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 1801:

Karl Staib emphasizes the value of an annual career check-in as a way to step back, reflect, and realign your professional path with your personal values and long-term goals. By asking intentional questions about what’s working, what needs improvement, and what brings fulfillment, you gain clarity to make better career decisions and reduce unnecessary stress.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://digtofly.com/annual-career-counseling/

Quotes to ponder:

"An annual career check-in helps you take a step back and look at your career with fresh eyes."

"You deserve a career that energizes you instead of drains you."

"When you take time to reflect, you create clarity and direction for your next step."

Episode references:

What Color Is Your Parachute?: https://www.amazon.com/What-Color-Your-Parachute-2022/dp/198485786X

Design Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Design-Your-Life-Build-Well-Lived/dp/1101875321

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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 1800:

Laura Stack examines how open office layouts, while designed to boost collaboration, often lead to constant interruptions that drain focus and productivity. She highlights the hidden costs of distractions, offering strategies to manage interruptions, protect deep work, and create a balance between teamwork and individual concentration.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://theproductivitypro.com/blog/2015/02/distractions-and-the-open-office-environment/

Quotes to ponder:

"Studies show that it takes an average of 25 minutes to return to the original task after an interruption."

"Open environments are notorious for their noise and lack of privacy, which can derail even the most focused worker."

"You must set boundaries and use strategies to protect your concentration, or your productivity will suffer."

Episode references:

Peopleware: Productive Projects and Teams: https://www.amazon.com/Peopleware-Productive-Projects-Teams-3rd/dp/0321934113

The Myth of Multitasking: How "Doing It All" Gets Nothing Done: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Multitasking-Doing-Gets-Nothing/dp/0470372257

The Cost of Interrupted Work: More Speed and Stress: https://www.ics.uci.edu/~gmark/chi08-mark.pdf

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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 1799:

Cal Newport explores how our sense of productivity isn’t tied to the sheer number of hours we work, but to how effectively we align effort with meaningful progress. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on metrics that truly matter rather than vanity measures, offering a framework for achieving a deeper, more satisfying sense of accomplishment.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2008/08/21/how-many-hours-do-you-have-to-work-to-feel-productive/ & https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2015/06/16/pursue-metrics-that-matter/

Quotes to ponder:

"Feeling productive is not about how many hours you work but about whether those hours create results you value."

"Metrics that matter are those that align with the core of what you’re trying to achieve."

"When you measure the wrong things, you risk dedicating your energy to efforts that look impressive but accomplish little."

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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 1798:

Ryan H. Law explains why financial decisions are often driven more by emotions than by numbers, showing how feelings like fear, excitement, and guilt shape money habits. By recognizing these emotional triggers, we can make wiser financial choices and align money with our true values.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ryanhlaw.com/emotions-not-numbers/

Quotes to ponder:

"Money decisions are rarely about the numbers, they are about the emotions behind the numbers."

"When we can recognize and name the emotions we are feeling, we can begin to make better money choices."

"Financial planning is less about spreadsheets and calculators and more about understanding human behavior."

Episode references:

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

The Psychology of Money: https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money-Timeless-lessons-happiness/dp/0857197681

Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ: https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Intelligence-Matter-More-Than/dp/055338371X

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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 1797:

Mike Smerklo explains how entrepreneurs can strengthen their decision-making by adopting a venture capitalist’s perspective. By focusing on risk assessment, portfolio thinking, and long-term value creation, founders can make more strategic choices that increase resilience and growth potential.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.mikesmerklo.com/how-entrepreneurs-can-think-like-venture-capitalists/

Quotes to ponder:

"VCs have to be able to assess risk and reward with incomplete information, and make bets accordingly."

"Think of your entrepreneurial career as a portfolio, some bets will pay off, others won’t."

"The key is to keep playing, keep learning, and keep making smart, calculated bets."

Episode references:

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

Zero to One: https://www.amazon.com/Zero-One-Notes-Startups-Future/dp/0804139296

Venture Deals: https://www.amazon.com/Venture-Deals-Smarter-Lawyer-Capitalist/dp/1119594820

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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 1796:

Sandra Kenrick explains how freelancers can confidently set their hourly rate by aligning their income goals with real expenses and market demand. Her practical approach helps eliminate the guesswork, ensuring you charge what you’re truly worth while building a sustainable business.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/freelance-hourly-rate/

Quotes to ponder:

"Most people pick their freelance hourly rate by pulling a number out of thin air or copying what someone else charges."

"When you know your numbers, you’ll never have to feel guilty or unsure about your rates again."

"Your rate should reflect your value, not just the hours you work."

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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 1795:

Sandra Kenrick reveals why charging by the hour keeps freelancers underpaid and undervalued, and how switching to value-based pricing transforms both income and client respect. She outlines a practical way to align pricing with the true impact of your work, helping freelancers build stronger businesses and long-term financial stability.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/freelance-hourly-rate/

Quotes to ponder:

“Charging hourly rates is the biggest mistake you can make as a freelancer.”

“Value-based pricing is when you charge based on the value your work provides to your client, not the number of hours you work.”

“When you charge based on value, you get paid more, you attract better clients, and you’re no longer stuck trading hours for dollars.”

Episode references:

The Personal MBA: https://www.amazon.com/Personal-MBA-Master-Art-Business/dp/1591845572

Alan Weiss on Value-Based Fees: https://alanweiss.com/shop/books/value-based-fees/

The Four-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 1794:

Nick Loper explores the delicate decision of whether or not to disclose your side hustle at work, weighing the risks and benefits for both your career and entrepreneurial goals. He offers practical advice on navigating company policies, protecting your reputation, and ensuring your side project doesn’t jeopardize your main source of income.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.sidehustlenation.com/should-you-tell-your-boss-about-your-side-hustle/

Quotes to ponder:

"If your side hustle is in a completely different industry and doesn’t compete with your employer, you’re probably in the clear."

"You don’t want to give your employer any reason to question your commitment to your job."

"The best thing you can do is to review your employment contract and understand what you’ve agreed to."

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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 1793:

Jeff Goins explains why building a platform is essential for anyone with a message to share, highlighting that influence and trust come before recognition and success. He shows how consistently adding value, engaging authentically, and creating meaningful connections can transform an unknown voice into one that truly resonates with others.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://goinswriter.com/build-platform/

Quotes to ponder:

"A platform isn’t about being famous; it’s about having real influence."

"You don’t need everyone to listen to you. You just need the right people to trust you."

"Stop waiting to be picked. Start building your own platform."

Episode references:

Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World: https://www.amazon.com/Platform-Get-Noticed-Noisy-World/dp/159555503X

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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 1792:

Seth Godin explores the crucial difference between direct marketing and brand marketing, emphasizing how each approach requires distinct strategies and metrics. Listeners will gain insight into why trying to blend the two often leads to failure, and how clarity in intent can dramatically improve your marketing effectiveness.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://seths.blog/2015/03/direct-marketing-and-the-other-kind-2/

Quotes to ponder:

"Direct marketing is action-oriented and measurable."

"Brand marketing, on the other hand, is culturally oriented and difficult to measure."

"The challenge comes when you try to do both at the same time, with the same ads."

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