Can you share with us a little about your background, experience and your passions in life?

I’m Jo. Just Jo. I’m a strange mix of what people consider to be contradictions. For me, it’s all normal, and just part of being a human being.

As for my background, there is too much to tell, and not that much of it is interesting.

A refugee twice, and somewhat educated, but my best qualifications come from the school of life. I speak a few languages as a result.

What would you say are your top 3 core values in life?

Honesty. Integrity. Empathy.

If you could choose any new skill to have, what would it be?

Flying a helicopter. One day.

If you could select one piece of advice that you feel the world needs to listen to and bring into reality, what would it be?

Who is your virtual coach/mentor, and why?

Myself, really. I’ve never been one for coaches and mentors. I tend to listen to those who know more than I do and learn from them. Then I go on with my life.

You must learn to be your own coach and cheerleader. The best person for the job is the one that is always with you: you!

What is your “secret ingredient” for a happier and fulfilling life?

I stopped listening to people who scare the world. Fear-based control and manipulation are rampant in the world.

This is why nothing changes. One person can change the world, and that person is you.

Which habit do you think is making you a better, happier, and healthier person?

The best habit anyone can adopt is self brainwashing. Just like the negative affirmations work, so do the positive, but it’s a conscious choice.

You won’t be happy all the time, and that’s okay. Just don’t be continuously miserable.

How did you build this habit?

It all starts in the mind. There is no ‘trick’ to it. You just keep telling yourself these things until you believe them. You believe all the negative things because you have had far more practice.

Now do the opposite, and your mind will become more positive. Learn to meditate. It’s the single most important self-development tool you can master. Start today, and it’s okay to admit you are lazy. I am.

Know that it helps you, and meditate regularly.

What helps you when you are stressed or anxious?

I would say meditate, but I get out of the habit. Once you do it for enough years, it becomes automatic.

It is better to do a focused meditation, but the effects are long-lasting even when you stop for a while.

The more you meditate, the better your life becomes.

What book changed your life, and in what way?

The first book that changed my life was ‘Relief Without Drugs’ by Ainslie Meares. This is how I first learned to meditate.

Don’t be put off by the name. It is difficult to get hold of nowadays but buy a second-hand copy.

Are you into journaling/bujo? If yes, in what way do you journal?

I do not journal. I am not against it, and I know it helps some people. Since I am an author, my books could be considered a journal of sorts. I make endless notes, but they are not journals.

They are ideas of books to write, things to do, and that sort of thing. I would caution people not to use their journals as crutches. Like any tool, they serve a limited purpose.

There is no holy grail with these things. Do it all, and find out what works best for you.

Do you practice mindfulness? If yes, why did you start and what do you like about the practise of mindfulness?

I try my hardest to be mindful. It helps us to stop living in the past or the future. I believe it teaches us about ourselves as we learn about the moment, and how we are feeling or reacting to it.

What do you do when you don’t know what to do?

This can have two answers. One is when I don’t know what to do, and I am stuck in life or a situation. The answer is nothing.

Meditate for an answer or at least clarity of mind to see the situation for what it is; a learning curve. As soon as you learn the lesson, you can move on to the next one.

Two, I always have a long list of things to do or achieve. I am never at a loss for something to do. Occasionally, I try to do nothing at all, but I am hyper, and I like to achieve things on my to-do list.

What is the most unusual thing you are grateful for?

Knowledge.

There is nothing more important in my life than knowledge and experience.

What makes a “Good Day” a good day for you?

Any day that has little to no stress, and I am surrounded by peace and love. I am also very happy when I learn new and interesting things.

It’s usually a good day when someone gives me a Ferrari. Since it doesn’t happen often enough, I choose to be happy instead.

You should too enrich another person’s life with Love

What question I should have asked you by now that I haven’t yet…? What would your answer be?

“When would you like your Ferrari to be delivered to your door?”

I had to end the interview with humor. It is my trademark, and supercars are just the cherry on the top.

Read my free book on the environment to find out how being an environmentalist and a petrolhead is not an oxymoron.

Listen to the truth, not the lies. Be part of the truth, not the lies. Being a sheeple is so last year.

Insight

Additional notes

Discover more about Jo on his website.