DiscoverOptimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship
Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

Author: Optimal Living Daily | Dan W.

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Optimal Work Daily, presented by the experienced narrator Dan, is a podcast that focuses on enhancing productivity, creativity, and work-life balance. Dan provides clear and engaging narration of thought-provoking articles from leading experts in the fields of work, career development, productivity, and entrepreneurship.
Optimal Work Daily is an ideal resource for professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to maximize their potential in the workplace. The podcast's diverse range of topics, from time management strategies to fostering creativity, provides valuable insights for enhancing performance and achieving career satisfaction, making it a must-listen as you strive to excel in your professional life.
Whether you're aiming to advance your career, boost productivity, or delve into entrepreneurship, Optimal Work Daily offers practical advice and inspiration. Each episode focuses on work, career, productivity, and entrepreneurship, providing you with the tools needed to thrive professionally. Dan's engaging narration and the podcast's insightful content make it an essential daily listen for those dedicated to career growth and success.
This podcast is designed for those passionate about work, career, productivity, and entrepreneurship. It's your go-to source for practical advice on enhancing your work performance, advancing your career, and exploring entrepreneurship. Each episode offers actionable steps to foster productivity and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of work, career, productivity, and entrepreneurship in achieving your goals.
Listen now, and become an OLD friend--your optimal life awaits...
1882 Episodes
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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 1881: Kalen Bruce shares actionable strategies to boost your income fast by using skills you already have, whether through online freelancing or local side gigs. He also encourages a balanced financial approach, combining short-term income boosts with long-term investment strategies for lasting financial freedom. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://moneyminiblog.com/make-money/passive-income-and-side-gigs/ Quotes to ponder: "People will always pay that little bit extra to keep a good childminder, as they can be like gold dust in some areas." "If you aren't willing to own a stock for ten years, don't even think about owning it for ten minutes." "Start with what you know, or what you can do and then consider whether there's a definite market for those services." Episode references: Upwork: https://www.upwork.com The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham: https://www.amazon.com/Intelligent-Investor-Definitive-Value-Investing/dp/0060555661  
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 1880: James Altucher breaks down the essential mindset shifts and practical techniques behind authentic, effective selling, whether you're pitching a product, idea, or yourself. Learn how trust, storytelling, vulnerability, and listening can transform your sales approach into something natural, persuasive, and even enjoyable. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jamesaltucher.com/blog/the-10-keys-to-selling-anything/ Quotes to ponder: "Nobody ever buys a product. They buy trust in the seller." "Good salespeople sell solutions, not features." "If you try to sell to everyone, you end up selling to no one." Episode references: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion: https://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Robert-Cialdini/dp/006124189X How to Win Friends and Influence People: https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034  
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 1879: James Altucher breaks down why traditional negotiation often sabotages real selling, revealing how focusing on value, not price, can lead to greater long-term wins. Through personal stories, some unconventional, some costly upfront, he shows how understanding a customer's lifetime value and the ripple effects of reputation can dramatically shift your approach to sales. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://archive.jamesaltucher.com/blog/the-10-keys-to-selling-anything/ Quotes to ponder: "Everyone has a 'yes' buried inside of them and a good salesman knows how to find where that 'yes' is buried and then how to tease it out." "Negotiation is worthless. Sales is everything." "Only sell something you love to someone you love."
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 1878: Marc Chernoff reveals the subtle but destructive habits that sabotage our creative potential, from perfectionism to fear of judgment. By identifying and overcoming these mental roadblocks, we can unlock deeper self-expression, stronger ideas, and a more fulfilling creative process. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.marcandangel.com/2011/11/27/7-deadly-sins-of-creativity/ Quotes to ponder: "Creativity is not about perfection. It's about exploration and growth." "You can't possibly know what will work beforehand. You have to create your art to find out." "Procrastination is the enemy of success and creative progress." Episode references: The Artist's Way: https://juliacameronlive.com/the-artists-way/ The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Steven-Pressfield/dp/1936891026  
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 1877: Karl Staib offers a practical and empathetic framework for overcoming resistance to important projects by helping listeners recognize and shift their mindset, build momentum with small wins, and use emotion-based techniques like the Dig to Fly Method. His approach empowers you to move through fear, perfectionism, and procrastination, so you can take meaningful steps forward with clarity and confidence. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://digtofly.com/simple-guide-overcoming-project-resistance/ Quotes to ponder: "Resistance is just a signal that you care about the outcome." "Start small so you build confidence and momentum." "When you name the emotion, you take away some of its power." Episode references: Tiny Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Habits-Changes-That-Change/dp/0358003326 The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Steven-Pressfield/dp/1936891026  
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 1876: Cal Newport challenges the conventional wisdom that piling on college extracurriculars boosts success, arguing instead that most are a poor return on time and energy. He advocates for a minimalist approach focused on doing fewer activities but with deeper commitment and standout results, creating what he calls a "remarkable" profile that truly matters. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/07/23/dangerous-ideas-college-extracurriculars-are-meaningless/ Quotes to ponder: "To stand out, do fewer things, but do them better than anyone else." "Starting a successful non-profit is remarkable." "Extracurricular activities are not, in and of themselves, impressive."
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 1875: Chris Guillebeau reflects on a moment of unexpected vulnerability while sick and stranded on a cold bathroom floor in South Africa, drawing powerful lessons on control, acceptance, and resilience. His candid story reminds us how confronting discomfort, without trying to immediately fix it, can open the door to growth, clarity, and deeper peace. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://chrisguillebeau.com/notes-from-a-cold-bathroom-floor-in-south-africa/ Quotes to ponder: "Sometimes, there's nothing you can do but wait it out. And that's okay." "I couldn't change what was happening, so I stopped trying." "Being in control is nice, but not being in control can teach you something, too."  
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 1874: Brian Tracy outlines seven powerful SMART goals that pave the way to long-term business success, emphasizing frugal living, disciplined saving, and strategic investing. By mastering negotiation, adopting compound growth habits, and setting clear, actionable financial goals, you can build wealth slowly and sustainably, just like the vast majority of millionaires. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.briantracy.com/blog/business-success/business-success-smart-goals-frugal-living/ Quotes to ponder: "The ultimate end or purpose of all human life is the achievement of personal happiness." "The power is always on the side of the person with the best information." "Most great fortunes and business success stories are built slowly." Episode references: Nicomachean Ethics: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle-ethics/ The Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/1589795474  
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 1873: Nick Loper shares the emotional and financial challenges behind shutting down his longest-running business after a final attempt to salvage it failed. His reflection on sunk costs, failed pivots, and the freedom that came with letting go offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs facing hard decisions. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.sidehustlenation.com/shoesniper-postmortem/ Quotes to ponder: "I told them the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results,  and handed over the keys to the site in exchange for them waiving the 'amount due.'" "Still, not making an investment in SEO when times were good is a big regret." "The site was responsible for a disproportionate amount of stress in my life over the last year, and with all the problems, it just plain wasn't fun to work on anymore." Episode references: Empire Flippers: https://empireflippers.com
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 1872: Nick Loper reflects on the emotional and strategic decision to shut down his first and longest-running business, ShoeSniper, after a decade of operation. This candid story challenges the myth of never quitting by showing how shifting market forces, rising ad costs, and declining commissions can turn a once-profitable venture into a slow bleed, making quitting not just okay, but necessary. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.sidehustlenation.com/shoesniper-postmortem/ Quotes to ponder: "Most of what you read in the entrepreneurship world is about perseverance and 'never giving up.' But it's not true." "Quitters never win and winners never quit." Episode references: PriceGrabber: https://www.pricegrabber.com/
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 1871: Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock explore the nuanced pros and cons of employee loyalty in a booming job market. While long-term commitment can lead to job security, personal growth, and professional recognition, blind loyalty may hold you back financially and emotionally, especially in toxic or stagnant environments. Discover how to assess whether staying or moving on better serves your long-term goals. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/benefits-drawbacks-employee-loyalty/ Quotes to ponder: "Staying put with a company you've come to know and trust contributes to increased job security confidence." "Employees sometimes take their commitments to their current employers too far and get stuck in a career rut, affecting their productivity and growth." "At the end of the day, you have to consider how much you're gaining by remaining a loyal employee and how much your loyalty could be costing you."
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 1870: Alli Worthington explores how chronic busyness drains our peace, purpose, and presence, offering a clear-eyed guide to escape the cycle of constant striving. By confronting the lies that keep us overwhelmed, she empowers us to reclaim margin, intentionality, and joy in everyday life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://goinswriter.com/breaking-busy/ Quotes to ponder: "Busy is a drug that a lot of people are addicted to." "When we are always busy, we miss the most important moments of our lives." "I wasn't addicted to success. I was addicted to striving."
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 1869: Seth Godin explores the often-overlooked distinction between having attention and having influence, reminding us that building a platform is more powerful than simply chasing visibility. He explains why a loyal audience that trusts you outweighs a large one that merely notices you, offering a mindset shift for creators, marketers, and entrepreneurs who want to create lasting impact. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://seths.blog/2009/09/the-platform-vs-the-eyeballs/ Quotes to ponder: "Getting someone's attention doesn't mean you have a platform." "If you've got a platform, people will listen to what you say. If you've got attention, it's a good time to say something." "A platform is permission. It's a trusted relationship."
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 1868: Steve Pavlina breaks down a powerful quarterly planning method to help you stay aligned with your long-term vision while making meaningful short-term progress. This approach blends high-level goal setting with practical execution, ensuring each 90-day sprint becomes a focused and manageable unit of personal growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://stevepavlina.com/blog/2004/10/quarterly-planning-time/ Quotes to ponder: "One quarter (90 days) is the perfect time horizon for goal setting and planning." "You can accomplish an amazing amount in a single quarter, and yet it's short enough to stay focused and avoid procrastination." "The quarterly structure helps you think long-term but act short-term."  
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 1867: Mike Smerklo reveals how he used hard-won leadership wisdom and decision-making frameworks from legends like Welch, Jobs, and Bezos to know when it was time to move on. His honest analysis makes a compelling case for why knowing when to step aside can be the most powerful move a leader makes. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.mikesmerklo.com/being-done-and-being-okay-with-it/ Quotes to ponder: "A leader with a compromised 'will' is dangerous. To be clear, there is nothing wrong with losing the will, it's only problematic if you don't recognize it and act accordingly." "The gap between what I was good at and what the company needed had become too large." "Done right, you can feel good both about being done and how the decision was made." Episode references: Steve Jobs' Stanford Commencement Address (2005): https://news.stanford.edu/2005/06/14/jobs-061505/  
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 1866: Jay Harrington shares how embracing remote work and building a virtual business rooted in personal values can unlock greater freedom, purpose, and connection to place. His experience living and working in Traverse City illustrates how intentional choices around career and lifestyle can lead to more fulfilling outcomes. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.lifeandwhim.com/first-moments-blog/how-to-run-a-virtual-business-from-anywhere-even-no-especially-from-traverse-city Quotes to ponder: "More than building a business, we're building a life." "Technology has eliminated the need to live where the work is, which means we can now live where we want and bring the work with us." "A virtual business can be both high-performing and high-quality-of-life-enhancing."  
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 1865: Jay Harrington lays out a compelling case for designing a virtual business that supports both professional ambitions and personal freedom, especially from places often overlooked, like Traverse City. His insights blend strategy with intentional living, offering a refreshing perspective for anyone seeking more autonomy, flexibility, and purpose in their work. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.lifeandwhim.com/first-moments-blog/how-to-run-a-virtual-business-from-anywhere-even-no-especially-from-traverse-city Quotes to ponder: "Work should support life, not the other way around." "The freedom to define success on your own terms is the greatest advantage of running a virtual business." "Running a virtual business allows you to untether your work from your location, and live wherever you want." Episode references: The 4-Hour Workweek: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357
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 1864: Joe Peters explains how cultivating creativity at work drives tangible business benefits, from increased innovation and faster problem-solving to stronger employee engagement and adaptability. By making space for creative expression, companies not only future-proof their teams but also create a more motivated and agile workforce. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.carlpullein.com/blog/5-ways-fostering-creativity-at-work-benefits-the-business/15/4/2020 Quotes to ponder: "Creativity in the workplace improves a team's ability to solve problems and innovate." "Employees who are allowed to be creative tend to be more engaged with their work." "A culture of creativity enables a company to adapt quickly to changes in the market." Episode references: The Innovator's DNA: https://www.amazon.com/Innovators-DNA-Mastering-Skills-Innovative/dp/1422134814  
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 1863: Isaac Morehouse challenges the traditional college narrative by reframing education as a personal branding story, encouraging individuals to craft a more compelling, authentic alternative that reflects initiative, skills, and real-world results. By exposing the crumbling value of degrees and the rise of self-driven learning, he empowers readers to take control of their trajectory and differentiate themselves in a noisy, competitive world. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://isaacmorehouse.com/2022/01/17/college-is-a-story-tell-a-better-one/ & https://isaacmorehouse.com/2022/02/11/no-degree-is-the-new-degree/ Quotes to ponder: "It's not that college is a lie. It's that it's a small and boring truth." "No degree is the new degree." "If you can't tell a better story than the degree, you probably won't beat it." Episode references: The End of College by Kevin Carey: https://www.amazon.com/End-College-Creating-Future-Learning/dp/1594632057 Thiel Fellowship: https://thielfellowship.org The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: https://www.amazon.com/Almanack-Naval-Ravikant-Wealth-Happiness/dp/1544514212    
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 1862: Christine Comaford outlines a blueprint for engaging millennial employees by shifting away from outdated management models and toward purpose-driven, strength-based cultures. Her insights reveal that millennials crave meaning, real-time feedback, and development, not ping-pong tables or perks, and organizations that adapt will unlock a powerful, often untapped, talent pool. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/got-millennials-heres-culture-need/ Quotes to ponder: "Organizations shouldn't ignore weaknesses. Rather, they should minimize weaknesses and maximize strengths." "Indifference is a company-killer." "Millennials don't want annual reviews, they want ongoing conversations."
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Comments (2)

Sophie G.

This piece was awesome!

Aug 20th
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Ed Ed

great episode. keep it coming please.

Dec 13th
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