3589: Create a Daily Routine with Calendar Time Blocking (+ 7 Pro Tips) by Kyle Kowalski of Sloww

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

33:19

What’s the secret to lasting friendships? How does queer community show up through the ebbs and flows of life? And what’s the REAL story behind the “YMCA” song? In the first episode of Silver Linings, The Old Gays dive into an essential part of queer life: chosen family. They discuss the vital love, support, and sense of belonging that community provides, especially during life's toughest moments. They open up about what “queer” means to them, how chosen family has impacted their lives, and how to maintain close bonds over time–including their love for each other! “We’ve come a long way, baby.” Family isn’t just what you’re born with; it’s the people who show up, shape you, and stick around. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

23 days ago 10:14

MP3•Episode home

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 3589:

Kyle Kowalski challenges the traditional approach of cramming more into each day and instead advocates for "better is better" through calendar time blocking. By intentionally scheduling tasks and aligning them with personal priorities and energy levels, time blocking boosts efficiency, reduces mental clutter, and fosters meaningful progress.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.sloww.co/time-blocking/

Quotes to ponder:

"What gets scheduled gets done."

"Time blocking is one of the best ways of turning good intentions into action."

"What's important now? After a moment of reflection I realized that until I knew what was important right now, what was important right now was to figure out what was important right now!"

Episode references:

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown: https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382

Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path by Erin Loechner: https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Slow-Courage-Journey-Beaten/dp/0310345677

When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/When-Scientific-Secrets-Perfect-Timing/dp/0735210624

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3615 episodes

3589: Create a Daily Routine with Calendar Time Blocking (+ 7 Pro Tips) by Kyle Kowalski of Sloww

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

26 subscribers

published 23 days ago

MP3•Episode home

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 3589:

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.sloww.co/time-blocking/

Quotes to ponder:

"What gets scheduled gets done."

"Time blocking is one of the best ways of turning good intentions into action."

"What's important now? After a moment of reflection I realized that until I knew what was important right now, what was important right now was to figure out what was important right now!"

Episode references:

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown: https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382

Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path by Erin Loechner: https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Slow-Courage-Journey-Beaten/dp/0310345677

When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/When-Scientific-Secrets-Perfect-Timing/dp/0735210624

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3615 episodes

All episodes

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

1
3614: Glory Days by Chris Guillebeau on Mindfulness and Living in the Moment 9:53

22 hours ago9:53

9:53

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 3614: Chris Guillebeau unpacks why we often romanticize the past and chase “glory days” that never truly existed the way we remember them. By questioning nostalgia and emphasizing the present, he invites readers to create meaningful experiences today rather than dwell in filtered memories. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://chrisguillebeau.com/glory-days/ Quotes to ponder: "Sometimes we long for a version of the past that didn’t actually happen, at least not in the way we remember it." "The best days of your life don’t have to be behind you. They can be right now, or just ahead." "Memory is faulty, and nostalgia can be deceptive." Episode references: The Art of Non-Conformity: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Unconventional-Living/dp/0399536108 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

1
3613: 5 Inspirations for Being in the Moment by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits on Meditation and Mindfulness 9:50

2 days ago9:50

9:50

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 3613: Leo Babauta offers five vivid inspirations to help us reconnect with the present moment, from the playful focus of children to the mindful precision of Zen monks. Through relatable examples and simple wisdom, he reminds us that joy and calm are found not in overthinking, but in fully engaging with what's right in front of us. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/5-inspirations-for-being-in-the-moment/ Quotes to ponder: "Children. There’s no one better at being present than a child." "Be like a cat." "The Zen state is the sweeping." Episode references: Alan Watts - Quote Source: https://www.alanwatts.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

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3612: From Age to Achievement, it's Mind Over Matter by Jay & Heather Harrington of Life And Whim 11:21

3 days ago11:21

11:21

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 3612: Jay and Heather Harrington explore how age, success, and well-being are all shaped more by mindset than by biology or circumstance. Drawing from Ellen Langer’s “Counterclockwise Study” and Steven Pressfield’s work on resistance, they show how internal belief and mental habits can profoundly transform our physical vitality and personal achievement. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.lifeandwhim.com/first-moments-blog/mind-over-matter Quotes to ponder: "Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter." "Thinking that we are old and frail or young and vibrant, therefore, can each be their own self-fulfilling prophecy." "The only thing that stands between you and your dream is your mind." Episode references: The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Steven-Pressfield/dp/1936891026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

1
3611: Living Small in a Big World by Kerry Ogden on Minimalism and True Fulfillment 11:27

4 days ago11:27

11:27

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 3611: Kerry Ogden invites us to reconsider our relationship with space, stuff, and self-worth by sharing her personal journey from minimalist living to a sprawling Victorian home - and back again. With insights on gratitude, simplicity, and intentionality, she reminds us that true fulfillment often comes from owning less and experiencing more. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://kerryogden.com/2016/08/decluttering/ Quotes to ponder: "Detaching from stuff requires psychological fortitude. It takes courage to trust that you have enough, that you are enough." "Minimalism is a mindset. It’s about living intentionally." "The real joys in life come from collecting experiences, not things." Episode references: Love's Executioner by Irvin D. Yalom: https://www.amazon.com/Loves-Executioner-Other-Tales-Psychotherapy/dp/0060958340 The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Magic-Tidying-Decluttering-Organizing/dp/1607747308 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

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3610: What To Do (When You Have No Idea What To Do) by Josie Michelle Davis on How to Improve Decision Making 8:53

5 days ago8:53

8:53

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 3610: Josie Michelle Davis offers a compassionate guide for those feeling paralyzed by indecision or uncertainty. Her practical, heart-centered strategies help you take small, meaningful steps forward, especially when clarity feels impossible, making this a comforting resource for moments of confusion and overwhelm. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://josiemichelledavis.com/blog/2019/02/07/2019-1-26-what-to-do-when-you-have-no-idea-what-to-do/ Quotes to ponder: "When you don’t know what to do, do something." "Action breeds clarity. Stillness doesn’t always bring the answers we’re hoping for." "You don’t need to make the right decision right now, you just need to make a decision." Episode references: The Next Right Thing Podcast: https://emilypfreeman.com/podcast/ The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Magic-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0316270725 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

1
3609: Does Brain Training Work? More Food For Thought by Dr. Jenny Brockis on Improving Cognitive Ability 12:13

5 days ago12:13

12:13

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 3609: Dr. Jenny Brockis challenges the sweeping conclusion that brain training is ineffective, calling attention to the flawed methodology and limited scope of a widely publicized study. She emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing research design and reminds us that mental fitness depends on a range of lifestyle choices, not just cognitive games. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.drjennybrockis.com/2010/4/26/does-brain-training-work-more-food-for-thought/ Quotes to ponder: "One sweeping statement can colour people’s overall acceptance of what is the 'truth'." "240 minutes is not very long to look at how effective a training program is." "Brain training programs are only one facet managing stress and getting enough sleep, will all help in our quest to stay mentally fit." Episode references: The original brain training study (Owen et al., 2010): https://www.nature.com/articles/nature09042 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

1
3608: How to Practice Self Care When Travelling by Jennifer Burger of SimplyFiercely 11:52

6 days ago11:52

11:52

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 3608: Jennifer Burger reminds us that even the most exciting trips can lose their spark without intentional self-care. From preserving daily rituals to giving yourself permission to slow down, her practical tips help travelers stay grounded, present, and truly enjoy the journey, body and soul. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.simplyfiercely.com/how-to-practice-self-care-when-travelling/ Quotes to ponder: "Self-care is always important, especially when travelling." "Don’t get me wrong, I love talking about travel and making plans, but I also know that I need downtime so that travel stays fun and not an unpleasant chore." "Being free to do what you please is one of the best parts about travel." Episode references: Adult colouring book (similar example): https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Garden-Inky-Treasure-Coloring/dp/1780671067 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

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3607: The Quiet Power of Rejecting "Comfort Creep" by Charlie Brown of Simple And Straight Forward 12:31

7 days ago12:31

12:31

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 3607: Charlie Brown explores the subtle but powerful impact of “Comfort Creep,” the quiet inflation of our comfort standards that erodes our contentment over time. Through personal stories and cultural critique, she offers a compelling argument for resetting our expectations to rediscover gratitude, happiness, and the joy in life’s simplest pleasures. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://simpleandstraightforward.substack.com/p/the-quiet-power-of-rejecting-comfort Quotes to ponder: "If you want to level up your contentment and happiness, reset your comfort levels and lower your expectations." "Our expectations of what we want from our home, our car, and our stuff is sky-high, exactly because of Comfort Creep." "Lowering expectations goes against everything we’re taught and yet it is one of the most effective ways to experience contentment, happiness, and gratitude." Episode references: The Comfort Crisis: https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Crisis-Embrace-Discomfort-Reclaim/dp/0593138767 Journal of Adolescence study (2016) on wilderness and mental health: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.07.004 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

1
3606: This is My Most Expensive Habit by Ryan Holiday on Anxiety 10:00

8 days ago10:00

10:00

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 3606: Ryan Holiday explores how anxiety, often invisible and normalized, drains our lives more than any luxury ever could. With wisdom from Stoic philosophers, he reframes anxiety as a habit we can unlearn, freeing ourselves to reclaim peace, presence, and perspective. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ryanholiday.net/this-is-my-most-expensive-habit/ Quotes to ponder: "Anxiety turns the hypothetical into the actual. It drags us into a future that doesn’t yet exist and forces us to live out every worst-case scenario in vivid detail." "Today, I escaped from anxiety. Or no, I discarded it, because it was within me, in my own perceptions, not outside." "It’s not events that upset us but our opinions about them." Episode references: The Daily Stoic Podcast: https://dailystoic.com/podcast/ Epictetus' Discourses and Enchiridion: https://www.amazon.com/Discourses-Epictetus-Handbook-Oxford-Classics/dp/0199595186 Seneca’s Letters from a Stoic: https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Stoic-Penguin-Classics/dp/0140442103 Meditations by Marcus Aurelius: https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Penguin-Classics-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/0140449337 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

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3605: [Part 2] Does Minimalism Make You Happier? Simplicity and Happiness by Antonia of Balance Through Simplicity 10:43

9 days ago10:43

10:43

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 3605: Antonia Colins explores how minimalism can lead to deeper happiness, not through deprivation, but by creating space for clarity, gratitude, and intentional living. By simplifying, we become more attuned to our needs, more confident in our boundaries, and better able to prioritize what truly matters. Quotes to ponder: "Gratitude is a powerful mindset that changes how you perceive ‘enough’ in your life." "Saying no is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes." "Minimalism is not about your stuff, it’s about finding yourself in amongst that stuff." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

1
3604: [Part 1] Does Minimalism Make You Happier? Simplicity and Happiness by Antonia of Balance Through Simplicity 10:36

10 days ago10:36

10:36

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 3604: Antonia Colins explores how minimalism can shift our focus from material clutter to meaningful living, offering more time, less stress, and deeper contentment. Through personal reflection, she shows that simplifying life isn't about sacrifice, it's about creating space for what truly makes us happy. Quotes to ponder: "Minimalism makes space for the best of you and your life." "Stuff piles up without us noticing, until that stuff starts to weigh heavy on our space, heart and mind." "Less stuff to worry about and more time on my hands means less stress." Episode references: Happiness Definition - Verywell Mind: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-happiness-4869755 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

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3603: Valuable Things AND Can't Live Without by Colin Wright of Exile Lifestyle on Minimalism and A Simple Life 10:40

11 days ago10:40

10:40

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 3603: Colin Wright challenges our relationship with possessions, urging us to ask whether the things we own genuinely serve us or simply weigh us down. By fostering self-reliance and internal contentment, we can enjoy life's offerings without becoming dependent on them, creating a richer, more intentional existence. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://exilelifestyle.com/valuable & http://exilelifestyle.com/live Quotes to ponder: "Most ideally, the things we own are mere additions to a fulfilled existence." "Will I feel better knowing this money is there, in the bank, available at need in the future, or will I feel better knowing I’ve spent it, the money lost to me forever, on this thing?" "If you can find your happiness internally, your satisfaction with life derived from how you experience the world, not in the experiences themselves, then your quality of life is determined by you, not some external factor." Episode references: The Minimalists: https://www.theminimalists.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

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3602: One Daily Gratitude Ritual that Will Change the Way You Think by Marc Chernoff of Marc And Angel 11:47

12 days ago11:47

11:47

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 3602: Marc Chernoff shares a simple yet powerful gratitude ritual that can shift your mindset and improve emotional resilience. By focusing on one small but meaningful moment each day, you retrain your brain to find joy and perspective even during life’s toughest challenges. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.marcandangel.com/2016/06/22/one-daily-gratitude-ritual-that-will-change-the-way-you-think/ Quotes to ponder: "Train your mind to see the good in everything. Positivity is a choice. The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts." "Start each morning by writing down one thing you sincerely appreciate about the previous day." "You may not have everything you want, but you can be grateful for everything you have." Episode references: Books by Marc and Angel: https://www.marcandangel.com/book/ The Gifts of Imperfection: https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Think-Supposed-Embrace/dp/159285849X Gratitude Journal by Intelligent Change: https://www.intelligentchange.com/products/the-five-minute-journal The How of Happiness: https://www.amazon.com/How-Happiness-Approach-Getting-Life/dp/0143114956 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

1
3601: How to Practice Self-Compassion Through Anger by Kristine Klussman on Personal Growth and Development 10:32

12 days ago10:32

10:32

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 3601: Kristine Klussman explores how anger often masks deeper emotional pain and disconnection from the self, and how practicing self-compassion can dissolve that anger to reveal healing insights. By recognizing anger as a surface-level defense, we gain access to the more vulnerable truths beneath and ultimately foster deeper emotional clarity and inner peace. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.kristineklussman.com/how-to-practice-self-compassion-through-anger/ Quotes to ponder: "Anger is a defensive emotion, used to inflate our egos, make us feel powerful, and defend against the more vulnerable, tender feelings underneath." "Usually, once you reconnect and regain closeness with yourself, you also experience nearly instantaneous relief from the pain of the anger." "To practice self-compassion, we must humble ourselves enough to admit that underneath all our powerful arguments against the thing that’s enraged us, we are actually deeply disappointed, sad, heartbroken, grieving, terrified, or in some other vulnerable state." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

1
3600: The Three Mantras I Adopted That Inspired Me to Leave My Traditional Life Behind by Julie B. Rose 10:33

13 days ago10:33