Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship
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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...
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...
1954 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 1953: Jeff Goins reveals a simple but powerful truth: the difference between amateurs and professionals often comes down to identity. When we stop aspiring and start being, by owning who we already are and doing the work, we unlock our potential and begin living with purpose and legacy. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://goinswriter.com/amateurs/ Quotes to ponder: "Terrified we'll fail to live up to our own expectations, we play it safe and abide by the rules." "Claim you already are what you want to be, and then start acting like it." "Become who you are. It happens once in a lifetime."
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 1952: Carl Pullein explores how the evolution of technology has blurred the lines between work and life, and why that's a good thing. By embracing remote work, flexible hours, and results-driven performance, both individuals and companies can unlock greater freedom, productivity, and global opportunity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.carlpullein.com/blog/the-future-of-work-is-coming-dont-fight-it/21/6/2016 Quotes to ponder: "Those hard edges became softer and softer until it has now become difficult to distinguish between the edges." "Technology enables us to work on our terms and allows us to work from anywhere we have a WIFI signal." "These managers are more concerned that you work your regulated 8 hours a day and take no longer than your allocated 60 minutes for lunch, than they are about the quality of your work."
1Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1951: Karl Staib shares seven powerful insights that can transform how we approach our careers, shifting from stress, avoidance, and burnout to focus, growth, and fulfillment. His honest personal story highlights how learning new skills, deepening relationships, and redefining work struggles can lead to greater clarity, confidence, and meaning in our professional lives. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://digtofly.com/7-pieces-of-career-advice-you-wished-you-had-known-earlier/ Quotes to ponder: "Focus is one of the key components of your superpowers." "Learning how to find joy even in the tough times is the sign of a well-trained mind." "When you know that your work matters, you will go the extra mile to make your work better."
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 1950: JD Roth reflects on a candid conversation with his friend Sparky, who's considering launching a bike-fitting business. Drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey, JD offers grounded, actionable advice on balancing passion with practicality, covering confidence, pricing, and the power of starting small while keeping your day job. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jdroth.com/an-entrepreneurial-leap-of-faith/ Quotes to ponder: "Be willing to spend for training. Buy the books and manuals you need. Take classes." "Networking isn't about superficiality. It's about cultivating friendships and acquaintanceships." "Even if you don't know where you are, act like you do." Episode references: The Godfather (film reference): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068646/
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 1949: Michelle Schroeder-Gardner shares the turning points that led her to leave traditional employment and embrace full-time self-employment. From Sunday dread to feeling a lack of control and recognizing her growing side income, her journey offers powerful insight into knowing when it's time to take a leap and reclaim your work-life balance. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2014/05/how-i-knew-i-couldnt-continue-working-for-someone-else.html Quotes to ponder: "My side income was higher than my day job income." "I wasn't in control. Now, I feel way more in control since I am my own boss." "Just like how freelancing isn't for everyone, my day job was definitely not for me."
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 1948: Cal Newport challenges the romanticized notion of quitting your job to "follow your passion" and instead champions a more grounded path to career satisfaction. By becoming exceptionally good at something valuable and using that leverage to shape a better work life, individuals can often find fulfillment without starting over or sacrificing stability. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2011/08/13/dont-quit-your-day-job-transform-it-why-following-your-passion-is-the-wrong-way-to-find-occupational-happiness/ Quotes to ponder: "No one cares whether your radical career transformation is your 'passion' if you're not bringing a hard won skill to the table, you're not likely to come away with a great work situation." "The Career Craftsman approach is less sexy than the standard thinking on career happiness, but it recognizes the economic reality of satisfaction." "Great jobs are rare and valuable, which means you have to offer value in return."
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 1947: Mike Smerklo breaks down the frenzy of tech investing in Silicon Valley, warning against the dangers of FOMO-fueled decision-making. While celebrating innovation's exciting momentum, he urges entrepreneurs, investors, and executives to balance ambition with realism, especially as inflated valuations hint at another bursting bubble. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.mikesmerklo.com/a-new-startup-called-fomoshould-i-invest-in-it/ Quotes to ponder: "FOMO stands for Fear Of Missing Out, a mindset that can be just as dangerous as a forest fire on a dry summer day." "Be greedy when others are fearful. Be fearful when others are being greedy." "Failing to recognize the risk is just as dangerous for investors as it is for those who start the startups and those who go to work for them." Episode references: The Third Wave by Steve Case (referenced conceptually, no direct article link): https://www.amazon.com/Third-Wave-Entrepreneurship-Vision-Future/dp/150113258X Mark Cuban Blog on Bubble Talk: https://blogmaverick.com/2015/03/04/why-this-tech-bubble-is-worse-than-the-tech-bubble-of-2000 Welcome to the Unicorn Club: https://techcrunch.com/2013/11/02/welcome-to-the-unicorn-club
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 1946: Ryan Hoover uncovers how Philz Coffee masterfully applies subtle psychological tactics, from personalized service to strategic pricing, to drive customer engagement, loyalty, and perceived value. By drawing parallels to tech products, he offers practical insights for anyone looking to improve product design with simple, human-centered strategies. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/@rrhoover/what-philz-coffee-can-teach-us-about-product-design-6f3e56d79f47 Quotes to ponder: "Pricing a premium product is very important, especially when you are providing a premium experience." "A little humanness can go a long way." "Getting a premium experience at a reduced price feels like a bigger bargain." Episode references: Apptentive: https://www.apptentive.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 1945: Julien Saunders reflects on the early stages of entrepreneurship with unfiltered honesty, sharing five powerful lessons learned after turning a blog into a business. From the emotional highs of owning their time to the grounding importance of community and financial independence, his insights offer a refreshingly real look at how purpose, family, and freedom intersect on the entrepreneurial path. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://richandregular.com/five-lessons-from-the-first-6-months-of-entrepreneurship/ Quotes to ponder: "Struggles with prioritization is the curse that comes with the gift of time." "The sense of fulfillment or value added is immediate and you don't have to worry about someone else interpreting it differently." "You'll be stuck trying to explain your life decisions to people who don't speak your language." Episode references: Atlanta Community Food Bank: https://www.acfb.org/
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 1944: Brian Tracy outlines five actionable tips to transform meetings into productive, goal-driven sessions. By focusing on clear purpose, time discipline, inclusive discussion, and follow-through, leaders can drastically improve team communication and overall meeting effectiveness. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.briantracy.com/blog/leadership-success/improve-meeting-management-and-management-skills-for-effective-meetings/ Quotes to ponder: "Begin right on time. Do not penalize the people who were there on time by waiting for others who are late." "Stick to the items on the agenda and don't allow discussion to stray or wander." "The inability to keep on track and to press for closure are the two major time wasters and major complaints from people who attend non-effective meetings."
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 1943: Benjamin Hardy shares a friction free approach to extreme productivity by focusing only on what absolutely must get done. By removing non-essentials and committing to a few high impact tasks, you reduce decision fatigue, reclaim your time, and create massive progress toward your future self. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/@benjaminhardy/the-simplest-hack-to-being-productive-not-busy-57ac0715550a Quotes to ponder: "Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." "We are kept from our goal, not by obstacles, but by a clear path to a lesser goal." "The height of sophistication is simplicity." Episode references: Deep Work by Cal Newport: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/1455586692 The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch: https://www.amazon.com/80-20-Principle-Secret-Achieving/dp/0385491743
![1942: [Part 2] How to Earn Your First Love Dollar By Steve Pavlina on Passion-Based Income](https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/9/0/4/5/90454ba9890685ced959afa2a1bf1c87/OWD1942.jpg "1942: [Part 2] How to Earn Your First Love Dollar By Steve Pavlina on Passion-Based Income")
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 1942: Steve Pavlina shares unconventional yet practical ways to earn your first dollar doing what you love, proving that even the smallest creative effort can open the door to bigger opportunities. Through simple ideas and a powerful real-life example, he reveals how passion, persistence, and saying yes to small beginnings can lead to fulfilling, sustainable income. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://stevepavlina.com/blog/2008/07/how-to-earn-your-first-love-dollar/ Quotes to ponder: "Often opportunities will manifest in the form of ideas. Your job is to turn those ideas into action." "Although the money you earn may be financially insignificant for the time invested, it will feel good to get paid doing something that doesn't feel like work to you." "It's really hard to compete against someone who loves their work."
![1941: [Part 1] How to Earn Your First Love Dollar By Steve Pavlina on Passion-Based Income](https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/2/b/a/0/2ba04e0818b7470816c3140a3186d450/OWD1941.jpg "1941: [Part 1] How to Earn Your First Love Dollar By Steve Pavlina on Passion-Based Income")
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 1941: Steve Pavlina encourages readers to shift their mindset by embracing even the smallest opportunities to earn money doing what they love. He shares how welcoming that "first love dollar" sets powerful intentions, opens the door to aligned opportunities, and can spark exponential growth if approached with playfulness and openness. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://stevepavlina.com/blog/2008/07/how-to-earn-your-first-love-dollar/ Quotes to ponder: "Very often people who are stuck in the pattern of doing work they dislike will shun simple opportunities to earn small amounts of money doing something they love." "If you want to make a living doing work you truly love, then a necessary first step is to earn that first dollar." "Don't scoff at the extra few bucks when they show up. If you treat them well, they may tell their friends about 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 1940: Amber Waugaman outlines seven foundational strategies to elevate your leadership effectiveness, focusing on self-awareness, purposeful development, and continuous feedback. Her insights help you build a leadership style rooted in emotional intelligence, intentional growth, and authentic connection, skills that foster both personal confidence and team trust. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://awcoach.co/7-crucial-tips-for-being-a-highly-effective-leader/ Quotes to ponder: "Be realistic with yourself and most importantly, be kind to yourself." "The more you understand what highly-effective behavior looks like, the more you can practice applying it and set realistic expectations for yourself and others." "Self-awareness is crucial for long-lasting change and fulfillment." Episode references: Harvard Business Review - Management Tip of the Day: https://hbr.org/resources/html/newsletter-previews/management-tip.html
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 1939: Dr. Jenny Brockis shares a deeply personal experience of workplace pregnancy bias to highlight how unconscious bias can undermine fairness and decision-making. She explores the science behind our mental shortcuts, the consequences of unchecked bias, and the practical strategies that help us build a more equitable and aware workplace. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.drjennybrockis.com/2013/7/3/breaking-bias/ Quotes to ponder: "The reality is we are all biased and probably to a far greater extent than we either know or care to admit to." "Bias is simply a mental shortcut in our unconsciousness that allows us to perceive the world in a certain way and contributes to the decisions we make." "Because we don't realise the extent of our biases, we often don't know the difference between being right about our beliefs, and believing we are right." Episode references: K. Schulz's TED Talk on Being Wrong: https://www.ted.com/talks/kathryn_schulz_on_being_wrong
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 1938: Keith Wilson unpacks the Gervais Principle to reveal the hidden power structures within organizations and the roles we unconsciously play. With personal insight and a dose of realism, he challenges us to rethink success, find meaning in our work, and navigate corporate life without losing our integrity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://keithwilsoncounseling.com/2016/10/10/the-shrinks-links-the-gervais-principle-2/ Quotes to ponder: "You should be able to love what you do and work hard at doing it for its own satisfaction." "To succeed in business, you have to be a businessman. To get rich, you've to be a capitalist. To prevail in office politics, you've got to study your Machiavelli." "The Gervais Principle can illuminate many things about the organization in which you work." Episode references: The Gervais Principle by Venkatesh Rao: https://www.ribbonfarm.com/the-gervais-principle
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 1937: Christine Luken shares three insightful lessons learned from buying her Alfa Romeo at a luxury dealership, revealing how transparency, respect, and a no-pressure approach can transform both sales and client relationships. Her experience highlights powerful takeaways for entrepreneurs: be honest about pricing, give clients space to decide, and treat them like royalty to build loyalty and trust. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.christineluken.com/lessons-from-the-luxury-car-dealership/ Quotes to ponder: "Let your word be law. When your word is law in your business, you say what you mean and mean what you say." "When you give people space to come to a pure and joyful YES to your product or service, they will be your biggest cheerleader." "Treating people like royalty will turn them into loyal customers and brand ambassadors."
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 1936: Jen Hayes challenges the polarizing debate around unpaid internships, spotlighting how privilege, not entitlement, often determines who can afford to work for free. She encourages a more nuanced conversation, urging society to address systemic inequities rather than shaming young professionals for seeking fair compensation. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jenhayes.me/unpaid-internships-learning-opportunities-or-a-legal-form-of-slavery/ Quotes to ponder: "Someone who comes from a rich family can afford to be an intern. Students who grow up in poverty don't have this luxury." "Let's stop attacking each other and work together instead." "Unpaid internships do allow students and recent graduates to gain work experience which helps them get a 'foot in the door'." Episode references: National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) internship data: https://www.naceweb.org/job-market/internships/ Fair Labor Standards Act Internship Guidelines: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/71-flsa-internships
![1935: [Part 2] Inventory Management And How To Handle Cash Flow For An Online Store by Steve Chou of My Wife Quit Her Job](https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/3/9/b/1/39b1617df2268b5a16c3140a3186d450/OWD1935.jpg "1935: [Part 2] Inventory Management And How To Handle Cash Flow For An Online Store by Steve Chou of My Wife Quit Her Job")
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 1935: Steve Chou highlights the risks of overreliance on platforms like Amazon and the dangers of uncontrolled growth in ecommerce. He urges entrepreneurs to diversify sales channels and prioritize lifestyle goals over rapid expansion, offering grounded advice for building a sustainable, low-stress business. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://mywifequitherjob.com/how-to-handle-inventory-for-your-home-business-using-principles-of-microprocessor-design/ Quotes to ponder: "All it takes is one accidental bad batch of goods and a small string of negative feedback to put your listing in danger." "Expanding any business quickly ALWAYS causes a TON of added stress." "I'm spending my time on activities that make life easier even if it's at the expense of short term revenue growth." Episode references: Bumblebee Linens: https://bumblebeelinens.com
![1934: [Part 1] Inventory Management And How To Handle Cash Flow For An Online Store by Steve Chou of MyWifeQuitHerJob](https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/0/9/0/6/090654484a00afdcd959afa2a1bf1c87/OWD1934.jpg "1934: [Part 1] Inventory Management And How To Handle Cash Flow For An Online Store by Steve Chou of MyWifeQuitHerJob")
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 1934: Steve Chou shares hard-earned lessons from scaling an inventory-based ecommerce business, emphasizing the hidden financial pitfalls of managing cash flow and taxes while trying to grow. Learn why strong paper profits can still leave you cash-poor, and how smart planning is essential to avoid being blindsided during periods of rapid growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://mywifequitherjob.com/how-to-handle-inventory-for-your-home-business-using-principles-of-microprocessor-design/ Quotes to ponder: "You could be insanely profitable but from a cash flow perspective, you could be broke." "Writing 6 figure checks can be scary. But we make these large purchases because we KNOW that everything will sell over the holidays." "You can only deduct the cost of a product once you've completed the sale."
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This piece was awesome!
great episode. keep it coming please.