Challenging old beliefs, stepping outside comfort zones, and discovering new ways to grow.
Rethinking What Holds Us Back
I’ve been thinking a lot about how can we stay truly connected in a world where algorithms decide what we see.
There’s something unsettling about writing something meaningful and never knowing if the right people will ever see it. That’s why I’m here on Substack. No billionaires deciding what’s worthy of showing up in your feed—just you and me, having a real conversation.
At first glance, the posts below might seem like a mix of unrelated thoughts. But step back, and a pattern starts to emerge. Creativity after 50, the pitfalls of self-esteem, approval-seeking, a giraffe and a mouse, alternative conformity, and even a reflection on pharaohs and Jesus—each piece, in its own way, explores how to create a flourishing life.
One of them is about my “unlearning” and image I now call “Pharoah God” to find the image of God that Jesus taught about and lived out.
Whether it’s questioning the hidden forces that shape us, learning to see things differently, or redefining what success and freedom really mean, the posts below all point toward living with more purpose, wisdom, and authenticity.
PS: I included one about a Giraffe and a Mouse to share with your children, grandchildren - or enjoy yourself.
From Breakthrough to the Next Step
If you ever attended a Breakthrough Seminar, you might remember the exercise: getting from Point A to Point B, but doing it your own way. It sounds simple, but for many, the fear of getting it "wrong" was a real barrier. And yet, as each person made their transition, we all celebrated—because if you can’t move from Point A to Point B, you’re stuck.
One of the biggest lessons I hoped to share was: every Point B becomes a new Point A. Comfort zones aren’t meant to be prisons—they’re places to gather resources, energy, and clarity before taking the next step. That’s what makes life an adventure. We don’t leave what we’ve learned behind; we bring it with us into the next transition.
As many readers will know, in October 1997, my wife and I faced one of our biggest transitions—we walked away from everything familiar to start over from scratch. It was terrifying, but 25 years later, we know this: risking transformation didn’t just change our lives—it helped others make important transitions in theirs - maybe yours.
🔥 Now, I’m embracing another transformation. 🔥
Like every small business owner, I had to figure out how to keep up with creating content and staying engaged so I could continue serving those who wanted my coaching. That was quite a shift from leading Breakthrough Seminars.
Learning to use what I call Alternative Intelligence (AI) seemed like a shortcut at first, but it felt frustrating and random. I knew there had to be a better way—so I dove deep, spent over 1,000 hours mastering it, and what I discovered changed everything.
Here’s the part that got my attention: once I learned how to use it well, AI didn’t just enhance my creativity—it dramatically increased my productivity at almost no cost. As a business owner, I realized that with the right approach I could:
✅ create high-quality content,
✅ streamline my workflow, and
✅ engage more effectively—
✅ without spending a fortune or burning myself out.
And who’s not interested in that?
AI isn’t about replacing creativity or human connection—it’s about amplifying them. Used well, it can help us think bigger, create faster, and focus on what truly matters.
And just like before, I’m not keeping what I’ve learned to myself. For those who are interested, I look forward to sharing what I’ve discovered—so you can use it to enhance your skills and continue building a flourishing life.
Watch this space—because what I’ve learned might just change how you think about creativity, work, and even the way we learn.
4’s and ❤️
Dr. Paul
My Recent Ponderings on Substack
🔹 A Pharaoh-God Image or the Image Jesus Demonstrated?
From a very young age, I was taught to see God as a ruler keeping score—rewarding obedience, punishing mistakes—when Jesus actually revealed a God of boundless love. Holding onto a Pharaoh-God may feel safer because it offers clear rules, but it also traps us in fear, striving, and judgment—of ourselves and others. What if real faith means unlearning the need to earn love and finally accepting that we are, and always have been, fully embraced?
🔹 Over 50 and Wonder How to Create?
Think creativity has an expiration date? Some of the most brilliant creators started after 50—because age isn’t a limitation, it’s an advantage. If you’ve been waiting for permission to start, this might be the nudge you need.
🔹 The Hidden Risk of Self-Esteem Without Self-Compassion
We’re told to build self-esteem, but what if it’s setting us up for failure? The real secret to confidence isn’t just believing in yourself—it’s knowing how to be kind to yourself when you fall short. This post uncovers why self-compassion is the missing ingredient.
🔹 Needing Approval Can Be Wrecking Your Life
Do you ever catch yourself tailoring your words, choices, or even dreams to keep others happy? The constant need for approval is exhausting—and sneaky. Here’s how it can quietly take over your life, and more importantly, how to reclaim your freedom.
🔹 A Giraffe and the Mouse: A Tall Tale About Perspective
Ever felt like someone just doesn’t get where you’re coming from? Maybe they can’t see things from your height. This short fable about a giraffe and a mouse might change how you approach misunderstandings forever.
🔹 Why We Can Call It 'Alternative Conformity'
What if the way we talk about AI is limiting how we use it? Calling it Alternative Intelligence shifts the focus from competition to collaboration, helping us see AI as a tool to enhance creativity, productivity, and problem-solving—not replace human intelligence. Words shape perception, and perception shapes the future—maybe it’s time to rethink what intelligence really means.