At the beginning of my workshops I often mention the spark that got me on the path of becoming a motivational trainer. A book I was recommended by a friend and a few “soft skill” courses at work. Now, personal development and psychology are turning from hobbies into a profession for me.

I followed a trainer course at the Open Circles Academy, and have decided to begin fine-tuning my public speaking skills by giving workshops on mental tennis skills. After years of experience on top national level in tennis, and a lot of sport-psychology research, it feels great to be able to contribute to players’ pleasure and confidence on the court by teaching them how easy it can be to play their best tennis on every occasion. If you’re a tennis player, check out www.slimtennis.nl (website in Dutch).

Next Step

I am very interested in understanding 1) what contributes to a life of happiness and 2) what are the determinants of a person’s success. I have reasons to believe that the answers to both are strongly rooted in psychology.

After quite a bit of research and a number of books, I have now enrolled for a course in Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, USA. By early 2011, when I have successfully applied the lessons from this course, I plan to develop a seminar through which I can share my insights on positive psychology with other people who are also interested in enhancing their work and home life.

Mission and Vision

The following quote by Aldous Huxley left a big imprint on me the first time I read it years ago:

“Experience is not what happens to you, it is what you do with what happens to you.”

I’m not sure how conscious, but my focus always was on learning from my experiences. I have seen my parents and other family feel forced to take the decision to leave their country as refugees. I was 14 at that time. Since then I have obtained two Master degrees and have made a relatively successful life for myself in the country we fled to, the Netherlands. I mention these two things in specific as they are very relevant for what I am stating below.

Firstly, I believe that education is the only real key to peace. Secondly however, I believe that education systems, even the better Western education systems, are not good enough. They simply do not teach us sufficiently well how to be successful and happy.

My vision is that education systems, above all else, take on the responsibilities of teaching children and young adults how to develop their creativity, improve their emotional and interpersonal intelligence, learn how to delay immediate gratification, create skills of discipline and perseverance, and all other skills generally responsible for successful and happy lives.

I make that MY mission in life as well, and set the first steps towards it by starting up my Coaching & Training business. Please follow my website for further updates on my initiatives, activities, and seminars to come.

Thanks and regards,
Ajdin