Neil shares an insightful conversation about the importance of defining one's own version of "normal." Through a personal story involving a friend named Nina, who chose to forgo a luxury vacation in favour of activities that truly bring her joy, Neil emphasises the value of making choices that align with individual values rather than societal expectations. He encourages listeners to embrace their unique preferences and to opt out of conventional norms that do not resonate with them. This episode serves as a reminder to prioritise personal happiness and fulfilment, challenging the notion that one must conform to what is deemed "normal" by others. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Embrace Your Own Normal: It's important to define what "normal" means for you personally, rather than conforming to societal expectations. Everyone has different values and priorities, and it's okay to prioritise what makes you happy.


Value Your Choices: Making decisions based on what is truly important to you, even if it goes against the grain, is a sign of rational thinking. Choosing to stay home and engage in activities you love is a valid and brave choice.


Reject Societal Pressure: Opting out of societal norms may lead to being labelled as selfish, but it can also earn you respect from those who wish they could do the same. Your happiness should come first, and it's essential to live by your own rules.


Focus on Personal Fulfillment: Fill your life with activities and people that matter to you. Other people's opinions should not dictate your choices; prioritise your own happiness and values.


Encourage Authenticity: Be more like Nina—embrace your unique preferences and choices. By doing so, you not only enhance your own life but also inspire others to pursue their own version of happiness.

BEST MOMENTS

"You chose to do what's most important to you, despite that not being what most people would do." 

"Deciding to stay home in your own idea of heaven is a rational choice." 

"Normal is what most people do most of the time. Normal may be grim, uninspiring and generally a fun-free zone."

"I know your ideal day absolutely doesn't involve flopping around like a wet fish around a pool." 

"Your first duty is to yourself and your values. Everyone else is of secondary importance."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

www.Neilcowmeadow.com

info@neilcowmeadow.com

HOST BIO

Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!

Neil shares an insightful conversation about the importance of defining one's own version of "normal." Through a personal story involving a friend named Nina, who chose to forgo a luxury vacation in favour of activities that truly bring her joy, Neil emphasises the value of making choices that align with individual values rather than societal expectations. He encourages listeners to embrace their unique preferences and to opt out of conventional norms that do not resonate with them. This episode serves as a reminder to prioritise personal happiness and fulfilment, challenging the notion that one must conform to what is deemed "normal" by others. 
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ol>
<li>
Embrace Your Own Normal: It's important to define what "normal" means for you personally, rather than conforming to societal expectations. Everyone has different values and priorities, and it's okay to prioritise what makes you happy.
</li>
<li>
Value Your Choices: Making decisions based on what is truly important to you, even if it goes against the grain, is a sign of rational thinking. Choosing to stay home and engage in activities you love is a valid and brave choice.
</li>
<li>
Reject Societal Pressure: Opting out of societal norms may lead to being labelled as selfish, but it can also earn you respect from those who wish they could do the same. Your happiness should come first, and it's essential to live by your own rules.
</li>
<li>
Focus on Personal Fulfillment: Fill your life with activities and people that matter to you. Other people's opinions should not dictate your choices; prioritise your own happiness and values.
</li>
<li>
Encourage Authenticity: Be more like Nina—embrace your unique preferences and choices. By doing so, you not only enhance your own life but also inspire others to pursue their own version of happiness.
</li>
</ol>
BEST MOMENTS
"You chose to do what's most important to you, despite that not being what most people would do." 
"Deciding to stay home in your own idea of heaven is a rational choice." 
"Normal is what most people do most of the time. Normal may be grim, uninspiring and generally a fun-free zone."
"I know your ideal day absolutely doesn't involve flopping around like a wet fish around a pool." 
"Your first duty is to yourself and your values. Everyone else is of secondary importance."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
<a href="http://www.neilcowmeadow.com/">www.Neilcowmeadow.com</a>
<a>info@neilcowmeadow.com</a> 
HOST BIO
Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!

The Tutor Podcast the weekly show that’s all about the business of helping people.
If you’re a tutor, a teacher or a coach, join your host Neil Cowmeadow for news, tips and insights to help you Start, Grow and Love your tutoring business. Plain English, no buzzwords and no BS. So, if you want to make more money - and make more of a difference - The Tutor Podcast will be with you, every step of the way.

The Tutor Podcast

Be More Nina

Neil explores the concept of "spoiling magic" in the context of teaching music, particularly guitar. He discusses the allure of guitar heroes and the myths surrounding their extraordinary abilities, emphasising the importance of dismantling these illusions for students. By breaking down the perceived supernatural skills of iconic musicians like Slash and Eddie Van Halen, Neil aims to empower learners to recognise that mastery comes from practice and process, not magic. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Demystifying Talent: The idea of "natural talent" is often a myth; success in music or any skill comes from consistent practice and process rather than inherent ability. Everyone starts as a beginner.


Breaking Down Illusions: It's essential to shatter the illusion of superhuman abilities in admired performers. By doing so, students can realise that their idols were once beginners too, making their goals seem more attainable.


Teaching Methodology: Effective teaching involves simplifying complex skills into manageable steps, allowing students to progress gradually and build confidence in their abilities.


The Role of Performance: While it's important to teach the technical aspects of a skill, it's equally crucial to show students how to present their skills in a way that appears impressive, blending technique with performance art.


Encouraging Persistence: The journey from novice to proficient requires hard work and dedication. Students should embrace their initial struggles, as everyone experiences challenges along the way to mastery.

BEST MOMENTS

"As long as a student thinks that Slash or Eddie or Brian... are doing something supernatural, their limits and their beliefs about themselves... can't allow that to happen."

"Spoiling magic, as far as I can tell, is an occupational obligation. We have a duty to make things plain and simple and to be brutally honest."

"The assumption of magic is that people can't see the vapour trail of their favourite performer from being a complete lump on the instrument from day one to where they are now."

"If I don't do that, they're never going to believe that it's possible for them because they won't realize that Hendrix and Satriani... were once absolute beginners too."

"Nothing is as proverbial as unrealized genius. And I think talent is a myth. It's a lazy shortcut of a word."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

www.Neilcowmeadow.com

info@neilcowmeadow.com

HOST BIO

Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!

Neil explores the concept of "spoiling magic" in the context of teaching music, particularly guitar. He discusses the allure of guitar heroes and the myths surrounding their extraordinary abilities, emphasising the importance of dismantling these illusions for students. By breaking down the perceived supernatural skills of iconic musicians like Slash and Eddie Van Halen, Neil aims to empower learners to recognise that mastery comes from practice and process, not magic. 
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ol>
<li>
Demystifying Talent: The idea of "natural talent" is often a myth; success in music or any skill comes from consistent practice and process rather than inherent ability. Everyone starts as a beginner.
</li>
<li>
Breaking Down Illusions: It's essential to shatter the illusion of superhuman abilities in admired performers. By doing so, students can realise that their idols were once beginners too, making their goals seem more attainable.
</li>
<li>
Teaching Methodology: Effective teaching involves simplifying complex skills into manageable steps, allowing students to progress gradually and build confidence in their abilities.
</li>
<li>
The Role of Performance: While it's important to teach the technical aspects of a skill, it's equally crucial to show students how to present their skills in a way that appears impressive, blending technique with performance art.
</li>
<li>
Encouraging Persistence: The journey from novice to proficient requires hard work and dedication. Students should embrace their initial struggles, as everyone experiences challenges along the way to mastery.
</li>
</ol>
BEST MOMENTS
"As long as a student thinks that Slash or Eddie or Brian... are doing something supernatural, their limits and their beliefs about themselves... can't allow that to happen."
"Spoiling magic, as far as I can tell, is an occupational obligation. We have a duty to make things plain and simple and to be brutally honest."
"The assumption of magic is that people can't see the vapour trail of their favourite performer from being a complete lump on the instrument from day one to where they are now."
"If I don't do that, they're never going to believe that it's possible for them because they won't realize that Hendrix and Satriani... were once absolute beginners too."
"Nothing is as proverbial as unrealized genius. And I think talent is a myth. It's a lazy shortcut of a word."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
<a href="http://www.neilcowmeadow.com/">www.Neilcowmeadow.com</a>
<a>info@neilcowmeadow.com</a> 
HOST BIO
Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!

Spoiling Magic

Neil reflects on his 25-year journey as a private guitar tutor, sharing insights on the pivotal decisions that shaped his career and life. He emphasises the importance of taking risks and pursuing passions, highlighting how small choices can lead to significant opportunities. Neil discusses the deeper emotional needs of his students, recognising that their desire to learn often stems from personal struggles. He underscores the rewarding nature of one-on-one teaching, where meaningful connections are formed, and lives are transformed. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Embrace Opportunities: Reflecting on pivotal decisions, such as starting to teach guitar, highlights the importance of seiing opportunities that can lead to significant life changes and personal fulfilment.


Life's Regrets: Many people regret not pursuing their passions or trying new things rather than regretting actions they took. It's essential to take risks and explore what truly makes you happy.


Teaching as a Lifelong Journey: Teaching is portrayed as an endless game without a finish line, where both the teacher and student continuously learn and grow. This perspective keeps the experience fresh and engaging.


Personal Connection: One-on-one teaching fosters a unique bond between the tutor and student, making lessons a special time for both parties. This personal interaction is often more rewarding than teaching larger groups.


Impact Beyond Skills: The role of a tutor extends beyond imparting technical skills; it involves helping students navigate their personal challenges and emotional wounds, ultimately leading to transformative experiences in their lives.

BEST MOMENTS

"Those decisions that we make are just the hinges in life. They swing open big doors. They open escape routes of opportunity."

"I don't want to lay down to die someday and think, I wish I'd done that, about anything." 

"Teaching and helping my students is my game. It's a game with no end." 

"Every single individual is damaged and hurting, but in slightly different ways." 

"Imagine if schools made their pupils feel that way about being in class. What a revolution that'd be." 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

www.Neilcowmeadow.com

info@neilcowmeadow.com

HOST BIO

Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!

Neil reflects on his 25-year journey as a private guitar tutor, sharing insights on the pivotal decisions that shaped his career and life. He emphasises the importance of taking risks and pursuing passions, highlighting how small choices can lead to significant opportunities. Neil discusses the deeper emotional needs of his students, recognising that their desire to learn often stems from personal struggles. He underscores the rewarding nature of one-on-one teaching, where meaningful connections are formed, and lives are transformed. 
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ol>
<li>
Embrace Opportunities: Reflecting on pivotal decisions, such as starting to teach guitar, highlights the importance of seiing opportunities that can lead to significant life changes and personal fulfilment.
</li>
<li>
Life's Regrets: Many people regret not pursuing their passions or trying new things rather than regretting actions they took. It's essential to take risks and explore what truly makes you happy.
</li>
<li>
Teaching as a Lifelong Journey: Teaching is portrayed as an endless game without a finish line, where both the teacher and student continuously learn and grow. This perspective keeps the experience fresh and engaging.
</li>
<li>
Personal Connection: One-on-one teaching fosters a unique bond between the tutor and student, making lessons a special time for both parties. This personal interaction is often more rewarding than teaching larger groups.
</li>
<li>
Impact Beyond Skills: The role of a tutor extends beyond imparting technical skills; it involves helping students navigate their personal challenges and emotional wounds, ultimately leading to transformative experiences in their lives.
</li>
</ol>
BEST MOMENTS
"Those decisions that we make are just the hinges in life. They swing open big doors. They open escape routes of opportunity."
"I don't want to lay down to die someday and think, I wish I'd done that, about anything." 
"Teaching and helping my students is my game. It's a game with no end." 
"Every single individual is damaged and hurting, but in slightly different ways." 
"Imagine if schools made their pupils feel that way about being in class. What a revolution that'd be." 
VALUABLE RESOURCES
<a href="http://www.neilcowmeadow.com/">www.Neilcowmeadow.com</a>
<a>info@neilcowmeadow.com</a> 
HOST BIO
Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!

The Endless Game of Helping People - Why 1 to 1 Never Gets Old

In this episode, Neil explores the concept of motivation, specifically focusing on the distinction between "away from" and "towards" motivation. Building on the last episode's discussion, Neil emphasises the importance of creating a compelling vision for the future that draws you towards your goals, rather than merely escaping undesirable situations. He encourages listeners to vividly imagine their ideal life and to document at least 100 positive reasons for taking action to achieve that vision. This episode serves as a motivational guide, urging tutors, teachers, and coaches to harness the power of a clear and inspiring future to propel their businesses forward.

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Motivational Direction: Understanding the difference between "away from" motivation (escaping undesirable situations) and "towards" motivation (moving towards desired goals) is crucial for sustained action and growth.


Compelling Vision: Creating a vivid and detailed vision of your future life is essential. This vision should encompass how you want your life to look, feel, and be, serving as a powerful motivator that draws you forward.


Daily Revisit: Regularly revisiting and refining your vision helps maintain focus and encourages consistent action towards achieving your goals.


Personal Reflection: Writing down at least 100 positive reasons for taking action can clarify your motivations and help you understand what truly matters to you, beyond societal expectations of success.


Life by Design: Emphasising the importance of designing your life according to your own values and desires, rather than conforming to external pressures, leads to a more fulfilling and authentic existence.

BEST MOMENTS

"Motivation away from something is a great starter to action, but it rapidly falls off once you've escaped from the unpleasant thing."

"Build yourself a compelling vision of your future, of how things will look, feel, smell, taste and sound, when everything is perfect and when you've achieved your goals."

"What you're concerned with is your life. Not what everybody else thinks is a good way to spend the rest of your days on this spinning ball of mud."

"I designed a life to suit myself and my own personal pleasures and passions. I imagined a compelling vision of a future life that I'd love to live."

"This exercise helps you to clarify your reasons why you're even thinking about life, business and your future at all."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

www.Neilcowmeadow.com

info@neilcowmeadow.com

HOST BIO

Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!

In this episode, Neil explores the concept of motivation, specifically focusing on the distinction between "away from" and "towards" motivation. Building on the last episode's discussion, Neil emphasises the importance of creating a compelling vision for the future that draws you towards your goals, rather than merely escaping undesirable situations. He encourages listeners to vividly imagine their ideal life and to document at least 100 positive reasons for taking action to achieve that vision. This episode serves as a motivational guide, urging tutors, teachers, and coaches to harness the power of a clear and inspiring future to propel their businesses forward.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ol>
<li>
Motivational Direction: Understanding the difference between "away from" motivation (escaping undesirable situations) and "towards" motivation (moving towards desired goals) is crucial for sustained action and growth.
</li>
<li>
Compelling Vision: Creating a vivid and detailed vision of your future life is essential. This vision should encompass how you want your life to look, feel, and be, serving as a powerful motivator that draws you forward.
</li>
<li>
Daily Revisit: Regularly revisiting and refining your vision helps maintain focus and encourages consistent action towards achieving your goals.
</li>
<li>
Personal Reflection: Writing down at least 100 positive reasons for taking action can clarify your motivations and help you understand what truly matters to you, beyond societal expectations of success.
</li>
<li>
Life by Design: Emphasising the importance of designing your life according to your own values and desires, rather than conforming to external pressures, leads to a more fulfilling and authentic existence.
</li>
</ol>
BEST MOMENTS
"Motivation away from something is a great starter to action, but it rapidly falls off once you've escaped from the unpleasant thing."
"Build yourself a compelling vision of your future, of how things will look, feel, smell, taste and sound, when everything is perfect and when you've achieved your goals."
"What you're concerned with is your life. Not what everybody else thinks is a good way to spend the rest of your days on this spinning ball of mud."
"I designed a life to suit myself and my own personal pleasures and passions. I imagined a compelling vision of a future life that I'd love to live."
"This exercise helps you to clarify your reasons why you're even thinking about life, business and your future at all."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
<a href="http://www.neilcowmeadow.com/">www.Neilcowmeadow.com</a>
<a>info@neilcowmeadow.com</a> 
HOST BIO
Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!

Be More Nina

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