Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

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 1334:

Discover how Scott Young and Cal Newport refined their approach to career skill development in "A Subtle Mistake About How to Acquire Useful Career Skills." They initially overlooked the power of benchmark projects, which integrate real-world achievements into skill acquisition, leading to more tangible career advancements. This exploration of effective skill-building offers vital insights for anyone aiming to elevate their career.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2019/11/15/a-subtle-mistake-about-how-to-acquire-useful-career-skills/

Quotes to ponder:

"A big part of our course is executing a skill-building project. The goal is to cultivate rare and valuable skills which form the foundation for a successful career."

"The problem is that a lot of these projects didn’t generate spectacular results. Sure, the person might have felt good about deepening a skill, but these were rarely the projects that resulted in promotions, raises or transformations of a person’s work."

"Good benchmark projects are often scarier than drill-down projects. 'Getting better at research' is a lot more comfortable a goal to set than, 'Get my work published in a Top-5 journal.'"

Episode references:

Deep Work: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/1455586692

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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 1333:

Dive into the transformative journey of Julia Child as April Dykman of Get Rich Slowly.org distills ten invaluable career lessons from Child's time in France. This narrative is not just about cooking but an inspiring tale of self-investment, passion, and the power of persistence. Discover how Child's culinary path, characterized by dedication and innovative thinking, mirrors profound career growth strategies.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/10-career-lessons-from-julia-child/

Quotes to ponder:

"My inability to communicate was hugely frustrating."

"No dish, not even the humble scrambled egg, was too much trouble for him. I was delighted by Bugnard’s enthusiasm and thoughtfulness."

"I had never taken anything so seriously in my life - husband and cat excepted - and I could hardly bear to be away from the kitchen."

Episode references:

My Life In France: https://www.amazon.com/My-Life-France-Julia-Child/dp/0307277690

Mastering the Art of French Cooking: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Art-French-Cooking-Vol/dp/0375413405

The French Chef (TV Show): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0163936/

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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 1332:

Stephen Warley's article, "Feeling Stuck? Stop Saying This," dives into the common yet restrictive phrase "supposed to." Warley argues that this phrase often stems from external pressures and expectations, limiting personal freedom and self-expression. He suggests embracing internal motivations to redefine personal and professional life, encouraging readers to choose paths aligned with their true desires rather than societal norms.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.lifeskillsthatmatter.com/blog/feeling-stuck-stop-this

Quotes to ponder:

"Even if they have the best of intentions, my wall immediately goes up. I’m deaf to whatever is said next."

"When 'suppose to' is used in this context it is an implied obligation. It’s duty-bound. It’s a command. It’s an expectation. It eliminates choice. It’s a dead end."

"Lifestyle design is all about aligning your purpose with your internal motivation."

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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 1331:

Leo Babauta's article, "An Intentional System for Working With Goals," invites us to rethink our relationship with goals, advocating for a more intentional and flexible approach. By treating goals not as fixed targets but as guides for the present moment, Babauta helps us navigate life with less pressure and more presence, making each step a conscious act of alignment with our deeper purpose.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/intentionality/

Quotes to ponder:

"Goals, like any tool, can be used to bludgeon ourselves over the head with shame and guilt, or can be used with intention, as a way to consciously deepen our practice in life."

"Imagine that you wanted to sail to a certain port - there are two ways that could go, depending on how you work with that goal."

"When you do notice yourself attached to the fantasy of your goal, you practice loosening your grip on it, and focus instead on the present moment."

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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 1330:

Jillian Johnsrud inspires with her own tale of turning unexpected job loss into a cherished mini-retirement adventure in "Prepare for the Unexpected Mini-Retirement." Her journey from financial diligence to seizing life's fleeting moments demonstrates how strategic financial and emotional preparation can transform periods of uncertainty into enriching life experiences.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jillianjohnsrud.com/mini-retirement-go-bag/

Quotes to ponder:

"Gaps in employment are a perfect opportunity for an impromptu mini-retirement if you can find the right headspace."

"Life can be unpredictably fragile and short. You just never know."

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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 1329:

James Altucher shares his tumultuous journey of attempting to quit his unfulfilling job amidst personal and professional turmoil. From unsuccessful novel writing to ignored proposals by major companies, and an enlightening interview at HBO, Altucher's story culminates in a transformative opportunity rooted in a serendipitous chess game that finally lets him say, "I quit."

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jamesaltucher.com/blog/how-to-quit-your-job/

Quotes to ponder:

"I wanted to quit my job. I hated my boss. He always yelled at me. I hated my co-workers. They always yelled at me."

"Finally one thing worked. One thing got me lucky. I bonded on some random thing with a decision maker. But in chess there is a saying, 'only the good players get lucky.'"

Episode references:

HBO: https://www.hbo.com/

Lycos: https://www.lycos.com/

Bryant Park Chess: https://bryantpark.org/activities/chess

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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 1328:

AJ Walton, in partnership with Tiny Buddha, explores the tumultuous yet enriching journey of pursuing one’s passion through personal anecdotes from his life in jazz music. Walton candidly shares how embracing challenges and staying committed to one's passion not only forges a path of professional growth but also personal insight and fulfillment.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/7-tips-pursuing-passion-even-if-you-feel-behind/

Quotes to ponder:

"Don’t worry about what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

"Only you can decide whether you’re 'good enough' to do something. Everyone was a beginner once, and it’s better to start late than never."

"When you’re at your lowest moment, you’re near a huge breakthrough - even if it’s not the one you expected."

Episode references:

Tiny Buddha's Inner Strength Journal: Creative Prompts and Challenges to Help You Get Through Anything: https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Buddhas-Inner-Strength-Journal/dp/0806542233

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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 1327:

Mike Smerklo offers a contrarian viewpoint on entrepreneurship, cautioning against the allure of being your own boss without acknowledging the reality of the challenges involved. Through his venture capitalist lens, Smerklo highlights the mental, emotional, and logistical trials entrepreneurs face, arguing that not everyone should pursue this path without serious consideration.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.mikesmerklo.com/just-dont-do-it-five-reasons-not-to-become-an-entrepreneur/

Quotes to ponder:

"Entrepreneurship is really, really hard and the ups and downs are almost impossible to quantify."

"Nothing inspires me more and goodness knows we need it more than ever. However, I am exhausted with 'hacks', 'four-hour work weeks' or other content that glorify entrepreneurship as fun and easy."

Episode references:

Forbes article on entrepreneurial success and age: https://www.forbes.com/sites/georgedeeb/2015/04/16/does-age-matter-for-entrepreneurial-success/?sh=b0908d30f1c4

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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 1327:

Mike Smerklo offers a contrarian viewpoint on entrepreneurship, cautioning against the allure of being your own boss without acknowledging the reality of the challenges involved. Through his venture capitalist lens, Smerklo highlights the mental, emotional, and logistical trials entrepreneurs face, arguing that not everyone should pursue this path without serious consideration.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.mikesmerklo.com/just-dont-do-it-five-reasons-not-to-become-an-entrepreneur/

Quotes to ponder:

"Entrepreneurship is really, really hard and the ups and downs are almost impossible to quantify."

"Nothing inspires me more and goodness knows we need it more than ever. However, I am exhausted with 'hacks', 'four-hour work weeks' or other content that glorify entrepreneurship as fun and easy."

Episode references:

Forbes article on entrepreneurial success and age: https://www.forbes.com/sites/georgedeeb/2015/04/16/does-age-matter-for-entrepreneurial-success/?sh=b0908d30f1c4

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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 1326:

Discover how Shawn Achor and Michelle Gielan propose transforming your home into a sanctuary from work stress by adopting corporate positive culture tactics. Their insights, drawn from extensive happiness research and experience with Fortune 100 companies, offer practical strategies for nurturing a supportive and rejuvenating family environment.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://livehappy.com/work/4-ways-to-stop-work-stress-from-following-you-home/

Quotes to ponder:

"Positive cultures are based on often unspoken rules that encourage habits that support high levels of well-being and success."

"Social connection is one of the greatest predictors of long-term happiness, but we can’t create that with phones in our faces."

"Research shows we make more positive memories if we get more sleep."

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