The day my life changed ...

15 years ago, my brother's life hung in the balance.

I was just a wide-eyed 8 year old, and my brother was even younger, just 6 years old.

Our family had gone on an incredible holiday to Dubai.

Every morning, we leapt out of bed with excitement, knowing that the pearly white beach awaited us.

But this day would turn out to be life-changing…

Joe (my brother) and I, ran off towards the sea, fueled by whatever it is that gives kids so much energy.

But as we sped off, a loud shout echoed behind us,

"DON’T FORGET YOUR SUN CREAM!"

Our incredible mother sprinted after us, ready to protect us from the sun's fierce rays.

Little did she know that a more sinister threat loomed …

Covered in a protective layer of sun cream, we raced back to the bright blue waves.

We sprinted, channelling our inner Usain Bolt, reaching for the shores of paradise.

After what seemed like a 10-minute run, the refreshing waves crashed into us.

Ahhhhhh,

The good old days.

After a thrilling morning in the sea, my stomach was growling,

It was time for lunch.

I hastily made my way back to where my parents were seated, looking forward to my burger.

But before I got there, I heard my brother scream out.

My heart skipped a beat as I spun around,

My brother thrashing helplessly in the water.

There he was, my six-year-old brother, struggling for his life in the unstoppable monster that is the sea,

I froze.

What was I supposed to do?

I was just 8, I couldn’t save a drowning child.

But then a superhero flew past me.

My mother.

She plunged into the treacherous waves to rescue my brother.

Safe in her arms, she carried him back to the safety of the bamboo hut.

When they got back, my brother tearfully told us what happened.

"An octopus grabbed my leg and tried to drag me down," he sobbed.

I know what you must be thinking,

"Seriously? An octopus?"

No matter what we told him,

He was convinced an Octopus tried to kill him.

Of course, it wasn’t true - he had just fallen over and couldn’t stand back up because he was 6.

He’s now 21 years old,

And he maintains his story to this day.

It’s funny what people will tell themselves, isn’t it?

Joe really believes an Octopus tried to kill him, and he’s now terrified of the sea.

Our thoughts really determine our reality.

But we can use that to our advantage.

Convince yourself you are confident, you’ll be amazed how quickly you become confident.

Tell yourself you’ll be productive, I guarantee you that you’ll get more done.

Believe that you can achieve your dreams, I promise you, you will.

The only thing in between you, and your success,

Is your mind.

Don’t let it get in the way.

As always, please reply to this email or send me any questions you have over on Twitter. I’d be happy to answer them,

Who knows maybe next week’s newsletter will have all the answers you need.

Speak soon,

Chris