3832: Get Things Out of Your Head and Build An External Brain by Marc Bilodeau on Building Systems for Mental Clarity

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 3834: Marc Chernoff weaves together two powerful reflections on living with courage and compassion, reminding us that life’s most meaningful moments often require us to step beyond fear and into authenticity. Whether it’s stumbling through your truth or offering quiet presence to a stranger in need, every hour holds the potential to leave a lasting impact. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.marcandangel.com/2009/03/24/what-is-the-value-of-an-hour/⁠ & https://www.marcandangel.com/2009/12/07/i-would-rather-sound-stupid/ Quotes to ponder: "Our lives are measured by the value we provide to others. This value arises from the things we spend our time doing." "Clarity and progression occur with enduring love, passion, and patience." "Impossible is simply a mindset, something we get when we haven’t trained our minds and our hearts to see past the systems that currently exist to ones that don’t yet exist." 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 3833: ESI shares how small, consistent actions taken daily can lead to major achievements over time, whether in wealth building, health, relationships, or personal goals. By breaking big dreams into manageable steps and tracking progress, you can transform long-term aspirations into real, measurable success. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://esimoney.com/make-small-progress-every-day/ Quotes to ponder: "It’s not much each day, but slow, steady progress adds up big-time over a long period of time." "Any goal you have (within reason) is achievable if you follow one simple rule." "You have to work at it over a long period of time, do something regularly and make a bit of progress every day." Episode references: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.amazon.com/7-Habits-Highly-Effective-People/dp/1982137274 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 3832: Marc Bilodeau emphasizes the power of building an "external brain" using tools like calendars, notepads, and email clients to free up mental bandwidth and reduce overwhelm. By offloading to-dos and appointments into reliable systems, you can think more clearly, manage life more effectively, and stay open to unexpected opportunities. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.marcbilodeau.com/brain/ Quotes to ponder: "Our memories aren’t as good as we think. Therefore, an external brain becomes a critical everyday tool." "An unmanaged inbox is hard to navigate. It’s cluttered and mentally overwhelming." "Action items should either be put on the calendar, in the notepad, or moved to a special folder to follow up at a later time." Episode references: Evernote: https://evernote.com Google Calendar: https://calendar.google.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 3831: Dr. Benjamin Hardy challenges readers to stop avoiding discomfort and instead embrace difficult emotions as the gateway to meaningful growth and identity transformation. By consistently acting despite fear, resistance, or insecurity, you build real confidence and create a life driven by courage, clarity, and purpose. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/@benjaminhardy/how-to-deal-with-uncomfortable-emotions-and-reshape-your-identity-58142db8cfd4 Quotes to ponder: "Pain, discomfort, shock, boredom, impostor syndrome, awkwardness, fear, being wrong, failing, ignorance, looking stupid, your avoidance of these feelings is stopping you from a life beyond your wildest imagination." "Confidence is an effect, not a cause. Identity is an effect, not a cause." "You just need to walk past the emotional wall, the electrical fence, which paralyzes and imprisons 99% of people." Episode references: Relentless by Tim Grover: https://www.amazon.com/Relentless-Unstoppable-Tim-S-Grover/dp/1476714207 Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/Tools-Titans-Billionaires-World-Class-Performers/dp/1328683788 Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331 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 3830: Richard Paterson explores the surprising truth that peace isn’t something you need to achieve through mental stillness or perfect conditions, it’s already within you. Even in the midst of emotional turmoil, moments of deep presence or focus can effortlessly uncover the peace that’s always been there. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thinklessandgrowrich.com/peaceful-mind/ Quotes to ponder: "You don’t need to have a peaceful mind to experience peace. Peace happens naturally when the mind subsides." "Peace never leaves you. You leave peace." "When you give your full attention to the present moment, thinking temporarily stops  and, in the absence of thinking, what remains is peace." Episode references: I Am That by Nisargadatta Maharaj: https://www.amazon.com/I-Am-That-Nisargadatta-Maharaj/dp/0893860220 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 3829: Dr. Lisa Lewis unpacks how common, and human, negative self-talk really is, then lays out four simple, science-backed strategies to disrupt those thoughts before they sabotage your goals. With practical reframing techniques and present-moment focus, this guide offers a clear path to stop spiraling and start showing up stronger, in your workouts, your work, and your mindset. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://markfisherfitness.com/combat-negative-thinking/ Quotes to ponder: "Remind yourself, 'It’s a feeling, not a fact.'" "Repetition fosters habits and shapes beliefs." "Negative thoughts about your career, your appearance, your life, and your self are common." 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 3828: Chalene Johnson shares four refreshing ways to cut through holiday chaos and reconnect with what really matters. By learning to say no, delegate tasks, and let go of outdated expectations, you’ll create more space for joy, reflection, and meaningful connection this season. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.chalenejohnson.com/how-to-minimize-holiday-stress/ Quotes to ponder: "We all have so much going on in December. How about we spend this time with our loved ones and pick this up again in the New Year?" "It’s the thought that counts! Not the time you spent going to the store and wrapping it." "If it doesn’t actually bring you joy and feels like more of a burden, just drop it!" 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 3827: James Altucher shares an unfiltered look at decades of anxiety, addiction, and self-destruction, revealing how simplicity, boundaries, and daily micro‑improvements revived his confidence, creativity, and sense of freedom. His hard‑earned insights show how minimalism and integrity can transform a life once ruled by fear and attachment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://archive.jamesaltucher.com/blog/learn-late-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Maybe desire = anxiety = negativity." "When you get rid of the clutter of life, of the mind, of emotions, then true love takes its place." "Loving yourself is Abundance." 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 3826: Jay and Heather Harrington share how reclaiming the quiet hours of early morning can transform long-stalled goals into daily progress. With practical tips and personal insights, they reveal why waking early isn't just a habit, it's a pathway to clarity, productivity, and meaningful achievement. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.lifeandwhim.com/first-moments-blog/magic-early-morning Quotes to ponder: "The early morning hours are peaceful and quiet, and therefore productive." "How you start your day determines the quality of your day, and how you spend your days determines the quality of your life." "Start Slowly. If you wake up at 7 a.m. now, don’t immediately start setting the alarm for 5 a.m. Waking up early is a muscle you need to exercise." 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 3825: Kate Hesse breaks down how to stop relying on fleeting willpower and instead build sustainable motivation for regular exercise by connecting deeply with your personal “why.” With practical strategies for accountability and habit-building, she helps you create a workout routine that feels natural, not forced. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://nourishnestbreathe.com/start-working-out/ Quotes to ponder: "Get really clear on your why. Why do you want to work out?" "When you struggle to get to the gym, return to your why." "You know yourself better than I do, set up logistics that work for you and your schedule!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices