Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

Justin Malik
Subscribe

About

Join award-winning audiobook narrator Justin Malik in this personal growth accelerator, delivering bite-sized episodes each day that are rich with wisdom and practical advice. Optimal Living Daily features a carefully selected mix of articles from some of the most influential voices in self-help, covering topics like minimalism, productivity, mental health, and personal development. Each episode is thoughtfully narrated to not only inform but also inspire you to make meaningful changes in your life.
Whether you're seeking motivation, clarity, or strategies to enhance your daily life, Optimal Living Daily is your go-to source for personal development. It’s not just a podcast; it’s a daily habit that empowers you to live your best life, one insightful and uplifting episode at a time. Dive into episodes that cover the essence of self-help, minimalism, and self-improvement, offering actionable steps to foster personal development.
This podcast is designed for those passionate about personal development and minimalism, looking to integrate self-help strategies and self-improvement techniques into their daily routines. By focusing on personal development, each episode provides you with the tools needed for self-improvement and minimalism, transforming your life with every listen.
Listen now, and become an OLD friend--your optimal life awaits...
Read more

Available on

Community

4506 episodes

3637: How To Really Start Showing Up For Your Life by Shawna Scafe of Simple On Purpose on Growth and Authenticity

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 3637: Shawna Scafe shares a powerful wake-up call about how easy it is to slip into autopilot living, avoiding discomfort in the name of convenience, only to end up feeling disconnected and unfulfilled. She challenges us to choose the discomfort that leads to growth and authenticity, rather than the one that keeps us stuck in habits that quietly drain our lives. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://simpleonpurpose.ca/discomfort/ Quotes to ponder: "You can stay where you are, and that is uncomfortable. Or you can make a change, and that is uncomfortable. So choose your discomfort." "When we live by default we will spend our daily life in a cycle of avoiding pain and seeking pleasure." "Living a life that fulfils us, feels authentic, and feels life-giving is an uncomfortable thing to get." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11m
Jun 18
3636: Think Long Term to Make Good Decisions by Tynan on Mindfulness and Patience

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 3636: Tynan explores the transformative power of long-term thinking, explaining how extending your planning horizon can unlock better decisions, greater consistency, and a more fulfilling life. By shifting focus from immediate gratification to future impact, he shares how this mindset shift can give you an edge in nearly every area of life, from health to relationships to personal goals. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://tynan.com/longterm Quotes to ponder: "Long-term thinking is one of the most powerful tools you can use in your life." "If you always think about what your future self would want you to do, you’ll find that your actions are better aligned with your goals." "People are often amazed at how consistent I am, but it really comes down to thinking long-term and making plans that are sustainable." Episode references: Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766 The Slight Edge: https://www.amazon.com/Slight-Edge-Turning-Disciplines-Happiness/dp/1626340463 The Time Paradox: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Paradox-New-Psychology-Time-That-Will-Change-Your-Life/dp/1416541985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9m
Jun 17
3635: 6 Powerful Benefits of Decluttering Your Home and Life by Jennifer Burger of Simply Fiercely

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 3635: Jennifer Burger shares six transformative benefits of decluttering, from saving time and reducing stress to building confidence and making intentional choices. By letting go of excess, you're not just clearing space, you’re reclaiming your energy, focus, and sense of self. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.simplyfiercely.com/benefits-of-decluttering/ Quotes to ponder: "A decluttered home is easier to clean. I’d rather spend any extra time with my family or relaxing, instead of constantly tidying up or shifting piles of excess stuff." "I thought the problem was a lack of time, but in reality, I needed more focus and less distractions." "Decluttering is a tool that creates peace of mind by not only creating physical space but also mental space." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12m
Jun 16
3634: My (New) Favourite Tool For Supporting Your Desires by Irene Elias of Self Love Junkie

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 3634: Irene Elias shares a deceptively simple yet powerful technique to reframe negative self-talk and shift into a more empowered mindset by ending disempowering statements with “and that’s just the way I want it.” This small verbal twist exposes self-defeating thoughts and encourages intentional language that aligns with your desires and energy. A must-listen for anyone seeking to speak more life into their daily experience. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://selflovejunkie.com/my-new-favourite-tool-for-supporting-your-desires/ Quotes to ponder: “You can disempower your life by the words you choose to speak without even realising.” “So we either use words to speak life or death over our life! Use them wisely.” “I’m loving myself and creating a life that I adore and I know that it will happen at the right time and that’s just the way I want it.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9m
Jun 15
3633: How Short Rests Can Make You Healthier, Happier, and More Productive by Benjamin Fishel

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 3633: Benjamin Fishel explores the overlooked power of rest, explaining why it's more than just sleep and how addressing specific rest deficits can dramatically improve mood, focus, and motivation. Drawing from Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s framework, he outlines seven types of rest that can help you feel truly restored and prevent burnout. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/rests-make-you-healthier-happier-more-productive/ Quotes to ponder: "Rest is not solely about getting more sleep." "You don’t have a sleep deficit, you have a rest deficit." "Creative rest reawakens the awe and wonder inside each of us." Episode references: TEDx Talk - The Real Reason Why We Are Tired: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGNN4EPJzGk The Power of Rest: https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Rest-Recover-Your-Energy/dp/1478921684 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10m
Jun 15
3632: [Part 2] Overwhelmed? Eliminate Work by Reorganizing It by Tyler Tervooren of Riskology

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 3632: Tyler Tervooren shares how breaking the cycle of short-term fixes and reorganizing work can eliminate unnecessary tasks. By prioritizing the important over the urgent and building effective systems, he demonstrates how small changes can free up time, reduce stress, and create lasting improvements in both personal and professional life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.riskology.co/reorganize-work/ Quotes to ponder: "It’s difficult to do, but when you force yourself to prioritize your right work, it can actually reduce the amount of wrong work you need to do forever." "When I force myself to focus on the big picture I’m always happier with the result because it usually means getting rid of many smaller frustrations." "A system for managing things I must do but don’t want to removes the pain of figuring out how to do them or make time for them." Episode references: You Need A Budget (YNAB): https://www.youneedabudget.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11m
Jun 14
3631: [Part 1] Overwhelmed? Eliminate Work by Reorganizing It by Tyler Tervooren of Riskology

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 3631: Tyler Tervooren shares how feeling overwhelmed at work often stems from taking on tasks that don't align with your strengths, especially for introverts. By time-boxing draining responsibilities and delegating where possible, you can reclaim your productivity and protect your energy for work that truly matters. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.riskology.co/reorganize-work/ Quotes to ponder: "There’s no way I’m going to get everything done." "If you’re an introvert working on something better fit for an extrovert, then just an hour of 'wrong work' can easily eat up four or more hours of productivity because it’s so draining." "Your best shot at fixing the problem will be to show your boss how much more effective you’ll be when you’re working on your right work." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9m
Jun 13
3630: The Power of Timers by Rose Lounsbury on Boosting Productivity and Reducing Stress

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 3630: Rose Lounsbury shares how simple strategies like setting timers, applying the Two-Minute Rule, and minimizing distractions can boost productivity and lower stress. By creating a sense of urgency and focus, these techniques help streamline tasks and prevent perfectionism from hijacking your time. Original post: https://roselounsbury.com/the-power-of-timers/ Quotes to ponder: "If a task will take you less than two minutes to complete, do it now!" "Setting a timer can create this same sense in your daily life." "If you are going to give yourself time limits for tasks, you must spend all of that time on that task." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10m
Jun 12
3629: The 80/20 Principle and How It Can Change Your Life by Mark Manson on Personal and Professional Growth

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 3629: Mark Manson dives into the transformative power of applying the 80/20 Principle to every facet of life, revealing how focusing on the most impactful 20% can lead to extraordinary personal and professional growth. Through real-world examples and practical insights, he illustrates how trimming the trivial can help maximize results with minimal effort. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://markmanson.net/80-20-your-life Quotes to ponder: "Not all effort is created equal. Some efforts yield massive rewards; others yield little or nothing." "By focusing on the few things that matter most, we can amplify our results dramatically." "Every improvement in life comes from the identification and elimination of waste." Episode references: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown: https://gregmckeown.com/books/essentialism The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357 The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch: https://www.amazon.com/80-20-Principle-Secret-Achieving/dp/0385491743 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10m
Jun 11
3628: Proof by Steve Pavlina on Personal Growth and Intentional Living

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 3628: Steve Pavlina challenges the conventional desire for proof in personal growth, urging readers to prioritize direct experience over external validation. By embracing subjective truth and testing beliefs through action, he illustrates how true progress emerges from living intentionally rather than endlessly seeking evidence. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2007/10/proof/ Quotes to ponder: "Proof is overrated." "You are free to believe whatever you want, but if you want to grow, you must test your beliefs through action." "Beliefs are merely starting points for experience." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10m
Jun 10
3627: How to Transform Your Life Without A Fairy Godmother by Angela with Break The Twitch

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 3627: Angela reflects on the elusive nature of waiting for the "perfect moment" and how it often holds us back from making meaningful progress. By recognizing that there is no fairy godmother coming to save us, Angela empowers readers to take ownership of their growth, encouraging immediate action rather than passive hope. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.breakthetwitch.com/fairy-godmother/ Quotes to ponder: "Nobody is coming to save you. There’s no fairy godmother, no magic wand, and no sudden moment of perfect clarity." "The most important step is the one you’re able to take now, not the one you’re waiting to feel ready for." "Self-improvement isn’t about doing something when the time is right; it’s about doing it now and adjusting along the way." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10m
Jun 09
3626: What You Can Do If You Are a Nobody by James Altucher on Creativity and Idea Generation

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 3626: James Altucher shares a powerful roadmap for transforming from feeling like a “nobody” into building a life of influence and meaning. Through practical strategies like daily idea generation, relentless creativity, and authentic connection, he highlights how anyone can create opportunity from scratch, no fame, credentials, or big breaks required. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jamesaltucher.com/blog/what-you-can-do-if-you-are-a-nobody/ Quotes to ponder: "Nobody is born a somebody. You have to make yourself a somebody." "If you can come up with 10 ideas a day, that’s 3,650 ideas a year." "To be a somebody, make a platform for yourself. It doesn’t matter if it’s bad at first." Episode references: Choose Yourself by James Altucher: https://www.amazon.com/Choose-Yourself-James-Altucher/dp/1490313370 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12m
Jun 08
3625: 10 Toxic Personalities Living Inside You by Marc Chernoff on Self-Compassion and Emotional Maturity

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 3625: Marc Chernoff outlines ten toxic personalities that can quietly undermine our happiness, relationships, and self-esteem. By recognizing and addressing these traits, ranging from perfectionism to procrastination, we lay the groundwork for greater self-compassion, emotional maturity, and lasting personal growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.marcandangel.com/2012/07/16/10-toxic-personalities-living-inside-you/ Quotes to ponder: "You cannot tailor-make the situations in life, but you can tailor-make the attitudes to fit those situations." "Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own." "You don’t have to see the whole staircase, you just have to take the first step." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10m
Jun 08
3624: How To Break Old Habits Before They Break You by Rosalyn Palmer on Personal Development

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 3624: Rosalyn Palmer reveals why breaking old habits is harder than it seems and why willpower alone isn’t the answer. She explains how rewiring your brain with new environments, triggers, and rewards can help replace destructive routines with lasting, fulfilling habits. Discover the practical framework that empowers lasting change by understanding the deeper patterns behind behavior. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://rosalynpalmer.com/how-to-break-old-habits-before-they-break-you/ Quotes to ponder: "Over 40% of our daily actions are habitual." "It is NOT because you lack willpower or are weak-willed." "Have the right environment to foster success." Episode references: Atomic Habits: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits Tiny Habits: https://www.tinyhabits.com/ The Power of Habit: https://charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit/ Jud Brewer: https://drjud.com/ The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10m
Jun 07
3623: Letting Go Of The Past: Always Look At What You Have Left by Allison Carmen on Gratitude and Mindfulness

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 3623: Allison Carmen reflects on the quiet power of acceptance, appreciation, and renewal in navigating the emotional weight of the past. Through a personal story about her hair and shifting perspectives, she offers a compassionate roadmap for letting go of what was and making peace with what is, inviting us to uncover the beauty and possibility in the present moment. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.allisoncarmen.com/letting-go-of-the-past-always-look-at-what-you-have-left/ Quotes to ponder: "Always look at what you have left. Never look at what you have lost." "Acceptance does not mean we won’t try to improve our circumstances, but we need to be able to remember yesterday without holding on to it so tight." "Appreciating what we have in any moment, from good health to a good meal, from a friendship or our memories of friendships, helps us to be more content with what is today." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10m
Jun 06
3622: Shifting Perspective as a Wellness Strategy by Kathy Robinson of Athena Wellness on How to Reduce Stress

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 3622: Kathy Robinson explores how intentionally "zooming in" and "zooming out" can serve as powerful tools to shift your perspective, reduce stress, and reconnect with what matters most. By tapping into awe, from the vastness of the universe to the quantum world of atoms, you gain clarity, emotional resilience, and a practical approach to wellness grounded in awareness and presence. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://athenawellness.com/blog/2021/7/1/shifting-perspective-as-a-wellness-strategy Quotes to ponder: "From the Milky Way to a grain of sand, there’s so much awe, so much we don’t know." "Zooming out is a great technique when you’re mired in the details of your daily routine." "Zooming in gives you more clarity on a practical next step." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10m
Jun 05
3621: Loving What I Used to Hate AND My Loss by Derek Sivers on Self-Discovery and Personal 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 3621: Derek Sivers explores how hate and loss can serve as unexpected catalysts for self-discovery and personal clarity. By confronting what repels or devastates us, we uncover our deepest values and realign with what truly matters, sharpening our sense of purpose in the process. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/hate & https://sive.rs/loss Quotes to ponder: "I used to think hate was a negative emotion to be avoided. Now I see it as a useful alarm." "What you hate is a hint at what you value. What you hate shows what you believe should not be." "Loss feels like being stripped of everything, but then you realize what was underneath it all." Episode references: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713 Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: https://www.amazon.com/Top-Five-Regrets-Dying-Transformed/dp/140194065X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9m
Jun 04
3620: 5 Lessons About Self-Confidence, Play and the Meaning of Work (That I Learned From a Toddler) by Ingrid Y Helander

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 3620: Ingrid Helander shares five unexpected yet powerful lessons in self-confidence, creativity, and purpose drawn from observing her toddler grandson. Through playful moments and unfiltered honesty, she reveals how reclaiming childlike wonder and emotional authenticity can transform our approach to work and life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ingridyhelanderlmft.com/5-lessons-about-self-confidence-play-and-the-meaning-of-work-that-i-learned-from-a-toddler/ Quotes to ponder: "True confidence comes from the inside, not from what you do or how well you do it." "He takes his own ideas seriously and has no need to compare them to anyone else’s." "When he’s done with something, he’s done. And he knows it." Episode references: Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul: https://www.amazon.com/Play-Shapes-Brain-Imagination-Invigorates/dp/1583333789 The Whole-Brain Child: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Brain-Child-Revolutionary-Strategies-Developing/dp/0553386697 Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff: https://self-compassion.org/ Greater Good Science Center: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10m
Jun 03
3619: Why You Need to Take a Minimalist Vacation by Amy Slenker-Smith of SimplyEnough

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 3619: Amy Slenker-Smith reflects on the liberating benefits of taking a minimalist vacation, from ditching overpacking to fully disconnecting from work and responsibilities. By planning ahead and trusting others to step in, she shows how simplifying travel can lead to deeper relaxation, stronger relationships, and a healthier mindset. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.simplyenough.net/minimalist-vacation/ Quotes to ponder: "Less Luggage = More Vacation." "I trust my team. And I will be a better leader after these two weeks off." "Leaving your child with the confidence that they are strong and resilient enough to be without you for chunks of time helps them believe in themselves, which is a belief they can take into adulthood." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11m
Jun 02
3618: What Would You Do If You Had All The Money In The World by Margo Aaron of That Seems Important

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 3618: Margo Aaron challenges the popular self-help trope of the "$10 million question," revealing how it often obscures deeper issues of self-worth, fulfillment, and societal pressure. Through the story of her friend Kal, a man content with a simple, joyful life, she exposes the radical truth that genuine satisfaction comes not from ambition or hustle, but from accepting who you are and what you truly value. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thatseemsimportant.com/psychology/what-would-you-do-if-you-had-all-the-money-in-the-world/ Quotes to ponder: "Financial burdens (after a certain point) are psychological burdens. And there is no amount of money that can rid you of psychological burdens." "He was a regular dude who enjoyed his life. That’s it. That was what the world told him was a problem." "We live in a world where the most subversive thing you can do is be satisfied with who you are and what you want." Episode references: The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz: https://www.amazon.com/Paradox-Choice-Why-More-Less/dp/0060005696 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9m
Jun 01
3617: Why a Fixed-Rate Mortgage is the Best Choice AND To Do More - Do Less by Paula Pant of Afford Anything

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 3617: Paula Pant invites us to stop living on autopilot and start living with purpose by asking just two powerful questions. With gentle honesty and minimalist wisdom, she shows how aligning our daily actions with our true desires can bring clarity, joy, and deeper fulfillment, without judgment or complexity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://affordanything.com/fixed-rate-mortgage-is-always-the-best-choice/  &  https://affordanything.com/to-do-more-do-less/ Quotes to ponder: "What do I truly desire? What is standing in my way?" "Rearranging your life so that it more closely reflects your priorities shouldn’t be a struggle." "True simplicity calls us into a space of radical honesty, asking us to examine the way we have been living and contrast that with the way we want to be living." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13m
Jun 01
3616: Want to Feel Balanced? Learn How to Start Each Day with a Sadhana by Kate Hesse of Nourish Nest Breathe

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 3616: Kate Hesse shares how establishing a morning sadhana, a personalized spiritual practice, can bring calm, clarity, and intention to your day. Whether it's just a few minutes of breathwork or a more elaborate routine, she explains how to build a practice that meets you where you are and evolves with your life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://nourishnestbreathe.com/sadhana/ Quotes to ponder: "Sadhana is Sanskrit for a daily spiritual practice." "Pick activities which fit into the time you have available without feeling rushed." "This practice is a living process." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12m
May 31
3615: Benefits of Mindfulness by Dr. Lisa Firestone of PsychAlive on Emotional Health

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 3615: Dr. Lisa Firestone explores how mindfulness can transform emotional health, boost physical resilience, and deepen our connection to the present. Backed by research and real-life clinical applications, her insights show how simple practices like meditation can quiet the mind, reduce stress, and help us live with greater intention and clarity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.psychalive.org/benefits-of-mindfulness/ Quotes to ponder: "Mindfulness is an incredible tool to help people understand, tolerate, and deal with their emotions in healthy ways." "When we release judgment and learn to live in the moment, we increase our mental agility." "Get out of our heads and learn to experience the world directly, experientially, without the relentless commentary of our thoughts." Episode references: Society for Humanistic Psychology: https://www.apadivisions.org/division-32 The Mindful Way Through Depression: https://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Way-through-Depression-Unhappiness/dp/1593851286 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12m
May 30
3614: Glory Days by Chris Guillebeau on Mindfulness and Living in the Moment

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 3614: Chris Guillebeau unpacks why we often romanticize the past and chase “glory days” that never truly existed the way we remember them. By questioning nostalgia and emphasizing the present, he invites readers to create meaningful experiences today rather than dwell in filtered memories. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://chrisguillebeau.com/glory-days/ Quotes to ponder: "Sometimes we long for a version of the past that didn’t actually happen, at least not in the way we remember it." "The best days of your life don’t have to be behind you. They can be right now, or just ahead." "Memory is faulty, and nostalgia can be deceptive." Episode references: The Art of Non-Conformity: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Unconventional-Living/dp/0399536108 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9m
May 29
3613: 5 Inspirations for Being in the Moment by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits on Meditation and Mindfulness

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 3613: Leo Babauta offers five vivid inspirations to help us reconnect with the present moment, from the playful focus of children to the mindful precision of Zen monks. Through relatable examples and simple wisdom, he reminds us that joy and calm are found not in overthinking, but in fully engaging with what's right in front of us. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/5-inspirations-for-being-in-the-moment/ Quotes to ponder: "Children. There’s no one better at being present than a child." "Be like a cat." "The Zen state is the sweeping." Episode references: Alan Watts - Quote Source: https://www.alanwatts.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9m
May 28
3612: From Age to Achievement, it's Mind Over Matter by Jay & Heather Harrington of Life And Whim

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 3612: Jay and Heather Harrington explore how age, success, and well-being are all shaped more by mindset than by biology or circumstance. Drawing from Ellen Langer’s “Counterclockwise Study” and Steven Pressfield’s work on resistance, they show how internal belief and mental habits can profoundly transform our physical vitality and personal achievement. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.lifeandwhim.com/first-moments-blog/mind-over-matter Quotes to ponder: "Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter." "Thinking that we are old and frail or young and vibrant, therefore, can each be their own self-fulfilling prophecy." "The only thing that stands between you and your dream is your mind." Episode references: The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Steven-Pressfield/dp/1936891026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11m
May 27
3611: Living Small in a Big World by Kerry Ogden on Minimalism and True Fulfillment

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 3611: Kerry Ogden invites us to reconsider our relationship with space, stuff, and self-worth by sharing her personal journey from minimalist living to a sprawling Victorian home - and back again. With insights on gratitude, simplicity, and intentionality, she reminds us that true fulfillment often comes from owning less and experiencing more. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://kerryogden.com/2016/08/decluttering/ Quotes to ponder: "Detaching from stuff requires psychological fortitude. It takes courage to trust that you have enough, that you are enough." "Minimalism is a mindset. It’s about living intentionally." "The real joys in life come from collecting experiences,  not things." Episode references: Love's Executioner by Irvin D. Yalom: https://www.amazon.com/Loves-Executioner-Other-Tales-Psychotherapy/dp/0060958340 The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Magic-Tidying-Decluttering-Organizing/dp/1607747308 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11m
May 26
3610: What To Do (When You Have No Idea What To Do) by Josie Michelle Davis on How to Improve Decision Making

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 3610: Josie Michelle Davis offers a compassionate guide for those feeling paralyzed by indecision or uncertainty. Her practical, heart-centered strategies help you take small, meaningful steps forward, especially when clarity feels impossible, making this a comforting resource for moments of confusion and overwhelm. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://josiemichelledavis.com/blog/2019/02/07/2019-1-26-what-to-do-when-you-have-no-idea-what-to-do/ Quotes to ponder: "When you don’t know what to do, do something." "Action breeds clarity. Stillness doesn’t always bring the answers we’re hoping for." "You don’t need to make the right decision right now, you just need to make a decision." Episode references: The Next Right Thing Podcast: https://emilypfreeman.com/podcast/ The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Magic-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0316270725 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8m
May 25
3609: Does Brain Training Work? More Food For Thought by Dr. Jenny Brockis on Improving Cognitive Ability

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 3609: Dr. Jenny Brockis challenges the sweeping conclusion that brain training is ineffective, calling attention to the flawed methodology and limited scope of a widely publicized study. She emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing research design and reminds us that mental fitness depends on a range of lifestyle choices, not just cognitive games. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.drjennybrockis.com/2010/4/26/does-brain-training-work-more-food-for-thought/ Quotes to ponder: "One sweeping statement can colour people’s overall acceptance of what is the 'truth'." "240 minutes is not very long to look at how effective a training program is." "Brain training programs are only one facet managing stress and getting enough sleep, will all help in our quest to stay mentally fit." Episode references: The original brain training study (Owen et al., 2010): https://www.nature.com/articles/nature09042 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12m
May 25
3608: How to Practice Self Care When Travelling by Jennifer Burger of SimplyFiercely

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 3608: Jennifer Burger reminds us that even the most exciting trips can lose their spark without intentional self-care. From preserving daily rituals to giving yourself permission to slow down, her practical tips help travelers stay grounded, present, and truly enjoy the journey, body and soul. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.simplyfiercely.com/how-to-practice-self-care-when-travelling/ Quotes to ponder: "Self-care is always important, especially when travelling." "Don’t get me wrong, I love talking about travel and making plans, but I also know that I need downtime so that travel stays fun and not an unpleasant chore." "Being free to do what you please is one of the best parts about travel." Episode references: Adult colouring book (similar example): https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Garden-Inky-Treasure-Coloring/dp/1780671067 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11m
May 24