Matthew North Matthew North

Why Acceptance Isn’t Giving Up

Since moving back to England, I’ve struggled to find my exercise rhythm. The workouts feel flat. I don’t feel as strong as I want to. Even this morning, I set the alarm for 5:45 to make the 6:10 workout — and the snooze button won.

But here’s the thing: that’s just where I am right now. And accepting that isn’t failure. It’s the first step to moving forward.

Acceptance isn’t giving up. It’s choosing to build from reality instead of comparison. And when you do that, every step forward becomes a success.

👉 Read the full blog: Why Acceptance Isn’t Giving Up — Navaia

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Matthew North Matthew North

From Obese to Healthy: My Experience With Mounjaro

I never thought I’d end up on a weight loss injection. It felt wrong at first — almost shameful. But after months of trying and failing to shift the weight, I gave it a go.

Four months later, I’m 15kg lighter. My back pain has gone. My asthma inhaler sits untouched. And I’ve learned a lot about health, shame, and what really matters.

It wasn’t easy, but it worked. And now I’m ready to see if I can maintain it without the drug.

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Matthew North Matthew North

Overwhelmed (But Not Broken)

When you’re overwhelmed, everything feels like it’s going wrong.

You feel like you’re going backwards instead of forwards.

Every little setback gets magnified. Self-doubt creeps in. You even think about quitting or running away.

I’ve been there these past few weeks. I wasn’t perfect at handling it — but when I did apply three simple rules, they worked:

✔️ Little by little.

✔️ Share it.

✔️ Trust.

Overwhelm doesn’t have to break you. Step by step, you can find your way to the other side.

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Matthew North Matthew North

Why Safety Isn’t Living

Safety looks appealing. The sofa. The TV. The comfort of the familiar.

But how alive do you feel there?

Risk makes people uncomfortable. It stirs fear and uncertainty. But it also creates energy, creativity, and meaning. For me, it’s crossing oceans — where preparation matters, every action counts, and life feels sharper. For you, it might look different. But the principle is the same.

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Matthew North Matthew North

Burnout: What It Really Is

Burnout doesn’t arrive with a crash. It creeps in.

A shorter fuse. A tiredness sleep doesn’t fix. Joy slipping quietly away.

Maybe that’s burnout. Maybe it’s just stress.

Maybe, maybe not.

But either way, you don’t have to wait until it gets worse.

You can make changes now. You can feel more alive.

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Matthew North Matthew North

Adventures Are Not Linear

I bought a boat. I was buzzing. A week later I was wondering if I’d just bought a lemon.
Adventures don’t move in straight lines — they bend, they break, they throw curveballs.
That’s the point. If you want safety, stay in routine. If you want to feel alive, start anyway.

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Matthew North Matthew North

Unemployed, Living with Mum… and I Just Bought Another Boat

Unemployed. Living with my mum. Just bought another boat.

On paper, it’s a disaster.

In reality? It’s freedom.

I walked away from “success” to live a life that’s mine — not the one society thinks I should want.

Scary? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

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Matthew North Matthew North

New Chapter, A New Course

We’ve moved back to England—and I’m starting again.
Not just with a new home, but with a new mission. Over the past year, I’ve been listening to what really drives me, and the answer is clear: transformation through adventure. Navaia is born from that conviction. It’s the next chapter—for me, and I hope for others too. This blog shares the raw beginnings: the shift from Coach North, the behind-the-scenes grind, the passion, the fear, and the quiet fire that keeps pulling me forward.

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Matthew North Matthew North

How I Finally Learned to Sleep

For years, I struggled with sleep. My mind refused to switch off—racing through the day’s events, planning for tomorrow, replaying conversations I wished I could change. No matter how exhausted I was, rest felt impossible. My solution? Audiobooks. One headphone in, a story playing, tricking my brain into drifting off. It worked—sort of. But it wasn’t real rest. It took burning out to realize that good sleep isn’t about what happens at night—it’s about what happens in the day. Movement. Fresh air. A rhythm your body can trust. Once I changed my days, my nights followed. Sleep isn’t a mystery; it’s a habit.

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Matthew North Matthew North

Bullies Never Win

Bullies never win.

Last night, the world saw it—brash, loud intimidation against quiet, unwavering strength.

We’ve all seen it before, back in the schoolyard. But this time, the stakes weren’t childhood pride. They were life and death.

Zelensky sat there, calm, while power was used as a weapon against him. He didn’t flinch. He didn’t break.

He’s been fighting Russia for three years. Now, he has to fight Trump and Vance too. And yet—he still doesn’t back down.

That’s real strength. That’s why I stand with Ukraine.

Bullies never win

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Matthew North Matthew North

Performance, Profit……and Kindness?

Performance, Profit……and Kindness?

For years, I was caught up in performance, efficiency, and results. I thought kindness was nice but not necessary. I was wrong.

Yesterday, I was reminded of its power. A post office worker who refused to let bureaucracy win. A startup advisor who gave more than just generic advice. My daughter, choosing to support a friend over personal progress.

Kindness isn’t a weakness. It builds trust, teams, and momentum. It makes people want to go the extra mile not for a company, but for the people in it.

What if we all chose to be just a little kinder today? Imagine the ripple effect.

#Kindness #Leadership #Trust #Performance #Culture #Empathy #BetterTogether

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Matthew North Matthew North

Stop Stressing—Start Breathing Your Secret Superpower

Breathing: The Secret Superpower We All Overlook

Breathing it something we do every moment of every day, yet most of us don’t realize its true power. While it’s essential to keep us alive, the way we breathe can also be our secret weapon for managing stress, improving performance, and even healing emotional wounds.

When we’re stressed, our bodies go into fight-or-flight mode, releasing cortisol and activating the sympathetic nervous system. But here’s the magic: we can hack this response with something as simple as focusing on our breath. Nasal breathing, in particular, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, releasing calming chemicals that help us regain balance. Whether you’re dealing with a stressful situation or simply looking to enhance your fitness, the way you breathe can make all the difference.

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Matthew North Matthew North

The Masculinity Crisis: Why We Need to Talk About It

The masculinity crisis is real. From rising suicide rates to declining job prospects and disconnection, young men are struggling—and the ripple effects impact us all. It’s time to redefine what masculinity means and create a world where strength is measured by kindness and service, not dominance. Let’s start the conversation. Read more in the latest blog.

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Matthew North Matthew North

Productivity Is Killing Us

Is productivity killing us? For decades, we’ve measured success by how busy we are—long hours, constant emails, always being ‘on.’ But this obsession is burning us out and disconnecting us from meaningful work. In my latest blog, I explore why the corporate approach to productivity is broken and how we can rethink it to focus on creativity, outcomes, and true value. It’s time to stop confusing busyness with success. Read more and join the conversation.

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Matthew North Matthew North

Nail The Meeting, Nail The Promotion

The fastest way to a promotion? Performing in meetings. But it’s not about kissing up or dazzling with fancy slides—it’s about showing senior leaders that you’re calm under pressure, know your stuff, and can handle tough discussions. It’s not as easy as it sounds, especially when nerves kick in, but these moments can be career-defining if you approach them the right way. Want to know how to stand out, shine, and make your mark in meetings? Check out the latest blog and take the first step toward that promotion.

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Matthew North Matthew North

The Accelerator of Aliveness: Decisions

Do you ever feel like life is just happening to you—day after day, meeting after meeting, with no control? I’ve been there. In the final part of my Aliveness series, I explore the most powerful element of the formula A = B × C × D²: Decisions. It’s not about making perfect choices; it’s about realizing you have choices. Ready to take back your agency and unlock the accelerator of aliveness? Read now. #Aliveness #Mindset #Decisions

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Matthew North Matthew North

From Stuck to Thriving: Optimising Your Conditions

Your circumstances don’t define you, but how you respond to them does. In my latest blog, I explore how to optimize your external conditions—your environment, relationships, and life events—so they support your aliveness. Read now to discover how I turned restrictions into opportunities and how you can too. 🌟 #Aliveness #Mindset #Growth

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Matthew North Matthew North

Stop Chasing Peaks: Build a Baseline For Aliveness

Stop chasing peaks, but building a strong foundation—that’s where true aliveness begins. Your baseline—the steady rhythm of your physical, mental, and emotional state—is what allows you to navigate life’s challenges and embrace its everyday gifts. When your baseline is strong, even the simplest moments can feel vibrant and meaningful. It’s not about fleeting highs; it’s about cultivating a life where vitality and purpose are part of every day. Ready to explore how to strengthen your baseline and unlock true aliveness? Let’s dive in.

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Matthew North Matthew North

Forget Happiness - Here’s What You Really Need

“What if happiness isn’t the goal? During my recovery from burnout, I realized something profound: the constant pursuit of happiness often falls flat. Instead, I discovered something deeper—aliveness. It’s about being fully present, vibrant, and engaged in life, embracing every moment, whether joyful or challenging. Stop chasing contentment and start living fully. Curious? Let’s explore this together. #Aliveness #MeaningfulLiving”

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Matthew North Matthew North

The Sustainability Trap: Are We Losing Ourselves in the Race to Be Green?

Is sustainability making us feel more guilty than inspired? 🌍 In a world full of endless to-do lists—don’t fly, don’t eat meat, don’t use plastic—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, judged, or like you’ll never be ‘green enough.’ But what if sustainability wasn’t about perfection? What if it was about finding joy, connection, and progress—on your terms?

In my latest blog, I explore the emotional toll of the sustainability trap and how we can shift our mindset to make meaningful, manageable change. Let’s ditch the guilt and embrace a new way forward.

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