3739: [Part 2] The Only Two Things You Need to Focus On What Matters by Michael Mehlberg

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 3742: Chris Guillebeau challenges the dismissive phrase “welcome to the real world,” showing how it’s often used to stifle creativity, independence, and unconventional choices. Instead, he invites readers to reject limiting beliefs, embrace the present, and pursue the “living world,” where freedom, meaning, and purpose are found in truly being alive. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://chrisguillebeau.com/welcome-to-the-real-world/ Quotes to ponder: “Please note: the real world is not reality. It is not defined by facts. It is determined by the collective perception of unremarkably average people.” “The best years of our lives are neither behind us nor ahead of us. They are RIGHT NOW, so we’d better take advantage of them.” “Some of us have not given up on the unrealistic. Some of us have taken the red pill. Some of us don’t want the things in the real world.” Episode references: The Hero’s Journey: Joseph Campbell on His Life and Work: https://www.amazon.com/Heros-Journey-Joseph-Campbell/dp/1577314042 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 3741: Courtney Carver shares practical advice for building a capsule wardrobe that suits your lifestyle, reduces decision fatigue, and makes room for your favorite pieces. By setting your own rules, letting go of fear, and focusing on what really matters, you create more time, space, and joy in your daily life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://bemorewithless.com/caspule-wardrobe Quotes to ponder: "Having it all doesn’t require owning it all." "Ignore the trends, the advertising, and everyone who looks like you think you should look, and be happy in your clothes." "Once you’ve created your capsule wardrobe, you won’t need extra time to get ready in the morning, and you won’t be spending time shopping online, or in dressing rooms." 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 3740: Angelina Lee explores how subtle mindset shifts can create space for more happiness without needing to change your entire life. By letting go of rigid labels, recognizing that choices aren't always final, and learning to say 'no' with intention, she offers a compassionate yet practical path to greater peace and fulfillment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://nosidebar.com/shifting-your-perspective/ Quotes to ponder: "We don’t necessarily need to alter our circumstances in order to promote happiness as much as we need to adjust our perception of those circumstances." "If we decide to venture out of the expected and our efforts fail, we can make the changes necessary in order to inspire new growth." "By saying ‘yes’ to everyone else, I was saying ‘no’ to myself." Episode references: Exploring Plan Be: https://exploringplanbe.com 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 3739: Michael Mehlberg reminds us that real progress comes down to just two essentials: knowing clearly where we’re headed and eliminating distractions along the way. By defining a vivid vision of success and planning ahead for obstacles, we create a focused path toward what matters most. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://michaelmehlberg.com/blog/2019/8/24/the-only-two-things-you-need-to-focus-on-what-matters Quotes to ponder: "Your answer to this question is your direction, your moonlight on the water." "When exhaustion strikes and burnout sets in, look to this light." "Find your moonlight and avoid distractions." 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 3738: Michael Mehlberg shares a vivid story of helping baby sea turtles reach the ocean, using it as a powerful metaphor for how distractions pull us away from our most important goals. Just like turtles drawn to artificial lights instead of the moon, we risk losing focus and missing opportunities unless we learn to recognize and follow what truly matters. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://michaelmehlberg.com/blog/2019/8/24/the-only-two-things-you-need-to-focus-on-what-matters Quotes to ponder: "All the times I had miffed things up. It all made me realize that so many of my failures had happened because either I a) didn’t know where I was going or b) had some distraction beckoning me the in the wrong direction." "Allow these distractions to command your attention and you’ll end up wandering in the wrong direction, lost on the proverbial beach, in danger of being eaten alive." "Even one distraction is too many. So you have to focus on what matters." 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 3737: Colin Wright explores the subtle ways our financial habits shape our choices, opportunities, and sense of freedom. He reveals how aligning money with personal values, not just accumulation, creates a more intentional, fulfilling life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://exilelifestyle.com/dollars-sense/ Quotes to ponder: "Money is not inherently good or bad, but the way we earn and spend it has repercussions." "When our dollars align with our values, they amplify the kind of life we want to live." "Freedom doesn’t come from how much we make, but from how wisely we use what we have." 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 3736: Stephen Guise explains how principles can serve as powerful guides when detailed planning feels overwhelming or restrictive. By adopting simple rules like the 2-minute rule, acting on anything that improves your life, and consulting your “future self,” you can make better everyday choices, stay consistent, and build momentum without relying solely on rigid schedules. His approach blends the structure of planning with the flexibility of principles to help create lasting progress. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://minihabits.com/how-to-use-principles-instead-of-plans/ Quotes to ponder: “If it takes 2 minutes or less, do it.” “If you’ll regret it tomorrow, don’t do it. If you’ll be thankful for it tomorrow, do it.” “The final principle: If you can ingrain valuable principles into your psyche and follow them, you’ll do great(er) things!” Episode references: Getting Things Done: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0143126563 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 3735: Paula Pant explores how fear of mistakes often keeps us from making progress, revealing that the real cost lies not in failure but in inaction. She illustrates how reframing errors as stepping stones can unlock growth, resilience, and opportunities that perfectionism will always deny us. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://affordanything.com/one-critical-thing-holding-back/ Quotes to ponder: "Most people don’t fail because they try and it doesn’t work out. They fail because they don’t try at all." "Mistakes are the tuition we pay for the privilege of learning." "If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not making decisions." Episode references: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322 The Lean Startup: https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Startup-Entrepreneurs-Continuous-Innovation/dp/0307887898 The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Winning-Creative-Battle/dp/1936891026 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 3734: Mark Manson unpacks why therapy, journaling, and meditation all reliably boost mental health, despite their different methods. At the core, each helps us step back from our emotions by turning them into something observable, which builds self-awareness and loosens the ego’s grip. This shift from “I am my feelings” to “I am observing my feelings” opens space for clarity, choice, and growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://markmanson.net/how-to-get-better Quotes to ponder: "The value of therapy isn’t the therapy. It’s the context. It’s the environment." "There is something mysteriously powerful about verbalizing your thoughts and feelings; it somehow causes them to lose their power over you." "They are three tools for building self-awareness and chipping away at the ego." Episode references: Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson: https://www.amazon.com/Benjamin-Franklin-American-Life-Isaacson/dp/074325807X The Diary of Marie Curie: https://www.amazon.com/Diary-Marie-Curie-Autobiographical-Notes/dp/0486470113 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 3733: Marc Chernoff challenges the idea that constant busyness is a badge of honor, showing how our overstuffed schedules and need to appear productive only make life harder and unhappier. By slowing down, letting go of needless busyness, and creating space to breathe, we can finally pause long enough to notice the beauty and meaning we’ve been rushing past. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.marcandangel.com/2023/04/25/your-life-is-harder-and-busier-than-it-has-to-be/ Quotes to ponder: "Busyness is just an illness that makes everything harder than it has to be." "Nearly all of my busyness was an overreaction in my head." "We fill our Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat feeds, and our calendars, with manufactured busyness to avoid just being exactly who we are, exactly where we are." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices