Minimal Viable Habits: The Antidote to Perfectionism

We've all experienced those cringe-worthy moments when words escape our lips before our brain has a chance to filter them. In this lighthearted yet powerful Friday episode, Scott Smith tackles the universal challenge of "foot-in-mouth disease" with his trademark simplicity. Scott introduces a remarkably effective four-step method that can transform how you respond to triggering situations. Instead of reacting impulsively when emotions run high, this practical approach gives you the space to respond thoughtfully and intentionally. Whether it's answering the phone, firing off an email, or engaging on social media, discover how this super-simple formula can save you from countless awkward apologies and relationship repair work. As Scott reminds us, sometimes the most profound solutions are also the simplest. Featured Story: Scott humorously shares his lifelong battle with "foot-in-mouth disease" since age 16, confessing that while he now gets paid to talk (and occasionally put his foot in his mouth), it's a skill that has cost him plenty over the years. Through trial and error, he's developed a deceptively simple four-step method that can be applied in milliseconds or extended over days, depending on the situation, to prevent those regrettable impulsive reactions. Key Takeaways: Our emotional reactions often override our logical thinking, leading to regrettable words and actions The simplest solutions are often the most effective but get overlooked because they seem too basic Breaking your typical reaction pattern creates a momentary "trance" that gives your brain space to think The entire Stop-Think-Think Again-Act process can happen in milliseconds or be extended as needed Even the most accomplished, intelligent people still struggle with controlling emotional reactions Friday is the perfect day to reflect on "how do I want to feel?" to set intentions for emotional states Being aware of your desired feelings gives you power to choose your responses rather than react Social media, emails, and live conversations all present unique challenges for impulsive responses Technology features like delayed sending can provide built-in protection against emotional reactions This method works universally, regardless of the situation or trigger, from traffic to difficult conversations Memorable Quotes: "Action creates action. Activity creates activity. If you can get yourself to do something, something else is going to happen." "How do I want to feel? In that moment, you break yourself out of it, and you get the choice." "I'm very good at taking very complex topics and getting them down to simplicity so they work for people. People think, 'Scott, it's too simple.' It doesn't work. If you do this, it'll work." Scott's Three-Step Approach: Stop Everything - The moment you feel triggered to react, immediately stop all movement, speaking, and even thinking. This pattern interrupt is crucial for breaking the automatic emotional response cycle, even if it feels challenging at first. Think Twice - First, assess what's happening and why you're feeling triggered. Then, think again by double-checking your initial assessment. This two-stage thinking process helps prevent impulsive reactions even when you're caught off-guard. Act Intentionally - Only after completing the stop and double-think process should you take action. This ensures your response comes from conscious choice rather than emotional reaction, leading to outcomes you won't regret. Connect With Scott: Search for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Email: [email protected] Visit: https://www.faceyourpassion.com/ Learn More: https://www.9minuteclaritycode.com/ Visit: https://www.perfectweekplanner.com/  Learn More: https://www.dailyawarenessdiary.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing Neuroscientist: How To Hack Your Dopamine To Boost Your Mood, Energy, and Focus from The School of Greatness.Follow the show: The School of GreatnessI'm going on tour! Come see The School of Greatness LIVE in person!Get my new book Make Money Easy here!Prepare to completely rethink your relationship with technology as neuroscientist TJ Power reveals the shocking truth about what's happening to our brains in the digital age. Drawing from his groundbreaking research and personal struggle with addiction, TJ explains how our modern environment is creating an epidemic of dopamine dysfunction that's sabotaging our ability to focus, feel joy, and connect meaningfully with others. The conversation explores the fascinating evolutionary mismatch between our hunter-gatherer brains and our modern digital environment, with TJ offering a compelling reframe of ADHD as a potential superpower when properly channeled. Whether you're fighting distractions, battling mood swings, or simply feeling numb despite constant stimulation, this episode delivers practical, science-backed strategies to reclaim your focus, energy, and capacity for genuine happiness through what TJ calls "The Dose Effect" – a revolutionary approach to balancing your brain's essential neurochemicals.Buy TJ’s Book The Dose EffectIn this episode you will learn:Why constantly checking your phone (140-170 times daily for most people) is more damaging to your brain than alcohol or other addictionsThe counterintuitive reason people with ADHD often become exceptional performers when they find their passionHow implementing strategic "phone fasts" and scheduled social media times can dramatically improve your mood and focusWhy "quick dopamine" activities like scrolling and porn create numbness while "slow dopamine" activities create fulfillmentThe essential morning routine practice that ancient hunter-gatherers naturally did that modern humans desperately needHow pursuing oxytocin (connection) rather than dopamine (pleasure) leads to deeper life satisfaction and meaningWhy disciplined boundaries around technology actually create greater freedom rather than restrictionFor more information go to https://www.lewishowes.com/1741For more Greatness text PODCAST to +1 (614) 350-3960More SOG episodes we think you’ll love:Dr. Caroline Leaf – greatness.lnk.to/1079SCDr. Charan Ranganath  – greatness.lnk.to/1632SCDr. Andrew Huberman – greatness.lnk.to/1072SC Get more from Lewis! Pre-order my new book Make Money EasyGet The Greatness Mindset audiobook on SpotifyText Lewis AIYouTubeInstagramWebsiteTiktokFacebookXDISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Ever reach the end of your day wondering where all your time went? In this eye-opening episode, Scott Smith introduces a powerful concept that explains why even the most organized people struggle to complete their daily tasks. Scott shares his practical wisdom about "non-ops" (non-optionals) – those unavoidable life activities that consume significant portions of our day without us even realizing it. From morning routines to commute times to basic human needs, these hidden time-consumers operate whether we acknowledge them or not. Discover how recognizing these non-optional activities can transform your productivity approach and free you from unnecessary frustration. Scott delivers this enlightening perspective with his trademark blend of straight talk and compassionate insight that might just revolutionize how you plan your day. Featured Story: Scott shares a revealing conversation with his 20-year-old son who, despite being exceptionally organized and productivity-focused, couldn't understand why he never had time for himself. Scott introduced him to the concept of "non-ops" (non-optionals) – the unavoidable activities and time commitments that exist in everyone's day but rarely get factored into our planning, helping his son finally understand why even perfect planning wasn't enough. Key Takeaways: "Non-ops" (non-optionals) are the unavoidable activities that consume significant portions of your day Basic human needs (eating, sleeping, hygiene) are non-optional and require consistent time Time itself is non-optional – commuting, waiting at stoplights, and routine tasks take predictable amounts of time Most people never inventory these non-optional activities when planning their day Emotional, spiritual, and physical needs are all non-optional for long-term wellbeing The "system" of life operates according to certain rules whether we acknowledge them or not Working 10-12 hours naturally limits what else is possible in your day – being "reasonable" with yourself is important Awareness of these non-optionals is the first step to realistic planning and reduced frustration Freedom comes not from eliminating non-ops but from building your life around them realistically Many productivity struggles stem from failing to account for these unavoidable time commitments Memorable Quotes: "Real freedom in life is when you get to the point that you just don't worry about thinking about it. You just build everything around it, understanding that a good part of your day is just going to be taken up." "Any reasonable person would expect you never to get everything done. You're going to get tired. Your body's going to wear out. So why don't you start being reasonable to yourself?" "In life, there are certain things that are not optional. I don't care how smart you think you are, certain things are just going to be a certain way." Scott's Three-Step Approach: Conduct a Non-Ops Audit - Take inventory of all the non-optional activities in your day – from basic hygiene routines to commute times to essential interactions. Track how much time these truly require without trying to optimize them. Accept the Reality of Time - Recognize that certain things simply take time and cannot be rushed or eliminated. Embrace the fact that a significant portion of your day is already committed to these non-optional activities. Plan Around Your Non-Ops - Instead of fighting against these unavoidable time commitments, build your productivity system around them. Be reasonable with your expectations and stop feeling guilty about the natural limitations of being human.  Connect With Scott: Search for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Email: [email protected] Visit: https://www.faceyourpassion.com/ Learn More: https://www.9minuteclaritycode.com/ Visit: https://www.perfectweekplanner.com/  Learn More: https://www.dailyawarenessdiary.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's your relationship with motivation? In this energizing episode, Scott Smith dives into the science and psychology behind genuine motivation. Rather than offering short-lived motivational quotes, Scott reveals why inspiration is the real key to sustainable motivation. Discover the surprising connection between movement and motivation, and why your brain chemistry plays a bigger role than you might think. Scott shares his personal rule for starting new projects and explains why he never begins anything without true inspiration. Whether you're feeling stuck or simply looking to understand the mechanics of motivation better, this episode provides practical, science-backed strategies to fire up your internal drive and maintain it through life's challenges. Featured Story: Scott challenges conventional thinking about motivation by revealing that inspiration must come first. He shares his personal rule of never starting anything unless truly inspired, which prevents the "what was I thinking?" goals that so often fizzle out. This approach creates automatic motivation rather than the forced, fleeting kind most people chase after, making the path to action natural and sustainable. Key Takeaways: Genuine motivation comes naturally after finding inspiration first Your physiology directly impacts your feelings and motivation levels The brain chemical dopamine is responsible for both motivation and movement Simply standing up and moving can trigger motivational chemicals in your brain Without clear focus, motivation will drift and dissipate quickly The words you use (both internally and externally) create the emotions you feel Negative self-talk will undermine motivation more effectively than any external obstacle Be selective about what words you allow into your ears from external sources Exploration of possibilities is the best way to discover what truly inspires you You are "the boss of you" and ultimately control your motivational state Memorable Quotes: "Inspiration will create automatic motivation. If I'm inspired, it's all automatic." "You are the boss of you, regardless of what happens. You determine everything about your life." "I will not start anything unless I'm inspired to do it. If I'm not inspired, I'm not going to move." Scott's Three-Step Approach: Move Your Body - Get your physiology working for you by physically moving. Stand up, take a step, and repeat. Even 45 minutes at the gym four days a week can transform your motivation levels by triggering dopamine release in your brain. Find Your Focus - Explore possibilities until something grabs your attention and won't let go. Without a clear direction that excites you, motivation will remain elusive. Actively seek experiences that might spark that focus. Choose Your Words - Monitor your self-talk and be selective about the external messages you allow in. Use positive, uplifting language when speaking to yourself, and protect your mindset by being careful about the words you hear from others. Connect With Scott: Search for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Email: [email protected] Visit: https://www.faceyourpassion.com/ Learn More: https://www.9minuteclaritycode.com/ Visit: https://www.perfectweekplanner.com/  Learn More: https://www.dailyawarenessdiary.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you trying to build success without having your basics covered first? In this enlightening episode, Scott Smith takes us back to the fundamentals with a fresh look at Abraham Maslow's time-tested Hierarchy of Needs theory from 1954. Scott explains why establishing a "peaceful foundation" is essential before pursuing bigger goals. While today's world pushes instant gratification, Scott reminds us that life works in certain ways that can't be hacked or bypassed. Whether you're thriving or struggling, this episode provides the remarkably simple yet powerful framework to ensure you're building your life and goals on solid ground. Learn how to establish the peaceful base that will support everything else you want to achieve. Featured Story: Scott revisits Abraham Maslow's revolutionary Hierarchy of Needs theory from 1954, explaining how this psychological foundation remains crucial for success today. He breaks down the hierarchy into practical terms—from securing your basic physiological needs to achieving self-esteem and ultimately transcendence—creating a roadmap for building a "peaceful foundation" that supports everything else in life. Key Takeaways: Before pursuing ambitious goals, ensure your basic physiological needs (food, shelter, clothing, income) are securely met Creating a sense of safety—personally, emotionally, financially, and health-wise—forms the second layer of your foundation Humans are tribal by nature; social connections and belonging to a community are essential for happiness Self-esteem and confidence naturally develop after establishing the previous foundations Transcendence (focusing on the greater good beyond yourself) only becomes possible with a solid foundation No "secret hack" can replace having these fundamental needs met in the proper order Health should never be sacrificed in pursuit of other goals—it will eventually catch up with you Memorable Quotes: "Stand up, take a step, and repeat. How long? Till you get what you want. Why would you stop before you got there anyway?" "A peaceful foundation is just a solid place. It's peaceful. It's not rocking. It's not shaking. And from there, we can build anything." "What a man can be, he must be. Self-actualization requires mastery of those previous needs." Scott's Three-Step Approach: Build Your Peaceful Base - Identify and address any gaps in your physiological needs and safety. Ensure you have stable food, shelter, income, and health before tackling bigger ambitions. Connect Authentically - Prioritize in-person, synchronous connections with like-minded people. Join groups or communities that share your values and goals to fulfill your need for belonging. Respect the Process - Follow the natural progression of Maslow's hierarchy rather than trying to skip steps. Build your foundation first, then focus on esteem needs, and finally allow yourself to transcend toward greater impact. Connect With Scott: Search for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Email: [email protected] Visit: https://www.faceyourpassion.com/ Learn More: https://www.9minuteclaritycode.com/ Visit: https://www.perfectweekplanner.com/  Learn More: https://www.dailyawarenessdiary.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Description In this enlightening episode, Scott Smith dives deep into what truly creates happiness in our everyday lives. Drawing from decades of coaching experience with thousands of clients, Scott reveals that behind every goal and aspiration lies one fundamental desire: to be happy. Scott shares personal insights about a middle-of-the-night revelation that prompted him to make changes in his own life, demonstrating how we sometimes need a gentle nudge (or divine intervention) to get back on track. Through practical wisdom and actionable advice, Scott outlines simple mindset shifts that can transform your daily experience into one filled with genuine happiness and fulfillment, regardless of your circumstances. Featured Story After a 3 AM wake-up call where Scott humorously describes God calling him a "dummy" for not listening to his audience, he returns to the show's original theme music by popular demand. This lighthearted story illustrates how sometimes we need to stop second-guessing ourselves and just make the changes we know are right, both in podcasting and in life. Key Takeaways Happiness is the ultimate goal behind every other goal we pursue Being grateful for what you have creates an immediate shift in perspective and reduces anxiety Aligning your daily actions with your core values and beliefs is essential for authentic happiness Making someone else's day better creates a remarkable "happiness payback" for yourself Asking "What can I do?" when faced with challenges keeps you from feeling stuck Holding space for your dreams is crucial - busy lives require intentional time for what matters Regular self-reflection through tools like the Perfect Week Planner helps identify what's working and what needs adjustment Memorable Quotes "Align your actions with your values and beliefs - when your day-to-day actions match who you are on the inside, you'll be a happy person." "We thrive in growth, not by being stuck. Whenever anything challenging happens, ask yourself 'What can I do?' There's always something you can do." "When you hold space for your dreams, it's amazing what happens - those dreams tend to come true." Scott's Three-Step Approach Practice Daily Gratitude: Take a moment each day to pause and identify specific things you're grateful for to shift your perspective and reduce stress. Align Actions with Values: Evaluate whether your daily activities reflect your true inner values and beliefs, then make small adjustments to bring them into alignment. Hold Space for Your Dreams: Intentionally carve out time in your schedule for the things that matter most to you, allowing your dreams to develop and manifest. Connect With Scott Search for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.motivationtomove.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful Friday episode, Scott Smith explores the three fundamental relationship dynamics that shape our connections with others. Drawing from his own 18-year marriage experience, Scott breaks down how relationships exist on a spectrum from completely independent to codependent, with the healthy "interdependent" balance in the middle. Scott shares a personal anecdote about being momentarily rattled when his wife unexpectedly listened to his podcast after years of not doing so, using this as a launching point to discuss how relationships require both individuality and connection. With his signature blend of humor and wisdom, he explains why the quality of your life directly correlates with the quality of your relationships. Whether you're struggling with a romantic partnership, navigating business relationships, or simply trying to understand your connections with others, this episode offers practical wisdom on finding that sweet spot where you maintain your individuality while creating meaningful bonds. Featured Story: Scott shares a humorous moment of temporary panic when his wife casually mentioned she had listened to his podcast while they were walking their dogs. Despite being together for 18 years and her being involved in many aspects of his work, she had rarely listened to his Daily Boost podcast. The revelation left him momentarily worried about what he might have said, but ultimately led him to reflect on the nature of their relationship—how they balance independence with connection, and how they've developed a strong partnership where divorce "is not even part of the conversation." Key Takeaways: The quality of your life is a direct result of your relationships Every relationship begins with individuals who bring their own independence Purely independent relationships often function more like roommates than partners Codependent relationships create unhealthy dynamics where one person can't function without the other Interdependent relationships balance individual strength with mutual support and teamwork Healthy relationships adjust between independence and dependence as circumstances require Communication is essential when one partner feels the other is becoming too independent The same relationship principles apply beyond romantic partnerships to business, family, and community connections Strong individuals make the best partners when they're willing to be part of a team Memorable Quotes: "Divorce, by the way, the big D in my world, is not even part of my conversation ever." - Scott Smith "The quality of your life is a direct result of your relationships." - Scott Smith "We are extremely strong individuals. And to some extent, we can be codependent depending on what's going on." - Scott Smith Scott's Three-Step Approach: Embrace Your Individuality - Recognize the importance of being a strong, independent person with your own identity, interests, and capabilities. This creates the foundation for healthy relationships. Recognize When Dependence Is Appropriate - Understand that there are times when depending on others is not only acceptable but necessary, like during illness or major life transitions. Develop Interdependence - Work toward relationships where you operate as both individuals and as a unit simultaneously, adjusting the balance as needed for different situations, and communicating when you feel the balance is off. Connect With Scott: Search for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Email: [email protected] Visit: https://www.faceyourpassion.com/ Learn More: https://www.9minuteclaritycode.com/ Visit: https://www.perfectweekplanner.com/  Learn More: https://www.dailyawarenessdiary.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this thought-provoking episode, Scott Smith tackles the perfectionism that keeps us stuck and introduces the concept of "minimal viable habits" – the art of doing just enough to get momentum without overcomplicating your life. Drawing inspiration from the business concept of minimal viable products, Scott challenges listeners to examine whether they're creating unnecessary fires in their own lives. With his characteristic blend of tough love and practical wisdom, Scott explores how waiting for perfect conditions often means missing out on your dreams entirely. He shares personal insights and client stories that illustrate how embracing the "make the mess, then clean it up" approach can lead to remarkable success. Whether you're struggling with perfectionism in your personal goals or business ventures, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on simplifying your approach and taking action before you feel completely ready. Featured Story: Scott shares a compelling story about a client he met in Chandler, Arizona while producing a television show for the client's large martial arts school. Despite looking exhausted with dark circles under his eyes and losing hair from stress, the client embraced a philosophy that would later lead to his remarkable success: "When I get successful, then I'll just clean up the mess." Twenty years later, Scott reconnected with this same client who had indeed achieved massive success by focusing on the minimal viable approach in his business while postponing "cleaning up the mess" until after reaching his goals. Key Takeaways: The perfectionist mindset often delays progress by waiting for ideal conditions that rarely arrive Taking action at 70% readiness is better than waiting for 100% that may never come Examine whether you're complicating your life by being both the "arsonist and the fireman" Business and personal life are "living, breathing beasts" that will always present challenges The "minimal viable habit" approach focuses on doing just enough to gain momentum Life will never completely settle down – expecting it to is setting yourself up for frustration Perfectionism has its place in certain scenarios, but shouldn't become a universal approach Waiting to get everything perfect means missing out on dreams and opportunities Memorable Quotes: "If it's going really well when you first meet, it's probably worth pursuing. If it's not, it's probably worth running." - Scott Smith "If you are always putting out fires around you, have you over-complicated your life to the point that you're putting out fires everywhere you go?" - Scott Smith "If you're waiting to get it all perfect, you are missing out on your dreams." - Scott Smith Scott's Three-Step Approach: Accept Imperfection - Recognize that waiting for perfect conditions is a form of procrastination. Aim for 70% readiness instead of 100% before taking action. Make the Mess First - Get things going even if it's not perfect. Create momentum first, then refine as you go. As Scott's client said, "When I get successful, then I'll just clean up the mess." Simplify Your Approach - Identify the minimal viable habits or actions needed to move forward. Eliminate unnecessary complications that make you both the "arsonist and fireman" in your own life. Connect With Scott: Search for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Email: [email protected] Visit: https://www.faceyourpassion.com/ Learn More: https://www.9minuteclaritycode.com/ Visit: https://www.perfectweekplanner.com/  Learn More: https://www.dailyawarenessdiary.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this energizing episode, Scott Smith unpacks a powerful motivational concept inspired by Steve Harvey's famous "You Must Jump" speech. Scott explores why taking that leap of faith is essential for achieving the success you desire, even when—especially when—it feels terrifying. With his signature blend of personal stories and practical wisdom, Scott breaks down why so many of us stand at the edge watching others soar while we remain grounded by our own hesitation. He shares his own skydiving experience as a metaphor for the jumps we all need to make in our careers, relationships, and personal growth. Perfect for anyone feeling stuck or hesitant to move forward on a dream, this episode delivers the gentle push you might need to finally take action. Scott reminds us that your parachute won't open until you jump—and today might be the perfect day to take that leap. Featured Story: Scott shares his personal experience at the DeLand Skydive Center in central Florida, where he went from being a spectator watching skydivers land their parachutes to becoming a jumper himself. Though he ultimately decided flying planes suited him better than jumping out of them, the experience taught him the invaluable lesson that you'll never know what works for you until you take the leap and try it—a perfect metaphor for how we must approach our dreams and ambitions. Key Takeaways: Your parachute won't open unless you jump first—success requires taking that initial leap of faith Knowing exactly what your dream is makes jumping easier—clarity creates courage Fear and doubt are natural companions to faith—they're not signs you shouldn't jump Sometimes your parachute doesn't open right away—patience is required after the jump Many successful people "pack their parachute on the way down"—figuring things out as they go Motivation is like a bath—it doesn't last long, and you need it regularly There are three types of motivation seekers: seasonal motivation seekers, passive motivation junkies, and successful people who understand motivation's power The biggest part of coaching is helping people identify what's holding them back and pushing them to jump when they're ready Everyone needs occasional support and guidance to land safely after they've jumped Memorable Quotes: "If you want to be successful, you must jump into your dreams, take a leap of faith and go for it." - Steve Harvey "You can't have faith without a whole bunch of doubt. They exist together." - Scott Smith "If you don't jump, your parachute is not going to open." - Scott Smith Scott's Three-Step Approach: Define Your Jump - Get absolute clarity on what your dream is before attempting to leap. Without knowing what you're jumping toward, hesitation is natural and appropriate. Take the Leap - Recognize that doubt and fear are normal companions to faith, not signals to stop. The only way to discover if your parachute will open is to jump. Adjust Mid-Flight - Be prepared to "pack your parachute on the way down" by adapting and problem-solving as you go, knowing that not everything will unfold perfectly the first time. Connect With Scott: Search for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Email: [email protected] Visit: https://www.faceyourpassion.com/ Learn More: https://www.9minuteclaritycode.com/ Visit: https://www.perfectweekplanner.com/  Learn More: https://www.dailyawarenessdiary.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this thought-provoking episode, Scott Smith dives into Viktor Frankl's timeless wisdom from "Man's Search for Meaning," sharing insights that challenge conventional views on success and happiness. Scott reveals why chasing success often leads to missing it entirely, and how true fulfillment comes as a byproduct of dedicating yourself to something greater. Drawing from personal experiences and philosophical insights, Scott explains the evolution of his own understanding about motivation and what really gets in people's way. He introduces his four-pillar framework that forms the foundation of his coaching practice, offering listeners a practical approach to finding genuine meaning in their lives. Whether you're feeling stuck at a crossroads or simply seeking deeper fulfillment, this episode provides a refreshing perspective on how to live with purpose beyond the pursuit of fleeting happiness. Featured Story Scott shares how his unpredictable friend Sid introduced him to Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" years ago, a book that profoundly impacted his perspective. Despite Sid disappearing from his life 18 years ago, the wisdom he shared through this book continues to influence Scott's thinking about success, happiness, and finding meaning—demonstrating how meaningful connections can leave lasting impacts even when people move on. Key Takeaways Success and happiness cannot be directly pursued—they emerge naturally as side effects of dedication to something greater than yourself Life's obstacles ("life getting in the way") are often more significant than motivation in determining outcomes Transformation can happen instantly after years of preparation—what Tony Robbins calls "change happens in an instant" The "pain line" is that moment when you decide something is completely unacceptable and must change True fulfillment follows a progression: passion leads to purpose, which creates meaning, which builds legacy Focusing on the process rather than outcomes leads to more sustainable happiness Small daily actions aligned with your values ultimately define your legacy Memorable Quotes "Don't aim for success. The more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you're going to miss it." - Viktor Frankl "Happiness must happen. And the same holds for success. You have to let it happen by not caring about it." - Viktor Frankl "The biggest problem was life getting in the way. It was the solution to the motivation." - Scott Smith Scott's Three-Step Approach Discover Your Passion - Allow yourself to bumble and stumble until you find something that genuinely catches your attention and excites you, without forcing it. Transform Passion into Purpose - Invest time in your passion until it becomes something you do with intention, getting up each day with clear direction. Embrace Meaning as a Byproduct - Stop chasing happiness directly and instead focus on being fully present in what you're doing, allowing meaning to emerge naturally. Connect With Scott: Search for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Email: [email protected] Visit: https://www.faceyourpassion.com/ Learn More: https://www.9minuteclaritycode.com/ Visit: https://www.perfectweekplanner.com/  Learn More: https://www.dailyawarenessdiary.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices