In this episode, Paul will talk about the importance of having a positive mindset and being optimistic about life, approaching it from a positive point of view. He will also talk about the energy one has and what they can give out to the world around them through their mindset, their actions and their words.
Paul will talk about how for many years he struggled greatly and let himself down through his negative mindset and how it greatly affected himself and those close to him, eg, leading to divorce. He will also talk about how attending Complete Men on a regular basis has helped him greatly in filtering out and being aware of his negative thoughts and the positive environment provided at a Complete Mens group.
He will also discuss some of the following
- how having a positive mindset means making positive thinking a habit and continually looking for the positives in every situation good or bad.
- the importance of focussing on your self-talk and how we can be our worst critics and catastrophise situations.
- characteristics/traits associated with having a positive mindset eg, acceptance, optimism, resilience.
- health benefits of positive thinking eg, increasing one's lifespan, improved physical and psychological well-being, lower rates of distress and pain.
Paul will also share the inspirational story of Nathan Charles, a former professional Rugby Union player who defied science and has overcome challenges in his life to become the only professional athlete to play a contact sport with Cystic Fibrosis. Paul will talk about Cystic Fibrosis and the great work Nathan Charles does as an ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis Australia raising awareness of the condition. Nathan Charles story is one that exemplifies the power of having a positive mindset and is a story of true determination, grit, courage and a never give up attitude.
May 26 each year is 'Sixty Five Roses day', which is the National Day of Awareness for Cystic Fibrosis and people can purchase a bouquet, sell roses in the community or send virtual roses throughout the month to raise money. This money goes towards helping provide vital support services to people with CF and fund critical research.
Paul will also provide some tips on identifying negative thinking and focussing on positive thinking which includes
1. Focussing on good things in one's life.
2. Practicing Gratitude and starting everyday on a positive note eg, uplifting music, going for a walk.
3. Opening yourself up to humour
4. Spending time with positive people
5. Practicing positive self-talk
6. Identifying areas of negativity.

Sources
1.Mayoclinic.org ‘healthy lifestyles, stress management. Positive thinking. Stop negative talk to reduce stress.’ By mayo clinic staff. 3/2/2022.
2.Positive psychology.com ‘positive mindset: how to develop a positive mental attitude,’ by Courtney e. Ackerman M.A. 5/7/2018.
3.Song by Monty python “always look on the bright side of life”, source lyric find, written by eric idle.
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Charles
5.. Australia’s toughest sportspeople ‘Nathan Charles, rugby union’, by mick Collis,
affirm press, 2021.
7.https://www.cff.org/intro-cf/about-cystic-fibrosis
8. https://www.nathancharles.com.au/my-story
9. Sydney university football club ‘Nathan Charles appointed new executive general
manager,’ by sufc, 25/11/2022.
10 Australian Men’s health ‘how wallaby Nathan Charles tackled cystic fibrosis torepresent Australia,’ by men’s health staff 1/5/21.
11. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verity_Charles
12. https://www.cfwa.org.au/65roses2023/
13.Healthline.com ‘benefits of thinking positively and how to do it.’ By Adrienne Santos Longhurst, medically reviewed by timothy j. legge PhDPsyD. 21/2/2019.
Intro Music- Thrive by All Good Folks from album Music Vine
Outro Music- Revelations by Richard Smithson album Uppbeat