3862: Stop Making Resolutions (and Just Start) by Jay Harrington of Life And Whim on Consistent Progress

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 3862: Jay Harrington challenges the traditional notion of New Year’s resolutions, urging us to trade empty goal-setting for courageous, imperfect action. Drawing lessons from the bumpy launch of Warby Parker, he reminds us that discomfort is the true price of growth, and the only way forward is to just start. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.lifeandwhim.com/first-moments-blog/stop-making-resolutions-just-start Quotes to ponder: "Achievement requires discomfort, but we’re conditioned to avoid discomfort." "The truth is, most of us understand that we have to grind for what we want, but rarely are we willing to pay the price." "There will never be a perfect time to start." Episode references: Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday: https://www.amazon.com/Ego-Enemy-Ryan-Holiday/dp/1591847818 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 3861: Tyler Tervooren reveals how to make your message unforgettable by turning passive listeners into active participants. By tapping into what people already know, prompting them to find their own examples, and challenging them to apply the idea in real life, you create lasting understanding and real persuasion. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.riskology.co/schema-learning/ Quotes to ponder: "Everything is difficult until you find a practical application for it." "You can teach almost anyone the basics of anything, but you’ll take your mission further when you give people real problems to solve." "Mastery comes when you can solve problems you didn’t expect." 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 3860: Tyler Tervooren reveals how schema learning can dramatically improve your ability to explain ideas, teach complex topics, and persuade others. Using simple, relatable examples, he demonstrates why this cognitive shortcut is one of the most effective tools for clear communication and lasting influence. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.riskology.co/schema-learning/ Quotes to ponder: "The more distinct pieces of knowledge you have, the more opportunities you have to make connections to new ones." "Connection opportunities are what allow you to learn new concepts faster and recall them easier." "When you’re sharing something new with someone, the more potential connections you can make to something they already know, the better shot they’ll have at retaining it." Episode references: Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766 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 3859: Joshua Becker outlines 11 simple yet powerful science-backed habits that can lead to a more fulfilling and intentional life. From exercising and going outside to giving more and smiling often, each resolution is grounded in research and designed to improve your well-being mentally, emotionally, and even physically. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/better-resolutions/ Quotes to ponder: “Good habits make all the difference.” “Psychologists have scientifically proven that one of the greatest contributing factors to overall happiness in your life is how much gratitude you show.” “Determining to be happy is a productive decision towards achieving it.” Episode references: Get Up, Get Out, Don’t Sit: https://archive.nytimes.com/well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/17/get-up-get-out-dont-sit Spending on Doing Promotes More Happiness than Spending on Having: https://www.inderscience.com/info/inarticle.php?artid=55643 Volunteering Time Makes People Feel More Time-Rich: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/volunteering-time_n_1672170 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 3858: Anthony Ongaro reflects on how even joyful disruptions can derail our best habits, yet offer powerful reminders about flexibility and perspective. By allowing space for things to go wrong, we reduce guilt, embrace imperfection, and reconnect more easily with what matters most. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.breakthetwitch.com/allow-space-to-screw-it-up/ Quotes to ponder: "We must allow space in our lives to screw things up." "We can try as hard as possible to get our daily action to look like our long-term vision, but some days we won’t be successful. Life happens." "The last thing we should do is create a guilt-spiral that makes us miserable and makes it even harder to get back on track." 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 3857: Fritz Gilbert sheds light on the emotional challenges many face after leaving the workforce, revealing that retirement can increase the risk of depression, especially for those whose identity is closely tied to their careers. Drawing from research and personal reflection, he outlines how cultivating hobbies, social connections, and a sense of purpose before retiring can significantly boost well-being in this new life chapter. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.theretirementmanifesto.com/will-retirement-be-depressing/ Quotes to ponder: "Be intentional in your retirement planning years, with a focus on incorporating non-financial elements into your plan." "The key to a happier retirement was having ‘multiple selves’, which means hobbies and other activities to keep them busy." "Populate a bucket list of items you’d like to do in retirement. Broaden it to include categories beyond travel. Stretch yourself." Episode references: Ready To Retire? by Lyndsay Green: https://www.amazon.com/Ready-Retire-Spouse-Reality-Retirement/dp/1443440566 Institute of Economic Affairs – Work Longer, Live Healthier: https://iea.org.uk/publications/research/work-longer-live-healthier 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 3856: Britt explores the often-overlooked power of slowing down to truly savor the pivotal firsts and lasts in life, especially during seasons of major change. With honest reflections on rushing through transitions and the challenge of staying present, she offers a grounded reminder that intentional living isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://nosidebar.com/savor/ Quotes to ponder: “The past is over, and we can’t relive it or change it, no matter how much we wish we could.” “Being too preoccupied with what might happen undermines our ability to enjoy what is actually happening.” “The only thing we can do is be present for whatever firsts and lasts are happening around us every single day.” 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 3855: Tynan explores the power of sacrifice as the true driver behind meaningful progress, arguing that what you won’t have defines your path more than what you want. By consciously giving up comfort, distractions, or even relationships, you make space for focus, excellence, and a life aligned with your real priorities. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://tynan.com/notthat Quotes to ponder: "In the same way that great design is defined by negative space, our true wants, those that we will work towards, are defined by those things that we give up." "If you avoid deciding on what you won’t have, you will end up spinning your wheels constantly. Things will take longer and be harder for you." "Decisions are hard, but can be made slightly easier by realizing that they’re not permanent." 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 3854: Mark Manson reflects on the inevitability of death and the messy beauty of choosing a life worth dying for. He challenges the illusion that passion and purpose are painless pursuits, emphasizing that true meaning comes through sacrifice, hardship, and embracing the chaos of the journey. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://markmanson.net/find-what-you-love Quotes to ponder: “Finding the passion and purpose in your life is a trial-by-fire process.” “Try something, pay attention to how it feels, adjust and then try again.” “Doing what you love is not always loving what you do.” Episode references: Post Office by Charles Bukowski: https://www.amazon.com/Post-Office-Novel-Charles-Bukowski/dp/0061177571 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 3853: Benjamin Hardy challenges the myth of fixed personality by revealing how identity, creativity, and motivation are shaped through intentional action. By placing yourself in demanding situations and aligning with a powerful “why,” you create the momentum for deep transformation, internally and externally. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/@benjaminhardy/if-you-dont-use-it-you-ll-lose-it-abe87a3bda94 Quotes to ponder: "Your behavior shapes your identity. You are responsible for who you become." "Action creates inspiration. Forward progress creates motivation." "Put yourself in a situation that demands your greatest behavior. Then watch as a seemingly endless supply of intrinsic motivation and extrinsic help aids you." Episode references: The Cult of Personality Testing: https://www.amazon.com/Cult-Personality-Testing-Miseducate-Mismanage/dp/0743280725 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices