041: How to Speak in Public with Confidence and Be On Top of Your Game by Mary Jaksch

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 3538: Achieving big goals isn’t just about planning and persistence, it requires a crucial but often overlooked element: reflection. Michael Mehlberg highlights how taking time to evaluate progress, adjust strategies, and learn from past actions can dramatically increase success. By incorporating reflection into your routine, you gain clarity, motivation, and a better roadmap to reaching your objectives. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://michaelmehlberg.com/blog/2018/5/15/the-missing-element-to-achieving-your-goals Quotes to ponder: "Goals without reflection are like maps without a compass, directionless and ineffective." "Without assessing your progress, you may be running in the wrong direction, mistaking motion for achievement." "Reflection is the missing element that turns blind ambition into strategic success." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 Mars 9min

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 3537: Shifting from an "all-or-nothing" mindset to a flexible, adaptable approach is the key to long-term fitness success. Rachel Trotta highlights how life’s constant interruptions, vacations, injuries, and work stress aren’t exceptions but the norm. Instead of pausing progress every time life gets hectic, learning to “downshift” allows for consistent growth, no matter the circumstances. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://racheltrotta.com/fitness/shifting-gears-vs-taking-brak/ Quotes to ponder: "This is so weird! My life is never like this! Actually, it’s always been like this, and it will always be like this. You just never noticed." "You will only get to your destination in a timely manner if you understand how to downshift." "Life is constantly changing and presenting new challenges, and the smooth sailing periods are exceptional." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 Mars 12min

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 3536: Spending just a few minutes planning your week can make all the difference between feeling overwhelmed and staying in control. Antonia Collins shares ten simple steps to organize your schedule, prioritize tasks, and make space for what truly matters, whether it’s work, self-care, or family time. With a little preparation, you can start each week feeling calm, confident, and ready to take on whatever comes your way. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://balancethroughsimplicity.com/how-to-plan-for-the-week-ahead/ Quotes to ponder: "For every minute spent in organising, an hour is earned." "Planning isn’t just about work, it’s also about making space for things that nourish you." "Taking just 20–30 minutes to plan the week ahead can make a massive difference in how smoothly everything flows." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

22 Mars 10min

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 3535: Shana Olmstead explores the delicate balance between effort and ease, emphasizing that pushing too hard can create resistance rather than progress. By learning to trust the natural flow of life, staying present, and allowing things to unfold organically, success and fulfillment often come more effortlessly. Her insights encourage a shift from forceful striving to a more intuitive and aligned approach. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://shanaolmstead.com/2019/11/25/dont-push-it-too-hard/ Quotes to ponder: "Sometimes when we push too hard for what we think we want, we end up creating more resistance to it." "When we are in the moment, enjoying ourselves, and fully present, we are open to what is meant for us." "The universe always has our back, and when we let go of trying to force things, we allow the magic to happen." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

21 Mars 9min

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 3534: Homo sapiens outlasted other human species not just because of bigger brains, but due to our unique ability for complex planning, a skill that also explains why we procrastinate. Cal Newport argues that procrastination isn’t a character flaw but an evolutionary response to weak or vague plans. Instead of forcing ourselves to push through, we should see procrastination as a cue to refine our approach, ensuring our strategies, whether for studying, work, or personal goals, are truly effective. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://calnewport.com/the-procrastinating-caveman-what-human-evolution-teaches-us-about-why-we-put-off-work-and-how-to-stop/ Quotes to ponder: “The most obvious answer [to the question of Homo sapiens’ survival] is that we had bigger brains. But it turns out that what matters is not overall brain size but the areas where the brain is larger - one of the crucial elements of Homo sapiens’ adaptations is - complex planning.” “What I’m arguing is that the complex planning component of your brain evaluates this plan as it has evolved to do and then rejects it as not sound.” “Procrastination is not your enemy. It is instead a constructive source of criticism, a voice from our paleolithic past telling us that although it likes our goals, we need to put a little bit more thought into how we’re going to get there.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20 Mars 10min

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 3533: Feeling overwhelmed by negativity at work or in life? Shifting to a gratitude mindset can transform your well-being, boost resilience, and even strengthen relationships. Dr. Jenny Brockis explains how expressing gratitude, whether through journaling, acknowledging others, or simply saying "thank you,” activates brain regions linked to happiness and generosity, creating a ripple effect of positivity in your life and those around you. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drjennybrockis.com/2017/8/7/want-feel-better-work-life-try-saying-two-words/ Quotes to ponder: "Gratitude rewards generosity and maintains the cycle of healthy social behaviour." "When we feel down and grey we forget that the sky is still blue above those grey clouds, even though we can’t see it." "Saying thanks gets easier with practice so a great way to start is to look for the opportunity." Episode references: Switch Off: How to Find Calm In a Noisy World - https://www.amazon.com/Switch-Off-Find-Noisy-World/dp/073033628X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19 Mars 12min

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 3532: A life well-lived isn’t about achieving every childhood dream, it’s about evolving into who we’re meant to be. Dr. Kelly Flanagan reflects on how his plans have changed over the decades, revealing that failure is often grace in disguise. By embracing who we truly are rather than who we thought we should be, we create a life that’s both authentic and fulfilling. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/the-grace-of-failure-or-how-to-avoid-a-midlife-crisis/ Quotes to ponder: "It’s easy to plan a Hollywood life, but it takes some growing up and a lot of self-acceptance to gladly choose a life that is a little more ordinary." "Growing up isn’t about getting what we want; it’s about giving in to the best parts of who we are." "A true self is a constantly emerging self. A good life is an always evolving life." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

18 Mars 9min

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 3531: Minimalism isn’t about having less, it’s about making room for more of what truly matters. Anthony Ongaro shares practical tips to help you start decluttering, build confidence, and stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed. By taking small steps, creating a supportive community, and making the process enjoyable, you can simplify your life and focus on what brings you joy. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.breakthetwitch.com/minimalism-tips/ Quotes to ponder: "It’s a marathon and not a sprint, but start today. Find one thing as soon as you finish reading this article." "As we learn to disconnect our own sense of self from the things we own, it empowers us to consume less and live more." "There’s no magic pill, no weird body-wrap, injection or steam treatment that can get it done. There’s only real work and enduring satisfaction from the process and results." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

17 Mars 10min