3856: Learning to Savor the Firsts and the Lasts by Britt with No Sidebar on Appreciating Change

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

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 3852: Saskia Macejova explores how emotional clarity can transform the way we respond to difficult situations, especially for highly sensitive people. By learning to name and understand our feelings with honesty and curiosity, we gain the power to act with intention instead of reacting from confusion or fear. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://introvertdear.com/news/emotions-hsps-aware/ Quotes to ponder: "The less aware we are of our emotions, the less likely we are to figure out how to best regulate them." "The fear is not you. It’s just you being afraid." "It may take some time to learn how to be honest with yourself and others, but it’s not impossible." 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 3851: Joshua Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus challenge our default self-centered worldview by exploring how cultural conditioning leads us to believe we’re the center of everything. By consciously stepping outside ourselves and embracing contribution over consumption, we can discover deeper freedom, purpose, and lasting happiness beyond material excess. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://exilelifestyle.com/center-universe/ Quotes to ponder: "Everything in my own immediate experience supports my deep belief that I am the absolute center of the universe,  it’s pretty much the same for all of us." "It’s impossible to feel fulfilled or satisfied if we do not contribute beyond ourselves." "Minimalism is a tool that can help us regain our consciousness and show us that the real point of our lives is not consumption, but to contribute to other people in meaningful ways." Episode references: This Is Water by David Foster Wallace: https://fs.blog/david-foster-wallace-this-is-water/ 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 3850: Michael Mehlberg challenges the traditional view of self-improvement by revealing a powerful truth: the best way to refine yourself is by helping shape others. Through small, intentional acts of kindness and awareness, you become both the sculptor and the sculpture, transforming lives while uncovering the best version of yourself. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://michaelmehlberg.com/blog/2019/9/7/sculpting-your-best-self-how-self-improvement-is-best-done-through-sculpting-others Quotes to ponder: "You are a block of stone, but you are also an artist etching change into each life you touch." "The words you use and the way you treat people forever alters their life, sometimes in big ways, most times in small, unknown ways." "You are a sculptor of lives, yourself and those around you." 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 3849: Ross Enamait highlights how Anthony Robles turned adversity into dominance, showing that greatness comes not from ease, but from relentless drive and self-belief. His story is a raw, powerful reminder that limits are often self-imposed. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://rosstraining.com/blog/2009/01/inspiration-from-anthony-robles/ Quotes to ponder: "Just getting up to compete is a victory in itself." "So many of us have potential that we never even realize." "People need to worry about their own lives, and stop interfering with the lives of others." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices