Life Habits Podcast

In this continuation of last week’s conversation, Karel and Paige welcome back Topaz Adizes to the Life Habits Podcast. Together, they delve into themes of shared humanity, the profound impact of social media on communication, and the vital role of empathy in meaningful conversations. They explore strategies for navigating vulnerability in relationships, crafting thought-provoking questions, and creating safe spaces that foster understanding and connection. Discover the importance of active listening and the transformative potential of thoughtful dialogue. This conversation sheds light on bridging divides and fostering connection, especially in today’s polarized society.Quotes from this Episode:“When you accept love, you are also accepting pain.” — Avery to Kennedy {THE AND}“Something about you reminds me of being human, the most beautiful parts of being human.” — Gabrielle to Luna {THE AND}Tip JarSupport the PodcastEpisode ResourcesKey Takeaways:Humanity thrives in connection: It’s found in the connections between us, not solely within us.Empowering questions shape conversations: Asking thoughtful questions leads to more constructive dialogues.Vulnerability deepens relationships: It’s an essential component for creating meaningful connections.Social media’s impact: While it connects us, it often amplifies division rather than fostering understanding.Empathy requires discomfort: Practicing empathy involves listening to opposing views and sitting in discomfort.Safe spaces are crucial: Open and honest dialogue depends on creating spaces where people feel safe to share.Questions as gifts: Frame questions without an agenda to foster genuine curiosity and connection.We are not our ideas: Recognizing this allows our ideas to evolve and grow over time.Understanding perspectives: Effective communication requires acknowledging and respecting different viewpoints.Transformative power of questions: Changing the questions we ask can lead to profound and meaningful conversations.

In this episode, Karel and Paige interview Emmy award-winning writer, director, and experience design architect, Topaz Adizes, founder of The Skin Deep. This is the first part of a two-part series where they explore Topaz’s journey, the powerful role of questions in fostering vulnerable and authentic conversations, and the creation of meaningful human connections. Topaz shares insights on the importance of constructing thoughtful questions and creating safe spaces to encourage openness, drawing from his work with The Skin Deep and the “And” Project. He emphasizes that true connection comes from asking questions that invite self-reflection and empathy, offering listeners valuable perspectives on nurturing deeper relationships.

In this episode, Karel builds on the previous episodes which focused on dealing with job loss, being effective at getting a job, and designing and marking yourself. He now focuses on "future-proofing your career." Karel shares practical strategies for career development, including using strategic foresighting to anticipate industry trends, creating an "aspirational resume" to set goals, and performing "premortems" to avoid potential pitfalls. He also introduces the concept of "career workouts," encouraging listeners to approach career advancement as they would physical fitness—with regular, structured efforts, tracking progress through a career journal, and conducting "career checkups" with mentors. Drawing on quotes from notable figures like Wayne Gretzky and Mahatma Gandhi, Karel underscores the importance of proactive, goal-oriented habits in building a resilient, fulfilling career.

In this episode, Karel continues the focus on those who are looking to further improve themselves to get a new or better job, or a new partner, or just to make themselves the best version of themselves that they can be. He starts be asking “What do companies do when they want to improve their products and services?” They use design and design methods. And “What do they do to sell those products and services?” They use marketing and marketing methods. Karel then reprises edited versions of two of the most popular episodes of the entire podcast series focussed on using design and marketing methods to improve the product, you!

In this episode, Karel discusses the current state of gender equality, reflecting on the progress made and, importantly, the challenges that remain. He emphasizes the importance of individual actions in promoting gender equality and shares practical advice for everyone. The episode also includes a edited reprised previous episode on gender equality, reviewing skills and habits that you can adopt individually to make a difference.

In this episode, Karel and Google UX Director Javier Bargas discuss the challenges and strategies associated with job loss and the job search process. They emphasize the importance of self-care, understanding the current job market dynamics, and building effective job search routines. Javier shares insights on preparing application materials, networking, and navigating the interview process, while also addressing the emotional impact of job loss and the need for resilience. The discussion concludes with encouragement to leverage volunteer work for experience and to maintain a positive outlook during challenging times.

In this episode, we dive into the powerful principles from Seven Rules of Self-Reliance, the brand-new book by renowned author and communications expert, Maha Abouelenein. Fresh off the book’s release, Maha shares actionable insights on how self-reliance can be the key to unlocking personal and professional success. Discover how to stay focused, build a resilient mindset, and navigate obstacles with confidence. Maha also explores the critical role of reputation and relationship-building, offering practical advice on authenticity, patience, and knowing when to ask for help. Whether you’re looking to transform your career or strengthen your personal growth, Maha’s wisdom will inspire you to craft a life-changing narrative. Don’t miss this conversation—it’s packed with strategies to help you believe in yourself and take charge of your future.Quotes from this episode:"Stay low, keep moving"“Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” — Jeff Bezos"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." — Mahatma GandhiTip JarSupport the PodcastEpisode ResourcesKey Takeaways:Invest in Yourself: Self-reliance starts with building your own skills and being resourceful.Overcome Challenges by Creating Value: Focus on helping others, even when faced with obstacles.Build Authentic Relationships: Genuine networking leads to deeper, more meaningful connections.Patience Fuels Success: Personal growth and long-term success require perseverance.Reputation Matters: How you treat others is the foundation of your personal and professional reputation.Stay Adaptable Through Learning: Continuous learning strengthens resilience and adaptability.Leverage Self-Awareness: Know where you need help and where you excel to grow effectively.Create Your Own Opportunities: Don’t wait—actively pursue and create the opportunities you seek.Small Steps Matter: Every action toward your goals brings you closer to success.Your Story Shapes Your Reality: The most important narrative is the one you believe about yourself.

Karel devotes this episode to a topic that has been central to his life—feeding your soul with purpose and meaning. He makes the case for exploring a more fulfilling life going beyond simply feeding your wallet by also feeding your soul. After charactering the situation many people are in of being stressed and burned out, Karel outlines his own approach to always balancing his life with outside interests that have purpose and meaning to him. He then outlines three approaches to determining what would feed your soul and how to realize it.

In this episode, Karel reflects on the two people who have had the greatest influence in his life. These aren't your typical current social media influencers. They're instead people who provided him insights, lessons, and habits for everyday life.The first is the late Stephen R. Covey and second is Gerritdina Leida Vredenburg, Karel’s late mother. He recorded a tribute episode after each of these influencers in his life passed away. Covey published a book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" in 1989. Karel read it that same year and it changed his life. In fact, that book also inspired the creation of this podcast series 16 1/2 years ago. Karel’s late mother was and still is the most influential person in his life sharing her wisdom, creativity, and iconoclastic perspective on life.Karel reprises edited versions of the two previous episodes that detailed the key lessons each of these influencers taught him and we hope that you too will find them inspirational.

In this episode, Karel speaks with Joe Byerly, a recently retired 20 year senior leader in the U.S. Army, the author of My Green Notebook, and the founder of the From the Green Notebook blog and podcast. Joe described the role of the green notebook in the army and the ingredients that he considers key to his successful career as a leader. He shares his insights on honing leadership skills, drawing from his extensive experience in the military and his journey into civilian life. He emphasizes the importance of journaling for self-discovery, reading for leadership growth, and the need for emotional intelligence in decision-making. Joe discusses the challenges of leadership, the transition from military to civilian roles, and the significance of building a supportive community. He provides practical advice for aspiring leaders, encouraging them to reflect on their experiences and prioritize personal growth.

In this episode, Karel and Judy Wilkins-Smith discuss how to uncover and maximize your superpowers. They explore the concept of superpowers as the unique skills and qualities that individuals possess and how they can be developed and amplified. They also delve into the importance of understanding and acknowledging the emotional inheritance from our ancestors and how it shapes our behaviors and beliefs. Judy shares practical steps for listeners to identify their superpowers and work towards their goals.

In this episode, Karel shares his career and life lessons after retiring from a successful 36-year career at IBM and co-founding the Habits for a Better World nonprofit. Before leaving IBM, Karel went on a global nine design studio tour during which he met with staff one-on-one and in groups and he also reflected on his career and shared his life and career lessons. The staff and others on LinkedIn who heard about the presentation encouraged him to share his reflection and insights on the podcast. This episode was the result. Enjoy!

Paige is taking a much needed break for health reasons. We wish her a restful and restorative break. Paige did find and schedule our amazing guest for today’s episode, Paul Osincup, a speaker and positive workplace strategist, and the author of “The Humor Habit”. Karel interviews Paul about his book 'The Humor Habit.' They discuss the power of humor in the workplace and in life, and how humor can be learned and developed as a habit. They also explore the health benefits of humor, such as reducing stress and increasing happiness. Paul shares practical tips and exercises for incorporating humor into daily life, including immersing oneself in humor, practicing a 'yes and' mentality, and finding levity in difficult situations.Key Takeaways:Humor is a habit that can be learned and developed.Humor has numerous health benefits, including reducing stress and increasing happiness.Immersing oneself in humor and seeking out funny content can help cultivate a sense of humor.Practicing a 'yes and' mentality can help build resilience and find humor in difficult situations.Finding levity in everyday life and incorporating humor into the workplace can improve well-being and foster connection.

In this episode, Karel tackles the pervasive problems of divisiveness and polarization. World events—like wars and elections—and particular issues have a tendency to lead to these challenges. So much so, that they generate disharmony in families and tension among friends. Some will say, “someone should do something about that”. Karel says, “why not start with ourselves”. There are two sets of habits that Karel thinks are perfect for countering divisiveness and polarization, checking your biases and becoming an authentic listener. He reprises two previous episodes that address these issues.

In this episode, Amy Weinland Daughters shares her transformative journey of writing handwritten letters to all 580 of her Facebook friends, revealing the profound impact it had on her relationships and understanding of connection. She delves into the importance of being untroubled by failure and untouched by triumph, urging us to listen to our instincts, even when they defy logic. Amy also introduces her simple yet powerful framework for deeply connecting with others, which involves sitting in a quiet space, reflecting on the person, and writing from the heart. Whether through handwritten letters, digital messages, or other personal gestures, Amy encourages us all to reach out and foster meaningful connections.Quotes from this episode:“I would love to go through life being untroubled by failure and untouched by triumph.” — Carol Burnett“There will be a few times in your life when all your instincts will tell you to do something, something that defies logic, upsets your plans, and may seem crazy to others. When that happens, you do it. Listen to your instincts and ignore everything else. Ignore logic, ignore the odds, ignore the complications, and just go for it.” — Judith McNaughtKey Takeaways:Embrace Resilience: Be untroubled by failure and untouched by triumph, continuing to pursue your goals despite the ups and downs.Trust Your Instincts: Listen to your instincts, even when they go against logic, odds, or complications. Sometimes, what seems crazy to others can lead to profound outcomes.Focus on Connection: Connect with others on a deeper level by focusing on what unites you rather than what sets you apart.Express Your Thoughts: Write letters or notes to express support, gratitude, or concern, reminding yourself that small gestures can make a big difference in the world.Reach Out Personally: Take the time to reach out to people individually, whether through handwritten letters, digital messages, or other means, and offer your support to strengthen your relationships.Tip JarSupport the PodcastEpisode ResourcesPlease note: This podcast does not provide medical advice, only personal experiences, so please consult your doctor.