, or drawings, or simply brainstorm new projects. This can help you tap into your imagination and find new inspiration.

Reflect On Your Experience

Use your journal to reflect on your experiences and learn from them. What you have learned and what mistakes have you made? Are there any insights or learnings to be gained for the future? This can help you grow and develop as a person, and avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future.

Practice Gratitude 

What are you grateful for? Write them down in your journal. Expressing gratitude is meant to cultivate a positive mindset and enable you to focus on all the good and positive things that are in your life. It can also help you appreciate the people and experiences that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Set Intentions

Use your journal to set intentions for your day, week, or even month or year. Write about what you want to accomplish, how you want to feel, and what you want to focus on. This can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

Log What You Want To Make Happen

Be very intentional about what you want to make happen. Decide what you want. Set yourself a challenge and write a new story. Declare what it is you want to make happen.

e.g.

  • “I’m going to go on an adventure to see what’s possible.”
  • “I’m going to open myself up to building the business of my dreams and creating the success that I want.”
  • “I’m here for more success, more joy, more abundance, more freedom, more peace.
  • “I’m here to make more impact, to be of the highest service, and to share my ideas, knowledge & experiences with the world”
  • “I’m ready for the world to see more, To shine my light”

What do you want? Sign and date it

Want To Keep A Journal? Here’s Some Journal Prompts

Write about your journey. What’s happening, the progress that you are making, the challenges that you are facing, and the things that you are grateful for. Acknowledge the wins.

Document the people who have helped you, and the tools and resources that have helped you. The lessons that you are learning and the tips you have to share.

Document the names of your first subscriber, follower, customer, and then also the 100th.

Write down your goals over and over again. Pour your heart, soul, sweat, and tears into your journal.

In your journal, get really clear on what you want, and then set yourself a fun challenge. Look at it as an adventure, then take tiny steps in the right direction. Because success is a set of tiny, messy, imperfect steps that you take over and over again.

One example step would be to start to build an email list – follow someone else’s blueprint.

Write down what your next step is in your journal and then take action.

Decide who you need to be. How would the person I’d like to be, do the things I’m about to do? E.g. you want to be International Sales Person of the Year. If you were already in that position then you wouldn’t be turning up to work in scruffy clothes. You’d be organized. Show up as if you already were that person.

Write in your journal why 12 months from now you didn’t achieve your goals, now go and do the exact opposite to make the goals happen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, keeping a journal is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. It can help you clarify your thoughts, set goals, track progress, and reflect on your experiences. Use these tips and ideas to create a journaling practice that works for you, and watch as it transforms your life.

References:

https://debrasmouse.com/keeping-a-journal-helps-you-create-a-life-you-love/
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/healtharticle.7-benefits-of-keeping-a-journal
https://www.becomingminimalist.com/reasons-to-journal/
https://dayoneapp.com/blog/journaling-benefits/
https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-start-journaling
https://www.deanbokhari.com/journaling-ideas/

Plus my notes from the Own Your Own Future Course by Dean Grasiozi and Tony Robbins

Crush Your Goals: A 6-12 Month Action Plan

Thinking About My Goals

What three goals would you want to achieve in the next 6 to 12 months? For me, I think that my goals would be to:

  1. To make my free mini leagues app number one on Google.
  2. To get down to 224 pounds in weight within 6 months
  3. To make this website leadership and development profitable

Why are these goals a must?

Starting in reverse order:

I need to make this website leadership and development profitable because at the moment it is simply a liability that is costing me money in terms of time, hosting costs, and domain charges.

I need to get down to 224 pounds for the goodness of my health and to potentially improve my ability at my favourite sport UK Racketball

Free mini leagues would be a promotion for my squash booking system which could also end up bringing in more revenue. I would use this as the start of my sales funnel. Been reading lots about sales funnels from the fascinating Russel Brunson.

Below is the fascinating video of him making over $3 million dollars in an hour and a half with a live sale of his click funnels software…

My Goals On Hold

I recently had a goal to turn our failed puborder app into a takeaway ordering system, Speedytakeaway could bring in more revenue by charging customers a small order fee of between 25p and 50p. However, I’ve recently heard that the fish and chip shop that was going to try it for me isn’t as enthusiastic as I first thought. ☹️

So think I will put this one on the back burner for now!

Questioning Myself When Thinking About My Goals

What’s kept you from changing in the past? Not being focused enough on my core goals

What needs to change now? Need to start making definite steps towards progressing my goals.

What are 1 or 2 actionable steps that will immediately move you forward?

Mini Leagues – Take notes from the current Google number one position.

Weight – Cut out carbs from my diet

Leadership and Development – Add more posts like this one!

SpeedyTakeaway – launch a promotional website. 

Some More Of My Goals To Consider

  1. Increase my monthly revenue from trading shares

Affirmations

Some affirmations for my goals that I will also use as part of my core morning routine:

AFFIRMATIONS:  I now have two… 1) Define the result 2) Why? 3) What actions

  1. To be number one on Google for the search term “Free Mini Leagues”. I will use this traffic as a feed to the top of my sales funnel for getting new PlanIt-BookIt customers. I am committed to making the PlanItBookIt website the best in class and to making it work as a sales funnel as per all the guidelines that I have learned from reading books from Russell Brunson. I may also need to grow my community through Facebook and social media connections, possibly contacting clubs directly with my mini-league lead magnet. In order for PlanIt-BookIt to be best in class and capture the Padel and other doubles court-based activities I also need to ensure that up to four people can be booked on the system per court.
  2. To ensure that I lose 21 pounds and get down to 224 pounds so that I look and feel better I am 100 percent committed to eating in an eight-hour window, avoiding carbohydrates, and playing squash or racquetball 3 to 4 times a week.
  3. To earn enough monthly revenue from this website for it to be able to cover the hosting costs and my time building it. I will do this by posting articles and my efforts on it daily to build up traffic.
 
Create Your Own Destiny: Actionable Steps to Success

Stop Waiting, Start Creating: Forge Your Own Damn Destiny!

Let’s cut to the chase. You’re not a leaf tossed in the wind, are you? You’re the captain of your own ship, the architect of your own life. But are you acting like it? If you’re feeling stuck, like your career is on autopilot or your dreams are gathering dust, it’s time to wake up and take the wheel. I’ve been digging into some powerful insights from Dean Graziosi and Tony Robbins’ ‘Own Your Own Future’ course, and frankly, they lit a fire under me. Here’s the raw, unfiltered breakdown of how you can stop wishing for a better future and start building it, brick by deliberate brick.

Create your own destiny by following some of the notes that I took from the Own Your Own Future course by Dean Graziosi and Tony Robbins:

A Set Of Action Ideas To Help You Create Your Own Destiny

  • You’re responsible for yourself, so take action
  • Don’t complain, make things better.
  • Picture your end day, what did you want to achieve? 3 things personally, 3 things professionally. 
  • First, you create habits, and then habits create you.
  • When learning use spaced repetition to help enforce what you have learned.
  • Read regularly, how can you apply it?
  • Schedule your time and your learning
  • Instruct, try, and teach what you learn – helps to learn with intention.
  • Make things a must instead of a should
  • Have a clear vision of where you want to be
  • Being normal is boring try and be freaky or creative
  • The 3 C’s are Coaching, Consistency and Community
  • When taking notes from a course or book split your page into two columns, on the left column take your notes, but on the right-hand side try and think of ways you could apply those notes to your own life, projects, or challenges.
  • What and why is more important than how
  • Where focus goes energy flows
  • Write down a limiting belief and then write a new empowering story to replace it: I’m not comfortable selling my products TO: My products are excellent and I need to tell as many people as possible so that they can get all the great value from them.
  • Big journeys begin with a single step.
  • Don’t live in the past
  • Don’t try and please everyone.
  • Where are you now and where do you want to get to? What is your purpose? Your impact? Doing what?
  • Do fewer things that take your confidence and more things that build your confidence.
    e.g. don’t watch the news, it’s negative
  • Self-education is the answer, get great by trial and error
  • Human emotion is the most important thing, learn to direct it.
  • You will never be ready, so if you say you can’t do this then act upon it immediately. Do the uncomfortable even if you say you can’t
  • Focus on where you want to go, not what you’re afraid of
  • Everything is about increasing your probabilities
  • Get uncomfortable, and put yourself on the line.
  • Schedule what you need to do.
  • Whatever moves the needle most in your wider niche, then start there
  • I’m going to show you how to…
  • Here are the seven steps…
  • Decide what you want and then make it your reality
  • Ignore imposter syndrome, i.e. who wants to listen to me
  • 10 years from now you will surely arrive, the question is where
  • “Succesful people hang on when everyone else has let go.”
  • “The biggest regret people have is not changing what they still have the opportunity to change” – Krista Mashore
  • “I will persist until I succeed” – Possibly a quote by Og Mandino – If you persist then you will eventually reach your goal, try and follow someone else who is doing it well.

Some Motivational Advice From Tony Robbins

Pillar 1: Get laser-focused on what you want and when you want it – “Where focus goes, energy flows” Clarity is power. The purpose of what you want is the most important as that’s where the drive is.

Pillar 2: Follow a proven path, tools, map, or coaching

Pillar 3: Eliminate inner conflicts

Frequently Asked Questions

I feel like I have a good idea, but I don’t know where to start. What’s the very first step?
The first step is always the hardest because it requires commitment. Based on the principles, the absolute first step is to get *crystal clear* on what you want to achieve (your “Why” and “What”) and then take ONE small, concrete action towards it. Don’t overthink it. Just do *something*. Schedule it, tell a friend, make a call. Action breeds clarity and momentum.
How do I deal with ‘imposter syndrome’ when I’m trying to put myself out there?
Imposter syndrome is common, but it’s a story your brain is telling you. Recognize it for what it is – a story, not the truth. Replace it with your empowering narrative: “I am learning and contributing.” Focus on the value you *do* offer, even if it’s imperfect. Remember the principle: “Where focus goes, energy flows.” Focus on your contribution, not on perceived inadequacy. Also, remember that many successful people started exactly where you are – feeling unqualified but acting anyway.
I keep getting distracted. How can I improve my focus?
Focus is a muscle. First, identify your biggest distractions and actively eliminate or minimize them. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and create a dedicated workspace. Second, schedule your focused work time like a critical appointment. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (work in focused bursts with short breaks). Most importantly, connect deeply with your “Why.” When you’re clear on the purpose behind your work, staying focused becomes much easier because you understand the stakes.

The Bottom Line: Your Destiny Awaits Your Command

Look, nobody’s going to hand you your dream life. You have to build it. The tools and mindsets are out there – Dean Graziosi and Tony Robbins are just two brilliant examples of mentors who’ve distilled massive success into actionable steps. The question isn’t if you can create your own destiny, but when you’ll finally decide to start. Don’t wait for "ready." Decide. Act. Persist. Your future self will thank you.

Find Your Killer Niche: A Proven Blueprint

Stop Drifting, Start Dominating: Your Blueprint for Finding That Killer Niche

Ever feel like you’re juggling a dozen interests, brimming with ideas, but paralyzed by the sheer volume of possibilities? You’re not alone. The digital landscape is a gold rush, and everyone’s searching for that one vein of gold to mine. But instead of randomly digging, what if you could follow a proven map to unearth your unique, profitable niche? This isn’t about finding any idea; it’s about uncovering the right idea – the one that ignites your passion, leverages your genius, and solves a real problem for a hungry audience.

Forget the corporate jargon and vague advice. We’re going to cut through the noise and give you a clear, actionable path to discovering your entrepreneurial sweet spot.

Unearthing Your ‘Zone of Genius’: The Foundation of Niche Success

Most people stumble into entrepreneurship by chasing trends or copying others. The real magic happens when you tap into what makes you uniquely valuable. Think of it as finding the intersection of three powerful forces:

  • What You Love: What topics could you talk about for hours, even if no one was paying you? What genuinely excites you?
  • What You’re Great At: What skills, knowledge, or talents do you possess that others find impressive or seek advice on? What comes easily to you that might be a struggle for others?
  • What People Need (and Will Pay For): What problems exist in the world that align with your passions and skills? Where is there a clear demand, and are people already spending money to solve it?

When these three elements converge, you’ve found your ‘triangle of genius’ – the fertile ground for your next big venture.

Beyond the Broad Strokes: The Power of Extreme Niching

Think about it: trying to be everything to everyone is a recipe for mediocrity. The most successful businesses and creators often dominate by going deep, not wide. Instead of "fitness coach," why not be the "post-partum fitness coach for busy single moms"? Instead of "web developer," become the "WordPress speed optimization expert for e-commerce stores." Niching down doesn’t limit you; it amplifies your focus, makes your marketing laser-sharp, and builds incredible authority.

Illustrative image of a magnifying glass focusing on a specific point

Myth vs. Fact: Niching Down

Myth: Niching Down Limits Your Audience and Income Potential.

This is a common fear, but it’s fundamentally flawed. By niching down, you’re not shrinking your potential; you’re concentrating your efforts on a specific, often underserved, market segment. This allows you to become the go-to expert, command higher prices, and attract a more loyal customer base who feel truly understood.

Fact: Niching Down Creates Authority, Reduces Competition, and Increases Profitability.

When you speak directly to the specific pain points and desires of a defined audience, you build trust and credibility far faster than broad-appeal offerings. This clarity attracts the *right* customers, those who are actively seeking a solution you provide, making sales easier and customer acquisition more cost-effective.

Your Personalized Niche Brainstorm: From Ideas to Action

Let’s translate these concepts into concrete possibilities. Based on the principles above, here’s a curated list of potential niches, drawing from common interests and skills, and including your own SAAS product ideas as a springboard:

Tech & Digital Mastery

  • Beginner’s Guide to [Specific Programming Language/Framework]: Move beyond generic "programming." Focus on Python for data science beginners, or React for front-end developers just starting out.
  • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) for [Specific Application]: Instead of abstract OOP, focus on how it solves problems in game development or enterprise software.
  • Creating Scalable Applications: Offer courses or consulting on building apps that can handle significant growth, perhaps focusing on cloud infrastructure.
  • Understanding Crypto & Blockchain: Demystify complex topics. Consider "Crypto for Artists" or "Blockchain Basics for Small Business Owners."
  • How to Trade [Specific Asset Class]: Drill down from "stock markets" to "day trading strategies for volatile tech stocks" or "long-term dividend investing for retirees."
  • Building & Maintaining High-Performance WordPress Websites: Focus on speed optimization, security, or specific plugin integrations. This leverages your existing SAAS product experience.

Business & Productivity

Illustrative image of business strategy elements
  • Effective Leadership & Management for [Specific Industry]: Tailor advice for startup founders, non-profit managers, or team leads in a tech company.
  • Boosting Creativity & Innovation in [Specific Context]: Focus on "fostering innovation within remote teams" or "creative problem-solving for product managers."
  • Lean / Six Sigma for [Specific Process]: Apply these methodologies to healthcare administration, software development, or manufacturing.
  • Project Management for [Specific Type of Project]: Think "Agile project management for marketing campaigns" or "Construction project management essentials."
  • Online Marketing Strategies for [Specific Business Type]: "Local SEO for dentists" or "Social media marketing for artisanal bakeries."

Health, Wellness & Lifestyle

  • Weight Loss Without Calorie Counting: Focus on intuitive eating, mindful consumption, or habit-based approaches. This is a highly sought-after pain point.
  • [Specific Condition] Coping & Management: Offer support and practical advice for living with conditions like aplastic anemia, or chronic pain. This requires empathy and genuine understanding.
  • Creating a Life Journal for Goal Achievement: Build a system around journaling that helps users track progress and stay motivated. Inspired by your son’s book example.

Hobbies & Recreation

Illustrative image of someone enjoying a hobby
  • Mastering [Specific Sport/Activity]:

Personal Development & Storytelling

  • Developing Motivational Habits: Focus on practical techniques people can implement daily. Understanding what drives people is key.
  • Telling Your Life Stories: Guide individuals on how to craft and share their personal narratives for impact or even professional use.

Your SAAS Product Ecosystem as a Niche Launcher

You’ve already built valuable tools. These aren’t just products; they’re proof of your expertise and potential platforms for niche offerings:

  • PlanIt-BookIt Ecosystem:
    • Niche:** Court Booking Systems for Niche Sports/Activities (e.g., Pickleball, Archery Ranges, Martial Arts Studios). Specialize in features like event management, ranking systems, or class bookings for these specific verticals.
    • Niche:** Executive Chauffeur Booking Optimization: Streamline operations for high-end car services.
  • Survey Creation Tools:
    • Niche:** Market Research Surveys for Small Businesses, or Customer Feedback Surveys for Restaurants.
  • Kitchen Costing Tool:
    • Niche:** Costing & Menu Planning for Independent Cafes or Food Trucks.
  • Reminder System:
    • Niche:** Automated Follow-up Systems for Freelancers or Small Service Businesses.
  • Love This (Rewards/Promotion App):
    • Niche:** Loyalty Programs for Local Retailers or Cafes.
  • PubOrder / SpeedyTakeaway:
    • Niche:** Streamlined Online Ordering for Independent Pubs or Specific Cuisine Takeaways (e.g., “Authentic Thai Takeaway Ordering”).

Validation: Turning Ideas into Opportunities

Having a list is great, but how do you know if it’s viable? Don’t just guess. Validate!

Step-by-Step Niche Validation Guide

  1. Initial Idea Filter: Review your brainstormed list. Does each idea genuinely excite you? Does it align with what you’re good at? Does it solve a problem people care about?
    Example: You love coding, people ask you about WordPress speed, and site owners are losing customers due to slow load times. ✔️
  2. Audience Research (The “Who”): Define your ideal customer. Who are they? What are their demographics, psychographics, and most importantly, their pain points related to your niche?
    Example: Small e-commerce store owners struggling with high bounce rates and low conversion rates because their site is slow.
  3. Problem Depth Check (The “Why”): How significant is the problem for your target audience? Is it a minor annoyance or a major obstacle preventing them from achieving their goals? Are they actively searching for solutions?
    Example: Slow sites directly impact sales and ROI, a major concern for any business owner.
  4. Solution Brainstorming (The “How”): How can you solve this problem? What product, service, or content could you offer? Be specific.
    Example: A WordPress plugin that automatically optimizes images and code for speed, or a consulting service offering site audits and optimization plans.
  5. Market Demand Scan (The “Where”): Look for evidence of demand. Are there forums, social media groups, or Q&A sites where people discuss this problem? Are competitors already serving this niche (a good sign!)? Use keyword research tools to see search volume for related terms.
    Example: Search for “WordPress speed optimization,” “slow website,” “increase website conversion rate.” Check competitor offerings.
  6. Monetization Potential (The “$$$”): How will you make money? Direct sales of products/courses, affiliate marketing, consulting fees, subscription services? Is the audience willing and able to pay for a solution?
    Example: Selling the optimization plugin, offering premium support, or charging for personalized optimization services.
  7. Minimum Viable Offer (MVO): What’s the simplest version of your solution you can offer to test the waters? This could be a small guide, a free consultation, or a beta version of your product.
    Example: Offer a free website speed audit in exchange for an email address, then pitch your paid optimization service.

Don’t Just Find Your Niche, Own It!

Finding your niche is an exciting journey, not a destination. It requires introspection, research, and a willingness to serve a specific group of people exceptionally well. By focusing on your unique strengths, understanding market needs, and validating your ideas, you’re not just creating a business; you’re building a legacy in a space where you can truly excel.

What’s one niche idea that’s been rattling around in your head, and what’s holding you back from exploring it further?

First Thoughts

Ok, so first I thought I might try and create a list of niche ideas or possible topics that I have knowledge, skills, or interest in that I might be able to create a website, course or product about at some later time. 

Think About

What problem you can solve for others? What are you good at? Who’s dream could you expedite? What do you love to talk about? What is fun for you? What do you like to talk about even if no one is paying you? What is so easy for you? What do people ask for advice on? Do people spend money in that category?

 

It’s About

  • Find your triangle of genius
  • Know your bullseye, and gain confidence by niching down as small as you can go.
  • What do you already do or know that people come to you for? For me, that would be computer advice.
  • Think of something that you are excited about and want to share with the world.
  • Out of the talents and skills that you have and enjoy, what do people need? Who could you help specifically that you know?

 

 My Possible List Of Niche Ideas

  1. Beginner guide to programming 
  2. How to trade on the stock markets
  3. Object-oriented programming
  4. How to play squash better
  5. Creating applications
  6. Help with relocating to Canada
  7. How to play racketball better
  8. How to lead or manage people
  9. How to be more creative or innovative
  10. Understanding crypto
  11. How to lose weight without calorie counting
  12. Lean / Six Sigma
  13. Project Management
  14. How to trade crypto coins
  15. Coping with an aplastic anaemia
  16. How to do online marketing
  17. Creating a life journal that helps people achieve their life goals, use the book my son had as an example
  18. How to not lose so much Gambling 
  19. How to build and maintain a WordPress website

 

My Passions

Drill it down by thinking more about your passions. So let’s try and list my possible passions, which I think may have changed a little over the years, and comment out loud on each one…

  • Self-development – love reading about this, but is it a passion? It’s possibly not something that I could talk passionately about
  • Motivating – I like reading about motivation and I feel I could be pretty good at motivating others
  • Racketball/Squash – My knees won’t cope with squash anymore, but I love Racketball which has now replaced squash for me and I already have a court booking system that makes a small amount of monthly income. This could definitely be something that I revisit.
  • Marketing – I have had quite an interest in this too as I have attempted to learn more in order to better push my software-as-a-service products.
  • Trading shares/crypto. I am quite interested in this, but was it out of necessity in order to earn some more money from our savings? Possibly not something that I would want to sell a product related to it
  • Telling funny stories. I like telling my funny life stories in front of people usually after a few drinks. I enjoy this and often make people laugh with them, but I’m not sure where I would make money from it without writing an autobiography, and given my lack of fame that might be quite a hard sell.
  • Coding/App creation – This is possibly my best starting point as I have a number of SAAS (Software As A Service) application products that I need to sell more of..

 

My Existing SAAS Products 

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You may also be interested in my other website innovation-creativity.com covering topics on innovation and creativity.