Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

1929 Episodes

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1929: How to Escape a Workplace Productivity Rut by Laura Stack of The Productivity Pro on Breaking Work Stagnation

2026-01-1107:47

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 1929: Laura Stack offers practical strategies for escaping the trap of "good enough" performance at work, reminding us that even the most disciplined routines can slide into stagnation. By addressing internal blocks like perfectionism and procrastination, refreshing your goals, and optimizing your work environment, you can reignite your motivation and climb out of a productivity rut with intention and renewed energy. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://theproductivitypro.com/blog/2013/08/how-to-escape-a-workplace-productivity-rut/ Quotes to ponder: "Let go of the stone, so you can float back to the top of the productivity game." "A change is as good as a rest, and this is one of the situations where it may apply." "Start by redefining your goals, looking for the motivational triggers that set you on your path toward success in the first place."

1928: I Funded Our Wedding Through Freelance Writing by Leah Manderson with Budgets Are Sexy on Client-Based Income

2026-01-1006:42

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 1928: Leah Manderson shares how she transformed her writing skills into a thriving freelance business to help fund her dream wedding. By targeting women-owned businesses with generous, value-first pitches, she built a client base, earned over $5,000, and discovered a side hustle that outlasted the wedding itself. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.budgetsaresexy.com/side-hustle-series-started-freelance-writing-business/ Quotes to ponder: "It's a rollercoaster of emotions in the beginning (it took me 2 months to get my first client!), but so worth the effort when you finally get a 'yes!'" "To sell my services, I sent email pitches to women-owned businesses in my area, telling them how I could help them improve their sales." "In exchange for free projects, request either a testimonial or referral to further your business in a non-monetary way."

1927: When You Should Give Away Your Services For Free AND 4 Different Types of Entrepreneurs by Chalene Johnson

2026-01-0908:41

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 1927: Chalene Johnson explores the emotional dilemma of offering your services for free and why doing so often undermines the recipient's commitment and results. She also breaks down four entrepreneurial mindsets, Doubter, Perfectionist, Jumper, and Soldier, helping you identify your current approach and what it takes to shift into a more productive, resilient mindset. These insights are invaluable if you're striving to build stronger boundaries and achieve real progress in both life and business. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.chalenejohnson.com/services-when-you-should-give-away-your-services-for-free/ & https://www.chalenejohnson.com/entrepreneurs/ Quotes to ponder: "When you give people something for free, not always, but 9 times out of 10, they don't do anything with it." "You have to stop doubting yourself because, if you doubt yourself, I guarantee everyone else will, too." "You must be a quiet hero. Feel fear and do what is right."

1926: To be Productive You Don't Need A Complicated System by Carl Pullein on Simple Efficiency

2026-01-0808:45

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 1926: Carl Pullein dismantles the myth that productivity requires elaborate systems, showing how focus and daily consistency, like Ian Fleming's writing ritual, are all it takes to accomplish great work. With just a notebook, clear priorities, and protected time blocks, anyone can achieve meaningful results without stress or complexity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.carlpullein.com/blog/to-be-productive-you-dont-need-a-complicated-system/7/8/2019 Quotes to ponder: "To become super productive, you need two ingredients: focus and consistency." "No one will respect your time until you respect your time." "A notebook, a pen and clarity for what you want to accomplish is all you need." Episode references: Casino Royale: https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Royale-James-Bond-Book/dp/1612185436

1925: Using Mind Control to Raise Startup Cash by Michael Simpson of Nir and Far on Persuasive Funding

2026-01-0707:14

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 1925: Michael Simpson reveals how entrepreneurs can leverage social proof and scarcity, two powerful psychological triggers, to increase their chances of raising startup capital. By creating urgency and demonstrating interest from others, founders can flip investor hesitation into momentum, even in the absence of hard financial data. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/raisemoney/ Quotes to ponder: "Investors are a lot more compelled to invest if there is $100,000 left in a $1m round then if there is $900,000 still available." "Social proof, in essence, is the herd instinct: people are more compelled to do something if others are already doing it." "Make up your own mind. Don't follow the herd. Don't chase." Episode references: AngelList: https://angel.co True Ventures: https://www.trueventures.com The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808

1924: [Part 2] Can't Find a Dream Job? Create Your Own by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits on Creating Opportunity

2026-01-0605:43

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 1924: Leo Babauta explores how anyone can turn their passions into a sustainable income, without needing a huge investment. By starting small, building skills through practice, and gradually attracting an audience, you can create multiple income streams and reclaim control over your career and life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/job/ Quotes to ponder: "Don't be afraid to make mistakes, they're stepping stones to greatness." "The best way to attract an audience is to provide really valuable content." "There is something incredibly empowering about seizing control of your life and creating the job you want." Episode references: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com

1923: [Part 1] Can't Find a Dream Job? Create Your Own by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits on Creating Opportunity

2026-01-0506:53

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 1923: Leo Babauta shares how breaking free from soul-crushing jobs and unemployment starts with a bold move: creating your own dream job. Through personal stories and practical examples, he shows that passion, persistence, and minimal resources, not money, are the real foundations of building a fulfilling career from scratch. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/job/ Quotes to ponder: "Create your own dream job. Don't wait for someone to hand it to you." "If you have no answers, it's time to start finding things to be passionate about." "You learn by doing and making mistakes, not by analyzing every possible outcome and factor." Episode references: Google Adsense: https://www.google.com/adsense/start Google Analytics: https://analytics.google.com Blogger: https://www.blogger.com

1922: What It Really Takes to Build Influence by Jeff Goins of Goins Writer on Networking Mindset

2026-01-0408:39

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 1922: Jeff Goins unpacks the truth behind real influence, not flashy marketing or talent, but consistent, meaningful relationships. Through service, generosity, and simply showing up, anyone can build lasting impact by focusing on helping others rather than promoting themselves. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://goinswriter.com/what-it-really-takes-to-build-influence/ Quotes to ponder: "It's not who you know. It's who you help." "Maybe instead of being the smarmy self promoter, constantly selling himself, I could do something different. Maybe I could add value instead of taking it." "Influencers keep showing up. They outlast and out-give the rest of the pack."

1921: Managing Employees Used to Be Hard. Then I Tried This by Karl Staib of Dig to Fly on Effective Management

2026-01-0306:37

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 1921: Karl Staib shares how shifting from a manager mindset to that of a coach transformed the way he led people, first in corporate settings and later in his own business. By focusing on guidance, autonomy, and deeper connection, he offers actionable questions and insights to help leaders create more productive, engaged, and happier teams. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://digtofly.com/managing-employees-used-to-be-hard-then-i-tried-this/ Quotes to ponder: "People don't want to be managed. They want to be coached to be their best self." "Employees want to understand and appreciate the vision and help build upon it." "Career progress is maybe the most important aspect of happiness at work."

1920: What Are Employee Stock Options and How Do They Work? By Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock of Women Who Money

2026-01-0209:39

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 1920: Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock break down the essentials of employee stock options, helping you understand how they work, what to watch for, and how they can be a powerful part of your compensation. Learn how to evaluate stock options wisely and turn them into a potential wealth-building tool without risking financial missteps. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/employee-stock-options-compensation-benefits/ Quotes to ponder: "Unless you're financially independent, there's a good chance one of your primary motivations for working is earning a paycheck and benefits." "Employee stock options provide the employee with a date they have to exercise the option by or lose the right to use the said stock option." "A perk with no value is a disadvantage."

1919: 3 Ways You Can Cut Costs In Your Business AND How Businesses Can Benefit From Healthy Competition by Michael Levitt

2026-01-0109:35

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 1919: Michael Levitt shares practical strategies for cutting business costs, like automating processes and leveraging free marketing, while also highlighting how embracing competition can fuel growth. These insights empower entrepreneurs to save money, sharpen their operations, and harness rivalries as a source of innovation and collaboration. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/3-ways-you-can-cut-costs-in-your-business & https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/how-businesses-can-benefit-from-healthy-competition Quotes to ponder: "One of the best ways to save money in your business is to review your expenses regularly." "By automating your processes, you can eliminate the possibility of human error and save yourself a lot of time and money." "Competition fosters development, advancement, and inventiveness." Episode references: SWOT Analysis: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/swot.asp

1918: On Rooted Productivity AND A $5.5 Billion Reminder that Email is Not Work by Cal Newport on Deep Productivity

2025-12-3108:37

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 1918: Cal Newport introduces the concept of rooted productivity, a foundational habit that simplifies and strengthens all other productivity systems. By committing to a single, regularly updated document outlining your key practices, you reduce mental clutter, boost motivation, and make your approach to productivity far more resilient and effective. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2017/01/05/on-rooted-productivity/ & https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2021/08/12/a-5-5-billion-reminder-that-email-is-not-work/ Quotes to ponder: "A lot of people get excited about a hack when they first read about it, but it's all too easy for it to fade away along with their initial enthusiasm." "A commitment to a productivity habit kept only in your head can be just as taxing as any other type of open loop." "My suggestion for the new year, in other words, is that before you make any new commitments to improve your life, start with this one root commitment that can serve all the rest." Episode references: Getting Things Done by David Allen: https://gettingthingsdone.com/

1917: What is Data Quality and How Do You Measure It for Best Results by Sherice Jacob with Neil Patel on Data Standards

2025-12-3009:44

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 1917: Sherice Jacob breaks down the misunderstood concept of data quality, emphasizing that perfection isn't the goal, relevance, accuracy, and consistency are. Through clear steps like data profiling, error management, and adherence to key quality dimensions, she offers a practical roadmap for businesses to improve decisions, customer experience, and ROI. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://neilpatel.com/blog/data-quality/ Quotes to ponder: "Data quality is very much a delicate balancing act, juggling and judging accuracy and completeness." "The first step toward successful integration is seeing where the data is and then combining that data in a way that's consistent." "Taking the time now to map out what data quality means to your company or organization can create a ripple-effect of improved customer service, a better customer experience, a higher conversion rate and longer customer retention."

1916: 4 Mental Techniques Used By Highly Effective People by Brian Tracy on Focused Thinking

2025-12-2908:15

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 1916: Brian Tracy outlines four powerful mental strategies for mastering time management and personal productivity. By harnessing the subconscious through affirmations, visualization, role-playing, and modeling successful individuals, you can rewire your mindset and behaviors to align with peak performance and efficiency. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.briantracy.com/blog/time-management/program-your-subconscious-mind-for-time-management-success-4-mental-techniques-used-by-highly-effective-people/ Quotes to ponder: "The person you see is the person you will be." "Pretend that you are an expert in personal efficiency. Fake it until you make it." "The more relaxed you are when you visualize yourself performing at your best, the more rapidly this command is accepted by your subconscious mind."

1915: How to Give Feedback by Seth Godin on Mastering Feedback Skills

2025-12-2807:18

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 1915: Seth Godin breaks down the art of giving feedback into clear, actionable principles that can elevate your influence at work and build stronger collaborations. By shifting from opinion to analysis, timing your input well, and adding sincere praise, your feedback becomes a powerful tool, not just a reaction. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://seths.blog/2006/07/how_to_give_fee/ Quotes to ponder: "Pointing out the parts you liked best is much more than sugarcoating." "Try to figure out what sort of feedback will have the most positive effect on the final outcome, and contribute it now." "If you have something nice to say, please say it."

1914: [Part 2] Ten Ways to Find Time for Your Side Hustle by ESI on Consistent Hustle Habit

2025-12-2707:21

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 1914: ESI shares five practical strategies for reclaiming overlooked time, like lunch breaks, waiting periods, and holidays, to make consistent progress on your side hustle. From pairing podcasts with daily routines to turning unused vacation days into growth sessions, these tips reveal how small, intentional changes can lead to long-term results. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://esimoney.com/ten-ways-find-time-side-hustle/ Quotes to ponder: "You take your waiting time and turn it into productive time." "Before long you'll be able to approve your own vacation days." "Let me suggest that you take your unused vacation days each year and use them to build your side business."

1913: [Part 1] Ten Ways to Find Time for Your Side Hustle by ESI on Consistent Hustle Habits

2025-12-2608:48

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 1913: ESI dismantles the common excuse of "not having time" by revealing how most people can reclaim hours each day through intentional lifestyle shifts. From cutting TV and social media to waking up earlier, he outlines practical strategies that helped him build multiple side hustles, even with a demanding schedule. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://esimoney.com/ten-ways-find-time-side-hustle/ Quotes to ponder: "I don't buy that. Very few people literally 'don't have the time.' What most who say this mean is 'I don't want to make the time.'" "Just think what you could accomplish with 365 extra, focused hours in a year!" "I look up and an hour is gone. So I set limits and only allow myself to look at it twice a day for 15 minutes each."

1912: On the Ragged Edge of Exhaustion: How to Keep Going When You Can't Take Time Off by Laura Stack

2025-12-2508:12

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 1912: Laura Stack explores how to navigate those high-pressure periods when taking time off just isn't an option. With practical strategies for managing mental fatigue, preserving energy, and staying productive even when you're running on empty, she reminds us that steady, sustainable performance beats burnout every time. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://theproductivitypro.com/blog/2016/04/on-the-ragged-edge-of-exhaustion-how-to-keep-going-when-you-cant-take-time-off/ Quotes to ponder: "When you are overworked and exhausted, there is a kind of delirium, you are totally focused on the project." "Your time off is your preventative maintenance." "Better to produce steadily and reliably for years than to have a brief, spectacular career that ends suddenly and tragically." Episode references: The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808

1911: The Secret to Retaining Top Talent by Molly Fletcher on Strengthening Employee Loyalty

2025-12-2406:50

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 1911: Molly Fletcher reveals that the key to retaining top talent is consistently over-delivering and supporting team energy. By helping employees identify what energizes and drains them, leaders can build loyalty, boost performance, and reduce burnout during the challenges of high turnover. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://mollyfletcher.com/retaining-top-talent/ Quotes to ponder: "I challenge you to look for ways to over-deliver for your team, to pour into them so they can focus on what matters." "Our role as leaders is to pour into our teams and right now, energy management is more essential than ever." "We need energy to sell, to lead, to solve, to serve."

1910: Help Your Employees Think For Themselves AND Guideposts For Leadership and Culture Decisions by Amber Waugaman

2025-12-2307:57

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 1910: Amber Waugaman challenges leaders to rethink how their behavior may be stifling employee independence and contributing to a culture of overdependence or mistrust. She shares personal insights and real-world examples that highlight the importance of empowering employees through balanced support and making ethical leadership decisions that could withstand public scrutiny. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://awcoach.co/help-your-employees-think-for-themselves/ & https://awcoach.co/guideposts-for-decisions/ Quotes to ponder: "Sometimes the best thing you can do is give some space." "Too much support can be a hindrance to someone's learning, growth, & development." "If there is something you think you need to keep secret, it's probably something you shouldn't do."

Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

Sophie G.

Ed Ed

#box-pro-ellipsis-176812753991312{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

Sophie G.

Ed Ed

Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship