Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement
Health, Home & Life
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...
Location:
Orange County, CA
Description:
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...
Twitter:
@OLDPodcast
Language:
English
Website:
http://oldpodcast.com/
Episodes
3646: Where is Your Mind Right Now? By David Cain of Raptitude on Strategies to Reclaim Awareness
6/26/2025
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 3646: David Cain invites readers to confront the unsettling realization that much of life is spent mentally elsewhere. By illuminating how often our thoughts drift from the present moment, he offers simple yet powerful strategies to reclaim awareness and fully inhabit our lived experience. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.raptitude.com/?s=where+is+your+mind Quotes to ponder: "You’re almost never thinking about what you’re actually doing." "Life only happens here, in the place where your body is." "When you are thinking about something else, you are only dimly aware that you are here." Episode references: 10% Happier: https://www.amazon.com/10-Happier-Self-Help-Actually-Works/dp/0062265431 Wherever You Go, There You Are: https://www.amazon.com/Wherever-You-There-Are-Mindfulness/dp/1401307787 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:58
3645: Are you working on Self-Improvement or Self-Indulgence? by Adam M. Lowenstein on Cultivating A Balanced Life
6/25/2025
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 3645: Adam M. Lowenstein explores the fine line between meaningful self-improvement and self-indulgence, challenging us to examine whether our personal growth truly serves others or just ourselves. Through thoughtful reflection, he reveals how cultivating balance and embracing the discomfort of that tension is essential to living a more intentional, connected life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.adaml.blog/life-and-news/are-you-working-on-self-improvement-or-self-indulgence Quotes to ponder: "To make yourself a better person is to make the world a better place." "At a certain point, the worthy undertaking of self-improvement has become self-indulgence." "Life is, and should be, a constant calibration and recalibration." Episode references: In Love with the World: https://www.amazon.com/Love-World-Journey-Through-Bardos/dp/0525512535 Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Zebras-Dont-Ulcers-Third/dp/0805073698 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:12:18
3644: Getting Over Your Fear of Missing Out by Nir Eyal and Stuart Luman of Nir And Far on Intentional Living
6/24/2025
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 3644: Nir Eyal and Stuart Luman explore how the ancient fear of being left out has been supercharged by modern technology, leading to a constant state of distraction and anxiety. By embracing the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO), they show how we can shift from reactive behavior to intentional living. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/2015/01/fomo.html Quotes to ponder: "FOMO is an ancient fear, lodged deep in our brains, that we might be left out or left behind." "Technology didn’t create the problem; it just made it more visible and pervasive." "JOMO comes when you stop looking at what you may be missing and start appreciating what you have." Episode references: Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products: https://www.amazon.com/Hooked-How-Build-Habit-Forming-Products/dp/1591847788 Drive by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/1594484805 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:11:12
3643: 3 Tips for How to “Let Go” of the Little Things by Ellen Burgan of If It Brings You Joy on Reducing Stress
6/23/2025
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 3643: Ellen Burgan offers a powerful reminder to stop sweating the small stuff and reclaim your peace of mind by shifting perspective. By learning to let go of irritations and focusing on what truly matters, you'll create space for more joy and less stress in everyday life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ifitbringsyoujoy.com/let-go-of-the-little-things/ Quotes to ponder: "Choose to make peace of mind a top priority, even above being right." "Letting go of the little things is a gift to yourself." "It’s your choice to hold on to anger or frustration, or to let it go." Episode references: The Work by Byron Katie: https://thework.com Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender: https://www.amazon.com/Letting-Go-Pathway-David-Hawkins/dp/1401945015 Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Sweat-Small-Stuff-Irritating/dp/0786881852 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:12:06
3642: Anxiety Into Awakening by Shana Olmstead on Mindfulness and Meditation for Self-Love
6/22/2025
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 3642: Shana Olmstead reframes anxiety not as a flaw to fix but as a spiritual signal, a gentle (or not-so-gentle) nudge toward alignment, authenticity, and inner truth. Through practices like mindfulness and meditation, anxiety becomes a guide that reveals ego patterns, highlights necessary life changes, and supports conscious evolution. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://shanaolmstead.com/2019/04/30/anxiety-into-awakening/ Quotes to ponder: "Anxiety is a call to wake up. To connect with your deeper wisdom. To stop doing things that are creating misalignment internally and start doing things that bring you closer to your truth." "This anxiety you feel is your higher self letting you know that some things need to change. You didn’t do anything wrong, you were just unconscious of your truth." "Without this gift of anxiety we would go through life numb and asleep, never becoming aware of the discomfort that can lead us to transformation and expansion." Episode references: The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday: https://dailystoic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:57
3641: The Balance Between Splurger and Miser by April Dykman with Get Rich Slowly on Financial Peace
6/22/2025
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 3641: April Dykman examines the internal conflict between overindulging and over-restricting with money, offering a deeply personal look at how both behaviors can sabotage financial peace. Her reflections encourage listeners to pursue a balanced approach that aligns spending with their core values rather than emotional reactions. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/the-balance-between-splurger-and-miser/ Quotes to ponder: "I don’t like how I feel when I spend money, but I don’t like how I feel when I don’t spend money either." "I’m constantly searching for balance between being a miser and a splurger." "I’ve begun to see that spending in alignment with my values can lead to greater happiness." Episode references: The Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Thomas-Stanley/dp/1589795474 Early Retirement Extreme: https://www.amazon.com/Early-Retirement-Extreme-Philosophical-Advanced/dp/145360121X Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:11:00
3640: "Write Every Day" is Bad Advice: Hacking the Psychology of Big Projects by Cal Newport
6/21/2025
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 3640: Cal Newport challenges the popular “write every day” mantra by revealing how it can backfire for ambitious, cognitively demanding projects. Instead, he advocates for a more strategic approach, optimizing your schedule to make space for deep work while managing motivational psychology with intentionality and clarity. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://calnewport.com/blog/2013/01/13/write-every-day-is-bad-advice-hacking-the-psychology-of-big-projects/ Quotes to ponder: "Big projects are psychologically daunting. We fear them." "Working consistently, but not necessarily every day, ensures you preserve the psychological connection to the project." "When you do work, work deeply. Depth generates value faster than shallow repetition." Episode references: The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/1936891026 Deep Work: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/1455586692 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:24
3639: Rules of Ascendancy: Learn to the Task, Not the Test by Isaac Morehouse on Authentic Achievement
6/20/2025
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 3639: Isaac Morehouse urges readers to reject the trap of learning for validation and instead align their learning directly with real-world goals. He explains how shifting focus from tests and credentials to task-based learning accelerates growth, deepens understanding, and builds confidence through authentic achievement. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://isaacmorehouse.com/2016/12/19/rules-of-ascendancy-learn-to-the-task-not-the-test/ Quotes to ponder: "Learn to the task, not the test." "The only learning worth anything is that which gets you closer to your goal." "You'll never be confident in your ability if your ability is always measured by someone else’s standards." Episode references: Drive by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/1594484805 The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Steven-Pressfield/dp/1936891026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:11:57
3638: The Manifestation of Inner Strength by Ryan Holiday on Emotional Peace and Resilience
6/19/2025
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 3638: Ryan Holiday reflects on the brutal yet transformative experience of pushing the body beyond exhaustion to reveal the true seat of strength, the mind. Through pain, struggle, and a complete physical breakdown, he uncovers clarity, emotional peace, and the subtle triumph of inner resilience. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ryanholiday.net/the-manifestation-of-inner-strength/ Quotes to ponder: "The work I do on my body is not about looks or health. A sculpted body to me is the sign of a sculpted mind." "I promised myself that I would win, that I would finish." "There was no glory in it, I felt awful; worse even than I had in each lap prior." Episode references: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius: https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/048629823X The Daily Stoic: https://dailystoic.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:29
3637: How To Really Start Showing Up For Your Life by Shawna Scafe of Simple On Purpose on Growth and Authenticity
6/18/2025
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
Duration:00:11:54
3636: Think Long Term to Make Good Decisions by Tynan on Mindfulness and Patience
6/17/2025
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
Duration:00:09:53
3635: 6 Powerful Benefits of Decluttering Your Home and Life by Jennifer Burger of Simply Fiercely
6/16/2025
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
Duration:00:12:23
3634: My (New) Favourite Tool For Supporting Your Desires by Irene Elias of Self Love Junkie
6/15/2025
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
Duration:00:09:24
3633: How Short Rests Can Make You Healthier, Happier, and More Productive by Benjamin Fishel
6/15/2025
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
Duration:00:10:46
3632: [Part 2] Overwhelmed? Eliminate Work by Reorganizing It by Tyler Tervooren of Riskology
6/14/2025
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
Duration:00:11:09
3631: [Part 1] Overwhelmed? Eliminate Work by Reorganizing It by Tyler Tervooren of Riskology
6/13/2025
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
Duration:00:09:44
3630: The Power of Timers by Rose Lounsbury on Boosting Productivity and Reducing Stress
6/12/2025
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
Duration:00:10:22
3629: The 80/20 Principle and How It Can Change Your Life by Mark Manson on Personal and Professional Growth
6/11/2025
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
Duration:00:10:47
3628: Proof by Steve Pavlina on Personal Growth and Intentional Living
6/10/2025
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
Duration:00:10:36
3627: How to Transform Your Life Without A Fairy Godmother by Angela with Break The Twitch
6/9/2025
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
Duration:00:10:11