3776: Live on Purpose by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits on Choosing a Meaningful Life

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 3776: Leo Babauta explores how living “on purpose” transforms the way we move through our days, from rushing mindlessly to acting with awareness and meaning. He encourages slowing down, aligning actions with what truly matters, and finding freedom in deliberate, intentional living rather than reacting automatically to life’s chaos. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/on-purpose Quotes to ponder: "To live on purpose is to be fully here, to be intentional about how you spend your moments." "When we live on purpose, we’re not just reacting to the world, we’re creating it." "It’s about slowing down enough to notice what you’re doing, and choosing it fully." 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 3775: Joshua Fields Millburn explores how living meaningfully requires us to step away from blind reliance on experts and instead embrace curiosity, experimentation, and personal discovery. At the same time, he highlights empathy as the essential practice for building deeper connections, reminding us that listening and compassion are the foundations of authentic relationships. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.theminimalists.com/expert/ AND  https://www.theminimalists.com/empathy/ Quotes to ponder: “An expert is a man who has stopped thinking because ‘he knows.’” “Experiments allow us to discover what’s best for ourselves.” “Empathy begins with listening.” Episode references: The Denial of Death: https://www.amazon.com/Denial-Death-Ernest-Becker/dp/0684832402 Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Nonviolent-Communication-Language-Marshall-Rosenberg/dp/189200528X The Art of Empathy: A Complete Guide to Life’s Most Essential Skill: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Empathy-Complete-Lifes-Essential/dp/1622030613 Feynman Lectures on Physics: https://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu 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 3774: Allison Carmen explores how the weight of possessions, financial stress, and emotional clutter can quietly drain energy and joy from our lives. By questioning what we truly need and creating space for simplicity, she shows how letting go can restore balance, freedom, and peace at home and within ourselves. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.allisoncarmen.com/is-your-home-a-sinkhole/ Quotes to ponder: “Sometimes we feel like our home is a sinkhole that is draining our resources, time, and energy.” “When we let go of what we do not need, we create space for peace, clarity, and freedom.” “The more we attach our happiness to what we own, the heavier our lives become.” 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 3773: Tynan challenges the cliché of living each day like it’s your last and instead suggests living each day like it’s your first. By viewing life as a garden, he shows how habits, relationships, and learning are seeds we plant and nurture over time, creating lasting growth and fulfillment rather than rushing for quick rewards. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://tynan.com/yourfirst/ Quotes to ponder: "One type of seed is a habit. You begin a new habit, knowing that it won’t yield fruit for days, weeks, months, or even years." "Sometimes it seems like the world is focused on the harvest, and not on the sowing." "If you live like it’s your first day, you’ll take a completely different approach." 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 3771: Colin Wright explores how our perception of time shifts depending on attention, novelty, and emotional state, and how that subjectivity can work either against us or for us. By becoming more deliberate about how we structure our days, we can slow down experiences, extend meaningful moments, and cultivate a deeper sense of presence in everyday life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://exilelifestyle.com/subjectivity-time/ Quotes to ponder: "Time can feel like it’s racing past, like it’s dragging, or like it’s standing still, depending on how we’re experiencing it." "We have some influence over how quickly or slowly time seems to pass, based on what we do and how we engage with what we’re doing." "When we’re present, novel experiences seem to stretch, and we walk away feeling as if we’ve lived more fully." 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 3770: Steve Pavlina explains how the first hour of each morning acts as a rudder that steers the rest of the day. By consciously choosing activities that create clarity, focus, and energy, you can set yourself on a path of productivity and positive momentum rather than allowing old habits or external influences to take over. His insights highlight how small, intentional choices early in the day compound into a powerful sense of direction. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/05/the-rudder-of-the-day/ Quotes to ponder: "The first hour is the rudder of the day." "Choose your first hour wisely, and it will steer your day in the direction you want to go." "Starting the day in a state of laziness, sloppiness, or distraction guarantees that the day will continue on that path." 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 3769: Ingrid Y. Helander explores how frustration, anxiety, and anger often arise when we “trip” over hidden parts of ourselves. By using mindful techniques rooted in Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal theory, and journaling, she shows how to compassionately recognize these inner parts and shift from pain into clarity. Her practical steps help transform emotional roadblocks into deeper self-understanding and healthier relationships. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ingridyhelanderlmft.com/are-you-frustrated-anxious-or-angry-listen-inside-you-may-be-tripping/ Quotes to ponder: “It's so important to have the openness and curiosity of another person’s wise eyes and ears when we feel frustrated.” “Get enough perspective to kindly observe this part of you that's saying painful things or has yucky feelings. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART!” “Hearing people's experiences and struggles is truly not tiring for me. In fact, it can be invigorating.” 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 3768: Rachel Shanken reminds us that emotions are not weaknesses but powerful signals that guide us to deeper self-awareness, connection, and joy. By embracing the full spectrum of our feelings through embodied mindfulness, we unlock a hidden superpower that enhances both inner peace and emotional resilience. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://mindbodywise.com/blog/how-to-tap-into-your-secret-super-power/ Quotes to ponder: "You have emotions. Your emotions are a huge part of what make you human." "When you stop resisting, you live with more peace and ease with the ability to experience more joy." "Resist the urge to try to make sense of or logic through your feelings…this is the job of the mind, but not the job of the heart." 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 3767: Irene Elias shares simple yet powerful strategies to stop letting insecurity and self-consciousness hold you back. By shifting perspective, practicing self-compassion, and gently pushing past comfort zones, she offers a path to greater resilience, confidence, and emotional freedom. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://selflovejunkie.com/how-to-overcome-feeling-self-conscious-insecure-and-sensitive/ Quotes to ponder: "Being self-conscious isn’t always a bad thing. It shows that you care and that you want to do your best." "Confidence is not about never feeling insecure; it’s about feeling insecure and doing it anyway." "Start small, and slowly build your confidence muscle by pushing yourself to do things that make you slightly uncomfortable." 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 3766: Marc Chernoff highlights subtle but powerful signs that the people around you may be draining your energy, undermining your growth, or holding you back from the life you deserve. His insights show how to recognize toxic influences, protect your well-being, and surround yourself with relationships that genuinely uplift and support you. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.marcandangel.com/2013/06/09/9-warning-signs-youre-in-bad-company/ Quotes to ponder: "Don’t let the negative people in your life control your behavior." "Pay attention to the people who don’t clap when you win." "Surround yourself with people who lift you higher." Books by Marc and Angel: https://www.marcandangel.com/book/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices