In this episode, Denise, Andy, and Scott discuss the book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles.

People in Japan believe everyone has an Ikigai - a reason to jump out of bed each morning.

Inspiring and comforting, this book will give you the life-changing tools to uncover your personal ikigai. It will show you how to leave urgency behind, find your purpose, nurture friendships, and throw yourself into your passions.s.

Links

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Books
Ikigai - The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
Man's Search For Meaning

Diagram
Ikigai diagram

Study
CIRP Freshman Survey

Articles
Finding Your Purpose In The Midst Of Adversity by Denise Russo

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Can you imagine choosing the harder right over the easier wrong to craft a life by design, not default? This episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf" promises to unlock the secrets of achieving balance in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. Inspired by the wisdom in "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, we venture into the art of living intentionally. With reflections from visionaries like Steve Jobs and Joel Manby, we unravel the intricate dance of aligning our professional and personal selves to cultivate a holistic balance that resonates deep within our hearts and minds.

Through engaging anecdotes and powerful insights, explore the transformative journey of reclaiming your life from work-centric routines. We share real-life examples, like a CEO's bold move to reduce email clutter and a client's journey to set firm boundaries for a more fulfilling life. Discover how intentional decisions, such as eliminating time-wasting habits and focusing on energy-giving activities, can radically reshape your approach to work and life. The episode tackles the practicalities of achieving balance, offering actionable strategies to realign your life with your core values.

Finally, embrace the empowering notion that your current circumstances don't define your future. As we journey through this episode together, we invite you to step into the driver's seat of your life's narrative. Alongside my co-host Sam, we reflect on the insights shared and look forward to the upcoming conclusion of our exploration into "The Five Bold Choices." Tune in to be inspired and equipped to craft a life that reflects your true self, one bold choice at a time.

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Can you truly design your life, or are you living it by default? Discover how the art of making bold, intentional choices can transform your work-life balance and lead to a more fulfilling existence. In our exploration of "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, we uncover the powerful themes of adaptability, conscious decision-making, and the courage to choose the harder right over the easier wrong.

Join us as we reflect on the poignant end-of-life regrets of Steve Jobs and the audacious career moves of Joel Manby, former CEO of Saab and SeaWorld. These stories challenge us to examine our career satisfaction and daily authenticity. Drawing inspiration from Manby's book "Love Works," we delve into the importance of maintaining a consistent character across all areas of life and recognize the signs of imbalance. Through real-life transformations, such as a client's journey to regain balance by setting boundaries and prioritizing time, we highlight the profound impact of bold decisions.

As we navigate the complexities of post-COVID work environments, we underscore the importance of focusing on what truly matters. From managing time effectively to setting boundaries against distractions, like excessive screen time, we explore practical strategies to help reclaim your time. Drawing from insights in "Atomic Habits," we offer practical questions and systems to support desired habits, encouraging you to take control of your life story. Embrace the challenge of changing your thoughts to reshape your reality and prepare to write the next chapter of your inspiring journey.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

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Have you ever wondered if your perception of confidence is truly aligned with reality? Join us as we unravel the intricacies of confidence, perspective, and humility in this engaging episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf." We draw inspiration from "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, focusing on the fourth bold choice: redefining confidence. Through a tapestry of personal stories and memorable anecdotes, including a charming video of a confident little girl, we explore how our views on confidence evolve from childhood into adulthood.

Our discussion takes a deep dive into the subjective nature of truth and reality, as highlighted by Mo Gawdat in "Solve for Happy." With a focus on openness and humility, we share how confidence can be a powerful tool in leadership when balanced correctly. Personal anecdotes, including insights from legendary coach John Wooden, illustrate how internal development can lead to practical success and more effective leadership. We argue that acknowledging multiple truths and perspectives fosters a humility that complements true confidence.

In our final discussion, we explore the transformative power of accountability and support systems in building confidence. Through the stories of individuals who have conquered self-doubt with the help of accountability partners and coaches, we illustrate how confidence can be cultivated as a learnable skill. As hosts, Sam Powell and Denise Russo, we encourage you to reflect on your own experiences and consider the impact these insights might have on your journey. We invite you to share your "aha" moments and connect with us for further discussion, with all relevant links available in the show notes.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

How do we navigate the constant waves of change that life throws our way? Today, inspired by "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, we explore the powerful theme of adaptability and its critical role in our personal and professional lives. We share personal stories and insights on how the pandemic and the Great Resignation have reshaped our perspectives, pushing us to embrace change rather than resist it. Biometric intelligence and its ability to measure stress reveal the intricate relationship between our emotions and the need to adapt, urging us to confront discomfort and take control of our lives.

Reflecting on pivotal moments like 9-11, we uncover strategies to tackle life's challenges by breaking down overwhelming obstacles into more manageable tasks. We question whether stagnation is even an option in today's fast-paced world, where standing still might mean falling behind. With personal anecdotes, we highlight the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability, underscoring how they empower us to keep moving forward, ensuring we never remain stuck.

As we look back on the past five years, we invite listeners to examine their growth journeys, from career shifts to family dynamics. The conversation stresses the importance of internal transformation and the power of coaching in unlocking potential and fostering meaningful change. Drawing from influential authors like John Wooden and James Clear, we discuss nurturing personal values and making bold choices to lead a purposeful life. Prepare for our next engaging topic on confidence and discover the balance between overconfidence and underconfidence that awaits.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Are you truly taking responsibility for your life's journey? In our latest episode, we promise you'll gain the insights needed to transform accountability from a daunting obligation into a powerful tool for personal growth. Inspired by "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, we discuss the critical role accountability plays in overcoming the fear of failure, drawing on the wisdom of experts like John Maxwell. Discover how reframing failures as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks can empower you to take charge of your own narrative.

Join us as we explore the importance of intrinsic motivation and how understanding your "why" can fuel your accountability journey, with insights from thought leaders like James Clear and Simon Sinek. We introduce a practical exercise designed to promote self-reflection and leadership, encouraging listeners to focus on actionable changes that pave the way for future success. By shifting focus away from past mistakes, learn how to cultivate a mindset geared toward continuous improvement and achievement.

Finally, we highlight the transformative power of both intrinsic and extrinsic accountability in fostering personal and professional growth. Through engaging stories and real-life examples, we illustrate how bold choices and taking ownership of one's actions can create a ripple effect of trust and progress. As we prepare to explore adaptability, we invite you to reflect on your own accountability journey and the areas in which you can step up, celebrate your successes, and lead yourself and others toward meaningful actions.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Clarity isn't just a buzzword; it's a game-changer in our journey toward success. Imagine stepping away from the chaos of everyday life to truly focus on what matters—this is the essence we're capturing in our latest episode of "What's On Your Bookshelf." We begin our exploration of "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, highlighting the pivotal role of clarity. Personal anecdotes shed light on how removing ourselves from familiar distractions helps us prioritize meaningful pursuits over life's noise. We also tackle the concept of energy, identifying those pesky "energy vampires" and the uplifting forces that energize us, drawing inspiration from philosophies like Marie Kondo's tidying approach.

Taking time for self-reflection is an investment in yourself that pays dividends. We discuss how setting aside moments for clarity can lead to effective decision-making, especially in times of crisis. By assessing our goals and obstacles, we align our actions with our aspirations, paving the way for a fulfilling year. Your feedback on methods for gaining clarity matters, and we're excited to hear your thoughts. Get ready for next week's conversation on accountability, where my accountability buddy, Sam, will join us. Thank you for tuning in to "What's On Your Bookshelf"—we can't wait to continue this enlightening journey with you.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

What if the choices you make today could transform your tomorrow? "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, a book that challenges us to rise above life's circumstances and redefine our paths. As we weave through the practical advice and personal anecdotes shared by these compelling authors, we discover how strategic decisions can lead to untapped potential and impactful change. From Denise's resilience in the face of a devastating flood to Jay's journey of finding purpose after a life-altering car accident, we share stories that exemplify the power of bold choices in overcoming obstacles.

Throughout our discussion, we reflect on the importance of clarity, support systems, and realistic planning, drawing connections with principles from "Fierce Conversations" and "Atomic Habits." We emphasize how gradual choices culminate in significant outcomes, much like a picture hanging securely until the pressure causes it to fall. This episode is a call to action for self-reflection and growth, inviting listeners to engage with introspective questions that align with what truly matters. Whether you're seeking personal or professional transformation, this conversation offers a roadmap for breaking boundaries and stepping boldly into a resilient future.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.