Level YourSelf UP Podcast

A podcast where I share my journey, I hope to encourage you to be the best version of yourself. It's not about perfection but progress.

Rethinking Failure: The Path to Success 02/03/2025

Rethinking Failure: The Path to Success Welcome to Level Yourself Up, where we focus on progress over perfection. In this episode, I talk about the concept of failure and how it affects our mindset. Too often, we let failure drag us down, convincing ourselves that setbacks define us. But what if we changed our perspective? Instead of seeing failure as a roadblock, we can reframe it as a stepping stone toward success. I'll share personal insights, biblical wisdom, and real-world examples of how embracing failure can unlock your potential. Failure is often misunderstood. Many people see it as an end, but it’s actually a powerful learning experience. I’ve faced my own struggles—even getting this podcast out wasn’t easy. Like any challenge in life or business, failure isn’t a signal to quit but an opportunity to grow. Learning new skills, adapting, and persevering are key to overcoming obstacles. In this episode, I discuss the importance of pushing through challenges and how influential figures like Michael Jordan and Elon Musk used failure to fuel their success. I also explore the role of faith and how trusting in God can provide strength during difficult times. Key Takeaways from This Episode Failure is not final – It’s a stepping stone, not a dead end. Learned helplessness holds us back – We must challenge the mindset that we are powerless to change. Faith plays a role in resilience – Biblical wisdom reminds us that God strengthens us through trials (1 Peter 5:10, Psalm 145:13-14). Failure is data, not defeat – Remove emotion from setbacks and analyze the facts to make better decisions. Even the greatest fail – Michael Jordan missed thousands of shots, but his mindset made him a legend. Surround yourself with support – A coach, mentor, or trusted friend can help you navigate challenges. Keep learning and growing – If you’re not learning, you’re stagnating. Growth comes from perseverance. Final Thoughts Failure isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace. The most successful people in history have failed more times than we can count, but they didn’t let it stop them. Instead, they used it to refine their skills, shift their strategies, and ultimately achieve greatness. I encourage you to rethink failure in your own life. How can you use setbacks as stepping stones? What lesson can you take from today’s challenges? Let’s push forward together and Level Yourself Up! /episode/index/show/levelyourselfup/id/35139945

Season 3 Kickoff: Embracing New Beginnings and Fresh Goals 01/17/2025

Season 3 Kickoff: Embracing New Beginnings and Fresh Goals Introduction Welcome back to Level Yourself Up, where progress matters more than perfection. I’m your host, John Budd, and I’m thrilled to kick off Season 3 with you. After a short hiatus, I’m ready to dive into new topics designed to inspire growth—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. In this episode, I reflect on the journey so far, share exciting plans for the upcoming season, and explore how we can lay a foundation for a fruitful year ahead. Whether you're seeking tools for personal development or simply a moment of encouragement, this season is about building something new in our lives. Episode Highlights In this warm-up episode, I reconnect with you, my listeners, and set the stage for what's ahead. Here’s a glimpse of what I discuss: Season 3 Goals: A fresh focus on mindset and personal growth to help you navigate life's challenges. Overcoming Gaps: An honest recap of life events and a commitment to consistent episodes. Future Topics: A sneak peek into episodes about embracing your inner superhero and rethinking failure. Practical Tips: Advice on navigating online scams and ensuring safe purchases. Scriptural Insight: Reflection on Isaiah 43:18-19 and how God can do something new in your life. I also emphasize the importance of setting actionable goals rather than fleeting resolutions. Let’s use the next three months as a springboard for lasting change, whether it’s improving health, launching a business, or finding traction in your current projects. This season, we’re all about building momentum. As we reflect on the scripture, “See, I am doing a new thing,” let’s remember that each of us can embrace new beginnings, no matter the season. Let’s seek God’s guidance, set meaningful goals, and take small steps toward lasting progress. Thank you for being part of this journey. I’m excited to grow alongside you and can’t wait to hear how this season inspires you. Have questions or feedback? Reach out to me at . /episode/index/show/levelyourselfup/id/34888925

How is your Self Image 03/17/2024

How is your Self Image Dive into the latest episode of our podcast, "How Is Your Self-Image?" where we dive into the factors that influence how we perceive ourselves. From societal pressures to personal experiences, Join us as we examine the impact of perfectionism, comparisons to others, and negative feedback on our self-image. We invite you to reflect on your own self-perception and share your thoughts with us. How do you see yourself? Perfectionism: So, when we're constantly aiming for perfection and setting those super high standards, it's like setting ourselves up for a fall. You know, we end up beating ourselves up when we can't meet those unrealistic expectations. Comparisons to Others: Ah, you know how it is, especially nowadays with social media everywhere. We're always looking at other people's lives and feeling like we're just not measuring up. It's a recipe for feeling inadequate and blaming ourselves. Past Mistakes: We all mess up sometimes, right? But dwelling on those mistakes or what we see as failures just keeps us stuck. It's like we're trapped in this cycle of self-criticism that stops us from moving forward. Negative Feedback: It's tough when we hear criticism or negative stuff from others. Sometimes, even if it's meant to be helpful, we take it to heart and start blaming ourselves even more. It's like we amplify that self-blame. Imposter Syndrome: Ever feel like you're not really as good as people think you are? Yeah, that's imposter syndrome for you. Even when we achieve something, we doubt ourselves and end up blaming ourselves for not being good enough. Unrealistic Expectations: We've all done it - set these crazy high expectations for ourselves. But when reality doesn't match up, it's like a punch in the gut. We end up disappointed and then, you guessed it, blaming ourselves for not reaching those impossible goals. Body Image Issues: Man, society's beauty standards can really mess with our heads, can't they? Constantly bombarded with images of perfection, it's no wonder we start blaming ourselves for not looking a certain way. It's like we're never good enough. Lack of Boundaries: It's hard to say no sometimes, right? We end up taking on too much, burning ourselves out, and then blaming ourselves for not being able to handle it all. We gotta learn to set those boundaries and give ourselves a break. Fear of Rejection: Who likes feeling left out or not fitting in? Nobody, that's who. But when we start blaming ourselves for not being accepted, it's like adding insult to injury. We gotta cut ourselves some slack and realize we're not always gonna click with everyone. Negative Childhood Experiences: Our past can really mess with our heads, huh? Especially if we had a rough time growing up. Those early experiences stick with us, shaping how we see ourselves and yeah, sometimes leading to self-blame down the line. It's tough, but we gotta work through it. These verses can serve as sources of inspiration and encouragement for those seeking positive affirmations from the bible Philippians 4:13 (NIV): "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Psalm 139:14 (NIV): "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Romans 8:37 (NIV): "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV): "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Matthew 11:28 (NIV): "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Positive affirmations can be impactful without being overly cliché. Here are five affirmations that can say to uplift yourself: I am capable and resilient. I can handle whatever comes my way with grace and strength. My worth is not determined by my productivity. I am valuable just as I am, and I deserve to prioritize self-care. I trust in my abilities and believe in my potential. Each day, I am becoming the best version of myself. I embrace progress, not perfection. I celebrate my efforts, and I am proud of the journey I'm on. I am deserving of happiness, love, and success. I attract positive opportunities, and I am open to the abundance of life. /episode/index/show/levelyourselfup/id/30411663

How To Deal With NOT Feeling Good 02/24/2024

How To Become The Person You Want To BE? 02/07/2024

How to know what your wasting energy on? 01/26/2024

2023 A Year in Review 01/15/2024

Avoiding Scams 02/20/2023

Picking a Word for the year 01/16/2023

Relaunch - Fighting Through Struggles 01/03/2023

De-clutter and Finding Peace 06/01/2022

Good To Be Stressed 04/26/2022

Have Fun be spontanous 04/20/2022

What Season Are You In ? 04/10/2022

Decision Making LYSU 94 04/02/2022

LYSU 93 Belief System How To Retrain Our thinking- 1 of the Top 5 ways to Improve in 2022 03/27/2022

LYSU 93 Belief System How To Retrain Our thinking- 1 of the Top 5 ways to Improve in 2022 What are our beliefs? A belief system is an ideology or set of principles that helps us to interpret our everyday life. These beliefs are shaped and influenced your life. Stop Stinking thinking Positive mindset- it’s not just about being positive its finding the good in the bad How is life happening for you – Life is happening for you not to you. Mindset and our internal self-talk You have to want to change, you have to want to see the good Where to they come from? Environment Events - The birth of your child, promotion, a death of a loved one. Knowledge Past Results Future Vision How to Replace Limiting Beliefs with Empowering Ones 1. Pick a limiting belief and think about how that belief has held you back and worked against you. Write it down! 2. How has this limiting belief hurt you? Think of some evidence that proves that the belief is false. Spend some time thinking about this until you know that your limiting belief was not based on reality or FACTS. 3. Replace your limiting or negative belief with an empowering and positive one. You let go of your old limiting belief, admit that it was false and limiting you, and you start believing in your heart and in your mind that people are generally honest by nature. 4. Remind yourself of your new beliefs every day Several times a day. The more you consciously remind yourself of your new beliefs, think and feel them in your core, the faster you will be able to replace the old ones. The more you practice this, the sooner your subconscious mind will start inducing corresponding empowering thoughts, feelings and actions. Our belief systems are powerful and affect almost everything we think, feel and do. When we make the time and effort to closely examine them, we are able to single out the ones that prevent us from living the life we deserve to live. /episode/index/show/levelyourselfup/id/22580816

LYSU 92 Spirituality- 1 of the Top 5 ways to Improve in 2022 03/12/2022

LYSU 92 Spirituality- 1 of the Top 5 ways to Improve in 2022 Ways to know and learn about God/Jesus Serving Ministries Community Your career Learning Bible study Learning how you think vs what the bible says Reflection Read the Word Being Meditation Prayer Seeing how God moving in everything Gathering Praising and worshiping Meeting with friends Social Connections Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary use words Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Proverbs 16:4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 2:17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Timothy 1:9 Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Ecclesiastes 12:13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Ephesians 1:11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will. post THE BIBLE IS TRUE AND ACCURATE Part 1 of 2 Chuck Missler THE BIBLE IS TRUE AND ACCURATE Part 2 of 2 Chuck Missler Inerrancy of the Bible and the Inspiration of Scripture - Michael Heiser /episode/index/show/levelyourselfup/id/22427927

LYSU 091 Relationships- 1 of the Top 5 ways to improve in 2022 03/06/2022

Time - 1 of top 5 ways to improve in 2022 02/25/2022

Handling Setbacks LYSU 89 02/21/2022

Health 2022 02/11/2022

Health 2022 Health Its not just about diets but about Sleep, Breathing, Resting, Quality of Food, Drinking Water Rest Rest is one of the greatest gifts God gave to mankind. Rest is synonymous to peace. Naturally, we link rest with sleep. But I think we should look at rest more like we of stop doing what we are doing AND start placing our trust in peace and love. to start BEING the person we are called to be to reset our being. Like resting in God. It is placing trust and faith in him. In the work that’s He has already been done. I think daily we should rest in our God to spend with him that can take forms in many ways. Reading, Gardening, Walking, Sitting or however you find peace and tranquility. What about thinking how we can stop stressing and worrying ? To learn to work each problem the best we can then once we have done that we stand trusting life will all work its self out or as we rest more will be revealed for us to do. But not worried or stressing Breathing To keep it short We often don’t breath like we should during covid I was taught we don't breath correctly and they have me doing breathe exercises. With a deep breaths in through your nose and blowing out slowly threw your mouth like blowing threw a straw do that 10 times. The Wim Hof technique One round of the Wim Hof Method breathing technique includes these steps: Take in a strong inhalation through the nose. Let out a relaxed exhalation through the mouth. Repeat for 30 breaths. On the 30th breath, exhale to 90 percent and hold for as long as you can. When you feel your body really needs to take a breath, inhale fully and hold for 15 seconds before releasing. The basic technique involves three consecutive rounds of the above. Eventually, the breathing may feel like a wave flowing through your lungs, but this will take practice. Proponents say the technique can lead to: increased immunity better sleep reduced stress heightened focus or Water Most of us don't drink enough water and we are in a state dehydration we should drink around 1 gallon of water every day. Signs of mild or moderate dehydration include: Thirst Dry or sticky mouth Not peeing very much Dark yellow pee Dry, cool skin Headache Muscle cramps Signs of severe dehydration include: Not peeing or having very dark yellow pee Very dry skin Feeling dizzy Rapid heartbeat Rapid breathing Sunken eyes Sleepiness, lack of energy, confusion or irritability Fainting We tend to think that dehydration looks like fainting, severe headaches, and being hooked up to an IV. But the truth is that the majority of us (more than 75% of adults!) are living with chronic mild dehydration, which means our bodies are being forced to operate with less fluid than they require. A decrease in your hydration as little as 1-3% can result in a measurable cognitive loss and not only can it lead to the ailments listed above, it can also lead to more serious health concerns and disease. Quality of Food It is high in sugar and calories and low in nutrients and fibre. It can, over time, lead to insulin resistance, triglycerides, harmful cholesterol and other health issues. Processed foods are very addictive because companies do research to see what tickles our taste buds the most. They incorporate it into their foods to encourage us to eat it more. It contains artificial ingredients like preservatives and additives that are not nutritious and are harmful to health. Sleep 6-8 hours of sleep is important we need all the sleeping cycles not just partial night sleep, while we sleep we heal, we lose weight, our body rebuilds it self. Matthew Walker offers five key tips to help your future be filled with an easier sleeping process: Try to maintain regularity. Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. We need darkness in the evening to allow the release of a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin helps us maintain a healthy sleep time. Therefore, try to dim down half the lights in your home in the hour before bed. Keep your sleeping environment as cool as possible. An optimal temperature is about 68 degrees Fahrenheit Your brain and body need to drop their core temperature by about two or three degrees Fahrenheit to initiate good sleep. Hence, you’ll always find it easier to fall asleep in a room that’s too cold than too hot. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol is perhaps the most misunderstood drug when it comes to sleep. People believe it helps them fall asleep. That’s not true. Alcohol is a type of sedative, which means alcohol is basically just knocking your brain out. You’re not putting it into natural sleep. Research suggests that alcohol will fragment your sleep. So, you’ll wake up many more times throughout the night. Finally, alcohol also blocks dream sleep. Caffeine is also a problem. Many of us know that caffeine can keep us awake as it is a stimulant. However, few people know that even if you fall asleep fine and maybe you stay asleep after a coffee, the depth of your deep sleep will be lessened. Do not stay in bed, awake. If you haven’t fallen asleep within 20 or so minutes, or you’ve woken up and you’re finding it difficult to fall back asleep, don’t stay in bed awake. Your brain quickly learns an association between your bed and being awake. Therefore, get up and go to another room. “The shorter your sleep, the shorter your life. The leading causes of disease and death in developed nations—diseases that are crippling health-care systems, like heart disease, obesity, dementia, diabetes, and cancer—all have recognized causal links to a lack of sleep.” – Matthew Walker or check out /episode/index/show/levelyourselfup/id/22098281