Our Man Of The Week is an inspired young man who had to endure a series of health issues and the passing of his mother to uncover his true purpose, and to his surprise, once he discovered this, his passion in living out his purpose gave him the strength to overcome the hurdles. Graham Young was sick and tired of receiving the same impractical advise of the self-help industry, so he decided to be the change the industry needed by creating ‘Disruptive Performance Coaching’, a practical and science-based approach to helping people discover their purpose and breaking limiting thoughts and beliefs. Using this approach, Graham hopes to enable people to live a life where they are at peace, have control over the direction of their lives, and are able to create the change one would like to see in their life. Graham is able to give people the confidence, tools and comfort of knowing that they can handle any challenge life throws at them.
Age: 31
What do you do? (Work)
I am a Disruptive Performance Strategist and Founder of Graham Young Strategies, an innovative coaching consultancy.
I identify and disrupt the underlying, often unknown thought patterns that hold people back in their lives and careers. When coaching an individual, I use a practical, science based approach to help them discover their purpose and bring them to new levels of confidence and self-reliance. When working with organizations I elevate the engagement, happiness and performance of their employees.
Why do you do it?
I do this to give people full control over their lives. So they have the power to change any aspect of their life immediately. I think feeling stuck is one of the most frustrating things we experience as humans. Knowing that we need to change something about ourselves, our career or in our life; but having no idea how to make it happen. It can cause us to feel like we have little control over our thoughts, feelings and the actions they produce.
I do this to give people the confidence, tools and peace of mind knowing they can handle any challenge they face. So they never have to feel hopeless or lost when difficulties arise and so they can accomplish any goal they want to achieve in life.
I also do this to bridge the gaps between science, self-help and business. To provide a simple, practical and science based approach to personal and career development. So that people do not have to get confused by the overabundance of opinions on how to better their life. To cut through the noise and provide a framework that produces quick and long-lasting results.
In the end I hope each person I work with is able to positively influence other people in their life and in the world.
How do you make a difference in the world? (Work, business, life, family, self)
The source of making a difference in the world, I believe is in the mind of each person. So I’m fortunate to work with people on a very personal level to help them live a happier, fulfilled and more contributing life.
What are 3 defining moments in your life?
- My Mother passing away from cancer
- My business mentor passing away
- When I found my purpose in life
What is your life purpose?
Much of what I answered in answer 3 describes my purpose. In a nutshell it is to simplify the human mind so people can be at peace with themselves, control their lives and create the change they need to achieve what they desire.
How did you tap into it?
It’s been something that has evolved over my life, but was accelerated after the passing of my Mom. Throughout her illness, I was able to use the knowledge that I had been learning from reading psychology and personal development books. It made such a positive impact on me and the people in my life, that I wanted to share it to help others. I began writing my blog on the anniversary of her passing and by putting my thoughts together, I slowly realized that this is what I loved to do.
Who is your Role-Model or Mentor?
My Dad has always been my biggest role model. I’ve been fortunate to have a Father who always put his family first, who defines integrity and who was successful in business. He always supported my career decisions even if they were a bit unorthodox and always believed in me with all of my ventures.
Do you have any daily habits? If so, what are they?
I have a warm cup of lemon water first thing in the morning as it provides energy and aids in digestion. I also have a morning routine that I use to get me focused and motivated to take on the day.
When do you know your work/life balance is off?
When I’m going to bed late and getting up early. When I don’t leave enough time to read before bed.
Vulnerability is a challenge for most men – share a vulnerable moment from your life with us.
Not long ago I had a number of health issues affect me all at once. They caused me to feel very tired, groggy and dizzy everyday. I also was unable to exercise for over a year and had to take some time off work. It felt like things were falling apart around me and made me feel vulnerable to circumstance.
What did you learn from it?
That if you have a passion or purpose in life, you can literally get through anything. This passion to share my knowledge and help people, was like a light at the end of the tunnel. Despite the difficulties in my life at the time, I still have this clarity and direction in where I was going. It motivated and inspired me everyday.
If you are or were going to be a mentor for another man, what is one piece of advice you would give him?
To focus on feeling content, happy, successful and confident now, as opposed to later. We often get stuck telling ourselves that something needs to happen or be accomplished in order for us to feel successful or happy. A common saying is ‘life will be great when …X… happens’. But we often go through life in this lacking state, never letting ourselves appreciate the things we’ve done.
How do you be the best partner (Boyfriend/Husband- past or present)
I think empathy is key. The better you can get at putting yourself in your partners shoes, the more you understand them and their opinions and it helps you approach conflict focused on creating a solution.
Do you support any Charities or Not-for-profits? (Which one(s) and why?)
Two years ago I created the Vancouver Basket Brigade which is based off of Tony Robbin’s International Basket Brigade. My friends and I find families in need, and deliver baskets full of clothes, food and household items.
I sit on the board of CLICK (Contributing to Lives of Inner City Kids) and support the BC Children’s Hospital. I focus a lot of my giving on kids because I love children and it kills me to think of them suffering. If we can get them through a tough time, they have their whole life ahead of them.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
That’s tough, it’d be cool if it were Eminem – Lose Yourself.
Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
More of my business being on the road and speaking across North America.
What legacy do you want to leave for future generations?
I’d like to refine my methodology and make it accessible to everyone in the world regardless of your location, age or income. I’m not sure if it would be delivered via software or online classes, but somehow deliver personal coaching to people who can’t afford it.
What One book would you recommend for any Man?
How to win friends and influence people. – Dale Carnegie
If you know a Man that is making a positive impact on the world, we would love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected]
