Notes for the Children

In this final episode of Notes for the Children , Pat explores the transformative power of forgiveness, describing it as a rare and invaluable gift that costs nothing but holds immense value.  Drawing on wisdom from Confucius, Martin Luther King Jr., and Oprah Winfrey, Pat shares personal experiences and insights on forgiveness, highlighting its ability to free individuals from internal prisons an...

In this episode of Notes for the Children , Pat explores the profound impact of gratitude on happiness and overall well-being, drawing inspiration from the wisdom of Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh.   Highlighting the research-backed benefits of gratitude, he emphasizes its role in enhancing self-esteem, promoting psychological well-being, and reducing the likelihood of depression. He stresses the...

In this heartfelt episode of Notes for the Children , Pat delves into the pivotal role of parents, shedding light on the challenges and profound responsibilities that come with this crucial role.  Reflecting on the lack of formal training for parenting, he emphasizes the need to empathetically understand our parents' experiences, considering the historical context and personal struggles they...

In this compelling episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner explores the pivotal role of resilience in the demanding world of automotive retail, drawing on his experiences spanning 2,496 weeks of being judged solely on sales performance. He intertwines insights from philosophy and psychology, emphasizing the constant evaluation faced by professionals in the industry.    Pat underscores the...

In this insightful episode of Notes for the Children, Pat candidly shares his struggles with guilt. Reflecting on the profound impact it had on his life, he delves into the emotional turmoil and shame he carried for decades. He provides a cautionary tale to his children, emphasizing the need to understand and confront the roots of guilt.   Drawing from personal experiences, he discusses the destru...

In this episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner shares valuable insights on leadership, happiness, and navigating life's challenges in his heartfelt and practical notes to his children.   In the realm of leadership, Pat emphasizes the importance of understanding that everyone needs something each day and offers key elements to provide, such as attention, respect, and gratitude. Refle...

Join Pat Priestner for this episode of Notes for the Children as he unravels the simple joys and profound lessons that lead to true happiness. Drawing on personal anecdotes and poignant quotes, he reflects on the core elements essential for a fulfilling life. From the importance of cherishing a life partner to finding delight in small pleasures like ice cream, the podcast imparts valuable life adv...

In this episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner explores the inevitable aspect of human existence—suffering. Drawing from profound quotes, personal experiences, and the teachings of philosophers and spiritual leaders, he addresses the universality of suffering.   Pat delves into the hazards of reliving past suffering, urging individuals to break free from this cycle. Thich Nhat Hanh&apos...

In this impactful episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner shares timeless wisdom on cultivating daily habits that lead to success and fulfillment. He emphasizes the profound impact of daily routines on shaping one's destiny and achieving excellence.  The podcast explores the importance of going the extra mile, focusing on the little things that make a difference, and the transformat...

In this episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner shares crucial insights into the power of focus in both professional and personal realms. Drawing from his early experiences as a sales manager, he emphasizes the significance of maintaining focus during work shifts. Pat underlines the choice individuals have between putting in an all-out effort, focusing on success, and making a half-heart...

In this episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner explores the detrimental impact of jealousy and envy on personal growth and well-being. Drawing from his own experiences, Pat reveals the seven negative effects these emotions had on him, ranging from damaging relationships to lowering self-esteem.  Delving into Buddhist teachings, he unveils the profound impact of jealousy on happiness and...

In this episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner delves into the powerful dynamics of optimism versus pessimism, drawing from personal experiences and scientific insights. He reflects on the profound impact of mindset, emphasizing the importance of writing life's challenges in sand and its triumphs in stone.   Sharing his entrepreneurial journey, Pat highlights the transformation tha...

In this episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner delves into the profound theme of change, drawing inspiration from quotes, personal experiences and impactful lyrics. Pat emphasizes that life doesn't improve by chance but through intentional, small changes. He reflects on the challenges of embracing change, sharing anecdotes from his own life, including a transformative exercise that...

In this episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner delves into the concept of craving and its profound impact on human happiness. Drawing insights from influential figures like Yuval Noah Harari and Swami Sivananda, Pat reflects on the never-ending cycle of desire and its detrimental effects. He shares personal experiences, recounting moments of intense craving during his youth and business...

In this episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner candidly explores his past struggles with a controlling personality, shedding light on the impact of a tumultuous childhood marked by family chaos and alcoholism. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and introspection in understanding and overcoming controlling behaviors. Drawing wisdom from eminent Stoic philosophers like Epictet...

In this episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner delves into the pivotal early years of his sales career, addressing the discouragement that often accompanies the high-pressure environment. Reflecting on traditional motivational methods, Pat shares his realization that sustained success requires more than mere slogans. He recounts the challenges he faced during a financial crisis in 2008,...

In this episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner explores the impact of attitude on one's life journey. He highlights the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, particularly in sales, recounting early experiences in the car sales industry. The discussion evolves into the significance of preparation and mindfulness in fostering a positive attitude, emphasizing the concept of &...

In this episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner reflects on the seven fundamental principles that have consistently proven effective in sales environments throughout his career - perseverance, setting high expectations, taking incremental steps, active listening, maintaining focus, self-compassion and empathizing with others.   These principles, initially designed for sales success, seam...

In this powerful episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner tackles the difficult subject of bitterness, an emotion that can profoundly affect our lives and relationships. Drawing on personal experiences and the lessons learned from overcoming bitterness, Pat shares his insights into recognizing, understanding, and ultimately releasing bitterness's grip on one's soul. Listeners wi...

In this inspiring episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner delves into the critical role of self-discipline in achieving success and fulfillment. Drawing from his extensive experience as an entrepreneur and through personal development, Pat shares valuable insights and strategies for cultivating strong self-discipline, emphasizing its impact on performance, consistency and overall well-be...

In this episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner dives deep into the concept of accountability, a principle he credits as a cornerstone of his success. Drawing on nearly five decades of experience, Pat discusses the critical role of personal responsibility in achieving outstanding results, both individually and as part of a team. Pat introduces listeners to the mantra that has guided Pat&...

In this episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner shares invaluable insights into the critical importance of the first five minutes of any interaction, especially in the context of sales. Drawing from decades of experience in the automotive industry, Pat underscores how these initial moments can make or break a deal or a relationship.  Listeners will discover practical strategies and tips...

In this introspective episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner delves into the profound lesson of self-compassion, sharing insights from a journey marked by personal struggles and growth.  Pat opens up about the critical realization that loving oneself is foundational to loving others, and the inability to treat oneself kindly makes it challenging to extend genuine kindness and compassion...

In this Notes for the Children episode, Pat Priestner embarks on a candid exploration of anger, its impacts and the pathways to managing this intense emotion. Drawing upon personal experiences and insights from Michael Singer's "The Untethered Soul," Pat reflects on anger as a natural but often destructive response to perceived threats, and its physiological effects like flushed fac...

In this powerful episode of Notes for the Children , Pat Priestner explores the concept of the critical voice inside us that constantly undermines our confidence and self-worth.  Pat shares his personal experiences and insights into how he learned to silence this inner critic and transform his relationship with himself.  Drawing from his own life, Pat illustrates how our internal battles with self...