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 1770:

Kalen Bruce breaks down how to spot toxic behaviors that erode workplace culture and productivity, offering practical steps to address them without harming team morale. Learn how to confront negativity with leadership, boundaries, and a proactive mindset to foster a healthier, more effective environment.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://moneyminiblog.com/business/identify-deal-toxic-employees/

Quotes to ponder:

"One toxic employee can have a much larger negative impact than you might imagine."

"Make sure your company culture doesn't support toxic behavior by ignoring it."

"Don’t be afraid to address the problem directly and immediately, while maintaining professionalism and empathy."

Episode references:

Emotional Intelligence 2.0: https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Intelligence-2-0-Travis-Bradberry/dp/0974320625

Crucial Conversations: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/0071771328

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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 1769:

Nick Loper reflects on his recent travels through Spain and Portugal to reveal powerful life and business lessons, from embracing slower living to designing a lifestyle that prioritizes freedom over hustle. His insights challenge conventional productivity norms and encourage intentional choices that align with long-term happiness and flexibility.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.sidehustlenation.com/side-hustle-lessons-from-spain-portugal/

Quotes to ponder:

"Everywhere we went, there was this sense of calm, of slowness, of space."

"If you want something different, you have to do something different."

"One of the biggest gifts you can give yourself is permission, not just to think differently, but to live differently."

Episode references:

The 4-Hour Workweek: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357

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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 1768:

Laura Stack offers a transformative approach to time management by flipping the script: it’s not about doing more, but doing what truly matters. Her practical tips help eliminate time wasters, streamline tasks, and protect your schedule so you can achieve peak productivity without burnout.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://theproductivitypro.com/blog/2012/06/the-work-less-more-success-guide-to-time-management-2/

Quotes to ponder:

"Productivity isn’t about doing more things, it’s about doing the right things."

"If you don’t plan your day, someone else will."

"Eliminate, automate, or delegate tasks that don’t require your personal touch."

Episode references:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/

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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 1767:

Laura Stack delivers a sharp, practical approach to reclaiming your time by eliminating inefficiencies, leveraging peak productivity hours, and mastering focused attention. Her strategy isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters, faster and smarter, so you can win professionally without sacrificing personal time.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://theproductivitypro.com/blog/2012/06/the-work-less-more-success-guide-to-time-management-2/

Quotes to ponder:

"True productivity is not about being busy; it's about getting results."

"Discipline yourself to concentrate single-mindedly on one task until it’s complete."

"Schedule your highest priority work during your peak energy periods, and save routine tasks for when your energy is lower."

Episode references:

Getting Things Done: https://gettingthingsdone.com/

The 80/20 Principle: https://www.amazon.com/80-20-Principle-Secret-Achieving/dp/0385491743

Eat That Frog!: https://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/1576754227

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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 1766:

Christopher Wallace explores how challenging colleagues can serve as unexpected mirrors for our own growth, encouraging us to approach irritation with curiosity instead of judgment. By tuning into our emotional triggers and reconnecting with our values, we can turn everyday frustrations into moments of self-mastery.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://digtofly.com/the-zen-of-working-with-annoying-people/

Quotes to ponder:

"Every annoying person we encounter is actually a gift, a reflection of something inside of us that needs attention."

"When we understand our values, we start to understand why certain people annoy us."

"It’s not about changing the other person; it’s about changing how we respond."

Episode references:

The Work by Byron Katie: https://thework.com

Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg: https://www.nonviolentcommunication.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 1765:

Benjamin Hardy reveals the hidden culprit sabotaging most people's success: a lack of clear and emotionally compelling goals. By exploring how identity, motivation, and decision-making are deeply shaped by the future you envision, he lays out a powerful argument for living with intentionality rather than defaulting to your current circumstances.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/thrive-global/the-single-most-common-reason-people-dont-succeed-e4c55bf98d95

Quotes to ponder:

"The reason most people don’t succeed is because they are more committed to their current identity than to a desired future identity."

"Your behavior is not based on the present, but on the future you are most committed to."

"Most people are being driven by the past and by the current environment they are in, rather than by a clear and chosen future."

Episode references:

Personality Isn't Permanent: https://www.amazon.com/Personality-Isnt-Permanent-Self-Limiting-Beliefs/dp/0593083318

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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 1764:

Sarah Peterson reveals how she transformed her side hustle into a full-time business, allowing her to escape the 9-to-5 grind and travel the world on her terms. Her story highlights practical steps, like debt elimination, income diversification, and mindset shifts, that empower others to take control of their careers and live with purpose.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2015/05/how-i-prepared-to-quit-my-9-5-to-do-what-i-love-and-travel-the-world-whenever-i-want.html

Quotes to ponder:

"I didn’t want to wake up in 40 years and regret not doing what I love."

"I made the decision that I wasn’t going to work at a job I hated anymore."

"I paid off my student loans in just 7 months."

Episode references:

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

The Power of Habit: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X

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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 1763:

Michael Mehlberg reveals how redefining productivity and fostering autonomy can help the vast majority of employees feel more accomplished at work. By aligning team goals with individual motivation and eliminating outdated productivity myths, leaders can unlock more engagement and fulfillment across their teams.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://michaelmehlberg.com/blog/2017/9/12/how-to-help-93-of-your-employees-feel-more-productive

Quotes to ponder:

"Productivity isn’t about getting more things done - it’s about getting the right things done."

"When people know what’s expected of them and have the autonomy to meet those expectations, they thrive."

"The best way to help employees feel productive is to stop focusing on productivity."

References:

First, Break All the Rules: https://www.amazon.com/First-Break-All-Rules-Differently/dp/1595621113

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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 1762:

Luke Smith highlights how tailored online training programs can significantly boost business productivity by enabling employees to learn flexibly, sharpen job-specific skills, and minimize costly errors. When aligned with company goals, these programs not only improve individual performance but also strengthen overall team efficiency and morale.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.carlpullein.com/blog/improving-business-productivity-with-online-training-programmes-for-employees/10/3/2021

Quotes to ponder:

"Online training allows employees to learn at their own pace and at a time that suits them best."

"Training gives employees the skills and knowledge to be better at their jobs and helps eliminate time-consuming mistakes."

"If your training is not aligned with your business’s goals and objectives, you’re unlikely to see a return on your investment."

Episode references:

LinkedIn Learning: https://www.linkedin.com/learning

Coursera for Business: https://www.coursera.org/business

Skillshare Teams: https://www.skillshare.com/teams

Udemy Business: https://business.udemy.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 1761:

James Altucher challenges the hidden assumptions that sabotage business decisions and creativity, illustrating how questioning conventional wisdom can open up new pathways to success. By sharing personal stories and insights from successful entrepreneurs, he offers a powerful reminder to constantly reassess what we think we know.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jamesaltucher.com/blog/biggest-assumptions-business/

Quotes to ponder:

"Most businesses fail because they make assumptions that simply aren’t true."

"Assumptions kill opportunity. They kill freedom."

"The people who win are the ones who question the most assumptions."

Episode references:

Quora: https://www.quora.com

Warren Buffett’s investment principles: https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/letters/letters.html

Choose Yourself: https://www.amazon.com/Choose-Yourself-James-Altucher/dp/1490313370

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