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 3507: Joshua Fields Millburn reflects on his own transformation, showing how true contentment isn’t found in status or possessions but in relationships, growth, and meaningful pursuits. Letting go of societal expectations may seem unreasonable, but that’s precisely what makes an extraordinary life possible. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.theminimalists.com/unreasonable/ Quotes to ponder: "Being unhappy and discontent is completely reasonable within our society. We see it every day." "Until you focus on what’s important, until you focus on what’s going on inside you, you won’t be happy." "I’d rather be extraordinarily unreasonable and content and happy. I’d rather live a meaningful, albeit unreasonable, life." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24 Feb 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 3506: Anthony Ongaro draws parallels between habit formation and the Lean Startup Methodology, emphasizing the power of minimally viable actions (MVAs) to create sustainable change. By starting with simple, repeatable actions, testing their effectiveness, and pivoting when necessary, you can develop habits that stick and lead to meaningful, long-term results. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.breakthetwitch.com/build-habits/ Quotes to ponder: "It’s not about building the best habit in one day; it’s about doing something you will be able to repeat tomorrow, and the day after that." "Taking your minimally viable action and pivoting when it’s not working will lead you to what ends up working." "Each little step adds up to something far greater over time." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 Feb 8min

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 3505: Eric Ungs challenges the notion that selfishness is inherently negative, arguing that prioritizing our well-being fosters deeper relationships, meaningful work, and a more fulfilled life. By peeling back societal expectations and nurturing our inner truth, we create space for genuine connection, purpose, and creativity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://nosidebar.com/being-selfish/ Quotes to ponder: "To be alive is the biggest fear humans have. Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive, the risk to be alive and express what we really are." "Being selfish, not in the egotistic feed the bad wolf kind of way, but the self-care kind, is the foundation to seeking your true self." "When you take care of yourself first, you give your best self to others." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 Feb 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 3504: Cal Newport highlights Eric Betzig’s unconventional path to a Nobel Prize to reveal a key insight, real success comes from doing what it takes, not just refining what we already know. He challenges us to stop making safe tweaks and start taking bold steps toward true breakthroughs. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://calnewport.com/doing-what-it-takes-versus-taking-what-you-already-know-how-to-do/ Quotes to ponder: "When Eric Betzig wanted to return to academia, he asked, 'what would this take?' The answer was daunting, a breakthrough too good to be ignored, but nonetheless he hustled to make it happen." "We take what we can do, in other words, instead of facing the reality of what it would take to get where we want to go." "I also suspect that one of the main filters between those who end up changing the world and those who don’t is how they answer this unavoidable prompt." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

22 Feb 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 3503: Cara Harvey explains that achieving meaningful goals requires more than just motivation, it demands a strategic approach to habit-building. By using habit stacking, you can break big goals into manageable steps, making lasting change more achievable. Instead of overwhelming yourself with massive transformations overnight, focus on small, measurable habits that build on each other, ensuring long-term success without burnout. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://apurposedrivenmom.com/habit-stacking-routines/ Quotes to ponder: "Making big goals and not creating a system to attack them is just setting yourself up for failure." "By breaking them down into smaller habits, and really developing those habits as part of your day-to-day routines, you can create systems in your life that just become second nature and impact your long term." "Without tracking, it’s so easy to miss a day of your new habit and completely stop." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

21 Feb 8min

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 3502: Joshua Becker explores why comparison is so harmful and offers practical steps to break free from it, including practicing gratitude, appreciating your unique journey, and seeking inspiration without unhealthy competition. By shifting your focus inward and measuring progress against your own growth, you can cultivate a more fulfilling and content life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/compare-less/ Quotes to ponder: "Comparisons are always unfair. We typically compare the worst we know of ourselves to the best we presume about others." "Gratitude always forces us to recognize the good things we already have in our world." "Stop comparing yourself to everyone else’s highlight reels." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20 Feb 11min

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 3501: Courtney Carver shares ten guiding principles to help cultivate strength in uncertain times, prioritizing self-care, protecting mornings, embracing kindness, and taking meaningful action. By keeping things simple, removing drama, and finding moments of joy, we can move forward with courage and grace. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://bemorewithless.com/navigate/ Quotes to ponder: "I can stand up for what I believe in without being snarky on social media. I can make a difference without engaging in contentious conversations." "Keeping things simple isn’t always the easy choice, but practice anyway. Be strong for the things you can’t control, by simplifying the things you can." "Action alleviates fear and worry. See what happens when instead of getting lost in the oh-nos and what-ifs, you take action to support what matters to you." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19 Feb 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 3500: Right now, many people are reassessing their priorities and redefining what truly matters in their lives. Molly Fletcher shares a powerful exercise to help clarify those priorities, ensuring that our time and energy align with what we value most. By being intentional and disciplined, we can avoid letting distractions take over and stay focused on the things that bring the greatest meaning to our lives. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://mollyfletcher.com/how-to-prioritize-what-truly-matters/ Quotes to ponder: "I had been so excited to spend time with my parents, and yet, I was totally unfocused. I wasn’t present at all for them." "It’s up to you to prioritize where you put your energy or the world will decide for you." "If we are going to live those one, two, or three things that matter the most to us, it requires discipline, and it requires intentionality." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

18 Feb 8min