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 3699:

Randi Kay explores how taking intentional breaks can reveal deeper truths about our relationship with productivity, rest, and self-worth. By sharing personal insights from her own healing sabbatical, she invites us to reimagine self-care not as indulgence but as essential practice for living with clarity and alignment.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.naturallyrandikay.com/post/what-taking-a-break-can-teach-you-about-self-care

Quotes to ponder:

"Resting for the sake of productivity is not rest."

"When we’re not proving or pushing, our true nature can surface."

"Self-care isn’t just something you do, it’s a way you are."

Episode references:

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron: https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252

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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 3698:

Steve Pavlina challenges the limits of logic-based goal setting by showing how aligning with heart-centered motivation leads to deeper fulfillment and sustained drive. By trusting your emotional compass over external validation or mental constructs, you can pursue goals that feel authentic and energizing rather than forced or draining.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://stevepavlina.com/blog/2006/11/heart-centered-motivation/

Quotes to ponder:

"When your heart’s not in a goal, you’ll procrastinate, and even if you push through and succeed, the victory will feel hollow."

"Heart-centered motivation makes you feel inspired, uplifted, and energized. It taps into your spirit and creativity."

"Your feelings are your internal compass. Trust them."

Episode references:

Abraham-Hicks teachings: https://www.abraham-hicks.com/

Psycho-Cybernetics: https://www.amazon.com/Psycho-Cybernetics-Updated-Expanded-Self-Image/dp/0399176136

Getting Things Done by David Allen: https://gettingthingsdone.com/

The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808

Think and Grow Rich: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331

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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 3697:

Timia Roehrkasse shares a deeply personal path to emotional freedom, revealing how she learned to stop absorbing the feelings of others without losing compassion. Her reflections offer powerful tools for sensitive individuals to protect their energy and reclaim their emotional space.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/how-i-learned-to-let-go-of-other-peoples-emotions/

Quotes to ponder:

"I used to believe it was my job to feel what other people were feeling."

"I can feel with people without holding their pain inside my own body."

"Letting go of other people’s emotions has been the kindest thing I’ve ever done for myself."

Episode references:

The Body Keeps the Score: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: https://www.amazon.com/Set-Boundaries-Find-Peace-Reclaiming/dp/0593192095

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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 3696:

Carl Pullein lays out a powerful framework for beginning each morning with clarity and control by focusing on three simple practices: reflection, prioritization, and intention-setting. By anchoring your day before distractions take over, you create momentum, reduce stress, and make space for meaningful progress.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.carlpullein.com/blog/how-to-start-the-day-with-intention-and-purpose/6/11/2019

Quotes to ponder:

"Before you allow the world to hijack your attention, you want to establish control over your day."

"The day hasn’t started yet, and you have the peace and quiet to really think about what you want to accomplish."

"Think about what outcomes you want from the day and why those outcomes are important."

Episode references:

Evernote: https://evernote.com/

Todoist: https://todoist.com/

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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 3695:

James Altucher explores why chasing perfection is not only futile but also paralyzing. By embracing imperfection and consistently taking small, messy steps, we unlock creativity, reduce anxiety, and make meaningful progress.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jamesaltucher.com/blog/achieve-perfection/

Quotes to ponder:

"Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor."

"You improve by doing, not by thinking."

"Perfection is often just procrastination in disguise."

Episode references:

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott: https://www.amazon.com/Bird-Some-Instructions-Writing-Life/dp/0385480016

On Writing by Stephen King: https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Stephen-King/dp/1439156816

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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 3694:

Leo Babauta invites readers to slow down and cultivate conscious awareness in their daily lives, transforming automatic habits into intentional actions. By learning to notice urges, pause in moments of discomfort, and deliberately choose how to respond, we can break cycles of distraction and live with greater presence and clarity.

Read along with the original article(s) here: http://zenhabits.net/conscious

Quotes to ponder:

"Without awareness, we are slaves to our impulses, habits, and distractions."

"When we pause and bring awareness, we create space to make a conscious choice."

"Each urge is an opportunity to bring awareness and learn to stay with discomfort."

Episode references:

The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808

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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 3693:

Renata Leo shares her journey from chronic overachiever to balanced achiever, revealing the hidden costs of always striving to do and be the most. With sharp humor and raw honesty, she unpacks how hustle culture leads to burnout, guilt, and the loss of simple joy, offering permission to pursue goals without losing yourself along the way.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://buffalosauceeverywhere.com/2022/08/24/dont-be-an-overachiever/

Quotes to ponder:

"I have a valedictorian speech and anxiety to show for it."

"Overachieving forces you to work with so much concentration and blind perseverance that self-awareness goes out the window."

"Week after week, I’ve gone back to axe league because I enjoyed it, even though I was terrible at it."

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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 3692:

Sabrina shares a raw and powerful journey of confronting her anger, not by blaming others, but by uncovering her own responsibility for her reactions. With the help of therapy, self-awareness, and mindfulness techniques, she reveals how recognizing physical cues and planning ahead can transform anger into clarity and control.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://buddingoptimist.com/how-to-release-anger/

Quotes to ponder:

"Nobody was making me angry. In fact, nothing in this world had or has any real ability to make anybody feel angry."

"I had the option, at every step leading to that final dish-breaking scene, to let go of my anger and pick a different response."

"Now whenever I notice any of these signs I would make a mental note that I was starting to feel angry."

Episode references:

The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808

Daniel Gilbert TED Talk: The Surprising Science of Happiness: https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_gilbert_the_surprising_science_of_happiness

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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 3691:

Sandy Kreps reflects on how life-altering tragedy can strip away distractions and reveal what truly matters. Her heartfelt message encourages readers to embrace simplicity, prioritize relationships, and live with deeper intention after loss.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/after-tragedy/

Quotes to ponder:

"Tragedy has a way of pushing everything else aside and demanding our full attention."

"After a tragedy, the small, petty things that once consumed us no longer seem to matter."

"When everything else is stripped away, we realize what’s most important: people, time, love, connection."

Episode references:

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: https://www.amazon.com/Gentle-Art-Swedish-Death-Cleaning/dp/1501173243

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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 3690:

David Cain explores how we often turn fleeting problems into enduring struggles by mentally amplifying them. By learning not to “make a thing out of it,” we can reduce unnecessary suffering and let difficulties pass without becoming emotional narratives. His practical insight shows how small mindset shifts can make life smoother and more peaceful.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.raptitude.com/2014/08/dont-make-a-thing-out-of-it/

Quotes to ponder:

"Most of our suffering comes from what we do after a problem appears."

"The trick is not to give the moment any new meaning it doesn’t already have."

"Let the bad moment hang there, raw and unprocessed, without turning it into a story."

Episode references:

Wherever You Go, There You Are: https://www.amazon.com/Wherever-You-There-Are-Mindfulness/dp/1401307787

The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808

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