Being proactive will keep you successful. "There's no such thing as a balanced life, that's a complete joke! I think it's an integrated life."-Isaac Tolpin The Cheat Sheet: What is positive disruption and why is it important? The questions he asked that took his revenue from $5 million to $10 million. What is productive thinking and what is reproductive thinking? What's one of the biggest mistakes people make when raising their kids? How a racehorse taught him a valuable lesson about choice. And so much more... If we chose growth in the short-term, even if it's uncomfortable, we'll reap the rewards in the long run. Today's guest is a testament to that statement. Isaac Tolpin is the head of two successful and innovative businesses, has a vineyard, is a husband and the father of six kids. We chat about how Isaac's decision to chose growth has led to success in all of these areas, and much more on this edition of The Art of Charm. Click Here to Support The Show and get 10% off Onnit! More About This Show: Isaac Tolpin is an innovator and entrepreneur. His two businesses are at the top of their field, and it isn't by accident. Isaac has chosen growth over complacency, disruption over stagnation. On today's show he shares with us how he does this, the questions he asks himself and the people around him and how he juggles all of his priorities at work and at home. When it comes to choosing growth over staying the same, Isaac believes we can all do this by implementing productive thinking rather than reproductive thinking. Productive thinking is throwing off the existing constraints and reasons why something is the way it currently is. Put those reasons and constraints aside, then start questioning things. Ask yourself: "Why is it the way it is? Why do we do it this way? Is there a better way?" Answering those questions will open up possibilities that didn't exist before. Reproductive thinking, by comparison, is to simply make slight changes and improvements to stay ahead of the curve. Productive thinking changes the curve itself. If you really want to hone your reproductive thinking skill set, get clear on the quality of the questions you're asking yourself about the situation, about your leadership and about the fundamentals of your business. Isaac gives some great examples in today's show of how to do this and how he has done this. Even if we ask those questions and are committed to productive, revolutionary thinking, we can still make poor decisions. According to Isaac we can avoid this by creating an open dialogue with those around us. We have to be willing to ask for feedback, be open to receiving it and implementing it. All of this will help others speak up if they see us going down a bad path. Isaac specifically does this in his own life by finishing his work conversations with the question: how can I be a better leader? He also asks his wife how he can be a better husband. And when they answer him, he takes stock of what they said and then he finds ways to act on their suggestions. Doing so shows them they are valued by him, and in return their respect for him is increased. Although Isaac and I talk about much more on this show including how he stays focused and manages all of his priorities at work and at home, how he choses what to say no to and what to say yes to and, a big one, how to respond to naysayers including specific questions to ask yourself when they criticize your actions. You'll definitely want to hear all of that! After you do, join me in thanking Isaac for being on the show and thank you for joining us. We'll see you next time. THANKS ISAAC TOLPIN! If you enjoyed this session of The Art of Charm Podcast, let Isaac know by clicking on the link below and sending him a quick shout out on Twitter: Click here to thank Isaac on Twitter! Resources from this episode: Isaac Tolpin's web siteChose Growth's web siteThrowing Boulders' web site Isaac Tolpin on TwitterThe Art of Charm bootcamps You'll also like: -The Art of Charm Toolbox-Best of The Art of Charm Podcast Wanna leave a comment? Too bad! Email me instead (we read everything)! HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! If you dug this episode, please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from all the fluff out there. FEEDBACK + PROMOTION Hit us up with your comments and guest suggestions. We read EVERYTHING. Download the FREE AoC app for iPhone Email [email protected] Give us a call at 888.413.7177 Stay Charming!