Live on Purpose Radio

In this solo episode of Live On Purpose Radio, Dr. Paul Jenkins takes on one of the most common laments he has heard in his practice: why do I do what I do when I know what I know? His answer is good news. Your brain is not malfunctioning. It is doing something it is remarkably good at, which is automating whatever you have already practiced. Neural pathways turn repeated experiences into cruise control, the same way walking, typing, or driving a car become automatic without a conscious thought.

That same process runs on our thoughts. We carry practiced ways of judging our circumstances, ourselves, and the people around us, and we have rehearsed some of those patterns thousands of times over decades. So when an old thought shows up on its own, there is no reason for guilt or shame. Familiar does not mean true. It means practiced. Dr. Paul introduces metacognition, thinking about thinking, as the place to start, because it creates a little space and that space is where choice lives. He also offers a shift in language: instead of "I'm just a negative person" or "I'm just an anxious person," try "I have become very practiced at noticing things negatively." A practiced pattern can be practiced differently.

To show what reprogramming takes, he describes the scrambled keyboards he brings to corporate trainings, with the keys popped off and put back in the wrong places. Most people need about forty-five seconds to type their own first name on one. Nobody would bother learning that layout without a reason, and that is the point. Two things are required to build a new neural pathway: meaning or purpose, and repetition. Meaning is essential but not enough on its own. You still have to take the keyboard home and put in the reps. He also reminds listeners not to confuse unfamiliar with unnatural, and points back to episode 721, "Now do it again tomorrow."

The episode closes with a question and an invitation. What are you practicing? Notice one thought pattern today that seems to run automatically, without beating yourself up, and ask whether it is a pattern you want to keep practicing. You have thoughts, but you are not your thoughts. October's theme on Positives is the brain, "the owner's manual." Positives is built for transformational learning through daily, weekly, and monthly practices, with the daily ones starting at three minutes a day. There's a free sample at liveonpurposeradio.com/positives. Learn more about the show at liveonpurposeradio.com and about Dr. Paul's work at drpauljenkins.com.

In this solo episode of Live On Purpose Radio, Dr. Paul Jenkins takes on the question he has heard most often in three decades of clinical work: why do I do what I do when I know what I know? His answer starts with an image. Picture yourself stuck inside a box, with the instructions for getting out printed on the outside. You can't read them from where you're standing, and that has nothing to do with intelligence, motivation, or capability. It is a matter of perspective, and it is the first reason he gives for why all of us need coaches.

We experience everything from inside our own minds, Dr. Paul explains, and our biggest error is believing what we think. Assumptions don't feel like assumptions. They feel like reality, which is why blind spots stay blind. He shares a moment from a retreat with his coach Jody Moore, where two dozen people each took an hour in the hot seat over three full days. When his turn came, he laid out everything going on in his business and his mind, then paused for the coaching. Jody's whole response was, "Well, that's a thought." He had believed he was describing his circumstances. She showed him he was describing his thoughts about them. A coach, he adds, does not know your life better than you do. What a coach has is the one thing you cannot give yourself: an outside perspective.

The second reason is that information is not transformation. Dr. Paul returns to the difference between breakthrough learning, when the lights come on, and transformational learning, when practice slowly changes who you are, and compares it to learning the piano until his hands knew where to go without thinking. Then he adds the third piece: another human. Change happens in relationship. A promise made only to yourself usually leaves a back door cracked open, and telling a coach or accountability partner closes it. He explains the difference between real friends and deal friends, and why he felt free to make his coaching relationships entirely about his own growth. He loves the way his daughter defines commitment: doing what you said you'd do after the feeling you had when you said it has passed.

The episode closes with an invitation. Maybe you don't need another book, another podcast, or another breakthrough. Maybe the instructions are already printed on the outside of your box, and you need someone standing outside it to read them to you. Dr. Paul built Positives to support both kinds of learning, with daily, weekly, and monthly practices plus private and group coaching. There's a free sample at liveonpurposeradio.com/positives. Learn more about the show at liveonpurposeradio.com and about Dr. Paul's work at drpauljenkins.com.

In this solo episode of Live On Purpose Radio, Dr. Paul Jenkins records while gathered with his Positivity Artisans group, a small circle he meets with a few times a year for deeper, in-person work on the principles of positivity. Ahead of this retreat the group read Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now together, and rereading it put the idea of presence squarely on his mind. He offers listeners two simple invitations drawn from that reading: get here, and get now.

Get here means noticing that your body can occupy only one place, even when your mind has checked out somewhere else. Dr. Paul lists the familiar ways this shows up: eating dinner with the family while thinking about work, sitting in a meeting while scrolling a phone, talking with a spouse while replaying yesterday, spending time with the kids while running through tomorrow's to-do list. He returns to a principle he often teaches, that awareness precedes choice. Then he borrows a small example from Tolle: washing dishes while feeling the warmth of the water and the texture of the soap, instead of treating the task as something to get through on the way to the next thing.

Get now is the second half of the invitation, built on the idea that now is the only moment in which anyone can act. Dr. Paul walks through why the past is useful for learning and the future is useful for planning, but neither one can be lived in. He calls it a kind of insanity to get pulled outside the now: regret, guilt, and shame come from dwelling in the past, while anxiety and worry come from rehearsing a future that has not happened yet. He connects this to the phrase "it is what it is," arguing that presence is not about pretending things are fine, but about facing what is true right now so you can ask, now what. That is where the present becomes a gift in the fullest sense. Not because the moment always feels good, but because it is the only place where choice and power live.

He closes by tying the idea to the platform he has spent the past year building, Positives. It grows out of a distinction from a recent episode between breakthrough learning and transformational learning, since presence, like positivity, is something practiced rather than known. Learn more about the show at liveonpurposeradio.com and about Dr. Paul's work at drpauljenkins.com.

In this solo episode of Live On Purpose Radio, Dr. Paul Jenkins draws a line between two kinds of learning that thirty years of clinical work have only sharpened for him: breakthrough learning and transformational learning. Breakthrough is the moment something clicks, an insight from a podcast, a book, or a seminar that suddenly makes an old pattern visible. Transformation is what happens after the lights come on, and it looks a lot less exciting: repetition, practice, and showing up again the next day.

Dr. Paul uses his own life as proof. He plays the piano and is fluent in Finnish, and neither came from a moment of inspiration; both took years of deliberate practice. He ties this to a principle he returns to often: awareness precedes choice. Until a pattern becomes conscious, he says, we are simply running programs we inherited, the same way we inherited our native language from our parents without ever choosing it. Once we see the pattern, new choices open up.

The rest of the episode makes the case for rhythm over motivation. Dr. Paul shares an image his daughter gave him: a seed that needs three gallons of water over a month does not want it dumped on all at once, it needs daily sprinkling. He argues most people get their positivity the same way, in big occasional doses from a seminar or a book, with no daily practice behind it. Quoting something one of his own coaches taught him, that information is free but containers are rare, he makes the point that most of us do not have a knowledge problem, we have an implementation problem.

He closes with the episode's title as the instruction: enjoy the breakthrough, then get up tomorrow and do it again. What inspires you today can only transform you if you practice it. Learn more about the show at liveonpurposeradio.com and about Dr. Paul's work at drpauljenkins.com.

In this episode of Live On Purpose Radio, Dr. Paul Jenkins welcomes Dr. Cristine Hull, author of 10 Ways to Balance Your Brain Chemistry, for a conversation about what is actually going on when your mood will not cooperate. Cristine's work grew out of her own long struggle with depression and anxiety and the search for real answers that followed, and as she puts it, her mess became her message.

Dr. Paul opens with a question he has heard from clients for years: is this all in my head, or is it chemical? Cristine's answer is that it is all connected. She describes the wellness diamond, with physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual facets that each lift or limit the others, and she makes the case for taking personal responsibility for your own well being rather than handing it over to whoever is calling the shots in the market.

From there the conversation gets practical. Cristine walks through the five brain chemicals that shape how we feel and the everyday counterfeits we reach for when one of them runs low, from caffeine and carbs to sugar and the endless scroll on our phones. Learning to tell them apart, she explains, is what puts you back in a position to choose. Dr. Paul's own drumbeat fits right here: awareness precedes choice.

Listeners are invited to take an honest look at what they reach for and why, and to start sorting out their own brain chemistry. Cristine has a free series of content, including video, at 10waysbook.com, and you can learn more about her work at cristinehull.com.

Dr. Paul Jenkins welcomes Marty Hofmann to this episode of Live On Purpose Radio to discuss a powerful concept: killing complacency. Marty Hofmann, author of the book "Kill Complacency," joins Dr. Paul in a conversation about intentionally creating the life you love by avoiding the passive acceptance of the status quo. Marty's insights draw from his own journey and highlight how complacency can quietly sabotage our lives, leading us to live on autopilot rather than with purpose. Learn more about Marty Hofmann and his work at killcomplacency.com.

Together, Dr. Paul and Marty explore how to break free from the drift of everyday life by making intentional choices. They introduce three "sacred questions" that serve as a guide to making decisions that align with your goals, being mindful of what your future self might advise. Marty shares his framework of the seven F's—Faith, Family, Fitness, Finance, Friends, Future Self, and Fun—as a comprehensive approach to living a meaningful and balanced life.

For those who find themselves too caught up in the whirlwind of daily routines, this episode serves as a timely reminder that life is not a rehearsal. Tune in to discover practical strategies for making small, consistent changes that can lead to significant transformations. Dr. Paul and Marty emphasize the importance of discipline, course correction, and especially the role of 'fun' in living a well-rounded life. If you're ready to reclaim your life from complacency, this conversation is your call to action. Visit the podcast at Live On Purpose Radio to engage more deeply and make a conscious choice to live a life on purpose.

In this episode of Live On Purpose Radio, Dr. Paul Jenkins invites Dr. David Schramm, a family science professor and author of the book Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life, to discuss some practical strategies for enhancing happiness. Dr. Dave shares insights from his years of research and explains how to break down the science of happiness into simple, actionable steps that anyone can incorporate into their daily life.

Dr. Paul and Dr. Dave engage in a heartfelt conversation about the different levels of happiness, from fleeting pleasures to deeper engagements and purpose. Dr. Dave offers inspiring anecdotes about how finding purpose and contributing to others' well-being can significantly impact one's own happiness. They also discuss how simple actions, like letting sunlight hit your face in the morning, can be foundational to improving your life incrementally.

Listeners are encouraged to view happiness not merely as a pursuit of pleasure but as a series of small, intentional actions that create a conducive environment for joy, resilience, and meaningful connections. Dr. Paul also shares about the positives platform, inviting listeners to explore it at liveonpurposeradio.com/positives as a resource for enhancing their happiness journey. Together, they show that with simple hacks and an outward mindset, happiness can become a sustainable part of everyday life.

Learn more about Dr. David Schramm at his website and tune in for specific tips that can help you live—and love—a more purpose-driven life.

In this episode, Dr. Paul Jenkins uncovers the unexpected strength found in simply saying 'I don't know.' While this phrase is often seen as a weakness or a lack of confidence, Dr. Paul encourages listeners to embrace it as a starting point for humility and open-mindedness. By acknowledging our inability to predict the future, we create a mental space that allows us to respond more thoughtfully to our feelings and reduce anxiety. This space also empowers us to make choices instead of reacting based on unfounded predictions.

Embracing 'I don't know' also reveals our capability to handle whatever comes our way, tapping into our innate resilience. Drawing from Dr. Susan Jeffers' notion that most fears stem from the belief that we 'can't handle' something, Dr. Paul challenges this limiting belief with evidence from our past victories over adversity. Pain and challenge, he explains, do not equate to failure but are part of our human experience, pushing us to learn and grow in ways we may not initially appreciate.

Dr. Paul introduces the concept of metacognition, thinking about our own thinking, as a tool for positive change. Recognizing that our practiced thoughts can become habitual, he highlights the value of intentional thinking practices to reprogram our minds. The episode welcomes listeners to explore the Emotional Freedom Challenge, a free opportunity to develop and exercise this cognitive skill, creating more empowerment and emotional resilience.

Ultimately, accepting 'I don't know' as a path to possibility allows us to stop rehearsing undesirable futures and positions us to handle whatever reality brings. It's about trusting our capacity to grow and learn, thus choosing a powerful, purposeful stance toward life's uncertainties.

In this episode of Live On Purpose Radio, Dr. Paul Jenkins is joined by Talia Riley, a speaker, communication strategist, leadership trainer, and author of the book 'Worthy Now'. Together, they explore the transformative power of recognizing one's intrinsic worth, rather than feeling the need to earn it through achievements or external validation.

Talia shares her personal journey of overcoming feelings of inadequacy and how she redefined her sense of self-worth by choosing to feel 'worthy now'. Drawing from her own experiences, including the challenges of motherhood and career, she speaks on how this mindset shift empowered her to embrace her imperfections and love herself fully. Her book outlines 'The Seven Commitments to SOAR', which provides actionable steps for personal and professional leadership.

Dr. Paul and Talia dive deep into the crucial distinction between being worthy and feeling worthy. They discuss how realizing one’s worth is a realization that can profoundly impact various aspects of life, from leadership roles to personal relationships. Talia illustrates this point with inspiring stories, including how her mindset change opened unexpected doors, like the opportunity to speak internationally.

Listeners are invited to explore their own sense of worthiness and take tangible steps towards embracing their inherent value. The episode emphasizes taking action and realizing one's potential as an integral part of living a life of purpose and positivity. Learn more about Talia and her book, Worthy Now, at taliariley.com.

Dr. Paul Jenkins opens this episode with an intriguing concept: while information today is plentiful and easily accessible, the real challenge lies in transforming that information into something meaningful and impactful. Enter the idea of "containers"—frameworks or contexts that give information its value and relevance. Dr. Paul shares how, despite our unlimited access to information, many feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to initiate real change in their lives.

Drawing from his own experience and teachings, Dr. Paul explains that containers help us make sense of the information we consume. They provide the framework needed for transformation by organizing information into something actionable. He discusses how coaching, community, and even the positivity model he developed, serve as examples of effective containers.

To bring home the importance of intentional container selection, Dr. Paul touches on societal influences like the news and social media, which can shape our thinking and affect mental health. Choosing the right container can lead to peace, confidence, and hope—key elements in well-being and personal growth. Dr. Paul invites listeners to explore "Positives," a new platform aimed at organizing such meaningful experiences, and encourages them to be deliberate in choosing containers that align with their values and goals.