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 1640:

Margo Aaron explores the quiet moments of crisis that entrepreneurs face when the dream starts to feel like a burden. She challenges the glorified narrative of persistence by encouraging us to recognize when stepping away isn't failure but a sign of growth, maturity, and alignment with who we’ve become.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thatseemsimportant.com/entrepreneurship/when-youre-ready-throw-towel/

Quotes to ponder:

"Maybe you’re not a quitter. Maybe you’re just ready to be done."

"Letting go of who you were to become who you are takes guts."

"The next phase isn’t necessarily better or worse. It’s just different."

Episode references:

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

The Dip by Seth Godin: https://www.amazon.com/Dip-Little-Book-Teaches-Stick/dp/1591841666

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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 1639:

Stephen Warley shares a deeply personal and practical roadmap for building a business around your true self, your interests, values, and strengths. This article helps you rethink how to create income on your own terms, not by chasing trends but by fully embracing who you are and offering value through authenticity.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://lifeskillsthatmatter.com/get-paid-for-being-you/

Quotes to ponder:

"You can get paid for being you when you believe in your worth and how you can help others."

"Instead of squeezing yourself into a job description, you create work that reflects your values, needs, and abilities."

"The best business idea is not an idea. It's you."

Episode references:

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

StrengthsFinder 2.0: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253715/strengthsfinder.aspx

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life: https://www.amazon.com/Ikigai-Japanese-Secret-Long-Happy/dp/0143130722

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 1638:

Ryan Hoover makes a compelling case for building products in public, showing how transparency builds trust, attracts early adopters, and fosters real-time feedback loops. He also shares a behind-the-scenes look at how he uses his email list as a tool for discovery, testing, and community-building, proving it’s not just a broadcast channel but a powerful engine for product validation.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/@rrhoover/why-you-should-build-your-product-in-public-e28c54629bc1 & https://medium.com/@rrhoover/how-i-use-my-email-list-dfd1fdde61c5

Quotes to ponder:

"Build in public and you’ll build an audience."

"I ask questions to learn. I share my process to inspire."

"Your email list is more than a distribution channel; it’s a product discovery tool."

Episode references:

The Lean Startup: https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Startup-Entrepreneurs-Continuous-Innovation/dp/0307887898

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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 1637:

Diligence alone doesn’t lead to success, it’s about applying effort in the right direction. Cal Newport explains why understanding the broader landscape of your field before committing to a singular path is crucial for achieving remarkable results. By strategically directing your hard work, you maximize the chances of meaningful progress rather than getting stuck on a suboptimal trajectory.

Read along with the original article(s) here: http://calnewport.com/blog/2012/02/05/learn-the-landscape-before-putting-on-blinders-how-to-direct-diligence-toward-remarkable-results/

Quotes to ponder:

"Put another way, diligence is only valuable if intelligently directed."

"If you want to maximize the return on your efforts, you should first seek to understand the full landscape of possibilities available."

"Without this preliminary exploration, you risk committing to an inferior trajectory, diminishing the value of your diligence."

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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 1636:

David Webb highlights how small businesses can harness social media to build trust, increase engagement, and drive sales. This guide covers key strategies like defining a target audience, fostering interaction, maintaining a consistent visual identity, and leveraging influencers. By focusing on authenticity and value rather than constant promotion, businesses can create lasting customer relationships and a recognizable brand.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://michaelmehlberg.com/blog/2017/12/10/how-to-use-social-media-to-brand-your-small-business

Quotes to ponder:

"Encouraging people to comment on your post by simply asking them to do it."

"Customers will be more eager to buy if you show them that you’re an expert on the matter in a pleasant way rather than yelling at them to buy."

"Be careful when choosing the right influencer for your brand - find the one that is considered an expert in your niche, that has a similar target audience, and a language and style compatible with the one you’re using on social networks."

Episode references:

Quikclicks: https://www.quikclicks.com.au

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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 1635:

Benjamin Hardy challenges the conventional wisdom of "following your passion," arguing that mastery, success, and happiness come from developing rare and valuable skills rather than chasing preexisting interests. Drawing from Cal Newport’s So Good They Can’t Ignore You, Hardy explains that confidence and passion are byproducts of excellence, not prerequisites. By continuously investing in yourself, building meaningful relationships, and generously applying your skills to help others, you not only achieve financial success but also cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/thrive-global/how-to-develop-mastery-make-millions-and-be-happy-cd9743c40d12

Quotes to ponder:

“If you want to love what you do, abandon the passion mindset (‘what can the world offer me?’) and instead adopt the craftsman mindset (‘what can I offer the world?’).”

“Passion comes after you put in the hard work to become excellent at something valuable, not before.”

“You’re happiest when you’re growing and giving.”

Episode references:

Strategic Coach by Dan Sullivan: https://www.strategiccoach.com/

Genius Network by Joe Polish: https://www.geniusnetwork.com/

Mindset by Carol Dweck: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Success-Carol-Dweck/dp/0345472322

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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 1634:

Benjamin Hardy explores the path to mastery, wealth, and happiness by emphasizing intentional learning, high-value skill development, and a purpose-driven mindset. He explains how focusing on long-term goals, surrounding yourself with the right influences, and taking bold action can lead to extraordinary success. True fulfillment comes not just from financial gain but from aligning your work with your passions and making a meaningful impact.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/thrive-global/how-to-develop-mastery-make-millions-and-be-happy-cd9743c40d12

Quotes to ponder:

"Mastery requires a fundamentally different approach than dabbling. It’s about going all in, committing to a path, and being willing to pay the price."

"Your income is a direct reflection of the value you create in the world. The more rare and valuable your skills, the greater your earning potential."

"If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up where circumstances take you. True success requires clarity, vision, and bold action."

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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 1633:

Karl Staib shares practical strategies to make difficult tasks more manageable by shifting your mindset and approach. By breaking work into smaller steps, eliminating distractions, and building productive habits, even the most overwhelming challenges become easier to tackle. His insights help boost motivation, improve focus, and reduce stress while making steady progress.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.marcandangel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-make-difficult-tasks-easier/

Quotes to ponder:

"Every difficult task can be broken down into a series of manageable steps."

"Eliminate distractions, set a timer, and work with intense focus for a short period of time."

"Small steps forward, taken consistently, lead to big accomplishments over time."

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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 1632:

Nir Eyal and Ximena Vengoechea explore the psychology behind effective notifications, explaining how they should be timely, relevant, and actionable to enhance user engagement without causing frustration. Learn the key principles that make notifications truly helpful rather than intrusive.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/2015/03/notifications-that-work.html

Quotes to ponder:

"Notifications succeed when they are timely, relevant, and actionable."

"When apps send notifications at the wrong time or for the wrong reasons, they become nuisances rather than helpful prompts."

"Effective notifications don’t just demand attention; they deliver value."

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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 1631:

Every great idea builds on something that came before it. James Altucher argues that "stealing," borrowing and improving upon existing concepts, is not just common but essential for success. From Einstein to Google, Star Wars to stand-up comedy, history proves that innovation is often just well-executed imitation. By studying the best in any field, adopting their strengths, and adding your own twist, you create something new, just like every successful creator before you.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jamesaltucher.com/blog/how-to-steal-and-get-rich/

Quotes to ponder:

"Good artists copy. Great artists steal."

"Unfortunately, stealing is not a shortcut to success. Stealing is THE ONLY PATH to success."

"The more people hate you, the more money you will make. Trust me on that."

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