Have you ever wondered what your life was like before you started working on yourself? In this powerful episode of Success By Design, host Tom Blackledge breaks down the mindset shift between Before Personal Development (BPD) and After Personal Development (APD) — a transformation that reshapes your purpose, relationships, and success.

🎯 Whether you're new to self-improvement, or deep into your personal growth journey, this episode is packed with insights, wisdom, and hard-hitting truths. We’ll explore:

• What personal development actually means

• How mindset, belief systems and habits hold you back

• The impact of personal growth on your relationships

• Resistance from friends, partners, and your own ego

• Stoic wisdom from Seneca, and ancient philosophy that still applies today

🧠 Topics Covered:

• Personal development journey

• Mindset shifts for success

• Self-growth and discipline

• Stoicism and modern life

• How to grow without losing people you love

• Why many people fear change and sabotage their future

• Books and tools that fuel transformation

If you're working on becoming the best version of yourself — this episode is for you. Share it with someone who’s ready to grow.

Want to boost your income, lead with confidence, and unlock your full potential? Start by mastering the most overlooked tool for success — your vocabulary.

In Episode 10 of Success By Design, we dive deep into why your words are your secret weapon for success in life, business, and personal growth. Research shows that vocabulary is one of the strongest predictors of career success, even more than your IQ or education level. CEOs, leaders, and high achievers all have one thing in common: they know how to express themselves with clarity and power.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why vocabulary shapes your thoughts, emotions, and actions.

• How strong communication skills set leaders apart from the crowd.

• The real data behind vocabulary and success (and how it affects income, opportunity, and even incarceration).

• What ancient philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Nietzsche knew about language and personal power.

• 5 practical tools to improve your vocabulary and transform your life.

Whether you're focused on self-improvement, leadership, entrepreneurship, or mindset mastery, this episode gives you the tools to think better, speak better, and live better.

👉 If you're serious about personal development and designing your best life, don't miss this.

🔔 Subscribe for more weekly episodes on self-development, mindset, martial arts philosophy, and becoming the best version of yourself.

0:00 – Intro: The Hidden Power of Words
1:00 – Why Vocabulary is the Toolbox of Thought
4:30 – Shocking Studies: Vocabulary vs. Success
9:00 – Philosophy of Language: Marcus Aurelius & Nietzsche
12:00 – 5 Tools to Build Your Vocabulary & Change Your Life
15:00 – Closing: Speak Better, Live Better

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💬 Leave a comment: What’s one new word you’ve learned recently that changed how you think?

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Podcast 9 – Memento Mori: How Facing Death Makes You Unstoppable

Most people live like they’ll never die — putting off dreams, avoiding risk, and wasting time. But the ancient Stoics had a powerful reminder for us: Memento Mori — “Remember you must die.”

In this episode of Success By Design, we explore how embracing your mortality can unlock true freedom, clarity, and courage. This is not about fear — it’s about living on purpose.

I break down the Stoic philosophy of Memento Mori and share how great leaders like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca used this mindset to live fully, love deeply, and lead powerfully. Plus, you’ll learn how to apply Memento Mori in daily life with real, actionable steps.

You’ll hear:

• Why ignoring death leads to regret

• How to eliminate fear of failure and judgment

• What the Stoics taught about time, love, and legacy

• Why Stoicism is more relevant than ever in today’s distracted world

• The link between personal development and meditating on mortality

• How to turn Memento Mori into a mindset for success

If you want to stop wasting time, live more intentionally, and take your self-development to the next level, this is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen now and discover how remembering death can teach you how to live with strength, love, and meaning.

🧠 Keywords:Memento Mori, Stoicism, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, personal development podcast, mindset coach, self-improvement, daily Stoic practice, overcoming fear, embracing mortality, mental toughness, how to live fully, success mindset, motivational podcast, life coaching UK, success by design podcast

👉 Subscribe now, share with someone who needs a wake-up call, and visit TomBlackledge.com to explore coaching, courses, and books on personal mastery and mental resilience