Mihály Kozák - coach

And how are you?

I have a weekly conversation with a colleague. I usually start the conversation with, "How are you?" He paused to think and then remarked on how difficult a question I'd asked. After a short pause, he shared what had been happening with him.

The question "How are you?" can be a simple, everyday courtesy, but it can also open the door to a deeper conversation. As my colleague's reaction shows, this question is much more complex than it first appears.

The customary response in English-speaking cultures, "Fine, thanks," is often just a superficial reaction, a way to avoid revealing our true feelings. But when someone asks, "How are you?", we are often looking for more than this standard answer.

Beneath the surface, there may be worries, fears, joys, sorrows - a whole world that we may not even suspect exists until we ask about it. And when this world opens up to us, a real connection can form, a relationship in which we understand and support each other.

The question "How are you?" has power. It can break through superficial politeness and make room for honesty. But this question also comes with responsibility. When you ask it, be prepared to listen to the answer, even if it's not always easy or pleasant.

When we truly listen to another person, when we try to understand their feelings and perspective, we show empathy. Empathy is a gift we can give to others, and it is also a gift we give to ourselves.

And how are you?

Why is the Grass Always Greener Next Door? - Understanding Lawn Envy and the Pitfalls of Comparing Ourselves to Other Entrepreneurs

Have you ever noticed that the grass seems greener on the other side? But why is this the case? Why do our competitors appear to be more successful, attract more clients, and experience less stress?

The first step in overcoming this perception is recognizing that appearances can be deceiving.

1. The Invisible Struggles

When observing the successes of others, it's easy to overlook the substantial challenges they face. Behind every success story are countless failures, trials, and periods of growth. These struggles seldom make it to the public eye, so we rarely get a comprehensive view of their reality.

2. The Importance of Context

Each business is distinct, equipped with different resources, connections, and market positions. What works well in one market segment might falter in another. Instead of envying others' successes, we should focus on maximizing the opportunities within our own ventures.

3. Cultivating Our Own Garden

Rather than scrutinizing our neighbor's lawn, the most beneficial action we can take is to nurture our own. Focus on the unique value your business provides and explore ways to enhance your performance in your specialized field. Through innovation, perseverance, and a commitment to ongoing learning, your own grass will thrive.

4. From Comparison to Inspiration

View the achievements of your competitors as sources of motivation, not as benchmarks of your failure. Learn from those who are walking similar paths. Allow their journeys to inspire you, but ensure they do not derail your own. Always prioritize your goals and long-term strategies.

In conclusion, the secret to a greener lawn does not lie in envying others' gardens. The true secret is our willingness to invest time and energy into developing our own domains. Focus on personal growth, let your achievements speak for themselves, and steer clear of unproductive comparisons.

Passion? Yes! But where is the balance?

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life," said Confucius. Or when the issue of work-life balance comes up, it's also argued that if you love your job, you won't suffer when you need to work, thus talking about a balance between the two may seem unnecessary.

When our career aligns with our passion, work is not a burden but a joyous challenge. But does this mean that the question of work-life balance becomes irrelevant?

Work-life balance is not a fixed state but a dynamic equilibrium that continually changes. It's important to be flexible and make compromises when needed. The key is to find the right balance that allows us to live our lives energetically and in harmony.

Here are some tips for achieving work-life balance:

Set boundaries:
Determine when and how much you work, and stick to these boundaries. Don't take work home and don't feel obligated to respond to emails or messages outside of work hours.

Spend time with loved ones:
It's crucial to regularly spend time with your family and friends. These relationships provide support and rejuvenation.

Schedule downtime:
Make time for hobbies, relaxation, and stress relief. Regular physical activity, meditation, or yoga can help maintain mental health.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help:
If you feel overwhelmed or burned out, don’t hesitate to seek help from family members, friends, or a therapist.
It's important to note that work-life balance is a personal concept. What works for one person may not work for another. The goal is to find the balance that works for you, enabling you to live happily and harmoniously.

Intuition or Analysis?

When developing your business, you might wonder what should guide your decisions: should you rely on intuition or opt for an analysis-based approach? The answer is not straightforwardly black or white, but one thing is certain: the secret sauce lies in the fusion of the two.

Intuition: The Inner Voice That Guides
Relying on intuition is akin to navigating with an inner compass. It's the ability that enables you to listen to and trust your gut feelings when making decisions. Intuition can facilitate swift decision-making, especially when time or information is scarce. However, intuition is not infallible. It's crucial to be well-versed in your market and your business to ensure that your "inner voice" doesn't lead you astray.

Analysis: The Power of Data
An analytical approach is grounded in facts and data. This means basing your decisions on market research, financial reports, and other objective information. Analysis helps you avoid bias and steer your business in the best possible direction. Yet, it can be a time-consuming process, and at times, an overload of data can hinder quick decision-making.

The Art of Balance
The reality is that most successful entrepreneurs don't rigidly choose between intuition and analysis; they blend the two. Intuition can help you spot opportunities that data alone may not reveal, while analysis ensures that your decisions rest on solid ground.

4 Tips to Aid Your Decision-Making:

1. Know Your Market:
The more you know about your market, the more accurate your decisions will be, reinforced by informed intuition.

2. Collect Data:
Before making a significant decision, gather relevant data to ensure that your choice is well-considered.

3. Trust Your Instincts:
If something feels off with the data, or you spot a unique opportunity, don't ignore that strong inner feeling. Deviating from the usual pattern of thought and logic carries risks, but it might also be the very factor that leads to exceptional results.

4. Seek Feedback:
Engage in conversations with other entrepreneurs or consult with mentors and coaches. Sometimes, an external perspective can validate your intuition or highlight opportunities within the data.

Business development is never a straight line. However, by integrating intuition with analysis, you can elevate your business to the next level.

Gandhi or not Gandhi?

I recently found a quote from Gandhi,

"Everything you do in life will be insignificant, but it’s very important that you do it anyway."

Initially, I encountered the English version and tried to find its original. That's when I stumbled upon a third version, which started similarly but conveyed a slightly different message. I wondered which one was the original, and it turned out that actually, Gandhi didn't say either of them, at least there's no written proof for that. The first version was a sentence that matched his spirit, while the other came from a movie scene, but there too, it was merely the screenwriters who put these words into Gandhi's mouth.

And now I've written a post that exactly doesn't discuss what I wanted to say about the quote.

MAYBE ANOTHER TIME. :)

But it seems that discovering deeper messages and finding their true source is itself a learning journey.

What has made you happy recently?

Happiness is subjective and means different things to each of us. For me, happiness is not a constant state but a collection of small moments that fill me with joy and contentment.

Recently, many small things have made me satisfied:

Successful projects:

My teams and I have worked hard on several projects already this year. Some of these have concluded; we published 3 magazines and successfully completed last year's real estate projects. We are in the final stages of preparing for an American book tour, which involves complex tasks like reprinting 14 books of exclusive quality, organizing logistics, planning a 2-3 month tour, devising the technical infrastructure, and developing marketing materials. In these tasks, the outcome and the journey itself, despite many challenges, fill me with satisfaction.

Time with family and friends:

I find good human relationships important, and I am happy to spend time with my loved ones and friends. This could be a good conversation, a walk, going to the movies, window-shopping in a mall, or even working together in a café. The result is that we enjoy each other's company and the time spent together.

Learning and development:

Every evening at 8, my calendar reminds me to "Read," though without an exclamation mark. I used to devour books, reading them in 1-2 days, but this had fallen by the wayside in my life for a while because it's much easier to start a series or scroll through TikTok. And maybe I don't start reading precisely at 8 PM, but I always read before bed. Sometimes just a few pages, sometimes more, but the joy of reading is beginning to reawaken in me.

Additionally, yesterday, as a viewer, I attended a podcast recording (Anett Kormos is experimenting with this). At least a 15-person crew worked on preparing the 4 TV cameras, lighting, seating, and aesthetically setting up the environment. Naturally, it made me think about how it is when I am alone doing the lighting, camerawork, and interviews for my podcast recordings. Indeed, these activities can be done at different levels. But ultimately, whatever the background, the most important thing is that the conversation is interesting, that as an interviewer, I bring out the best and most interesting in the other person and skillfully navigate the flow of the conversation. And in this, too, the journey itself excites me, as I enjoy the gadgets I use, the people I invite, and the questions I ask.

Helping others:

I feel satisfied when I can help others. Recently, I met someone in the bathhouse with whom, after 15 minutes, depths opened up that many might not discuss even with their best friends. Maybe it was because we might never see each other again or the magic of a conversation with a stranger that starts on a clean slate without judgment. He even asked why it was good for me that they dumped such a heavy load on me. But somehow, if I feel that I can help someone, whether by listening, asking questions, or sometimes sharing thoughts, and seeing that it helps them, it also brings me satisfaction.

Recalling what happened:

At the beginning of coaching conversations, I always ask what has happened since our last meeting and at the end, what they will take away from the meeting. This helps to articulate precisely those things that one might overlook. This can be formalized in everyday life, too; we can keep a gratitude journal or a "What achievements have I made?" journal. But even if we occasionally remember what has filled us with satisfaction, gratitude, and happiness, it reminds us and perhaps pulls us out of the daily grey or difficult currents. Often, noticing and appreciating the small things in life, like the sunshine, the chirping of birds, or a delicious coffee, makes me happy.

These are just a few current examples of what gives me satisfaction and happiness in my life. I feel fortunate to have many things that fill me with joy and that I can recognize them.

But more importantly, what makes you feel happy and satisfied?

No reward, no punishment, only consequences

In life, there are no accidents, only consequences. Everything we do reflects back on us in some way, whether it is "good" or "bad". This is the principle of karma, a kind of cause-and-effect relationship, which means that our actions determine our future.

It is not a question of reward or punishment but simply the natural consequence of our actions. If we do good, we are likely to get good in return, if we do bad, we are likely to get bad in return. But it is not a matter of 'receiving' or 'losing', but of consciously taking responsibility for our actions.

This approach to life encourages us to weigh our choices carefully, as every step we take shapes our future. Karma does not punish, it only reflects our choices and actions, reminding us that every choice has consequences.

"Failure is the best teacher. But fast failure is an even better teacher." ~Astro Teller

Many of us fear failure as if it must be avoided at all costs. But what if we didn't see it as a loss but as an opportunity?

"Failure is the best teacher. Fast failure is even better."

Why? Failure teaches us quickly. It accelerates the learning process, allowing us to encounter our limitations sooner and, thus, find ways to overcome them faster.

The benefits of fast failure:

Quick Feedback:
We receive immediate feedback on our ideas and approaches, allowing us to adapt and improve upon them quickly.

Resilience Building:
The more we face failure, the more resilient and persistent we become. This mental strength is key to entrepreneurial success.

Innovation and Creativity: Failure forces us to look for new solutions, enhancing our creativity and innovation capabilities.

Relativity of Success:
Quick failures remind us that success is not permanent and that failure is not fatal. Both are part of the process.

Instead of avoiding failure, let's embrace it as a necessary part of the path to success. Fast failure is not just inevitable but can actually be one of the quickest routes to success.

So, next time you encounter a failure, don't view it as a disaster, but as a valuable lesson that brings you closer to your goals. And remember: every failure is a step towards success.

Patience bears roses?

Entrepreneurial life is not a sprint but a marathon. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to forget that patience is not only a virtue but also a strategic tool that can be crucial for long-term success.

Five areas where patience bears fruit:

1. Understanding your market:
As an entrepreneur, you need time to understand your market, including customer needs and competitor activities. Patience allows you to conduct thorough research, refine your strategy, and build a viable business in the long run.

2. Effectively building your brand:
Simply producing a few Facebook and LinkedIn posts and three TikTok videos won't burn your brand into people's retinas. Building brand awareness and a loyal customer base takes time. Patience helps you consistently communicate your business values and benefits.

3. Developing your relationships:
Whether it's with customers, suppliers, or partners, building and maintaining valuable relationships requires time and patience. This allows you to build a reliable network that is vital for your business's growth.

4. Innovating:
Patience enables you to dedicate time to innovation, development, and self-improvement. This investment of time and energy pays off in the long term, allowing you to gain a competitive edge and grow your market.

5. Being persistent:
The entrepreneurial journey is full of challenges. Patience helps you to persevere during tough times, to learn from failures, to be adaptable, and to come back stronger.

"Patience bears roses" – this saying is especially true in business life. Patience teaches us not just to wait but also how to build something valuable over the long term. Patience provides the solid foundation on which lasting success can be built. Be patient and believe in the process – persistence and a long-term vision will eventually bear fruit.

🦸‍♂️ What Can We Learn from Keanu Reeves?

Successful actors, singers, and celebrities often struggle to handle the money, fame, and attention that come their way. This often makes them arrogant, causing public resentment.
Keanu Reeves became widely known through the Matrix movies, but the John Wick films have also brought him many fans.
He is perhaps considered one of the coolest people in Hollywood today, generating vast amounts of money at the box office, yet he somehow retains his humanity, approachability, and humility. Of course, it raises the question of how much this is a part of a PR machine, but it is definitely worth learning from him.
Here are 5 things we can learn from him personally and as entrepreneurs.

Humility and Generosity
Why It's Cool: Despite being a top Hollywood actor, Keanu is famous for his humble and down-to-earth nature. There are legendary stories of him taking pay cuts so other actors could get roles or crew members could earn more. He has been seen traveling on public transport and casually chatting with fans.
What We Can Learn: True success does not change a person's fundamental values. Being down-to-earth and generous, no matter how high you rise, is a sign of true character.

Handling Adversity
Why It's Cool: Keanu has experienced many personal tragedies, including losing close friends and family members. Yet, despite all this, he has remained resilient and has not let these tragedies define him.
What We Can Learn: There will be lows in life, but what defines us is how we respond to them. Resilience and the ability to find light even in the darkest times give us great strength.

Passionate About His Craft:
Why It's Cool: Keanu is known for immersing himself completely in his roles. For the John Wick series, for example, he underwent extensive fi****ms and martial arts training for authenticity.
What We Can Learn: Commitment and dedication to our passion ensure that we excel in something. And this requires not just talent – hard work and perseverance are needed.

Reserved, Yet Authentic:
Why It's Cool: In today's world, everyone shares everything, especially celebrities. Keanu lives a low-profile life, sharing only what he is comfortable with. But what he shares is genuine.
What We Can Learn: Authenticity is valuable, and there is value in keeping parts of our lives to ourselves. Staying true to ourselves fosters authentic relationships and respect from others.

Continuous Learning:
Why It's Cool: Keanu has continually evolved throughout his career, taking on various roles and exploring different genres. He also started playing bass guitar and was in a band. He is someone who continuously learns and grows.
What We Can Learn: Life is a constant growth and learning journey. Embracing new experiences and challenges keeps life fresh and exciting.

Overall, Keanu Reeves embodies a mix of talent, humility, and authenticity. His character, both on and off the screen, inspires many.

Do You Hide from Failures?

Have you ever felt like you'd rather hide due to the fear of failure? How do you avoid what you should be doing or what you really want to do?

Failure is only fatal if we don't learn from it. But perhaps it's time to face this fear! True growth and development begin when we step out of our comfort zone and risk failure. Only then can we truly discover what we are capable of?
We often forget that the most extraordinary development often occurs in overcoming challenges and difficulties. It's not about getting everything right the first time, but about whether we are willing to learn from our mistakes and continue to develop. Accepting failures and learning from them not only strengthens our character but also opens up new perspectives for us.

Therefore, I encourage everyone not to be afraid to take risks and to view failures as tools for growth. After all, the greatest successes often come after the biggest failures.

****Follow Yourself for a Day! - Invisible Tracker****

Imagine that an invisible person follows you all day. What would they see? How proud would you be of what you show them throughout the day?

Our everyday lives often pass with routine activities: scrolling hours on Facebook or TikTok, watching Netflix, or just routine work without real presence. These activities often obscure the things that are truly important to us.

In life, it's easy to find things to occupy ourselves with, but the real challenge lies in finding activities that truly advance us. Activities that bring us closer to our long-term goals and true passions.

Think about it: what would you like this invisible person to see? A person who consciously spends their time focusing on personal and professional development? Or someone who just drifts along with the current?