3418: Optimism: It’s a Choice by Ellen Burgan of If It Brings You Joy on How To Be Optimistic

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 3438 Ryan Frederick highlights how our environment can serve as a powerful life hack, influencing longevity, health, and financial well-being. By choosing or modifying our place - whether through social connections, active lifestyles, or financial decisions - we can create habits that yield exponential benefits over time. Small tweaks to our surroundings can significantly enhance our quality of life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.here.life/blog/place-as-a-life-hack Quotes to ponder: "Place has both direct and indirect impacts on a person’s life. The best place elevates the elements of well-being, including purpose, social connection, physical well-being, and financial well-being." "What starts as a small win or a minor setback accumulates into something much more." "It may be that the biggest life hack is hidden in plain sight, it’s your home." Episode references: Thinking Fast and Slow: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0374533555 The Power of Habit: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X 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 3437: Joshua Becker explores the profound themes of Christmas love, joy, peace, hope, reconciliation, and goodwill emphasizing that the greatest gifts we can give are often the ones we most long to receive. Through acts of generosity, forgiveness, and intentional kindness, he reminds us how we can transform not just our holidays, but our lives, by embodying the true spirit of giving. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/giving-the-gift-of-christmas/ Quotes to ponder: “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” “The things we most want to receive are often the very things we should be giving first.” “See the good in others. Believe in their greatest potential. And encourage often.” Episode references: Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet": https://www.amazon.com/Prophet-Kahlil-Gibran/dp/0394404289 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 3436: Krista O'Reilly Davi-Dagui reminds us that crafting a meaningful life begins with showing up and doing the work, even imperfectly. She challenges us to embrace small, deliberate actions, resist comparison, and find strength in the messy process of growth. This heartfelt message inspires intentional living, offering practical wisdom for building the life you truly want. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.alifeinprogress.ca/the-life-you-want/ Quotes to ponder: "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." "Whatever it is that you most desire, do the work." "Practice. Work at your craft or pick away at your dreams. When you grow tired, learn to rest and not quit." Episode references: Bird by Bird: https://www.amazon.com/Bird-Some-Instructions-Writing-Life/dp/0385480016 The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 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 3435: Mark Manson delves into the liberating realization that everyone is wrong about almost everything. He explores how embracing uncertainty and doubt can help us grow, fostering humility and resilience in a world full of contradictions and complexities. Discover why questioning your beliefs is essential for meaningful change and personal development. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://markmanson.net/wrong-about-everything Quotes to ponder: "Certainty is the enemy of growth. It stifles the possibility of learning and discovery." "Understanding the limits of your knowledge is the first step to gaining real wisdom." "Admitting you're wrong isn't a weakness; it's an opportunity to be better." Episode references: Everything Is Fcked: A Book About Hope: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062888439 Skeptic Magazine: https://www.skeptic.com The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062457713 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 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