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1876: Dangerous Ideas: College Extracurriculars Are Meaningless by Cal Newport on Academic Purpose

Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

Release Date: 11/19/2025

1879: [Part 1] The 10 Keys to Selling Anything by James Altucher on Sales Strategy show art 1879: [Part 1] The 10 Keys to Selling Anything by James Altucher on Sales Strategy

Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 1879: James Altucher breaks down why traditional negotiation often sabotages real selling, revealing how focusing on value, not price, can lead to greater long-term wins. Through personal stories, some unconventional, some costly upfront, he shows how understanding a customer’s lifetime value and the ripple effects of reputation can dramatically shift your approach to sales. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "Everyone...

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1878: 7 Deadly Sins of Creativity by Marc Chernoff of Marc and Angel on Creative Growth show art 1878: 7 Deadly Sins of Creativity by Marc Chernoff of Marc and Angel on Creative Growth

Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 1878: Marc Chernoff reveals the subtle but destructive habits that sabotage our creative potential, from perfectionism to fear of judgment. By identifying and overcoming these mental roadblocks, we can unlock deeper self-expression, stronger ideas, and a more fulfilling creative process. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "Creativity is not about perfection. It’s about exploration and growth." "You can’t possibly know...

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1877: A Simple Guide to Overcoming Project Resistance by Karl Staib of Dig To Fly on Productivity show art 1877: A Simple Guide to Overcoming Project Resistance by Karl Staib of Dig To Fly on Productivity

Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 1877: Karl Staib offers a practical and empathetic framework for overcoming resistance to important projects by helping listeners recognize and shift their mindset, build momentum with small wins, and use emotion-based techniques like the Dig to Fly Method. His approach empowers you to move through fear, perfectionism, and procrastination, so you can take meaningful steps forward with clarity and confidence. Read along with the original article(s) here:...

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1876: Dangerous Ideas: College Extracurriculars Are Meaningless by Cal Newport on Academic Purpose show art 1876: Dangerous Ideas: College Extracurriculars Are Meaningless by Cal Newport on Academic Purpose

Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 1876: Cal Newport challenges the conventional wisdom that piling on college extracurriculars boosts success, arguing instead that most are a poor return on time and energy. He advocates for a minimalist approach focused on doing fewer activities but with deeper commitment and standout results, creating what he calls a "remarkable" profile that truly matters. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "To stand out, do fewer things,...

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1875: Notes from a Cold Bathroom Floor in South Africa by Chris Guillebeau on Resilience show art 1875: Notes from a Cold Bathroom Floor in South Africa by Chris Guillebeau on Resilience

Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 1875: Chris Guillebeau reflects on a moment of unexpected vulnerability while sick and stranded on a cold bathroom floor in South Africa, drawing powerful lessons on control, acceptance, and resilience. His candid story reminds us how confronting discomfort, without trying to immediately fix it, can open the door to growth, clarity, and deeper peace. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "Sometimes, there’s nothing you can...

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1874: 7 Key SMART Goals To Achieve Business Success by Brian Tracy on Business Growth show art 1874: 7 Key SMART Goals To Achieve Business Success by Brian Tracy on Business Growth

Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 1874: Brian Tracy outlines seven powerful SMART goals that pave the way to long-term business success, emphasizing frugal living, disciplined saving, and strategic investing. By mastering negotiation, adopting compound growth habits, and setting clear, actionable financial goals, you can build wealth slowly and sustainably, just like the vast majority of millionaires. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "The ultimate end or...

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1873: [Part 2] Killing My Baby: Why I Shut Down My Longest-Running Business by Nick Loper of Side Hustle Nation show art 1873: [Part 2] Killing My Baby: Why I Shut Down My Longest-Running Business by Nick Loper of Side Hustle Nation

Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 1873: Nick Loper shares the emotional and financial challenges behind shutting down his longest-running business after a final attempt to salvage it failed. His reflection on sunk costs, failed pivots, and the freedom that came with letting go offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs facing hard decisions. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "I told them the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting...

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1872: [Part 1] Killing My Baby: Why I Shut Down My Longest-Running Business by Nick Loper of Side Hustle Nation show art 1872: [Part 1] Killing My Baby: Why I Shut Down My Longest-Running Business by Nick Loper of Side Hustle Nation

Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 1872: Nick Loper reflects on the emotional and strategic decision to shut down his first and longest-running business, ShoeSniper, after a decade of operation. This candid story challenges the myth of never quitting by showing how shifting market forces, rising ad costs, and declining commissions can turn a once-profitable venture into a slow bleed, making quitting not just okay, but necessary. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to...

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1871: Are There Still Benefits to Being a Loyal Employee? by Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock of Women Who Money show art 1871: Are There Still Benefits to Being a Loyal Employee? by Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock of Women Who Money

Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 1871: Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock explore the nuanced pros and cons of employee loyalty in a booming job market. While long-term commitment can lead to job security, personal growth, and professional recognition, blind loyalty may hold you back financially and emotionally, especially in toxic or stagnant environments. Discover how to assess whether staying or moving on better serves your long-term goals. Read along with the original article(s) here: ...

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1870: Break Free From Busyness and Do the Work You Were Meant For by Alli Worthington with Goins Writer show art 1870: Break Free From Busyness and Do the Work You Were Meant For by Alli Worthington with Goins Writer

Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 1870: Alli Worthington explores how chronic busyness drains our peace, purpose, and presence, offering a clear-eyed guide to escape the cycle of constant striving. By confronting the lies that keep us overwhelmed, she empowers us to reclaim margin, intentionality, and joy in everyday life. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "Busy is a drug that a lot of people are addicted to." "When we are always busy, we miss the most...

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Episode 1876:

Cal Newport challenges the conventional wisdom that piling on college extracurriculars boosts success, arguing instead that most are a poor return on time and energy. He advocates for a minimalist approach focused on doing fewer activities but with deeper commitment and standout results, creating what he calls a "remarkable" profile that truly matters.

Read along with the original article(s) here: http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/07/23/dangerous-ideas-college-extracurriculars-are-meaningless/

Quotes to ponder:

"To stand out, do fewer things, but do them better than anyone else."

"Starting a successful non-profit is remarkable."

"Extracurricular activities are not, in and of themselves, impressive."