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 1663:

Derek Sivers reveals how desperation can be a powerful motivator when used intentionally, allowing us to bypass fear and unlock action. He contrasts this with the idea of gradual progress, emphasizing how clarity, simplicity, and aligned action, without rushing, can lead to sustainable growth and mastery.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/desperate  AND  https://sive.rs/prog

Quotes to ponder:

"Desperation is surprisingly useful. It makes you do whatever it takes."

"Progress means you’re working in a direction you want to go, not towards something you feel forced into."

"You can make amazing progress without desperation."

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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 1662:

Michelle Schroeder-Gardner outlines the most common pitfalls that self-employed individuals face, from inconsistent income planning to neglecting retirement savings. Her insights help solopreneurs build smarter, more sustainable financial habits and avoid costly missteps in their business journey.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2014/08/4-common-mistakes-made-by-the-self-employed.html

Quotes to ponder:

"One of the top financial mistakes I see among the self-employed is not having a plan for their irregular income."

"When you're self-employed, it's all up to you to save for retirement. You don't have an employer to help you."

"If you're self-employed and not separating your personal and business finances, it can become a huge mess quickly."

Episode references:

Mint: https://mint.intuit.com

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

IRS Self-Employed Tax Center: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employed-individuals-tax-center

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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 1661:

Michael Levitt outlines actionable strategies to accelerate business growth and elevate client relationships. Learn how to build trust with B2B clients and leverage consistency, creativity, and customer-centric thinking to scale your business effectively and sustainably.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/4-strategies-to-implement-in-your-business-growth-strategy & https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/2021/8/16/5-ways-to-impress-your-b2b-clients

Quotes to ponder:

"Business growth is not an accident. It is something that is carefully planned and executed with precision."

"Consistency builds trust. Clients want to know what to expect when they do business with you."

"The more you focus on solving your client’s problems and helping them succeed, the stronger your relationship will be."

Episode references:

Start with Why: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447

The Challenger Sale: https://www.amazon.com/Challenger-Sale-Control-Customer-Conversation/dp/1591844355

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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 1660:

Philip Taylor unpacks the strategy behind successful Kickstarter campaigns by spotlighting how preparation, community engagement, and a compelling story are key to getting funded. Learn the essential moves, from pre-launch buzz to reward structuring, that help creators stand out and secure backers.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ptmoney.com/the-secret-to-running-a-successful-kickstarter-campaign/

Quotes to ponder:

"Kickstarter success isn’t an accident. Most creators spend months building an audience and preparing their campaign."

"You have to get people talking about your project before you even launch."

"Your campaign page should tell a story, why you're doing this and what makes your project special."

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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 1659:

Steve Chou explores a simple yet powerful strategy for attracting customers to your online store: building trust through consistent, high-value content. By focusing on education and relationship-building rather than direct selling, entrepreneurs can turn casual browsers into loyal buyers.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://mywifequitherjob.com/the-best-way-to-attract-customers-to-your-online-business-or-ecommerce-store/

Quotes to ponder:

"Instead of trying to sell your products right away, focus on providing value first."

"When you educate your audience, you establish yourself as a trustworthy expert."

"Customers don’t buy from companies, they buy from people they trust."

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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 1658:

Leo Babauta presents a minimalist three-step system for staying focused and productive without the clutter of complex planning tools. By honing in on daily intentions, key tasks, and a single next action, he shows how simplicity can dramatically improve clarity and output.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/ultra-simple-3-step-productivity-system-for-gettin/

Quotes to ponder:

"Just pick one thing you’re going to focus on each day."

"You only need to take the next step - that’s it."

"This system works because it’s ultra-simple, and it keeps you focused."

Episode references:

Getting Things Done by David Allen: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0142000280

The ONE Thing by Gary Keller: https://www.amazon.com/ONE-Thing-Surprisingly-Extraordinary-Results/dp/1885167776

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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 1657:

Karl Staib challenges the conventional metrics of workplace success by spotlighting why happiness is often overlooked by American leaders. He reveals how shifting focus from pure productivity to employee fulfillment not only boosts performance but also transforms company culture from the inside out.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://digtofly.com/why-american-leaders-dont-care-about-happiness-at-work/

Quotes to ponder:

"Happiness at work isn't a perk - it’s a strategy for growth."

"American leaders often don’t prioritize happiness because it’s hard to measure and doesn’t have a clear ROI."

"When employees feel good, they do good work. It’s that simple."

Episode references:

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

Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh: https://www.amazon.com/Delivering-Happiness-Profits-Passion-Purpose/dp/0446576220

The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor: https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Advantage-Principles-Psychology-Performance/dp/0307591549

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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 1656:

Cal Newport explores a counterintuitive approach to career fulfillment, showing how mastery and dedication in your current job, even one that may not seem like a perfect fit, can lead to surprising satisfaction. Through the story of an investment banker turned Zen monk, Newport makes a compelling case for focusing on how you work, not just where you work.

Read along with the original article(s) here: http://calnewport.com/blog/2011/02/14/zen-and-the-art-of-investment-banking-when-working-right-is-more-important-than-finding-the-right-work/

Quotes to ponder:

"Working right trumps finding the right work."

"Her transformation wasn’t sparked by a new job; it was sparked by a new way of doing her old job."

"Career satisfaction doesn’t come from matching your work to a pre-existing passion, but instead from working right, crafting your work into something that resonates."

Episode references:

Zen Habits: https://zenhabits.net

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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 1655:

Cal Newport explores a powerful mindset shift through the story of a disillusioned investment banker who finds meaning not by switching careers, but by mastering his craft with intention and clarity. His insight challenges the obsession with "finding the right work" and instead champions working right as a path to fulfillment, regardless of the field.

Read along with the original article(s) here: http://calnewport.com/blog/2011/02/14/zen-and-the-art-of-investment-banking-when-working-right-is-more-important-than-finding-the-right-work/

Quotes to ponder:

"Passion is rare; passion is hard to discover and hard to sustain."

"The craftsman mindset focuses on what you can offer the world; the passion mindset focuses instead on what the world can offer you."

"When you focus on what’s rare and valuable, and you develop the skills to offer it, good things happen."

Episode references:

So Good They Can’t Ignore You: https://www.amazon.com/Good-They-Cant-Ignore-You/dp/1455509124

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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 1654:

Carl Pullein breaks down how to turn your calendar into a tool for achieving your biggest goals, not just managing daily tasks. By focusing on time-blocking for meaningful work and aligning your schedule with long-term objectives, he reveals a system that promotes intentional action over reactive busyness.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.carlpullein.com/blog/how-to-use-your-calendar-to-achieve-the-big-things/6/12/2017

Quotes to ponder:

"Your calendar tells you where you are supposed to be at any given time of the day."

"If you want to accomplish anything of significance, then you need to make time for it."

"Time blocking works because it forces you to focus on one thing at a time."

Episode references:

Getting Things Done by David Allen: https://gettingthingsdone.com/

Deep Work by Cal Newport: https://www.calnewport.com/books/deep-work/

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