mindset – Terence H Clarke

Men Don’t Need More Platitudes—They Need Real Talk. Here’s What Works.

Leave a Comment / coaching, communication, health, learning, mindfulness, mindset, psychological safety / Terence Clarke

The Problem No One Wants to Admit Let’s start with the uncomfortable truth: 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, yet nearly 60% avoid seeking help . As a coach, I don’t blame them. The mental health industry often sells men vague “transformational journeys” or toxic positivity while ignoring the root causes—isolation, societal pressure to perform, and a culture that equates vulnerability with weakness. I know this firsthand. For years, I tried to outrun depression by hustling harder. I’d show up to client meetings sweating through panic attacks, convinced someone would “expose” me as a fraud. When I finally admitted I was drowning, the advice I got was useless: “Practice gratitude!” “Visualize success!” None of it addressed why I felt broken. Why Traditional Approaches Fail Men Therapy and coaching often miss the mark for men because they ignore three realities: What Actually Works: A No-BS Framework Here’s the approach I’ve seen work—backed by science, not slogans: 1. Sleep: The Non-Negotiable Reset Button Let’s cut through the “8-hour dogma”: 40% of adults globally sleep less than 6 hours nightly, and 1 in 10 men avoid seeking help for sleep issues despite struggling . Here’s what the science says: 2. Nutrition: Fueling Recovery, Not Just Macros Forget “superfoods.” What you eat when matters: 3. Exercise: The Anxiety Blocker Nobody Talks About You’ve heard “exercise reduces stress.” Let’s quantify it: 4. Redefine Vulnerability Vulnerability isn’t crying in group therapy (though that’s fine). It’s: Men respond to actionable steps, not abstract concepts. For example: The Data-Driven Path Forward The biggest myth about men’s mental health? That progress requires “soft” skills. In reality, men thrive with: Final Word I don’t care if you call it coaching, therapy, or a “strategic overhaul.” What matters is this: You don’t have to stay stuck in silent struggle. The goal isn’t to “find yourself”—it’s to build a life where you’re too busy living to overthink. If you’re ready to cut the BS, book a consultation or fill in the contact form below. No inspirational quotes. No lifetime commitments. Just proven strategies that work for real men. Sources Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

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The 2-7-30 Rule: The 150-Year-Old Science of Remembering More, Faster

Leave a Comment / coaching, leadership, mindset, personal development / Terence Clarke

Everyday we are flooded with information, this means retaining what truly matters can feel like an uphill battle. Whether you’re an executive trying to absorb key insights from a leadership seminar or a student preparing for an exam, understanding how memory works is crucial. Enter the 2-7-30 Rule—a simple yet powerful technique backed by over 150 years of cognitive science. What Is the 2-7-30 Rule? The 2-7-30 Rule is a structured approach to memory reinforcement based on spaced repetition, a concept rooted in the work of 19th-century psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus. His research on the “Forgetting Curve” showed that without reinforcement, we forget 50% of new information within an hour and up to 90% within a week. The 2-7-30 framework counters this by scheduling strategic review points to refresh and solidify knowledge: By revisiting information at these intervals, you strengthen neural connections, making recall easier and more reliable over time. The Science Behind Why It Works Your brain thrives on patterns and repetition. Every time you revisit information, your neurons fire along the same pathways, strengthening the connections through a process called long-term potentiation (LTP). This principle is at the core of how we form habits, develop expertise, and even master new languages. Why these specific time intervals? How to Apply the 2-7-30 Rule in Your Life This isn’t just for students—anyone looking to retain information effectively can benefit. Here’s how you can integrate it into your routine: 1. For Professional Growth 2. For Learning New Skills 3. For Building Stronger Relationships The Bottom Line The 2-7-30 Rule is not a hack—it’s a scientifically validated way to learn better and remember longer. While our brains are wired to forget, we can outsmart the forgetting curve by being intentional about reinforcement. Try applying this method to your next learning goal and see the difference for yourself. What’s one thing you want to remember more effectively? Let me know in the comments!

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Mindset, AI, and Burnout: Shaping Your Reality

Leave a Comment / AI, coaching, health, mindfulness, mindset, personal development, psychological safety / Terence Clarke

Your Mindset Controls Your Reality—Are You Paying Attention? Your brain is a detective—it looks for evidence to confirm what you already believe. If you tell yourself, “Things never work out for me,” your brain will zoom in on every failure and ignore the wins. This is confirmation bias in action. But here’s the thing: Your mindset isn’t just about thoughts. It’s the filter through which you experience life. Change the filter, change the reality. Try this today: Write down three wins, no matter how small. Made your bed? Win. Drank water? Win. Showed up for yourself? MASSIVE WIN. Your mind is a garden. What are you planting today? Watch here The Burnout Trap—And How to Escape It Feeling exhausted all the time? Like you’re constantly running on empty? Executive life is demanding, but burnout isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a warning sign. Here’s how to protect yourself:✔ Prioritize sleep—not a luxury, a necessity.✔ Schedule downtime—block time in your calendar for recharge.✔ Learn to say no—protect your energy and focus.✔ Delegate effectively—trust your team to carry the load. Burnout isn’t weakness. It’s a sign that change is needed. So, what’s one small action you can take today to reduce stress? Watch here AI Won’t Take Your Job—But It Will Change It AI is transforming industries. The real question isn’t if AI will impact your work, but how you will respond. Will you be a leader or a follower? The opportunity:🔹 Automate repetitive tasks to focus on strategic work🔹 Gain insights from AI-driven data🔹 Double down on human skills—critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence The action plan:1️⃣ Educate yourself—stay ahead of AI trends2️⃣ Embrace lifelong learning—adaptability is key3️⃣ Focus on what makes you uniquely human AI isn’t something to fear. It’s a tool to elevate how we work. How do you see AI shaping your industry? Reply and let’s discuss. Reflection Corner: Questions for the Week 🔹 How do I ensure my leadership style remains adaptable in an ever-changing world?🔹 What small actions can I take daily to foster a culture of psychological safety and trust?🔹 Am I creating space for diverse perspectives, or do I default to familiar viewpoints? Quotes to Inspire 💡 “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson💡 “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi💡 “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” — Anaïs Nin Thank you for joining this week’s Build a Better You! Here’s to a week filled with adaptability, connection, and compassion. And remember—sometimes a helping hand makes all the difference. For more insights and resources, visit my blog here Wishing you simplicity and strength, Coach Terry C Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

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Does It Feel Like Life’s on Fast-Forward? Let’s Fix That.

Leave a Comment / coaching, health, learning, mindfulness, mindset, motivation, personal development / Terence Clarke

Do you ever feel like the year disappears before you’ve had a chance to catch your breath? I hear this a lot from people I coach. The Guardian recently published an article by Miriam Frankel that dives into why time seems to speed up and how we can change that. It got me thinking about the connection between our perception of time and the routines or pressures we face daily. I want to share some practical ideas inspired by the article—and my own experience as a coach—on how to feel more present and in control of your time. If this resonates, I’d love for you to join my personal development community, where we talk about these kinds of challenges and find ways to move forward together. What Stood Out to Me: The article explains that our perception of time is shaped by our routines and the memories we create. New or meaningful experiences feel longer when we look back on them, while repetitive routines make time blur together. Miriam Frankel highlights studies showing that the less variety in our daily lives, the faster the years seem to fly by. This is something I see in my work all the time. People often feel stuck, not because they’re doing nothing, but because they’re doing the same thing over and over. Adding novelty or reflection to your day can completely change how you experience time—and your sense of accomplishment. 8 Ways to Take Back Control of Your Time: 1️⃣ Shake Things Up When every day feels the same, time blends together. Do something small but different—take a new route to work, cook a recipe you’ve never tried, or say yes to an invitation you’d normally turn down. 2️⃣ Explore New Places You don’t need a big trip to create memorable moments. Visit a neighborhood you’ve never been to, walk a different path in the park, or even rearrange your workspace. Change helps your brain pay attention. 3️⃣ Pay Attention It’s easy to rush through the day without noticing what’s happening around you. Take a moment to really look at the sky, listen to the sounds in your home, or enjoy the feeling of warm coffee in your hands. 4️⃣ Celebrate What You’ve Done Instead of making endless to-do lists, start keeping “done” lists. At the end of the day, write down three things you’re proud of finishing—even if it’s just sending an email you’ve been avoiding. 5️⃣ Spend Time Outside There’s something about being in nature that helps you feel grounded. Go for a walk, sit by a tree, or watch birds. Even a few minutes can make a difference. 6️⃣ Do Things That Matter to You Focus on activities that feel meaningful, whether that’s learning something new, spending time with people you care about, or getting lost in a good book. 7️⃣ Reflect on Your Day Keeping a journal, even for five minutes, helps you remember what stood out. Write about one thing that made you smile or something new you noticed. 8️⃣ Put the Phone Down Scrolling social media often leaves us feeling like time disappeared with nothing to show for it. Try swapping 10 minutes of scrolling for something active—like doodling, stretching, or just staring out the window and letting your mind wander. Why This Matters: The more intentional you are with how you spend your time, the longer and more satisfying your days will feel. Life doesn’t have to rush by. If you’re looking for more ideas and support, follow me and join my online community. We’ll figure it out together. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

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Why Owning Your Story is Not Bragging

Leave a Comment / executive presecence, leadership, mindset, personal development / Terence Clarke

Why Owning Your Story Isn’t Bragging: The Key to Breaking Through Career Plateaus One of the biggest challenges professionals face, especially in high-performance environments, is visibility. I’ve been coaching clients at one of the world’s largest tech companies in India and China, and a common theme has emerged: they feel like they’ve hit a ceiling. Their managers tell them, “You need to let people know who you are and what you’ve achieved.” But here’s the catch—most of them see this as bragging. This mindset is incredibly common. Many of us are taught to keep our heads down, work hard, and let the results speak for themselves. While humility is a strength, invisibility is not. If you don’t talk about your accomplishments, no one else will. Here’s the reframe: talking about your achievements isn’t boasting—it’s leadership. It’s about showing others what’s possible and demonstrating the impact you can create. Done authentically, it’s not just about building your own visibility; it’s about inspiring and empowering others to reach higher. Why? Because many equate sharing accomplishments with self-promotion, and self-promotion with arrogance. Why Talking About Your Achievements Isn’t Bragging Let’s bust this myth right now: sharing your accomplishments isn’t about boasting—it’s about leadership. Here’s the truth: If you don’t advocate for yourself, no one else will. Talking about your achievements demonstrates the value you bring to your role, your team, and your organization. When done authentically, it can: The Mindset Shift: From Bragging to Leadership To move past the discomfort, you need to reframe your thinking. Talking about your achievements isn’t about inflating your ego—it’s about inspiring others. Here’s how to shift your mindset: Practical Steps to Own Your Story If you’re not sure how to start, try these simple strategies: Why This Matters Owning your story isn’t just about advancing your career—it’s about showing others what’s possible. When you step into your achievements and share them, you inspire others to do the same. You’re not just building your career; you’re creating a ripple effect of empowerment and growth within your professional circle. So, if you’re hesitating to share your wins, remember this: Visibility is not vanity. It’s a tool for impact. Start owning your story today. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

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My honest advice for everyone working in a multicultural environment or different country

Leave a Comment / communication, culture, learning, mindset / Terence Clarke

My honest advice for everyone working in a multicultural environment or different country After spending 20 years in China and working across APAC experiencing rich and diverse cultures and nearing 2,500 hours of coaching and delivering training workshops across APAC, I’ve learned this: Cultural intelligence (CQ) is not optional; it’s essential. Learn to read between the lines of cultures, adapt your communication, and build genuine connections across boundaries. → You can’t and shouldn’t have to fully replicate someone else’s cultural experiences—CQ is personal and grows from your own journey.→ You should approach every interaction with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to understand.→ We must foster empathy—it transcends cultural differences and opens doors to collaboration. Be: → Open to learning.→ Adaptable in your communication.→ Curious about other perspectives. Not: → Judgmental.→ Stuck in one mindset.→ Resistant to change. Developing cultural intelligence is a lifelong journey, but the rewards are amazing: stronger relationships, better leadership, and real impact in a globalized world. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

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Why is gratitude important (skip to the end to find out if you really must)?

Leave a Comment / gratitude, mindset, personal development, resilience, work / Terence Clarke

As I prepare for the last workshop of this week I feel incredibly grateful for the clients that trust me to deliver for them and to coach them. This week I have been to Dalian to talk about DEI and inclusive leadership, coached clients in Dubai, Shanghai, Beijing, Paris, Bangkok, New York and Taipei (online) and had the opportunity to enter a bid for a two year leadership development program for a long term client in Shenzhen. All while working on my capstone project (the development of my own coaching model) for my master coach training to be presented in Malaysia next month (oh how I hate exams haha). I’m so grateful for all these opportunities, and the knowledge that you have to create the opportunities yourself, no one is going to hand things to you and the world owes you nothing. It’s hard work but so rewarding and it’s amazing to be able to do something I love. Did you skip to here immediately? Here are several reasons why gratitude is important: 1. Enhances Mental Health2. Promotes Positive Emotions3. Improves Physical Health4. Strengthens Relationships5. Encourages Resilience6. Increases Self-Esteem7. Fosters a Sense of Purpose. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

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It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

Leave a Comment / coaching, health, mindfulness, mindset, personal development, psychological safety, resilience / Terence Clarke

Do you ever feel like you have to suffer in silence? Growing up in Ireland and the UK, many of us hear about keeping a “stiff upper lip.” This means not talking about our feelings and just pushing through tough times. But let’s be honest: that approach doesn’t really work. 1. Start with a Strong Foundation Your foundation is your belief system. What do you believe about yourself? If you think you can achieve great things, you’re more likely to try. Here are some tips to strengthen your beliefs: 2. Build Your Walls with Knowledge Knowledge is like the walls of your house. It keeps you safe and secure. Here’s how to gather knowledge about mental health: 3. Add a Roof with Resilience Resilience protects your mindset from challenges, just like a roof protects a house from rain. Here’s how to develop resilience: 4. Decorate Your Mindset Just like decorating a house makes it feel like home, adding joy and fun to your life makes your mindset stronger: 5. Maintain Your House Just as houses need maintenance, your mindset needs care too: You’re Not Alone Remember, it’s okay to not be okay. Everyone has ups and downs, and reaching out for help is perfectly fine. You don’t have to go through tough times alone. If you want more tips on building a successful mindset and taking care of your emotional well-being, sign up for my weekly newsletter Building A Better You Join my community and start your journey today!

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Can You Bounce Back from Anything? 10 Ways to Build Unshakeable Resilience

Leave a Comment / coaching, mindset, personal development, resilience / Terence Clarke

Life throws curveballs at everyone, doesn’t it? In the past two months, I’ve had the privilege of running resilience workshops for two very different groups: leaders at Loewe and headteachers of international schools in Shanghai. Despite their diverse backgrounds, both groups faced similar challenges when it comes to resilience. This experience showed me that no matter who you are or what you do, building resilience is crucial. So, how can you develop this superpower that helps you bounce back stronger from any setback? Building resilience is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and practice, but the payoff is huge. Whether you’re leading a luxury brand like Loewe or managing an international school in Shanghai, resilience is the key to navigating challenges and coming out stronger. Ready to transform your own resilience? You’re in luck! I’m thrilled to announce my exclusive 6-week Resilience Program starting November 1st. This program is built on the same principles I used with leaders at Loewe and headteachers in Shanghai, tailored to help you overcome your unique challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity to build unshakeable resilience and become the strongest version of yourself. Sign up for the waitlist today and get ready to face any challenge life throws your way with confidence and grace. Your journey to unstoppable resilience starts here!

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A Personal Journey of Self-Awareness

Leave a Comment / coaching, mindfulness, mindset, motivation, personal development / Terence Clarke

“We don’t see the world as it is, we don’t see the world as we think we do, we see the world as we are.” This is something I always share when training teams on cross-cultural communication. It highlights a fundamental truth about the human experience that I’ve come to understand deeply. We all have conscious and unconscious biases that shape our perception of reality, but these biases can also lead to a lack of self-awareness and misunderstandings. I’ve been guilty of this before, but I’ve learned that overcoming these challenges starts with self-awareness. Self-awareness is the foundation of my personal growth. It’s about understanding my thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—recognizing my strengths and weaknesses. When I cultivate self-awareness, I gain clarity on what drives me and what holds me back. By embracing this journey of self-discovery, I can align my actions with my values, build authentic relationships, and unlock my full potential. The Rewards of Self-Awareness Self-awareness is not just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool that has transformed my life in profound ways. When I understand myself better, I make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and build stronger relationships. Self-awareness also helps me manage stress and navigate challenging situations with greater resilience. Moreover, self-awareness has made me more empathetic and compassionate towards others. By recognizing my own biases and limitations, I’ve become more open-minded and less judgmental. This, in turn, has fostered more inclusive and harmonious relationships in my personal and professional life. Embarking on My Journey Enhancing my self-awareness is an ongoing journey that requires effort and honesty. Here are a few tips that have helped me along the way: The Journey Ahead Self-awareness requires honesty and humility, but the rewards are immense. When I know myself, I can make informed choices that align with my values and goals. I become more adaptable, resilient, and effective in all areas of my life. Remember, self-awareness is not a destination but a lifelong journey. There will always be new insights to uncover and new challenges to overcome. I embrace the process, celebrate my progress, and never stop learning and growing. If you’re ready to begin your own self-awareness journey, start today by incorporating one of the tips mentioned above into your daily routine. Whether it’s a few minutes of mindfulness, a journaling session, or reaching out for feedback, take that first step towards greater self-understanding and personal growth. Remember, you have the power to shape your own reality. By cultivating self-awareness, you can break free from limiting beliefs, overcome obstacles, and become the best version of yourself. Embrace the journey, trust the process, and watch as your life transforms in ways you never imagined possible. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

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