What's on Your Bookshelf?

Is happiness a puzzle you've been trying to solve? Let's unravel the mystery together. On today's episode of What's On Your Bookshelf, Denise and Sam dive headfirst into the science of happiness, dissecting the fascinating research that goes beyond the surface of joy and positivity. Uncover the secrets of the art of well-being and see how understanding this can lead us to evolve into the best version of ourselves.

Ever wondered if you could architect your own state of happiness? Our conversation today takes a turn as we question the possibility of constructing and maintaining happiness in our lives. We'll explore how traditional psychology attempts to root out problems by delving into the past and compare that with the forward-looking approach of positive psychology. You'll discover how fostering ease, positivity, and order can help shape a happier life. And as we navigate the complex balance of happiness and suffering, you'll see how both contribute significantly to our overall well-being.

Happiness is not a one-size-fits-all formula; it is influenced by a multitude of factors. Join us as we delve into the pie chart theory of happiness, which suggests that our happiness is a blend of genetics, current circumstances, and most importantly, our intentional activities. We'll share the seven habits that naturally happy people practice, including the power of nurturing relationships, expressing gratitude, and incorporating physical exercise into daily routines. It's time to take control and unlock your potential for happiness! Tune in for an enlightening journey towards a joyful life.

Additional Resources:

The How of Happiness

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podcast Index
Podcast Addict

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com

In this episode, Denise and Sam wrap up the final chapters of Atomic Habits by james Clear.

To increase your chances of success, it's crucial to choose the right field of competition. Your genes cannot be easily altered, which means they can give you a significant advantage in favorable circumstances and a severe disadvantage in unfavorable ones. Your habits are easier to develop when they align with your natural abilities. So, instead of following the crowd, select the habits that suit you the best and find the version that satisfies you the most.

Selecting the right habit can make progress easy while choosing the wrong one can make life a struggle. At the beginning of any new activity, it's essential to explore different possibilities, research various ideas, and cast a wide net. This can be compared to dating in relationships. After exploring, focus on the best solution you've found, but keep experimenting occasionally. The balance between exploration and exploitation depends on whether you win or lose.

If you're currently winning, exploit your strengths as much as possible. If you're currently losing, continue to explore new possibilities. In the long run, work on a strategy that delivers the best results 80 to 90% of the time and continue exploring the other 10 to 20% (per the 80/20 rule). To identify habits and areas that will be most satisfying to you, ask yourself questions such as:

- What feels like fun to me but work to others?
- Where do I get greater returns than the average person?
- What comes naturally to me?

Once you have identified your strengths, try to play a game that favors them. And if you can't find a game that suits you, create one. Sometimes, you need to rewrite the rules when you can't win by being better; win by being different. A good player works hard to win the game everyone else is playing. A great player creates a new game that favors their strengths and avoids weaknesses.

Remember that genes do not eliminate the need for hard work; they provide clarity. Once you know your strengths, you can spend your time and energy where it matters the most.

Additional Resources

All Roads Lead To Something: Tips For Effective Decision-Making by Denise Russo

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com

In this episode, Denise and Sam discuss Chapter 17: How an Accountability Partner Can Change Everything from the book, Atomic Habits by James Clear.

Avoidance of certain behaviors can occur if the experience of those behaviors is unpleasant or unsatisfying. Pain is an effective teacher, and the more immediate the pain is, the less likely the behavior will continue. To prevent bad habits and eliminate unhealthy behaviors, it is essential to add an instant cost to the action to reduce their odds. The consequences of an action must be immediate, and there can be no gap between the action and the consequences. By adding an instant consequence to any action, behavior can begin to change.

A habit contract is a verbal or written agreement that outlines your commitment to a specific habit and the punishment if you fail to follow through. It is recommended to find accountability partners who can sign the contract with you. An accountability partner can create an immediate cost to inaction, and suddenly, you will need to uphold your promises to yourself and to others.

A habit contract can add a social cost to any behavior. It makes the costs of violating your promises public and painful, and knowing that someone else is watching you can be a powerful motivator.

Additional Resources

All Roads Lead To Something: Tips For Effective Decision-Making by Denise Russo

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podcast Index
Podcast Addict

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com

This week Denise and Sam discuss Chapter 16: How to Stick with Good Habits Every Day from the book, Atomic Habits by James Clear.

Tracking progress is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. One easy way to achieve this is by using a habit tracker, which could be as simple as marking an X on a calendar. By doing so, you can keep track of your habits and avoid breaking the chain.
Visual forms of measurement, such as habit trackers, can make the process of building habits more satisfying by providing clear evidence of your progress. It is recommended to automate measurement whenever possible and reserve manual tracking only for your most important habits. Also, it's important to record each measurement immediately after the habit occurs.

The formula for habit stacking and habit tracking is: "After I complete [CURRENT HABIT], I will [TRACK MY HABIT]." For instance: After completing each set at the gym, I will record it in my workout journal. After placing my plate in the dishwasher, I will write down what I ate.  Make sure to maintain your habit streak.

Life may interrupt you at some point, but remind yourself of a simple rule: always check twice. If you miss a day, try to get back on track as soon as possible. Show up even on the busiest or most challenging days. Failed days harm you more than successful days help you, so doing something, even ten squats or one push-up, is significant. Don't put up a zero, and don't let losses erode your compounding. Measurement is only useful when it guides and provides context to a bigger picture, not when it consumes you. Each number is simply one piece of input in the overall system. Just because you can measure something doesn't mean it's the most important thing.

Additional Resources

All Roads Lead To Something: Tips For Effective Decision-Making by Denise Russo

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podcast Index
Podcast Addict

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com

What if you could unravel the secrets of leadership from the movie Braveheart, or learn profound life lessons from King Solomon’s wisdom? Join Denise Russo and Scott Miller  as we cap off our 12 Days series. We journey through cherished narratives, revealing the transformative power of music via the Pied Piper, and decode the allegoric final verse of "The Twelve Days of Christmas". 

If you've ever questioned the importance of investing in yourself and your dreams, this episode is certainly for you. As we traverse through the teachings of King Solomon, we find ourselves contemplating the transient nature of life, the quintessence of relationships with God, and the pursuit of joy, purpose, and meaning. We also discuss the impact profoundly inspirational voices can have, such as Steve Jobs' insightful wisdom shared on his deathbed.

We've got a surprise for you! As we wind down, let us guide you through the interesting interpretation of 11 Pipers Piping and 12 Drummers Drumming, the sounds that should fill your home this holiday season, and the riveting role of the street busker. Did you ever wonder about the purpose of drums beyond their musical contribution, or the complexity behind creating a crescendo in a song? We've got you covered! We also share our favorite looping artists for your auditory pleasure. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary series, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who accompanied us on this journey. Here's wishing you a Merry Christmas and an exceptionally prosperous New Year!

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com

Behavior is repeated when the experience is satisfying. For habits to stick, you need to feel immediately successful – even if it’s in a small way.

Habits produce outcomes across time that often need to be more aligned. The costs of your good habits are in the present. The costs of your bad habits are in the future.

The Cardinal Rule of Behavior Change: “What is immediately rewarded is repeated. What is immediately punished is avoided.”

Add a little bit of immediate pleasure to the habits that pay off in the long run and immediate pain to ones that don’t.

In the beginning, make the ending of your habit satisfying so you stay on track. Use reinforcement with an immediate reward to increase the rate of the behavior.

Select short-term rewards that reinforce your identity rather than ones that conflict with it.

For example, rewarding exercise with ice cream is conflicting. Reward yourself with a massage, a luxury, and a vote toward taking care of your body.

You can also make avoidance visible. Open a savings account for something you want – like a “Leather Jacket.” The immediate reward of seeing yourself save money toward the jacket feels better than being deprived. You are making it satisfying to do nothing.

Eventually, intrinsic rewards (better mood, more energy, etc.) kick in, and you’ll be less concerned with chasing the secondary reward. You do it because it’s who you are. Identity sustains a habit.

Additional Resources

All Roads Lead To Something: Tips For Effective Decision-Making by Denise Russo

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podcast Index
Podcast Addict

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com

In this episode of What's on Your Bookshelf, Denise and Scott talk about Chapters 9 and 10, Nine Ladies Dancing and Ten Lords a-Leaping.

If you would like to download the 12 Days playlist from Spotify, the link is available here.

If you would like to purchase your copy of 12 Days, use this link to order for your Kindle, soft cover, or hard cover. 

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com

On this episode of What's on Your Bookshelf, Denise and Sam discuss Chapter 14: How to Make Good Habits Inevitable and Bad Habits Impossible from James Clear's book, Atomic Habits.

Success can depend on more than just making good habits easy. It can also rely on making bad habits harder to maintain. Commitment Devices are choices made in the present that ensure better behavior in the future. For instance, if you tend to overeat, purchasing food in individual packages instead of bulk size can be a helpful device. Likewise, if you want to get in shape, scheduling a yoga session and paying ahead of time can help.

Commitment devices are beneficial because they help you take advantage of your good intentions before you can fall victim to temptation. By making bad habits difficult in the present, they increase the likelihood that you will do the right thing in the future.

The best way to break a bad habit is to make it impractical. The most effective way to lock in future behavior is to automate your future habits. Making one-time choices - like buying a better mattress or enrolling in an automatic savings plan - can increase returns over time. By using technology to automate your habits, you can guarantee the right behavior in the most reliable and effective way.

Additional Resources

All Roads Lead To Something: Tips For Effective Decision-Making by Denise Russo

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podcast Index
Podcast Addict

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com

In this episode of What's on Your Bookshelf, Denise and Scott talk about Chapters 7 and 8, Seven Swans a-Swimming and Eight Maids a-Milking.

If you would like to download the 12 Days playlist from Spotify, the link is available here.

If you would like to purchase your copy of 12 Days, use this link to order for your Kindle, soft cover, or hard cover. 

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com