3812: Five Steps Toward a More Meaningful Holiday Season by Joshua Fields Millburn of The Minimalists

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3360: James Altucher reminds us that change begins in the present moment, offering a practical approach to transforming our lives with four simple daily goals: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. By focusing on incremental improvements and surrendering to the present, we unlock the potential for profound change that starts today, not tomorrow. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://archive.jamesaltucher.com/blog/can-we-change-our-lives/ Quotes to ponder: "The past is one arrow that has been shot at you. But blaming yourself is the second arrow. Don’t kill yourself with the second arrow." "Your life is going to change with such blinding speed you won’t believe it. It will feel like magic coming out of your fingertips and your eyes." "Make four goals for today. Just four." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19 Loka 20249min

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3359: Joshua Becker challenges us to live more intentionally by asking six thought-provoking questions. By examining our goals, needs, and distractions, we can cut out what’s unnecessary and focus on what truly matters. These questions encourage deeper self-awareness and offer a framework for living a life of purpose in all areas, from possessions to relationships. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/intentionality/ Quotes to ponder: "Intentionality leads to intentionality. So, becoming more intentional in one area of life typically spills over into other areas as well." "When we began to consider how much money and time and energy had gone into purchasing, managing, and maintaining all those possessions, we began to notice the foolishness of unintentional living." "Unintentionality has a crafty way of sneaking up on us." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

18 Loka 202412min

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3358: Marc Chernoff offers a practical guide to break free from life's ruts and reclaim energy, focus, and health. His 30-day plan focuses on small, actionable steps ranging from dietary changes and exercise to mindfulness and reflection that create powerful shifts in well-being. The message is clear: lasting happiness is built on habits and conscious choices. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.marcandangel.com/2009/07/27/how-to-save-you-from-yourself/ Quotes to ponder: "Misery is, after all, a choice." "Your daily habits can be either a host for misery or a host for happiness and positive change. The choice is yours to make." "Escaping the bounds of a deeply-grooved rut requires nothing more than some willpower, a good plan, and the resolve to take immediate action." Episode references: How to Win Friends and Influence People: https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034 The Power of Less: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Less-Fine-Tune-Essentials/dp/1401309704 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

17 Loka 202411min

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3357: Mark Manson explores the paradox many face when engaging with Zen philosophy and meditation: the struggle between detachment from desires and living responsibly. He offers a nuanced explanation of how to approach attachment and the present moment, emphasizing that it's not about removing ambition, but recognizing that clinging to outcomes or self-identity through achievements leads to suffering. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://markmanson.net/the-zen-dilemma Quotes to ponder: “It’s not about doing or not doing. It’s all about how much of your sense of Self, your identity is attached to the outcome of what you do or don’t do.” “Being present isn’t ignoring the past or the future. That’s impossible actually, because the act of thinking about a past or a future is actually taking place in the present.” “Have your career goals, thoughts and ideas, your hopes and dreams, but don’t attach the Self to it in such a way that you’ll suffer if you don’t achieve them.” Episode references: The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16 Loka 202410min

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3356: Allison Carmen encourages embracing uncertainty with patience and an open mind. In her story of Linda, a small business owner, she highlights how facing unanswered questions and difficulties can lead to growth and new opportunities. Carmen introduces the idea of "Maybe," a mindset that allows for possibility and hope, helping us stay present and resilient, even in uncertain times. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.allisoncarmen.com/finding-patience-for-lifes-unanswered-questions/ & http://www.allisoncarmen.com/why-cant-we-stay-positive/ Quotes to ponder: "Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart. Try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books written in a foreign language." "Maybe everything can work out well, Maybe something else beneficial will happen or Maybe we will be okay no matter what." "Having an immediate answer is not always the best solution. Maybe experiencing the question will lead you to where you want to be." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

15 Loka 202410min

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3355: Renee Benes explores how minimalism can be harmoniously balanced with pet ownership. By focusing on decluttering, prioritizing essentials, and limiting unnecessary items like toys, you can create a joyful and simple environment for both you and your pet. Ultimately, the key to a minimalist life with pets is recognizing that their true happiness comes from your time, love, and attention, not from material possessions. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thefunsizedlife.com/minimalist-pets/ Quotes to ponder: "Minimalism revolves around living with only the things you need and feel happy about." "Truth is, what your pet really needs is you, her owner." "Decluttering should be one of the first things to do when living a minimalist life with pets." Episode references: Headspace Meditation App: https://www.headspace.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14 Loka 202410min

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3354: Michelle McQuaid reveals how incorporating an 11-minute daily strengths habit transformed her life, moving her from a job she disliked into one that truly utilized her strengths. By understanding how habits work and anchoring new behaviors to everyday cues, you too can create small but impactful changes that align your work and life with your natural talents. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.livehappy.com/could-eleven-minutes-change-your-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Discover what your strengths are. Use them as you move through each day. Then luxuriate in the success and joy of doing what you love." "It took almost exactly one year for my boss to move me out of the job I didn’t like and into a new role where my strengths could truly shine." "No matter what was going on, I could always find 11 minutes somewhere." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13 Loka 20248min

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3353: Terry Gaspard explores how couples like Teresa and Brian, struggling with everyday frustrations, can strengthen their marriage by creating shared meaning. Through common goals, open communication, and meaningful rituals, partners can deepen their connection and nurture a lasting, fulfilling relationship beyond just the practicalities of life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/enriching-marriage-creating-shared-meaning/ Quotes to ponder: “It seems like Brian puts all of his energy into his job and has little left over for me, our kids, or our home at the end of the day.” “Just because you fall in love with someone, that doesn’t mean that love will stay alive without nurturing your partnership.” “What might be missing is what Dr. John Gottman refers to as a sense of shared meaning.” Episode references: Fighting for Your Marriage: https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Your-Marriage-Edition-Conflicts/dp/1118672925 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13 Loka 202411min