Life Habits

In this episode, Karel and Paige continue their conversation with certified Habit Finder coach, author, and CEO Amy Kemp. They dive deep into Amy’s strategies for overcoming overworking through setting boundaries and shifting thought habits to achieve success and wealth. She emphasizes the need to let go of limiting beliefs about money and to embrace the idea that money is a renewable resource. Amy also highlights the challenges women face in achieving success, particularly the burden of unpaid labor and societal pressure to do it all. She shares success stories from her coaching business, showcasing the transformative power of changing thought habits. Amy underscores the slow and lifelong nature of personal growth.

Quote from this episode:

“Money is a renewable resource. It comes and goes. It ebbs and flows. It's meant to move. When we're cheap about spending it or weird about receiving it, we block its natural course. We put ourselves in a place of lack instead of abundance. And our energy becomes, riches interrupt us. — Jen Sincero

Key Takeaways:

Money as a Renewable Resource: Embrace the mindset that money is meant to move and should not be clung to for a sense of security.

Setting Boundaries: Establishing and maintaining effective boundaries in personal and professional life is crucial for healthy interactions and avoiding overworking.

Rethinking Hard Work: Success and wealth do not necessarily require working more hours. It’s essential to shift thought habits and adopt smarter, more efficient strategies.

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: Challenge the belief that more work equals more success by focusing on leveraging natural abilities and valuing one’s contributions appropriately.

Unpaid Labor and Gender Roles: Acknowledge the disproportionate amount of unpaid labor women handle and the societal pressures that perpetuate this imbalance.

Slow and Incremental Change: Sustainable change in thought habits is a slow, ongoing process requiring commitment and humility. There are no quick fixes for lasting transformation.

Empowerment Through Lifelong Learning: Continually invest in personal growth through reading, listening to podcasts, and engaging in meaningful conversations to change thinking and seize opportunities.

Practical Steps for Boundary Setting: Implement small, manageable boundaries in daily routines to protect personal time and reduce overwork.

Encouragement for Women: Women should feel empowered to share responsibilities, seek support, and recognize their worth in both professional and personal spheres.

Accessible Resources: Utilize available resources like Amy’s book, “I See You,” and the Habit Finder assessment to begin the journey towards better thought habits and achieving goals without overworking.

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In this episode, Karel and Paige sit down with Amy Kemp, a certified habit finder coach and author of the book ‘I See You!’ They discuss the importance of guilt-free play, the power of imperfect progress, and the impact of deeply rooted thought habits on our success. Amy shares her journey of becoming a habit finder coach and CEO, and explains the concept of natural genius and how to recognize and leverage our unique talents. They also explore the challenges of determining the value of our natural genius and overcoming self-esteem issues related to money.

Quotes from this episode:

“A firm commitment to guilt-free play will recharge your batteries, creating renewed motivation, creativity and energy for all the other areas of your life. Knowing that work will not deprive you of enjoying the good things of life, you can more easily tackle a large task without the fear of having it rule your life. Knowing that work on a large task will be interrupted by commitments to friends, to exercise, and to free time, you can approach the task with less fear of being overwhelmed.” — From ‘The Now Habit’ by Neil Fiore

“Imperfect progress is better than perfect procrastination.” — Unknown

Key Takeaways:

Guilt-Free Play: Prioritizing guilt-free play can recharge your batteries, enhancing creativity, motivation, and energy for other areas of life.

Imperfect Progress: Embrace the concept that imperfect progress is better than perfect procrastination. Striving for perfection can be a trap that hinders progress and leads to unhealthy outcomes.

Journey to Habit Finder Coaching: Amy’s transition from a high school teacher to a successful entrepreneur and Habit Finder coach highlights the importance of recognizing when it’s time for a change and following your passion.

Power of Thought Habits: Deeply rooted thought habits, especially those operating at the subconscious level, can limit our success. Becoming aware of these habits is crucial for making positive changes.

Fantasy and Catastrophe Thinking: Our brains often flip between idealized futures and worst-case scenarios, which can rob us of being present. Recognizing and addressing these thought patterns can improve our mental well-being.

Role of Laughter and Conversation: Laughter and talking out loud can disrupt negative thought patterns and bring subconscious thoughts to the surface, helping to reframe and challenge them.

Identifying Natural Genius: Natural genius often shows up early in life and feels easy to us. It’s important to recognize and value these talents, which can be harnessed to serve others and create value.

Overcoming Undervaluation: Women, in particular, are often taught to undervalue themselves. Overcoming this requires acknowledging and embracing one’s natural genius and gradually increasing self-worth and value.

Relationship with Money: Our relationship with money often reflects our self-esteem and self-worth. Recognizing and addressing limiting beliefs about money is key to achieving financial success.

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Please note: This podcast does not provide medical advice, only personal experiences, so please consult your doctor.

In this episode, Karel and Paige sit down with Dr. Shaan Patel, founder of Prep Expert SAT and ACT, as he shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Las Vegas to achieving meteoric success as a Shark Tank winner, bestselling author, and board-certified dermatologist. Shaan discusses his commitment to education, the importance of self-control, the development of good habits, and his latest book, “Prep Expert Digital SAT Playbook,” which offers strategies for success on the new digital SAT and beyond.

Quotes from this episode:

“Success is a progressive realization of a worthy ideal.” — Earl Nightingale 

“Management is the development of people, not the direction of things.” — Bob Proctor 

“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” — Henry David Thoreau

Key Takeaways:

Self-control is crucial for success: Developing self-control helps in academics and life, allowing you to manage distractions and focus on your goals.

Standardized tests are essential: Tests like the SAT and ACT play a vital role in college admissions, providing a common metric for comparing students.

Education's impact: Dr. Patel’s success story underscores the importance of education and the role it plays in achieving one's dreams.

Morning power hour: Start your day with an uninterrupted hour dedicated to the most important and mentally demanding tasks.

Turn off the tech: To improve productivity, eliminate distractions by turning off technology when working on critical tasks.

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Please note: This podcast does not provide medical advice, only personal experiences, so please consult your doctor.

In the final episode of this series, Eve Turow-Paul discusses the impact of food choices on climate change and shares insights from her organization, Food for Climate League. She explains the importance of perception change, behavior change, and systems change in creating a sustainable food future. Eve provides examples of successful projects that have influenced food choices, such as making a cafeteria station plant-based by default and creating a program to inspire chefs to offer plant-forward menus. She emphasizes the need for individuals to explore more plant-based options, reduce food waste, and be mindful of their food choices. Eve envisions a future with a diverse and resilient food system that embraces cultural diversity and honors the origins of food.

Key Takeaways:

Perception, Behavior, and Systems Change: Creating a sustainable food future requires a comprehensive approach involving perception change, behavior change, and systems change.

Influential Projects: Initiatives like making a cafeteria station plant-based by default can significantly impact reducing greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging more sustainable food choices.

Individual Actions: Individuals can contribute to the climate change movement by exploring more plant-based options, reducing food waste, and being mindful of their food habits.

Future Vision: Envisioning a future with a diverse and resilient food system that embraces cultural diversity and honors the origins of food is essential for sustainability.

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Please note: This podcast does not provide medical advice, only personal experiences, so please consult your doctor.

In this third episode of our four-part series, Karel and Paige are again joined by Eve Turow-Paul, the founder and executive director of Food for Climate League, as she discusses the relationship between food and climate change and the impactful work of her organization. The global food system is responsible for one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions, with high rates of meat consumption and food waste being the main culprits. The Food for Climate League aims to empower 100 million people to engage in climate-smart food choices by transforming hearts and minds through narrative and behavioral sciences. The organization collaborates with changemakers in the food system, supports communication efforts, and unites insights to create a sustainable food future.

Quotes from this episode:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again... who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” ― Teddy Roosevelt

Arlie Hochschild — coined the term “deep story,” defining it as “the narrative as felt.”

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Key Takeaways:

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The global food system accounts for one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to high rates of meat consumption and food waste.

Empowerment Goal: Food for Climate League seeks to empower 100 million people to make climate-smart food choices by changing hearts and minds through narrative and behavioral sciences.

Collaboration and Support: The organization works with changemakers in the food system, supports communication efforts, and coalesces insights to foster a sustainable food future.

Narrative Change: Changing the narrative around sustainable food choices is crucial, emphasizing the positives and benefits rather than what is being sacrificed.

Access and Complexity: Access to sustainable food choices is a significant challenge, and addressing the complexity of the food ecosystem and culture is necessary for effective behavior change.

In this episode, Karel and Paige continue their conversation with Eve Turow-Paul, author, globally recognized thought leader, and founder and executive director of Food for Climate League. In the second part of this four-part series, Eve delves into the themes of control, community, and purpose in our relationship with food and social media. She emphasizes the importance of cultivating habits that prioritize our well-being and offers solutions to counteract the negative impacts of social media. Eve shares personal changes she has made, such as gardening and prioritizing in-person experiences, to create a greater sense of control, community, and purpose. She encourages listeners to be mindful of their online realities, curate their social media feeds, and make time for tangible, meaningful experiences.

Quotes from this episode:

“There is absolutely no proof that human well-being inevitably improves as history rolls along” — Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

“Shall I not have intelligence with the earth? Am I not partly leaves and vegetable mold myself.” — Henry David Thoreau From ‘Walden’

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Key Takeaways:

Pandemic Exacerbation of Trends:

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened stress, anxiety, loneliness, and the search for purpose, with many people turning to food and digital activities as coping mechanisms.

The "Great Resignation" highlighted a widespread search for meaning and a reevaluation of personal and professional priorities.

Control and Community through Food:

Many individuals turned to baking, gardening, and other food-related activities during the pandemic as a way to regain a sense of control and community.

The trend of making sourdough bread, for example, provided a tangible way for people to connect with others and develop new skills.

Negative Impact of Digital Overload:

The pandemic led to increased reliance on social media and digital communication, exacerbating feelings of isolation and reducing time for essential activities like cooking and sleeping.

Eve discusses how this digital overload contributes to a cycle of stress and poor well-being.

Positive Counter-Trends:

Engaging in tangible activities, such as DIY projects, crafts, and spending time in nature, can counteract the negative effects of the digital age.

Building and cultivating community, whether through local meetups or reconnecting with old friends, is crucial for improving well-being.

Personal Practices and Recommendations:

Eve shares her personal strategies for maintaining control, community, and purpose, including gardening, mindful phone use, and creating local community events.

She emphasizes the importance of being intentional with social media use and prioritizing real-life connections over digital ones.

Hope and Action:

Despite the challenges, there are simple and accessible solutions to improve well-being, such as curating a positive online environment and making incremental changes to daily habits.

Eve encourages listeners to take small steps towards creating a more fulfilling and connected life.

In this episode Karel and Paige are joined by author, globally recognized thought leader, and the founder and executive director of Food for Climate League, Eve Turow-Paul. In the first episode of this four part series Eve discusses her book "Hungry: Avocado Toast, Instagram Influencers, and Our Search for Connection and Meaning." She delves into the underlying emotional drivers of food trends, the impact of the digital age on well-being, and the ways in which food culture reflects our need for connection and control in an increasingly complex world.

Quotes from this episode:

“There is absolutely no proof that human well-being inevitably improves as history rolls along” — Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

“Shall I not have intelligence with the earth? Am I not partly leaves and vegetable mold myself.” — Henry David Thoreau From ‘Walden’

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Key Takeaways:

Emotional Underpinnings of Food Trends:

Eve delves into the psychological and emotional reasons behind the millennial and Gen Z obsession with food. She explains how food has become a coping mechanism in a society marked by high levels of stress, anxiety, and loneliness.

The conversation highlights how food choices are often driven by underlying emotional needs rather than mere dietary preferences.

Impact of the Digital Age:

The rise of social media has significantly transformed food culture, where meals are chosen not only for their taste but also for their Instagrammable qualities. This shift reflects a deeper need for social validation and connection.

Eve discusses how the performative nature of social media exacerbates feelings of inadequacy and loneliness, and emphasizes the importance of differentiating between online portrayals and real life.

Trust and Expertise:

The decline in trust towards traditional institutions and experts has led many to rely on influencers and social media for information. This trend often sacrifices factual accuracy for relatability.

The episode touches on the dangers of this shift and the impact it has on public perception and behavior, especially in relation to food and health.

Connection and Community:

Food serves as a powerful tool for fostering community and identity. Eve explains how communal dining and food-related events offer opportunities for social interaction in an increasingly isolated world.

The episode explores how shared food experiences can help bridge the gap created by digital interactions.

Performance vs. Reality:

Eve elaborates on the performative aspects of social media and its impact on mental well-being. She stresses the importance of being mindful of the distinction between curated online personas and genuine real-life experiences.

This segment encourages listeners to focus on authentic connections and self-acceptance rather than seeking validation through social media.

Interconnectedness with the Earth:

The broader theme of our connection to the earth and the environment is also discussed. Eve advocates for a more sustainable approach to food culture that aligns with human well-being.

She touches on the significance of understanding where our food comes from and fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.

In this episode, Karel and Paige explore the concept of habit stacking, a method of building new habits by linking them to existing ones. They explain how this technique can make habit formation easier and more effective. Karel and Paige share practical examples and provide 10 actionable recommendations to help you successfully implement habit stacking in your daily routine. Their recommendations include identifying existing habits, choosing new habits, linking new habits to established routines, starting small, environmental design, accountability, positive reinforcement, visual cues, tracking progress, and reflection and mindfulness.

10 Recommendations for Habit Stacking:

1. Identify Existing Habits 
Make a list of habits you already do daily without fail.
Example: Daily morning coffee.
2. Choose a New Habit
Pick a new habit that is small and manageable. Consider keystone habits that positively impact other areas of your life.
Example: Regular exercise can improve mood and energy levels.
3. Stack the Habit
Link to an Existing Habit: Connect your new habit to one you already perform regularly.
Time-Based Stacking: Perform your new habit at a specific time.
Anchor Habits: Use consistent routines like morning or evening routines.
Example: Practice deep breathing after lunch.
4. Start Small & with One New Habit at a Time
Begin with a tiny version of your new habit.
Focus on one habit at a time and gradually add more.
Example: Start with just one page of reading after making coffee.
5. Environmental Design
Prepare your environment to support your new habit.
Remove obstacles to make the habit easier to perform.
Example: Keep your journal and pen next to your bed or coffee maker.
6. Accountability
Partner with a friend or family member (habit buddy) and consider public commitment.
Example: Share your workout progress with a friend or on social media.
7. Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward yourself after completing your new habit.
Celebrate small wins to stay motivated.
Example: Give yourself a few minutes of relaxation after completing a new habit.
8. Visual Cues & Reminders
Use post-it notes and set reminders or alerts on your phone.
Example: Place a sticky note on your bathroom mirror to remind you to do morning stretches.
9. Track Your Progress & Be Consistent
Use a habit tracker or app to monitor progress and stay motivated.
Perform the habit at the same time every day.
Example: Use apps like Habitica or Streaks to track your new habit.
10. Mindfulness and Reflection
Reflect on your progress regularly.
Practice mindfulness to stay present and aware of your habits.
Example: Reflect weekly on why certain habits were missed and adjust accordingly.

Key Takeaways:

Habit Stacking: Habit stacking makes building new habits easier by linking them to existing ones.
Identify and Choose: Identify existing habits and choose small, manageable new habits to build.
Link Habits: Link new habits to established routines using time-based or anchor-based methods.
Start Small: Start small and avoid overloading yourself with too many new habits at once.
Environmental Design: Use environmental design to prepare your surroundings and support your new habits.
Reminders and Tracking: Incorporate reminders, visual cues, and habit tracking to stay on track.
Accountability and Reinforcement: Accountability and positive reinforcement can significantly boost your habit-forming success.
Reflection and Mindfulness: Reflect regularly and practice mindfulness to maintain consistency and recognize the benefits of new habits.
Self-Compassion: Stay compassionate with yourself throughout the habit-building process.

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Please note: This podcast does not provide medical advice, only personal experiences, so please consult your doctor.

In this episode, Karel and Paige continue their conversation with Todd Nyholm, a somatic therapist and author of "What the Bleep Brain?". Expanding on Todd's personal journey and the development of the Natality Life Method, this episode dives deeper into its practical applications for managing physical ailments, chronic health issues, and overall wellness. Todd shares techniques for managing chronic pain, improving mental clarity, and enhancing overall health through a holistic mind-body approach. He emphasizes the importance of integrating these methods with traditional healthcare, pacing, and self-compassion in the healing journey. Gain actionable tips for implementing these methods into your daily life for better health and well-being.

Key Takeaways:

Holistic Health Approach: Address both physical and mental aspects for overall wellness with the integrated Natality Life Method.

Mind-Body Connection: Techniques like breath exercises and mindfulness can help manage pain and improve mental clarity.

Small Steps for Big Changes: Start with small, manageable exercises to achieve significant health improvements over time.

Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion, listen to your body, and go at your own pace.

Improving Mental Clarity: Focus on sleep, nutrition, and stress management to alleviate mind fog and enhance cognitive function.

Customized Health Practices: Tailor health practices to individual needs, ensuring benefits even for those with severe limitations.

Chronic Pain Management: Methods help manage chronic pain by relaxing the nervous system.

Connective Tissue Disorders and Joint Instability: Techniques can alleviate symptoms and promote better body function and support.

Practical Application: Slow down and address individual limitations, such as back issues, to benefit fully from the methods.

Integration with Traditional Healthcare: Combining these methods with traditional healthcare and focusing on mental energy management is crucial for healing.

Optimal Health for All: These methods benefit everyone and can improve physical and mental health for a more fulfilling life.

Quotes:

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” - Albert Einstein

“Make sure your worst enemy doesn't live between your own two ears.” - Laird Hamilton

Episode Resources

Please note: This podcast does not provide medical advice, only personal experiences, so please consult your doctor.

In this episode, Karel and Paige sit down with Todd Nyholm, a somatic therapist and the author of “What The Bleep Brain?”. Todd discusses somatic therapy, emphasizing the mind-body connection and guides listeners through a calming breathing exercise. He outlines his book's systematic approach to brain healing, stresses the importance of conscious attention, and addresses the concept of locus of control. Todd also highlights the role of experiential learning and visualization in his methods, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and emotions in healing trauma and overall well-being.

Quotes from this episode:

“Fame or self: which matters more? Self or wealth: which is more? Precious gain or loss: which causes more pain? Those who are attached to things will suffer greatly.” - Lao Tzu

“It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” - Krishnamurti

Key Takeaways:

Somatic Therapy: Somatic therapy focuses on the mind-body connection, using the body to influence the mind, emotions, and physical issues.

Breathing Exercises: Breathing exercises are powerful tools for reducing stress and tension, illustrating the interaction between mind and body.

“What The Bleep Brain?”: Todd Nyholm's book offers a structured approach to brain healing, including techniques to alter brain waves and activate different brain regions.

Conscious Attention: Directing attention consciously is crucial for gaining control over the brain and fostering positive mental and emotional well-being.

Locus of Control: Despite misconceptions, individuals have more control over their brains than commonly believed.

Experiential Learning: The Nytality Method incorporates experiential learning and visualization, essential components for effective healing.

Trauma Healing: Healing trauma involves addressing the mind, body, and emotions. Integrating somatic therapy with traditional talk therapy can be highly effective.

Accessibility: Todd's methods are accessible and beneficial for individuals with physical limitations, allowing for practice even in bed or with limited mobility.

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Please note: This podcast does not provide medical advice, only personal experiences, so please consult your doctor.