Meet The PPF Client who wrote an incredible book
Hi PPF Fam, co-owner Em here!
Today, I want to introduce you to Pete Keith, director of Change Agency, Organisational Training & Development Professional, Executive Coach, Keynote Speaker, author of the book 'The World Exists Between Your Ears' and long term client of PPF!
If you have been to our Camp Hill studio, you have probably seen Pete, his gorgeous wife Sal and their rescue greyhound Daisy in a class or hanging out with us at reception.
Since Pete, Sal and honorary PPF member Daisy joined us in May 2018, I have been intrigued by Pete and Sal. They are the most positive people I have ever had the fortune of meeting. I often find myself watching Pete observe clients in class and when he has a chat, he is a wealth of knowledge about human behaviour. Therefore, when Pete told me that he had written a book I was super eager to read it and absorb some of his knowledge about neuroscience and how he stays so positive.
What Pete's book provides you with:
- Tools to manage your world,
- Information to explain the world,
- Techniques to survive the world,
- The neuroscience to make sense of people and human behaviour,
- A plan to assist this implementation of a better world for yourself.
You may be thinking: this sounds a bit 'self-help like'. It is anything but. Pete explains the science behind how humans think and gives you the tools to change your behaviour.
I will admit that I have never highlighted and underlined a book more in my life! The number of light bulb moments you have when reading Pete's book is incredible. Pete's book will inspire you to improve your life with deeper awareness, a greater understanding of how you can shape your behaviour and how to become more positive.
What I have personally learnt from Pete's book:
- To get better at noticing my inner voice, and to challenge it.
- To get clear on 'what I want', not 'what I don't want'.
- That my behaviour (and all human's behaviour) is determined by my state of mind. I have the power to change my state of mind.
- To focus on listening to the person whose lips are moving!
- Language is incredibly powerful. Use positive language.
- To take accountability for my current situation.
One thing I have wanted for the past 20 years is to grow my nails, which have been bitten down to bleeding due to anxiety. With the tools Pete's book has given me, my nails are now long and beautiful and I have no desire at all to bite them again (notice the nails in the picture!).
But enough about me! We caught up with Pete and did a fascinating Q & A with him. We hope you enjoy it.
Q: Pete, tell us a little about yourself, your family and your business, Change Agency.
A: I was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and emigrated to Australia in the late sixties and grew up in Melbourne. Apart from being a qualified scientist, I have invested heavily in understanding human behaviour. My post-graduate qualifications coupled with my own investigation into behavioural neuroscience have shaped the thinking that has gone into this book.
I run a successful learning and development consultancy called Change Agency which serves many of Brisbane’s better-known organisations. I train and facilitate a range of soft-skills programs related to communication, change, leadership, and influence.
I share my life with my wife, Sally and our rescued Greyhound, Daisy.
Q: What inspired you to write your book: 'The World Exists Between Your Ears?'
A: This book has been a long-time coming. Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated by people and the way they are affected by the things going on around them. I met and spoke with people who fell apart during high-pressure situations and I saw others acting coolly and calmly. Others could be described as eternally positive in their mindsets and others still, terribly serious, dour and pessimistic.
About twenty years ago, I became aware that mental health-related behavioural problems seemed to feature as the root of many social and behavioural issues which were being increasingly reported. There seemed to be an alarming rise in diagnoses of very young children with mental health-related problems and I began to question the basis of the diagnosis as well as the treatment regimens that were being suggested.
It was this interest in people, behaviour and mental states that compelled me to start my non- accredited approach to understanding. Apart from the usual pathways of traditional western psychology or psychiatry, I chose less-well travelled paths such as NLP, EST, the Enneagram and astrology.
Let me add that I am a scientist by qualification, I studied Physiology and Genetics, which gave me the gifts of empirical thinking and an eye for information. I tell you this so that you don't think I'm some left-field weirdo. I am as pragmatic and sceptical as you’d expect a scientist to be.
Q: Could you give a summary of your book to everyone out there?
A: This book was written as a toolbox and self-help handbook. It is filled with sensible, evidence-based information, tools, and techniques to allow you to take control of your life and to create the future you want.
Q: What do you hope readers will choose to take away from your book?
A: The one thing that I want my readers to take away is that they are the master’s of their own life, happiness and destiny and that the information I provide will allow them to take charge.
Q: How has your positive thinking and changing your unresourceful behaviour enriched your life?
A: Applying these principles to myself has made a huge difference to my ability to live a happy and fulfilled life. I have cured myself of bad habits, I am happier and great things continue to happen for myself and my wife.
Q: You and your wife Sal and rescue greyhound Daisy have been long term clients of PPF since May 2018. What keeps you both exercising?
A: Why we keep exercising is that we understand the value of regular exercise to support a better physical and emotional state of mind. Why we have chosen to support PPF is because of the great culture, the exceptional instructors, and the value for money PPF represents. I couldn’t recommend Pilates more highly, particularly for older men.
Well, that wraps up our chat with Pete and his lovely family! Make sure to say hi to Pete, Sal & Daisy if you see them pre or post workout at the Camp Hill studio!
If you are interested in Pete's life changing book, you can buy it at the studio NOW! We have limited copies so come to the front desk to secure your next amazing read!
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