3428: The Habits of Happiness by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits on Kindness, Gratitude, and Presence

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 3434: Vironika Tugaleva challenges the typical approach to New Year’s resolutions, highlighting the dangers of self-improvement when rooted in self-hatred rather than self-acceptance. By cultivating trust in your natural ability to care for yourself, growth can become a joyful journey of self-discovery rather than a punishing cycle of forced change and self-sabotage. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.vironika.org/dangers-self-improvement-new-years-resolutions/ Quotes to ponder: “Self-improvement without self-love is like building a house upon quicksand. You can build and build, but it will always sink.” “If I trust that, in my natural state, I am already compelled to be healthy and good to myself, then I’ll accept myself as I am.” “To change your impulses, you must re-arrange your environment to better meet your emotional needs.” Episode references: The Love Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Mindset-Unconventional-Healing-Happiness/dp/0992046807 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3433: Stella Kaufman shares a transformative tale about how a small shift in effort and intention like shaking a blender bottle harder can unlock untapped strength and capability. She reveals how applying this principle of intention can help you access your power both physically and mentally, creating a ripple effect of growth in every aspect of life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://markfisherfitness.com/strength-blender-bottle-modern-tale/ Quotes to ponder: "How we do one thing is how we do everything." "Your mind and body are connected. Your thoughts and your abilities are magically linked." "Tapping into your intention acts like a boost that makes your strength transferable, kind of like a flow that is present mentally and physically, in all you do." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3432 Bret Gornik and Jason Loebig outline a practical framework for building a better future by focusing on daily, actionable steps. They emphasize making incremental improvements, preparing for challenges, and measuring success beyond material wealth, while encouraging a resilient mindset and passion for growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://livebetterco.org/four-steps-to-building-a-better-future-for-yourself/ & https://livebetterco.org/go-be-great-a-mindset-map-for-growth/ Quotes to ponder: "It is consistently building the 'best day ever' so that you may repeat it." "Make the next best choice available." "Be so good they can’t ignore you." Episode references: The Most Important Question of Your Life by Mark Manson: https://markmanson.net/question Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3431: Paul Fitzgerald shares five practical tips to maintain mental health during the holidays, emphasizing the importance of meaningful connections, minimizing digital distractions, and reflecting on personal values. He encourages readers to focus on activities and relationships that truly bring joy while carving out time for self-care and recharging. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://livehappy.com/mindset/5-tips-mental-health-holiday-season Quotes to ponder: "Social connections are good for your mental health. Share the important moments and stories of your year." "Not all social connections are good for your mental health. Don’t be afraid to let this guide whom you spend meaningful time with." "Spend some time reflecting on what is important to you at this time of year. How can you express your values, what will be meaningful, what is your way of acknowledging the end of the year?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3430: David Cain invites readers to use the reflective nature of the holiday season to genuinely ask themselves, "How are you?" Amid the chaos of year-end responsibilities and festive expectations, he encourages honest self-assessment and connection with what truly matters, offering a refreshing perspective on prioritizing self-awareness and authenticity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.raptitude.com/2010/12/so-this-is-christmas-and-how-are-you/ Quotes to ponder: "It’s Christmas time, and even though the holiday season is lauded as a time of giving and thinking about others, it’s also a time when people end up thinking about the state of their own lives." "With all the festivities and expectations of Christmas, sometimes we don’t have a place where we feel comfortable saying so." "Welcome to the end of the year. It’s a natural time to look at who you are, where you’re headed, and what you’ve been up to all this time." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3429: Randi Kay reflects on the importance of being truly present with loved ones, especially during the holiday season. By reducing distractions like phone usage, we create space for meaningful connections and discover the profound impact of undivided attention. Her insights inspire us to nurture intentional relationships over mindless habits. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.naturallyrandikay.com/post/presentofpresence Quotes to ponder: “The more connected we are, the more disconnected we are from the people that matter the most.” “Try to think of a time where someone was truly present with you. How did it make you feel?” “To me, there is nothing more amazing than pure, deep connection. I love it.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3428: Leo Babauta reveals how small, intentional actions can transform your day and your relationships. By offering kindness, gratitude, and presence, you can brighten someone's world while nurturing your own joy and fulfillment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/brighten/ Quotes to ponder: "Your small actions have a ripple effect that brightens the world around you." "A kind word, a small gift, a moment of your attention - all of these can make someone's day better." "Presence is a gift we often underestimate, but it creates deep human connection." Episode references: The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 The Art of Happiness: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Happiness-10th-Anniversary-Handbook/dp/1594488894 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3427: Josie Michelle Davis emphasizes the true essence of self-care, which goes beyond trendy indulgences to focus on actions that genuinely recharge, avoid harm, and enrich our lives. From journaling to mindful exercise, her practical guidelines help navigate holiday stress and ensure self-care aligns with long-term well-being. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://josiemichelledavis.com/blog/2019/12/10/self-care-for-the-holidays/ Quotes to ponder: "Self care can, and should, be different from person to person." "Stealing from your future self to make your current self happy is sabotage, plain and simple." "Sometimes self care doesn’t feel great in the moment, but leaves you with lasting benefits." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3426: Julianna Poplin outlines a thoughtful Sunday routine to ease Monday blues and set a positive tone for the week ahead. From self-reflection and organizing goals to indulging in self-care and preparing your wardrobe, her practical tips make Sunday a chance to recharge and prepare for a productive, enjoyable week. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thesimplicityhabit.com/things-to-do-on-sunday-to-prepare-for-week/ Quotes to ponder: "By asking yourself a few questions, you’ll be better able to pinpoint what to take from the week and what lessons to learn." "Taking the time to slow down and quiet your mind and focus your thoughts is very beneficial." "Doing activities you enjoy will help you reset your brain and feel ready to take on the week ahead." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 3425: Charlie Brown challenges the way we perceive the cost of our purchases, urging us to measure value in terms of time rather than dollars. By recalibrating this perspective, he offers a profound framework for aligning spending with what truly matters in life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://themakingofamillionaire.com/stop-measuring-your-purchases-in-dollars-6523660e4527 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices