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 1819:

Mike Smerklo explores the constant challenge leaders face in deciding where their time is best spent, especially when everything feels urgent and important. He shares practical strategies for clarifying priorities, balancing vision with execution, and ensuring time aligns with the highest-value activities that drive long-term success.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.mikesmerklo.com/i-am-the-ceo-so-why-am-i-confused-about-how-i-should-spend-my-time/

Quotes to ponder:

"Being the CEO of a growing company is both the best and worst job in the world."

"It is easy to feel like you are constantly reacting to the loudest voice or latest crisis, versus proactively focusing on what really matters."

"Your time is your most valuable resource, spend it wisely."

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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 1818:

Laura Stack explores the hidden danger of pursuing nonstop efficiency, how an obsession with continuous improvement can actually choke innovation and creativity. She shows why true progress requires balancing process optimization with flexibility and fresh thinking.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://theproductivitypro.com/blog/2014/01/overdoing-it-when-continuous-improvement-stifles-innovation/

Quotes to ponder:

"Too much emphasis on efficiency can cause you to miss opportunities for real growth."

"If you spend all your time refining, you may end up polishing the wrong thing."

"Sometimes innovation requires stepping away from established processes to take risks."

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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 1817:

James Altucher reveals the subtle mistakes that can sabotage even the most promising negotiation, from letting emotions take over to failing to walk away when necessary. His insights show how small shifts in mindset and preparation can turn potential losses into opportunities for stronger deals and healthier relationships.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jamesaltucher.com/blog/the-ten-worst-things-you-can-do-in-a-negotiation/

Quotes to ponder:

"Never negotiate when you are desperate."

"If you don’t listen, you have no idea what the other person actually wants."

"Always be willing to walk away. This is your biggest power in any negotiation."

Episode references:

Getting to Yes: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Yes-Negotiating-Agreement-Without/dp/0143118757

Never Split the Difference: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805

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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 1816:

James Altucher highlights common negotiation mistakes that can sabotage even the best opportunities, from overtalking and showing desperation to failing to walk away when needed. His insights reveal how self-awareness and restraint can turn difficult conversations into powerful outcomes.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jamesaltucher.com/blog/the-ten-worst-things-you-can-do-in-a-negotiation/

Quotes to ponder:

"Silence is the strongest weapon in a negotiation."

"If you need the deal, you will lose."

"Always be ready to walk away."

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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 1815:

Ryan H. Law explores the science-backed benefits of two simple lifestyle shifts - taking short naps and working at a standing desk. He highlights how these habits can boost energy, sharpen focus, and support long-term health while offering practical advice for making them part of a daily routine.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ryanhlaw.com/naps/ AND https://ryanhlaw.com/standing-desk/

Quotes to ponder:

"Even a short nap of 10 to 20 minutes can give you a burst of alertness and improved performance."

"A standing desk can help reduce back pain, improve mood and energy, and may even help you live longer."

"Start by standing for 30 minutes at a time, a few times a day, and gradually increase as your body adjusts."

Episode references:

Deskbound: Standing Up to a Sitting World: https://www.amazon.com/Deskbound-Standing-Up-Sitting-World/dp/1628600586

Why We Sleep: https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Sleep-Unlocking-Dreams/dp/1501144316

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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 1814:

Brandt Smith highlights how cultivating authentic professional relationships can safeguard your career against uncertainty. By emphasizing generosity and trust over self-promotion, he shows how strong connections create both opportunity and long-term job security.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/network-your-way-to-job-security/

Quotes to ponder:

"Networking is about being generous, about helping other people make connections and solve problems."

"The more people you know, and the more people who know you, the more secure you’ll be in your career."

"Good networking is about relationships, not transactions."

Episode references:

The Start-Up of You: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Up-You-Transform-Your-Future/dp/0307888908

Never Eat Alone: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Eat-Alone-Expanded-Updated/dp/0385346654

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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 1813:

Margo Aaron examines how the stories we tell about ourselves can trap us in limiting identities. She reveals how reframing your personal narrative opens the door to growth, connection, and the freedom to choose a new path forward.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thatseemsimportant.com/entrepreneurship/tell-your-story/

Quotes to ponder:

"Stories are how we make sense of our lives. They’re how we connect with other people, how we decide what to do next."

"The story you tell about yourself is not who you are. It’s just a story."

"You get to decide what story you tell. And you can change 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 1812:

Glen Allsopp lays out a simple yet powerful method for generating meaningful insights by deliberately creating space to think, capturing thoughts in writing, and revisiting them with intent. His approach is a refreshing reminder that the best ideas often come not from more input, but from disciplined reflection and personal clarity.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.marcandangel.com/2009/05/10/generating-new-ideas-and-insights/

Quotes to ponder:

"Creativity and insight almost always come from persisting through the boredom of pondering the same idea for hours and hours."

"The mind is for having ideas, not holding them."

"Sometimes all it takes to generate a good idea is a quiet space and a blank sheet of paper."

Episode references:

Getting Things Done: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0143126563

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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 1811:

Jeff Cornwall highlights how effective communication in business is becoming a lost art, urging leaders to return to clarity, transparency, and trust-building dialogue. He also explores how expanding your dashboard beyond financial metrics to include people, culture, and customer impact can create a more balanced and sustainable view of business success. Together, these insights encourage leaders to strengthen relationships and decision-making by valuing both communication and holistic measurement.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drjeffcornwall.com/2022/02/16/the-lost-art-of-business-communication/ AND https://drjeffcornwall.com/2022/02/22/expand-your-dashboard/

Quotes to ponder:

“Without effective communication, trust cannot be built.”

“Over time, leaders have expanded the concept of the dashboard to include other non-financial measures that drive long-term value creation.”

“The dashboard has become an essential tool to help entrepreneurs manage the uncertainty of their business environment.”

Episode references:

The Balanced Scorecard: https://www.amazon.com/Balanced-Scorecard-Translating-Strategy-Action/dp/0875846513

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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 1810:

Nir Eyal explains why focusing on a single "hacker metric" can dramatically improve performance and motivation. By measuring what truly matters and avoiding vanity metrics, we gain clarity, maintain momentum, and channel our energy into meaningful progress.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/never-take-your-eyes-off-this-hacker-metric/

Quotes to ponder:

"Knowing what to measure is the key to knowing what to do."

"Too many metrics are as bad as none at all."

"Focusing on the one number that matters most keeps us from getting lost in a sea of data."

Episode references:

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

Lean Analytics: https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Analytics-Better-Startup-Faster/dp/1449335675

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