3620: 5 Lessons About Self-Confidence, Play and the Meaning of Work (That I Learned From a Toddler) by Ingrid Y Helander

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 3675: Rebecca Crespo explores how clinging to expectations can quietly undermine happiness, strain relationships, and fuel internal stress. Her guidance reveals how letting go fosters emotional freedom, deeper acceptance, and a more peaceful way of moving through life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.minimalismmadesimple.com/home/let-go-of-expectations Quotes to ponder: "Expectations can create unnecessary stress and disappointment when reality doesn't match up." "When we release our grip on how we think things should be, we make space for what actually is." "Letting go of expectations allows us to enjoy the moment and be more present in our daily lives." Episode references: The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

21 Juli 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 3674: Cylon George invites readers to embrace the surprising joy of underachievement by challenging society’s obsession with constant productivity. By stepping off the treadmill of striving, he discovers a deeper sense of purpose, presence, and peace in simply being himself, offering a liberating path to those feeling overwhelmed or stuck in the pursuit of “more.” Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.spirituallivingforbusypeople.com/underachieving-never-felt-so-good Quotes to ponder: "Underachieving never felt so good." "I no longer feel compelled to prove myself or impress anyone." "I’m learning to be okay with not knowing what’s next." Episode references: The Surrender Experiment: https://www.amazon.com/Surrender-Experiment-Journey-Lifes-Perfection/dp/080414110X The Four Agreements: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319 The Untethered Soul: https://www.amazon.com/Untethered-Soul-Journey-Beyond-Yourself/dp/1572245379 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20 Juli 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 3673: Sara Stanizai unpacks the emotional toll of being the family “black sheep,” exploring how rejection, shame, and unmet expectations can deeply impact mental health. Her insights offer a path toward healing through self-acceptance, boundary-setting, and redefining belonging on your own terms. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.prospecttherapy.com/blog/2018/6/12/how-being-the-black-sheep-of-your-family-affects-your-mental-health Quotes to ponder: "Being the ‘black sheep’ can result in anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem." "Often, black sheep are punished not for being bad, but for being different." "You can redefine what it means to belong, even if it’s not within your family of origin." Episode references: Running on Empty: https://www.amazon.com/Running-Empty-Overcome-Childhood-Emotional/dp/161448242X The Drama of the Gifted Child: https://www.amazon.com/Drama-Gifted-Child-Search-True/dp/0465016901 Toxic Parents: https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Parents-Overcoming-Hurtful-Reclaiming/dp/0553381407 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20 Juli 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 3672: Ingrid Y. Helander explores how avoidance silently undermines key areas of life - from work and health to relationships and finances, and reveals how small, compassionate steps can interrupt this cycle. Her gentle, evidence-backed approach helps listeners face discomfort without self-blame, empowering lasting emotional and behavioral change. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ingridyhelanderlmft.com/6-life-areas-youre-avoiding-and-4-ways-to-stop/ Quotes to ponder: "Avoiding can become a way of life if you’re not careful, robbing you of time, relationship, money, fun and other pleasures." "Basically avoidance is a habitual coping skill, aimed at reducing pain that is reinforced each time you do it." "Avoidance is trying to save your system from pain. Granted, avoiding things and people creates more pain over time, but in the moment, it can feel pretty darn good." Episode references: Avoidance Coping by Elizabeth Scott, MS: https://www.verywellmind.com/avoidance-coping-ways-to-cope-with-stress-3144664 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19 Juli 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 3671: Paula Pant challenges the myth that willpower is the key to success, revealing how environment, systems, and identity play a far greater role in shaping our behavior. By understanding the limits of willpower, listeners gain tools to design a life where success becomes automatic, not forced. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://affordanything.com/willpower-is-not-enough/ Quotes to ponder: "Willpower is like a muscle, it fatigues with overuse." "Don’t rely on self-control alone. Design your environment so the default choices are the right ones." "Your identity shapes your habits. And your habits reinforce your identity." Episode references: The Power of Habit: https://charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit/ Switch: https://heathbrothers.com/books/switch/ Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength: https://www.amazon.com/Willpower-Rediscovering-Greatest-Human-Strength/dp/0143122231 Atomic Habits: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

18 Juli 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 3670: Steve Pavlina explores practical ways to align your daily choices with your life’s true purpose, offering insights that help cut through confusion and hesitation. His approach emphasizes conscious decisions and continuous reflection, empowering you to create a life of meaning and fulfillment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2011/06/living-your-life-purpose/ Quotes to ponder: "Your purpose is not a goal or a list of goals. It’s more like a compass that guides you for life." "Every day you have the choice to move towards your purpose or away from it." "If you aren’t sure what your purpose is, then your purpose is to figure that out first." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

17 Juli 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 3669: When life feels overwhelming, Kim Giles and Kristena Eden offer six compassionate strategies to restore hope and purpose. Their insights, rooted in resilience, gratitude, and meaningful connection, help listeners shift from survival mode to empowerment, even in the face of lasting challenges. This is an uplifting guide for anyone seeking small, daily victories that rekindle confidence and joy. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://corelivingessentials.com/life-is-about-a-hope-for-better-things-2/ Quotes to ponder: “Can you write down 10 positives this experience has created?” “If you can dream, then you can hang onto hope.” “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be achieved without hope and confidence.” Episode references: Man’s Search for Meaning: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16 Juli 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 3668: Shirley shares practical strategies for reclaiming control over your digital habits, from deleting unnecessary apps to setting mindful time limits. By curating a positive online environment and tracking your usage, you can transform social media from a source of stress into a tool for intentional living. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://daringliving.com/mindful-on-social-media/ Quotes to ponder: "Do not let these notifications control you. Instead, turn off ALL the notifications for social media." "Your feed is what you’re going to consume on a regular basis. So it’s important to be intentional with curating content that would make you feel good." "Reflection is key to building self awareness. And self awareness, is key to create any change in your life." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

15 Juli 9min