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 3641:

April Dykman examines the internal conflict between overindulging and over-restricting with money, offering a deeply personal look at how both behaviors can sabotage financial peace. Her reflections encourage listeners to pursue a balanced approach that aligns spending with their core values rather than emotional reactions.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/the-balance-between-splurger-and-miser/

Quotes to ponder:

"I don’t like how I feel when I spend money, but I don’t like how I feel when I don’t spend money either."

"I’m constantly searching for balance between being a miser and a splurger."

"I’ve begun to see that spending in alignment with my values can lead to greater happiness."

Episode references:

The Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Thomas-Stanley/dp/1589795474

Early Retirement Extreme: https://www.amazon.com/Early-Retirement-Extreme-Philosophical-Advanced/dp/145360121X

Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766

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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 3640:

Cal Newport challenges the popular “write every day” mantra by revealing how it can backfire for ambitious, cognitively demanding projects. Instead, he advocates for a more strategic approach, optimizing your schedule to make space for deep work while managing motivational psychology with intentionality and clarity.

Read along with the original article(s) here: http://calnewport.com/blog/2013/01/13/write-every-day-is-bad-advice-hacking-the-psychology-of-big-projects/

Quotes to ponder:

"Big projects are psychologically daunting. We fear them."

"Working consistently, but not necessarily every day, ensures you preserve the psychological connection to the project."

"When you do work, work deeply. Depth generates value faster than shallow repetition."

Episode references:

The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/1936891026

Deep Work: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/1455586692

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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 3639:

Isaac Morehouse urges readers to reject the trap of learning for validation and instead align their learning directly with real-world goals. He explains how shifting focus from tests and credentials to task-based learning accelerates growth, deepens understanding, and builds confidence through authentic achievement.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://isaacmorehouse.com/2016/12/19/rules-of-ascendancy-learn-to-the-task-not-the-test/

Quotes to ponder:

"Learn to the task, not the test."

"The only learning worth anything is that which gets you closer to your goal."

"You'll never be confident in your ability if your ability is always measured by someone else’s standards."

Episode references:

Drive by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/1594484805

The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Steven-Pressfield/dp/1936891026

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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 3638:

Ryan Holiday reflects on the brutal yet transformative experience of pushing the body beyond exhaustion to reveal the true seat of strength, the mind. Through pain, struggle, and a complete physical breakdown, he uncovers clarity, emotional peace, and the subtle triumph of inner resilience.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ryanholiday.net/the-manifestation-of-inner-strength/

Quotes to ponder:

"The work I do on my body is not about looks or health. A sculpted body to me is the sign of a sculpted mind."

"I promised myself that I would win, that I would finish."

"There was no glory in it, I felt awful; worse even than I had in each lap prior."

Episode references:

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius: https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/048629823X

The Daily Stoic: https://dailystoic.com/podcast

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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 3637:

Shawna Scafe shares a powerful wake-up call about how easy it is to slip into autopilot living, avoiding discomfort in the name of convenience, only to end up feeling disconnected and unfulfilled. She challenges us to choose the discomfort that leads to growth and authenticity, rather than the one that keeps us stuck in habits that quietly drain our lives.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://simpleonpurpose.ca/discomfort/

Quotes to ponder:

"You can stay where you are, and that is uncomfortable. Or you can make a change, and that is uncomfortable. So choose your discomfort."

"When we live by default we will spend our daily life in a cycle of avoiding pain and seeking pleasure."

"Living a life that fulfils us, feels authentic, and feels life-giving is an uncomfortable thing to get."

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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 3636:

Tynan explores the transformative power of long-term thinking, explaining how extending your planning horizon can unlock better decisions, greater consistency, and a more fulfilling life. By shifting focus from immediate gratification to future impact, he shares how this mindset shift can give you an edge in nearly every area of life, from health to relationships to personal goals.

Read along with the original article(s) here: http://tynan.com/longterm

Quotes to ponder:

"Long-term thinking is one of the most powerful tools you can use in your life."

"If you always think about what your future self would want you to do, you’ll find that your actions are better aligned with your goals."

"People are often amazed at how consistent I am, but it really comes down to thinking long-term and making plans that are sustainable."

Episode references:

Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766

The Slight Edge: https://www.amazon.com/Slight-Edge-Turning-Disciplines-Happiness/dp/1626340463

The Time Paradox: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Paradox-New-Psychology-Time-That-Will-Change-Your-Life/dp/1416541985

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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 3635:

Jennifer Burger shares six transformative benefits of decluttering, from saving time and reducing stress to building confidence and making intentional choices. By letting go of excess, you're not just clearing space, you’re reclaiming your energy, focus, and sense of self.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.simplyfiercely.com/benefits-of-decluttering/

Quotes to ponder:

"A decluttered home is easier to clean. I’d rather spend any extra time with my family or relaxing, instead of constantly tidying up or shifting piles of excess stuff."

"I thought the problem was a lack of time, but in reality, I needed more focus and less distractions."

"Decluttering is a tool that creates peace of mind by not only creating physical space but also mental space."

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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 3634:

Irene Elias shares a deceptively simple yet powerful technique to reframe negative self-talk and shift into a more empowered mindset by ending disempowering statements with “and that’s just the way I want it.” This small verbal twist exposes self-defeating thoughts and encourages intentional language that aligns with your desires and energy. A must-listen for anyone seeking to speak more life into their daily experience.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://selflovejunkie.com/my-new-favourite-tool-for-supporting-your-desires/

Quotes to ponder:

“You can disempower your life by the words you choose to speak without even realising.”

“So we either use words to speak life or death over our life! Use them wisely.”

“I’m loving myself and creating a life that I adore and I know that it will happen at the right time and that’s just the way I want 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 3633:

Benjamin Fishel explores the overlooked power of rest, explaining why it's more than just sleep and how addressing specific rest deficits can dramatically improve mood, focus, and motivation. Drawing from Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s framework, he outlines seven types of rest that can help you feel truly restored and prevent burnout.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/rests-make-you-healthier-happier-more-productive/

Quotes to ponder:

"Rest is not solely about getting more sleep."

"You don’t have a sleep deficit, you have a rest deficit."

"Creative rest reawakens the awe and wonder inside each of us."

Episode references:

TEDx Talk - The Real Reason Why We Are Tired: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGNN4EPJzGk

The Power of Rest: https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Rest-Recover-Your-Energy/dp/1478921684

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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 3632:

Tyler Tervooren shares how breaking the cycle of short-term fixes and reorganizing work can eliminate unnecessary tasks. By prioritizing the important over the urgent and building effective systems, he demonstrates how small changes can free up time, reduce stress, and create lasting improvements in both personal and professional life.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.riskology.co/reorganize-work/

Quotes to ponder:

"It’s difficult to do, but when you force yourself to prioritize your right work, it can actually reduce the amount of wrong work you need to do forever."

"When I force myself to focus on the big picture I’m always happier with the result because it usually means getting rid of many smaller frustrations."

"A system for managing things I must do but don’t want to removes the pain of figuring out how to do them or make time for them."

Episode references:

You Need A Budget (YNAB): https://www.youneedabudget.com

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