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Heroic with Brian Johnson | Activate Your Best. Every Day.

Heroic with Brian Johnson features the best big ideas from life-changing books and practical tools to help you move from Theory to Practice to Mastery and flourish in Energy, Work, and Love. Get more wisdom in less time so you can activate your best, every day—so that we can change the world, one person at a time, together, starting with you and me and us, today! (Learn more at https://heroic.us)
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Heroic with Brian Johnson | Activate Your Best. Every Day.
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Now displaying: Category: PNTV
Oct 25, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from You Are Special by Fred Rogers. Hope you enjoy!

I got this book after watching the wonderful (!) documentary on Mister Rogers called Won’t You Be My Neighbor? It's a collection of wisdom gems from various sources-a quick-reading portal into Mister Rogers’ brain that has an amazingly calming, uplifting effect. (At least it did for me.) Simply reading his words seemed to elevate my consciousness and make me a kinder, more patient person. Big Ideas we explore include: Be the best at whatever you are, our #1 Job in life (hint: Encourage others!!), I Like You (just the way you are), being a living example, Mister Rogers' creativity (hello, torture!), perfect parents/kids? (nope!), and the gap (the essence of human creativity).

Get You Are Special on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140235140

Learn more about Fred Rogers: https://www.optimize.me/authors/fred-rogers/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: BE THE BEST YOU
- +1: Envy: The Ulcer of the Soul | Socrates Says (And Science Agrees) (#852) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/envy-the-ulcer-of-the-soul/
- +1: The Comparison Game | You Will Always Lose It (Here’s Why) (#855) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-comparison-game/
- +1: Sweeping Streets with Martin Luther King | Like Shakespeare, Beethoven and Michelangelo (#492) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/sweeping-streets-with-martin-luther-king/

Big Idea 2: OUR JOB IN LIFE
- +1: Encourage | To Inspire with Hope, Courage and Confidence (#721) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/encourage/
- Admiral William McRaven → https://www.optimize.me/authors/admiral-william-h-mcraven/

Big Idea 3: “I LIKE YOU.”
- +1: I Like You | Just the Way You Are (#869) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/i-like-you/
- Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood in black and white → https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2r4wun

Big Idea 4: TORTURES
- Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (Documentary) → https://www.focusfeatures.com/wont-you-be-my-neighbor/

Big Idea 5: LIVING EXAMPLE
- PN: Your Life is Your Message by Eknath Easwaran → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/your-life-is-your-message-eknath-easwaran/
- +1: Gandhi and Sugar | And You and… _______________ (#408) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/gandhi-and-sugar/
- +1: There Are No Perfect People | And… Newsflash: You Will Not Be the First (#146) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/there-are-no-perfect-people/

► FREE 14-DAY TRIAL:
Get the PhilosophersNote on The World According to Mister Rogers and 600+ other books by starting a Free 14-Day trial membership to Optimize: https://www.optimize.me/trial/

► MORE GOODNESS:
- Get the Optimize App for iPhone & iPad: https://www.optimize.me/apps/
- Get the Optimize App for Android: https://www.optimize.me/apps/
- Subscribe to the Optimize Podcast: https://optimize.me/podcast/
- Follow Optimize on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BriantheOptimizer/
- Follow Optimize on Instagram: https://instagram.com/optimize.me/

Oct 22, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell. Hope you enjoy!

Joseph Campbell was an American author and teacher best known for his work in the field of comparative mythology. If you’ve ever heard of the “Hero’s Journey,” you have him and his lifelong commitment to studying mythology to thank. This book (written in 1949) is the one that captures the essence of his thoughts on the “monomyth” that shows up across all cultures. One universal hero. A thousand faces. Big Ideas we explore include: a quick look at the hero’s journey, moving past the veil of the unknown (aka romancing your discomfort zone) while creating micro hero journeys (all day every day), your ultimate boon (don’t make King Midas’s mistake), the mistake that the makers of legend made (growth mindset, guys!!), and a portrait of the modern hero (look in the mirror!).

Get The Hero with a Thousand Faces on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Faces-Collected-Joseph-Campbell/dp/1577315936

Learn more about Joseph Campbell: https://www.optimize.me/authors/joseph-campbell/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: THE MONOMYTH
- Finding Joe documentary → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8nFACrLxr0
- +1: Hērōs | Building Strength for 2 (#107) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/heros/

Big Idea 2: THE THRESHOLD
- +1: Your Infinite Potential | And Where to Find It (#4) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/your-infinite-potential/
- David Goggins → https://www.optimize.me/authors/david-goggins/
- Marie Forleo → https://www.optimize.me/authors/marie-forleo/
- George Mumford → https://www.optimize.me/authors/george-mumford/
- PN: The Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-rise-of-superman-steven-kotler/
- +1: Making the Impossible Possible | How to Make It What’s for Breakfast in X Tomorrows (#587) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/making-the-impossible-possible/
- Optimize Coach: Program Overview → https://optimize.me/coach-program/

Big Idea 3: THE BOON
- +1: The Choice of Hercules | Vice Dressed up as Virtue (#1036) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-choice-of-hercules/

Big Idea 4: THE MAKERS OF LEGEND
- +1: How to Build Your Grit | The 4 Key Scientific Variables (#19) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-build-your-grit/
- PN: Grit by Angela Duckworth → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/grit-angela-duckworth/
- +1: What Shakespeare, Beethoven & Picasso Have in Common | Want to Create Something Great? Create a Ton. (#86) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/what-shakespeare-beethoven-picasso-have-in-common/

Big Idea 5: THE HERO = YOU
- +1: Optimize = Optimus | = The Best Version of You (#367) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/optimize-optimus/

► FREE 14-DAY TRIAL:
Get the PhilosophersNote on The World According to Mister Rogers and 600+ other books by starting a Free 14-Day trial membership to Optimize: https://www.optimize.me/trial/

► MORE GOODNESS:
- Get the Optimize App for iPhone & iPad: https://www.optimize.me/apps/
- Get the Optimize App for Android: https://www.optimize.me/apps/
- Subscribe to the Optimize Podcast: https://optimize.me/podcast/
- Follow Optimize on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BriantheOptimizer/
- Follow Optimize on Instagram: https://instagram.com/optimize.me/

Oct 10, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from Fearless by Eric Blehm. Hope you enjoy!

I got this book after my friend, retired Navy SEAL Captain Bob Schoultz, recommended it to me. It’s ASTONISHINGLY good. As per the sub-title, this book is about "The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown." It's a humbling, inspiring story "of an American hero who bravely gave permission in his final written requests to share his journey, from small-town America to gutter to jail to Jesus to war to the top tier of the U.S. military: SEAL Team Six.”

Get Fearless on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Fearless-Undaunted-Ultimate-Sacrifice-Operator/dp/0307730700

Learn more about Eric Blehm: https://www.optimize.me/authors/eric-blehm/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: THE BULLIES
- Captain Bob’s Book Notes → https://bobsbeenreading.wordpress.com/
- PNTV: Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/cant-hurt-me-david-goggins/
- PNTV: Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/discipline-equals-freedom-jocko-willink/
- PNTV: Staring Down the Wolf by Mark Divine → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/staring-down-the-wolf-mark-divine/
- PN: Make Your Bed by Admiral William McRaven → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/make-your-bed-admiral-william-mcraven/
- +1: Begin With the End in Mind | Habit #2 of Highly Effective People (#219) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/begin-with-the-end-in-mind/

Big Idea 2: THE PRODIGAL SON
- PN: Discover the Power Within You by Eric Butterworth → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/discover-the-power-within-you-eric-butterworth/
- PN: Falling Upward by Richard Rohr, OFM → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/falling-upward-richard-rohr-ofm/
- +1: We’re Only the Light Bulbs | Our Job Is to Remain Screwed In! (#1090) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/were-only-the-light-bulbs/

Big Idea 3: THE TRIDENT
- #1: TGIM!!! Let's goooo! Time to earn our Trident. TODAY! (#28) → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX5zUZNvUD0

Big Idea 4: THE BEST
- Optimize Mastery Series Module O: Optimize = Optimus = Best = Eudaimon = Hero → https://www.optimize.me/mastery-modules/module-o-optimize-optimus-best-eudaimon-hero/
- +1: How to High Five God | And Plug Into Divine Power Today (#1279) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-high-five-god/

Big Idea 5: FALLEN HERO
- +1: OMMS | The Hero’s Mantra (#41) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/omms/
- +1: Hērōs | Building Strength for 2 (#107) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/heros/

► FREE 14-DAY TRIAL:
Get the PhilosophersNote on The World According to Mister Rogers and 600+ other books by starting a Free 14-Day trial membership to Optimize: https://www.optimize.me/trial/

► MORE GOODNESS:
- Get the Optimize App for iPhone & iPad: https://www.optimize.me/apps/
- Get the Optimize App for Android: https://www.optimize.me/apps/
- Subscribe to the Optimize Podcast: https://optimize.me/podcast/
- Follow Optimize on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BriantheOptimizer/
- Follow Optimize on Instagram: https://instagram.com/optimize.me/

Oct 5, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink. Hope you enjoy!

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL. He was commander of Task Unit Bruiser―the most decorated Special Operations Unit of the Iraq War. I really enjoyed Jocko’s first book Extreme Ownership and I knew this one would be good but... I didn’t expect it to be THIS good. The words literally explode off the page. Not just because each micro-chapter was an incredibly inspiring micro-manifesto but because each word was written by a man so clearly living in complete integrity with his deepest values. John Maxwell would say his “moral authority” is extraordinary. I’d say his SOUL FORCE is palpable. If you’re in the mood for a soul-rattling call-to-disciplined action, I think you’ll enjoy the book as much as I did.

Get Discipline Equals Freedom on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Discipline-Equals-Freedom-Field-Manual/dp/1250156947

Learn more about Jocko Willink: https://www.optimize.me/authors/jocko-willink/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: HERCULES
- PN: Gandhi the Man by Eknath Easwaran → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/gandhi-the-man-eknath-easwaran/
- PN: The Bhagavad Gita by Eknath Easwaran → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-bhagavad-gita-krishna-eknath-easwaran/
- PN: The Dhammapada by Eknath Easwaran → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-dhammapada-eknath-easwaran/
- +1: Demons vs. Daimons | What to Feed Them (#919) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/demons-vs-daimons/
- +1: The Choice of Hercules | Vice Dressed up as Virtue (#1036) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-choice-of-hercules/

Big Idea 2: NATURE VS. NURTURE | NEITHER
- Documentary on Michael Jordan: The Last Dance → https://www.netflix.com/title/80203144
- +1: How to Build Your Grit | The 4 Key Scientific Variables (#19) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-build-your-grit/
- Documentary on Usain Bolt: I Am Bolt → https://www.netflix.com/title/80135360

Big Idea 3: “GOOD.”
- +1: OMMS | The Hero’s Mantra (#41) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/omms/
- +1: The Obstacle Is the Way | Plus: The Paradox of Fire (#61) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-obstacle-is-the-way/
- +1: It Is What It Is | The Power of Loving What Is (#409) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/it-is-what-it-is/
- +1: Neutral Thinking | vs. Positive and Negative Thinking (#1259) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/neutral-thinking/

Big Idea 4: SUGAR
- PN: The Case Against Sugar by Gary Taubes → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-case-against-sugar-gary-taubes/
- Willpower 101 → http://optimize.me/willpower

Big Idea 5: DO
- Phil Stutz → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-tools-barry-michels-phil-stutz/

► FREE 14-DAY TRIAL:
Get the PhilosophersNote on The World According to Mister Rogers and 600+ other books by starting a Free 14-Day trial membership to Optimize: https://www.optimize.me/trial/

► MORE GOODNESS:
- Get the Optimize App for iPhone & iPad: https://www.optimize.me/apps/
- Get the Optimize App for Android: https://www.optimize.me/apps/
- Subscribe to the Optimize Podcast: https://optimize.me/podcast/
- Follow Optimize on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BriantheOptimizer/
- Follow Optimize on Instagram: https://instagram.com/optimize.me/

Sep 29, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from Discover the Power Within You by Eric Butterworth. Hope you enjoy!

Eric Butterworth was a prolific author and Unity minister—one of the great spiritual teachers of the 20th century. We featured another one of his books called Spiritual Economics. That one transformed my consciousness around money/ambition/etc. (I *highly* recommend it.) Butterworth was also Maya Angelou's spiritual teacher. And, Oprah says that this book is one of her all-time favorites. Big Ideas we explore: Where to find the Divine (hint: look within!), the great decision, the true meaning of “meek” (it's not what you think), going the second mile, and how to create a heaven (or hell) right NOW!

Get Discover the Power Within You on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Discover-Power-Within-You-Unexplored/dp/0061723797

Learn more about Eric Butterworth: https://www.optimize.me/authors/eric-butterworth/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: WHERE’S THE DIVINE?
- +1: Spiritual Economics | Your New Wealth Vocabulary (#349) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/spiritual-economics/
- +1: How to Live with Radiant Enthusiasm | Hint: Create a Nice Home for God (#556) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-live-with-radiant-enthusiasm/
- +1: How to High Five Your Inner Daimon | My Philosophy in One Word (#3) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-high-five-your-inner-daimon/
- +1: The Golden You | Just Chip Away at the (Not-so) Bonus Layer (#553) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-golden-you/
- +1: The Golden Buddha: Part II | The Historical Reality + The Parable (#603) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-golden-buddha-part-ii/

Big Idea 2: THE GREAT DECISION
- +1: Eudaimonism vs. Hedonism | Don’t Want to Be Depressed? Science Says… (#1166) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/eudaimonism-vs-hedonism/
- +1: Lightbulbs in the Temple of God | Less Graffiti, More Shining (#887) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/lightbulbs-in-the-temple-of-god/
- +1: My New Energy Identity | A Screwed-In Light Bulb (#1091) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/my-new-energy-identity/

Big Idea 3: PRAEIS = _______
- +1: Jesus Said: Who Shall Inherit the Earth? | Was It the “Meek” or the “Disciplined”/”Tamed”? (#438) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/jesus-said-who-shall-inherit-the-earth/

Big Idea 4: THE 2ND MILE
- Going the Second Mile | Jesus Says: It's the Way to Roll (#431) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/going-the-second-mile/

Big Idea 5: HEAVEN + HELL
- +1: Demons vs. Daimons | What to Feed Them (#919) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/demons-vs-daimons/

► FREE 14-DAY TRIAL:
Get the PhilosophersNote on The World According to Mister Rogers and 600+ other books by starting a Free 14-Day trial membership to Optimize: https://www.optimize.me/trial/

► MORE GOODNESS:
- Get the Optimize App for iPhone & iPad: https://www.optimize.me/apps/
- Get the Optimize App for Android: https://www.optimize.me/apps/
- Subscribe to the Optimize Podcast: https://optimize.me/podcast/
- Follow Optimize on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BriantheOptimizer/
- Follow Optimize on Instagram: https://instagram.com/optimize.me/

Sep 26, 2020

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Optimize Coach: https://optimize.me/coach (← Join 2,000+ Optimizers from 70+ Countries!)

Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from Everything Is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo. Hope you enjoy!

My wife Alexandra has been a huge fan of Marie’s for a long time. I knew she was awesome. But... As I told Alexandra: “I had no idea Marie was THAT awesome!!!” My excuse: I’ve been in hermit-mode and have done nothing but read books for 5 years (no blogs/videos/etc.) so I wasn’t able to get the full sense of Marie’s heroically brilliant and grounded and HILARIOUS power until this book came out. I’ve read and created PhilosophersNotes on well over 500 books. This is one of my ABSOLUTE (!) favorites of all time. I HIGHLY (!!!) recommend it. It’s in the same league as some of my other favorites like Deep Work Atomic Habits and The 5 Second Rule. (In fact, on my chalkboard right now, I actually have “EVERYTHING IS FIGUREOUTABLE” right above “5-4-3-2-1-GO!” <- Winning combo!) The book is PACKED (!) with Big Ideas and I’m excited to share a few of my favorites so let’s jump straight in!

Get Everything Is Figureoutable on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Figureoutable-Marie-Forleo/dp/0525534997

Learn more about Marie Forleo: https://www.optimize.me/authors/marie-forleo/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: “THANKS, MOM!”
- PN: Everything Is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/everything-is-figureoutable-marie-forleo/

Big Idea 2: MAGIC OF BELIEF
- PN: The Relaxation Revolution by Herbert Benson → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-relaxation-revolution-herbert-benson/
- +1: Your Identity = ? | Whether You Think You Can or Think You Can’t… (#654) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/your-identity/
- "It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that things are difficult.” ~Seneca → https://www.optimize.me/quotes/seneca/19068-it-is-not-because-things-are-difficult-t/
- PN: Letters from a Stoic by Seneca → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/letters-from-a-stoic-seneca/

Big Idea 3: 42% (!!!)
- Optimize Interview: Stillness is the Key with Ryan Holiday → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8GZMsKklPA
- +1: Spiritual Windshield Wipers | Eudaimonia, Journaling, and the Science of Writing Down Our Goals (#993) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/spiritual-windshield-wipers/
- +1: Hedonic Eudaimonia | A Close Relative of Flow Junkies (#908) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/hedonic-eudaimonia/
- How to Journal Carpe Diem Style! → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFMOrHcrGWU&t=4s

Big Idea 4: 4-LETTER WORD
- +1: Can’t vs. Won’t | Two Four-Letter Words (#986) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/cant-vs-wont/
- +1: Fail Alchemized to FAIL | Fail = Faithful Attempts In Learning! (#988) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/fail-alchemized-to-fail/
- +1: The Growth Mindset | Jordan, Picasso and You (#622) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-growth-mindset/
- +1: Mistakes? They’re Just Mis-takes | You As the Director of Your Life (#59)
- PN: Mindset by Carol Dweck → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/mindset-carol-dweck/
- +1: Mistake-Learner’s High | Enjoy It as You Pursue Audacious Goals and Endlessly Evolve (#370) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/mistake-learners-high/

Big Idea 5: GROWTH ZONE
- +1: Your Infinite Potential | And Where to Find It (#4) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/your-infinite-potential/

► FREE 14-DAY TRIAL:
Get the PhilosophersNote on Everything Is Figureoutable and 600+ other books by starting a Free 14-Day trial membership to Optimize: https://www.optimize.me/trial/

► MORE GOODNESS:
- Get the Optimize App for iPhone & iPad: https://www.optimize.me/apps/
- Get the Optimize App for Android: https://www.optimize.me/apps/
- Subscribe to the Optimize Podcast: https://optimize.me/podcast/
- Follow Optimize on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BriantheOptimizer/
- Follow Optimize on Instagram: https://instagram.com/optimize.me/

Sep 22, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from The Healthy Deviant by Pilar Gerasimo. Hope you enjoy!

I’ve been eagerly awaiting for my dear friend Pilar Gerasimo to write a book that captures her wisdom on how to Optimize our lives and give the world all we’ve got. And... The wait is over! Pilar is one of the wisest people I know. Among many other things, she created Experience Life magazine (which currently reaches over 3 million people per year) and is the co-host of the Living Experiment podcast with Dallas Hartwig (co-founder of Whole30). The lead quote for this book perfectly captures the thesis of the book. It’s from Jiddu Krishnamurti. He tells us: “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Yep. That’s about right. In a society in which the VAST majority of us are sick and tired and anxious and depressed and, well, blah... IT IS NO MEASURE OF HEALTH TO BE WELL ADJUSTED TO THAT SICK SOCIETY. (Right?) Enter: The Healthy Deviant. This “Rule Breaker’s Guide" is packed with Big Ideas on how we can "Be Healthy in an Unhealthy World.”

Get The Healthy Deviant on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Deviant-Breakers-Guide-Unhealthy/dp/1623174252

Learn more about Pilar Gerasimo: https://www.optimize.me/authors/pilar-gerasimo/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: THE UDR
- The Living Experiment Podcast Interview (49s) → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JWTNyW_bTQ
- “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” ~Jiddu Krishnamurti → https://www.optimize.me/quotes/jiddu-krishnamurti/1335215-it-is-no-measure-of-health-to-be-well-adjusted/

Big Idea 2: HEALTHY DEVIANCE
- “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” ~Mark Twain → https://www.optimize.me/quotes/mark-twain/20637-whenever-you-find-yourself-on-the-side-o/
- PN: Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/self-reliance-ralph-waldo-emerson/
- +1: The Choice of Hercules | Vice Dressed up as Virtue (#1036) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-choice-of-hercules/
- Conquering Cancer 101 + 102 → https://Optimize.me/cancer
- PN: Eat, Move, Sleep by Tom Rath → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/eat-move-sleep-tom-rath/
- +1: The Invisible Gorilla | And the Spotlight of Your Attention (#859) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-invisible-gorilla/

Big Idea 3: RENEGADE RITUALS
- +1: AM + PM Bookends | How to Create Masterpiece Days: Start Here! (#78) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/am-pm-bookends/
- +1: Micradian Rhythms | The Rhythms of Life: Circadian + Ultradian + Micradian (#283) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/micradian-rhythms/
- +1: Digital Sunset | Bedtime for Your Electronics (#152) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/digital-sunset/
- +1: Cortisol and Melatonin | Teeter Totter Buddies (#1173) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/cortisol-and-melatonin/
- +1: PM Counts Twice | PM → AM + DAY + PM = #carpediem (#1007) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/pm-counts-twice/
- Energy 101 → https://www.optimize.me/master-class/energy-101/

Big Idea 4: DITCH YOUR DIET
- +1: Don’t Drink Sugar | “The Single-Biggest Thing You Can Do to Improve Your Health” (#1247) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/dont-drink-sugar/
- Optimal Weight 101 → https://www.optimize.me/master-class/optimal-weight-101/

Big Idea 5: SOMETHING WRONG
- +1: Make the Connection | What’s Working? What Needs Work? (#374) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/make-the-connection/
- Learn more about Pilar and her work at https://TheHealthyDeviant.com/
- Learn more about The Living Experiment Podcast at https://livingexperiment.com/

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Sep 21, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from Food Fix by Mark Hyman, MD. Hope you enjoy!

Mark Hyman, MD, is head of strategy for the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and board president for the Institute for Functional Medicine. He is also the bestselling author of a number of books, including Eat Fat, Get Thin. This is a very important and equally sobering book. As Mark says: "If we were to identify one big lever to pull to improve global health, create economic abundance, reduce social injustice and mental illness, restore environmental health, and reverse climate change, it would be transforming our entire food system. That is the most important work of our time—work that must begin now.” In the Note we take a quick look at the dysfunction of the food system and how to fix it while talking about the #1 thing YOU can do TODAY to address it. We also chat about the fact that your food label may be lying to you, the ENORMOUS amount of money the junk food industry spends on junk science (think: $12 BILLION) and the social justice issues of food.

Get Food Fix on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Food-Fix-Economy-Communities-Planet-One/dp/031645317X

Learn more about Mark Hyman, MD: https://www.optimize.me/authors/mark-hyman/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: THE BROKEN SYSTEM
- Mark Hyman → https://www.optimize.me/authors/mark-hyman/

Big Idea 2: #1 FIX = RULE #1
- +1: Don’t Drink Sugar | “The Single-Biggest Thing You Can Do to Improve Your Health” (#1247) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/dont-drink-sugar/
- +1: Cancer Candy (Aka Sugar) | And All It’s Secret Identities (#1177) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/cancer-candy-aka-sugar/
+1: The Case Against Sugar | Is Very Strong (#685) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-case-against-sugar/

Big Idea 3: LYING LABELS
- +1: Your Food Label | Is It Lying to You? (#1244) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/your-food-label/

Big Idea 4: JUNK SCIENCE
- +1: Junk Food’s Junk Science | Did You Know…? (#1245) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/junk-foods-junk-science/
- +1: Sugar Math | It Adds Up. Fast! (#1178) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/sugar-math/
- Optimal Weight 101 | How to Optimize our Metabolism to Easily Sculpt our Ideal Bodies while Energizing to Actualize → https://www.optimize.me/weight/

Big Idea 5: FOOD Rx
- +1: Cancer’s Roots & Leaves | Modern Medicine: Strengths + Weaknesses → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/cancers-roots-and-leaves/
- Tom Rath → https://www.optimize.me/authors/tom-rath/

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Sep 20, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from Breath by James Nestor. Hope you enjoy!

Breath. It’s the missing pillar in health. We’ve been talking about this for years and we’ve included breathing among our fundamentals since I first read Patrick McKeown’s The Oxygen Advantage. And, I just LOVE the way James captures the importance of breathing in this book. The first words on the inside flap of the book deliver the point with a sledgehammer: “No matter what you eat, how much you exercise, how skinny or young or strong you are, none of it matters if you’re not breathing properly.” Big Ideas we explore include how to breathe optimally and why it's so important, the #1 tip, oral posture (how's yours?) and the perfect breath (think 5.5 + 5.5 for 5.5!).

Get Breath on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Breath-New-Science-Lost-Art/dp/0735213615

Learn more about James Nestor: https://www.optimize.me/authors/james-nestor/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: MOUTH vs. NOSE
- Breathing 101 → https://www.optimize.me/breathing
- PN: The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-oxygen-advantage-patrick-mckeown/

Big Idea 2: CO2
- +1: Breathe Less | To Breathe Right (#1231) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/breathe-less/

Big Idea 3: #1 TIP
- +1: The Rules of Breathing | The Big 3: Nose + Belly + Exhale (#485) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-rules-of-breathing/

Big Idea 4: ORAL POSTURE
- +1: Oral Posture ← How's Yours? | High Fiving the Magic Spot in Our Mouths (#1229) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/oral-posture-hows-yours/
- +1: The Thread Thru Your Head | Pull It Up for Poise and Relaxed Power (#462) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-thread-thru-your-head/
- +1: The Magic Spot in Our Mouths | High Five It and Shine! (#1230) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-magic-spot-in-our-mouths/

Big Idea 5: PERFECT BREATH
- +1: The Perfect Breath | 5.5 + 5.5 + 5.5 (#1228) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-perfect-breath/
- +1: The Greatest Predictor of Longevity | Genetics? Diet? Exercise? Nope… Try: Lung Capacity! (#1227) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-greatest-predictor-of-longevity/

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Sep 19, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from Life's Great Question by Tom Rath. Hope you enjoy!

I’m a big fan of Tom Rath and his work. And... I’m not alone. His 10 books have sold over 10 million copies. Dan Pink (author of Drive and When) calls him “One of the most successful nonfiction writers of his generation.” We featured two of his earlier books: Eat Move Sleep and Are You Fully Charged? Plus: His children’s book called The Rechargeables remains one of my all-time favorites. “Life’s Great Question” that beckons all of us (“What can I contribute?”) is beautifully framed by the Martin Luther King, Jr. quote that kicks off the book: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” This book is a field manual to help us go about answering that question so we can, as per the subtitle of the book: “Discover How You Contribute to the World.” Big Ideas we explore include creating a sense of urgency in life, Purpose 2.0, connecting what we do to those we serve, undivided attention (our new secret weapon), and creating the energy to be our best.

Get Life's Great Question on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Great-Question-Discover-Contribute/dp/1939714176

Learn more about Tom Rath: https://www.optimize.me/authors/tom-rath/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 2: PURPOSE 2.0
- +1: Purpose 2.0 | Time for a Purpose Upgrade? (#1094) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/purpose-2-0/
- +1: Life’s Great Question | Can You Guess What It Is? (#1093) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/lifes-great-question/
- PNTV: The Courage Quotient → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-courage-quotient-robert-biswas-diener/
- +1: Love 2.0 (vs. Love 1.0) | Ready to Upgrade Today? (401) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/love-20-vs-love-10/

Big Idea 3: CONNECTING
- +1: How to Meaningify Your Work | In One Simple Step… (#1095) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-meaningify-your-work/

Big Idea 4: UNDIVIDED
- PN: Deep Work by Cal Newport → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/deep-work-cal-newport/
- +1: Deep Work | How to Escape Shallowville and Go Deep (#36) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/deep-work/
- PNTV: Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/digital-minimalism-cal-newport/

Big Idea 5: ENERGY
- PN: Are You Fully Charged? by Tom Rath → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/are-you-fully-charged-tom-rath/
- PNTV: The Upward Spiral by Alex Korb, PhD → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-upward-spiral-alex-korb/
- +1 Make the Connection | What’s Working? What Needs Work? (#374) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/make-the-connection/

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Sep 18, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from The Practicing Stoic by Ward Farnsworth. Hope you enjoy!

Ward Farnsworth is the Dean of the University of Texas School of Law. As you can imagine, he brings a logical precision to his discussion of Stoicism that is distinct and powerful. (Seriously. It’s actually ASTONISHINGLY powerful.) I really enjoyed the book and I highly recommend it for the aspiring Practicing Stoic. Big Ideas we explore include Principle #1 of practical Stoicism (Judgment!), the good life vs. the good mood (virtue for the win!), what others think (<- pro tip: ignore it), preferred indifference (committed but not attached), and using adversity as fuel for our Optimizing (use Hermes' magic wand!).

Get The Practicing Stoic on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Practicing-Stoic-Philosophical-Users-Manual/dp/1567926118/

Learn more about Ward Farnsworth: https://www.optimize.me/authors/ward-farnsworth/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: PRINCIPLE #1
- Stoicism 101 → https://Optimize.me/stocisim
- +1: The Space | Between Stimulus and Response (#452) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-space/

Big Idea 2: THE GOOD LIFE VS. THE GOOD MOOD
- +1: The Good Life | vs. The Good Mood (#1126) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-good-life/
- +1: Don’t Aim at Success | Dedicate Yourself to a Cause Bigger Than Yourself (#1040) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/dont-aim-at-success/

Big Idea 3: WHAT OTHERS THINK
- +1: Euthymia | How to Live with Energized Tranquility (#100) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/euthymia/
- PN: Self Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/self-reliance-ralph-waldo-emerson/
- +1: Trust Thyself | Every Heart Vibrates to that Iron String (#614) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/trust-thyself/

Big Idea 4: PREF’D INDIFFERENCE
- +1: Arrows and Our Friend Apollo | A Handy Tool for Rocking It (#199) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/arrows-and-our-friend-apollo/
- Donald Robertson → https://www.optimize.me/authors/donald-robertson/
- PN: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Roberton → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/how-to-think-like-a-roman-emperor-donald-robertson/

Big Idea 5: ADVERSITY = FUEL
- +1: Your Secret Weapon | Thank You, Epictetus and Hermes (#1129) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/your-secret-weapon/
- Behind-the-Scenes at Optimize Coach Graduation Weekend: OMMS → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUw5E1gRf0U

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Sep 16, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven. Hope you enjoy!

Admiral William H. McRaven is a Retired U.S. Navy SEAL who served for thirty-seven years and commanded at every level. As a Four-Star Admiral, his final assignment was as Commander of all U.S. Special Operations Forces. (During this time, he oversaw the covert mission that killed Osama bin Laden.) In 2014, he gave the commencement address to the graduates of the University of Texas at Austin. Millions of people wound up watching his speech on ten lessons he learned from his Navy SEAL training. This book takes a deeper look at those ten lessons. It’s a super-quick read—packed with simple, yet profound wisdom along with moving stories of moral exemplars. It's FANTASTIC.

Get Make Your Bed on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Bed-Little-Things/dp/1455570249/

Learn more about Admiral William H. McRaven: https://www.optimize.me/authors/admiral-william-h-mcraven/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: LESSON #1
- +1: Make Your Bed | And Maybe Change the World (#1203) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/make-your-bed/
- +1: The Little Things | Aren’t So Little (#583) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-little-things/
- Phil Stutz → https://www.optimize.me/authors/phil-stutz/

Big Idea 2: LIFE’S NOT FAIR
- +1: You = Sugar Cookie | Life's Not Fair--Drive On! (#1200) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/you-sugar-cookie/
- Mark Divine → https://www.optimize.me/authors/mark-divine/
- PN: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/extreme-ownership-jocko-willink-leif-babin/
- PN: Unstoppable Teams by Alden Mills → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/unstoppable-teams-alden-mills/
- PN: Be Unstoppable by Alden Mills → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/be-unstoppable-alden-mills/

Big Idea 3: RISE TO THE OCCASION
- +1: Optimize = Optimus | = The Best Version of You (#367) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/optimize-optimus/
- +1: Emotional Stamina | What to Do When You’re Having a Rough Day (#28) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/emotional-stamina/
- +1: Emotional Stamina - Part 2 | Execute Protocol: The Worse You Feel AND the Better You Feel (#668) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/emotional-stamina-part-2/
- +1: Jesus, Tolle, You and Your House on the Rock | The Parable of the Wise and the Foolish Builders (#1181) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/jesus-tolle-you-and-your-house-on-the-rock/

Big Idea 4: HOPE =
- +1: When You’re Neck Deep in Mud | Sing! (#1204) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/when-youre-neck-deep-in-mud/
- +1: The Science of Making Hope Happen | Three Keys: Goals + Agency + Pathways (#33) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-science-of-making-hope-happen/

Big Idea 5: NEVER QUIT
- +1: NEGU! | Never Ever Give Up (#702) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/negu/
- +1: Victim vs. Creator | Two Questions: "Why Me?" vs. "What Do I Want?" (#76) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/victim-vs-creator/

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Sep 16, 2020

Admiral William H. McRaven is a Retired U.S. Navy SEAL who served for thirty-seven years and commanded at every level. As a Four-Star Admiral, his final assignment was as Commander of all U.S. Special Operations Forces. (During this time, he oversaw the covert mission that killed Osama bin Laden.) In 2014, he gave the commencement address to the graduates of the University of Texas at Austin. Millions of people wound up watching his speech on ten lessons he learned from his Navy SEAL training. This book takes a deeper look at those ten lessons. It’s a super-quick read—packed with simple, yet profound wisdom along with moving stories of moral exemplars. It's FANTASTIC.

Sep 12, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday. Hope you enjoy!

This is our fourth Note on one of Ryan Holiday’s books. Ryan is one of my absolute favorite writers. One of the testimonials in the front of the book perfectly captures my sentiment. Screenwriter and director Brian Koppelman (Rounders, Ocean’s Thirteen and Billions) puts it this way: “I don’t have many rules in life, but one I never break is: If Ryan Holiday writes a book, I read it as soon as I can get my hands on it.” (btw: Cal Newport’s the first testimonial. He says: “Some authors give advice. Ryan Holiday distills wisdom. This book is a must read.”) Penguin Random House sent me an advance copy of this book. As I knew it would be: It’s fantastic. Of course, the book’s packed with Big Ideas and I’m excited to share some of my favorites so let’s jump straight in!

Get Stillness Is the Key on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stillness-Key-Ryan-Holiday/dp/0525538585

Learn more about Ryan Holiday: https://www.optimize.me/authors/ryan-holiday/

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Sep 12, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D.. Hope you enjoy!

I’m a big fan of Kelly McGonigal and her ability to help us apply scientific wisdom to our lives. We’ve covered two of her earlier books: The Willpower Instinct and The Upside of Stress. So... When I got this book, knew I’d enjoy it. But, I didn’t anticipate JUST how much I’d love it. We have some great Notes on Movement (Spark, Spartan Up and No Sweat among my favorites), but Kelly’s book will be our new go-to for the science of WHY exercise/movement is so essential to our well-being. It’s PHENOMENAL. Reading about the SCIENCE behind stories of transformation (and how, as per the sub-title of her book: “Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage”) also made me that much more clear on the power of what we’re doing with all of our work and the importance of focusing so much on Energy (especially with our Mastery and Coach programs). Big Ideas we explore include: Hope Molecules (and how to create them), persistence highs (and how to create them), collective effervescence (and why it's so awesome), how we endure (hint: TOGETHER!), and OMMS!!! (Obstacles (literally!) Make Me Stronger!).

Get The Joy of Movement on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Movement-exercise-happiness-connection/dp/0525534105

Learn more about Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D.: https://www.optimize.me/authors/kelly-mcgonigal/

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Sep 8, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from Happy Together by Suzann Pileggi Pawelski and James Pawelski. Hope you enjoy!

Suzie and James Pawelski are two of the world's leading positive psychologists. James cofounded the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania with Martin Seligman while Suzie is a graduate of the program and a leading freelance writer and consultant. Together they've written an incredible book on "Using the Science of Positive Psychology to Build Love That Lasts." I’ve been waiting for a very long time for the book that would make me say: “READ THIS BOOK if you want to figure out how to integrate Ancient Wisdom + Modern Science + Practical Tools to Optimize your relationship.” And, well, THIS book is it. I HIGHLY recommend it. In fact, it's not only my #1 Love book recommendation, it's also cracked the Top 10 all-time greatest list. Big Ideas we explore include The Relationship Gym (hit it!), Aristotelian Lovers (the REAL Soul Mates), SNAP (James geniuses x2), Know Thy... (self and thy partner!), and Love Is an Action Verb (let's commit to flourishing together TODAY!).

Get Happy Together on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143130595

Learn more about Suzann Pileggi Pawelski and James Pawelski: https://www.optimize.me/authors/suzann-pileggi-pawelski-mapp/ https://www.optimize.me/authors/james-o-pawelski-ph-d/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: RELATIONSHIP GYM
- Coping with COVID interview series via Positive Voices → https://www.positivevoices.com/copingwithcovid/
- +1: Falling in Love vs. STANDING in Love | One’s a Lot Easier than the Other (#134) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/falling-in-love-vs-standing-in-love/
- +1: Fortify Your Pertinacity | Seneca Says: “Until the Will to Good Becomes a Disposition to Good” (#864) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/fortify-your-pertinacity/
- +1: Work or Play? | Masters in the Art of Living Dissolve the (Apparent) Dichotomy (#525) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/work-or-play/
- #1: Happy Playbor Day! (I'll be celebrating with some Playbor! Lol) (#35) → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTeT11AzLe0&t=221s

Big Idea 2: ARISTOTELIAN LOVERS
- PN: The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-nicomachean-ethics-aristotle/
- PNTV: The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWExd__bC7A
- +1: How to High Five Your Inner Daimon | My Philosophy in One Word (#3) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-high-five-your-inner-daimon/
- +1: Eudaimonism vs. Hedonism | Don’t Want to Be Depressed? Science Says… (#1166) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/eudaimonism-vs-hedonism/

Big Idea 3: SNAP
- +1: Commitments: 100% Is a Breeze | 99%? Not So Much. (#46) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/commitments-100-is-a-breeze/
- +1: Antifragile Confidence | ← = Agency Squared (#796) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/antifragile-confidence/

Big Idea 4: KNOW THY…
- VIA Character Strengths Survey → http://www.viacharacter.org/www/
- Happy Together website → https://www.buildhappytogether.com/
- +1: What's Your #1 Self-Care Habit? | Perhaps the Most Important Question We Can Ask Ourselves (#129) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/whats-your-1-self-care-habit/
- +1: What's Your Partner’s #1 Self-Care Habit? | Another VERY Important Question (#130) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/whats-your-partners-1-self-care-habit/

Big Idea 5: LOVE = ACTION VERB
- How to Journal Carpe Diem Style! → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFMOrHcrGWU&t=4s
- +1: How to Carpe Diem Journal (v2) | Let’s Seize the Day → TODAY! (#1118) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-carpe-diem-journal-v2/
- +1: Soul Mates 2.0 | How to Find One and How to Be One (#1119) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/soul-mates-2-0/

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Sep 7, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from The Courage Quotient by Robert Biswas-Diener. Hope you enjoy!

Robert Biswas-Diener is known as the “Indiana Jones of positive psychology.” As per his bio, “his research has taken him to such far-flung places as Greenland, India, Kenya and Israel.” And, important note: “He is afraid of quicksand and snakes.” :) Robert is also the son of one of the leading positive psychology researchers: Ed Diener. We covered a book they wrote together called Happiness. This is basically the ONLY book on science of courage. It's fantastic. Big Ideas we explore include defining the numerator and denominator of our Courage Quotient (hint: Increase your "willingness to act" and "ability to control fear"), courage's two flavors (general + personal), courage blindness (and how to heal it), the power of playing our roles well (choose a courageous one!), being willing to fail and playing to win.

Get The Courage Quotient on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Quotient-Science-Make-Braver/dp/0470917423

Learn more about Robert Biswas-Diener: https://www.optimize.me/authors/robert-biswas-diener/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: THE QUOTIENT
- +1: How to Flourish | Science Says: PERMA (#280) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-flourish/
- +1: Courage | How to Pump Energy to Your Virtues (#159) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/courage/
- +1: The Courage Quotient | How’s Yours? (#1132) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-courage-quotient/
- +1: Aristotle’s Virtuous Mean | Versus the Vices of Excess + Deficiency (#247) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/aristotles-virtuous-mean/
- +1: Aristotle’s Doctrine of the (Virtuous) Mean | vs. The Vices of Excess and Deficiency (#466) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/aristotles-doctrine-of-the-virtuous-mean/
- PN: The Power of Agency by Paul Napper and Anthony Rao → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-power-of-agency-paul-napper-anthony-rao-ph-d/
- +1: "I'm Excited!" | What to Say to Yourself When You’re Feeling Nerves (#27) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/im-excited/
- +1: Your Infinite Potential | And Where to Find It (#4) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/your-infinite-potential/
- +1: Now What Needs to Be Done? | Remember: Feelings Follow Behavior (#72) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/now-what-needs-to-be-done/
- PN: Constructive Living by David Reynolds → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/constructive-living-david-reynolds/

Big Idea 2: BLINDNESS
- +1: Idiosyncratic Optimizing | Creating Your Own Unique Mixture of Awesome (#207) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/idiosyncratic-optimizing/
- FINDING JOE | Full Movie (HD) → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8nFACrLxr0
- +1: Hero Bars | Your Fuel for Fear Doors (#699) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/hero-bars/
- +1: Navy SEAL Cookie Jars | David Goggins on Becoming Superman (#661) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/navy-seal-cookie-jars/
- David Goggins → https://www.optimize.me/authors/david-goggins/
- PN: It Takes What it Takes by Trevor Moawad → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/it-takes-what-it-takes-trevor-moawad/
- #1: How do you start your day? Here’s how I start mine. (Breakfast of Champions + Oura 1-2-3+!) (#5) → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLO3HrC6-hU

Big Idea 3: ROLES
- How to Act Boldly | Choose Courageous Roles (#1134) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-act-boldly/
- PNTV: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHObPl342XU
- Ellen Langer → https://www.optimize.me/authors/ellen-langer/
- PN: Counter-Clockwise by Ellen Langer → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/counterclockwise-ellen-langer/
- +1: You, Batman & Dora the Explorer | Time to Put on Your Heroic Costume? (#964) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/you-batman-dora-the-explorer/
- PN: The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-alter-ego-effect-todd-herman/

Big Idea 4: FAILURE: ACCEPT
- +1: Be Willing to Fail | Edison, Churchill and YOU! (#1135) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/be-willing-to-fail/
- +1: Creating Your Life Documentary | Note: It’s All an Important Part of the Process (#1136) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/creating-your-life-documentary/
- +1: Mistakes? They’re Just Mis-takes | You As the Director of Your Life (#59) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/mistakes-theyre-just-mis-takes/
- +1: A New Take on Mis-takes | Using Them as Fuel for Our Antifragile Fires (#1137) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/a-new-take-on-mis-takes/
- +1: Win or Learn | Three Questions to Ask after a Disappointing Performance (#96) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/win-or-learn/
- +1: Batting .300 | Is Hall of Fame Material (in Life + Baseball) (#499) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/batting-300/

Big Idea 5: PLAY TO WIN
- +1: Playing to Win | vs. Playing Not to Lose (#1138) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/playing-to-win/
- +1: The Psychology of Hope | Goals + Willpower + Waypower (#325) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-psychology-of-hope/

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Sep 6, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson. Hope you enjoy!

Donald Robertson is one of the world’s leading thinkers, writers AND practitioners of Stoic philosophy. He’s also a therapist who integrates Stoicism into his work with individuals. This is our second Note on one of his great books. The first Note was on The Philosophy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in which he connects the philosophical underpinnings of CBT (one of the most empirically-validated, effective modern therapies) to ancient Stoicism. This book is part biography and part philosophy. It’s all awesome. If you want to know how to think like a Roman emperor, start here. I think you’ll enjoy the book as much as I did.

Get How to Think Like a Roman Emperor on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/How-Think-Like-Roman-Emperor/dp/1250196620

Learn more about Donald Robertson: https://www.optimize.me/authors/donald-robertson/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: GOAL OF LIFE
- PN: The Philosophy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy by Donald Robertson → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-philosophy-of-cognitive-behavioural-therapy-donald-robertson/
- Stoicism 101 → https://www.optimize.me/stoicism/
- +1: Warriors vs. Librarians | Let’s Not Just Catalogue these +1s, Let’s LIVE Them (#66) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/warriors-vs-librarians/
- +1: The Cardinal Virtues | Of Stoicism + Science + Optimize (#1004) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-cardinal-virtues/
- +1: The Optimize Compass | And How to Make One (#1128) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-optimize-compass/
- +1: How to High Five Your Inner Daimon | My Philosophy in One Word (#3) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-high-five-your-inner-daimon/

Big Idea 2: IDEAL SAGE (+ YOU)
- How to Journal Carpe Diem Style! → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFMOrHcrGWU&t
-+1: What’s Your 0? | Let’s Turn It Into a φ (#1249) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/whats-your-0/
-+1: Pythagoras’s PM Review | Via His Golden Verses (#1019) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/pythagorass-pm-review/

Big Idea 3: STOIC JOY
- +1: The #1 Key to Happiness + Flourishing | Hint: Become BFFs with your Inner Soul (#2) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-1-key-to-happiness-flourishing/
- +1: The 5 (Greek) Keys to Optimizing | Areté + Eudaimonia + en*theos + Hērōs + Euthymia (#200) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-5-greek-keys-to-optimizing/
- +1: Aristotle’s “Happiness” | Isn’t Quite What You Think (#464) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/aristotles-happiness/
- +1: Scaffolding | Constructing Your Destiny (#174) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/scaffolding/

Big Idea 4: TIME PROJECTION

- +1: Disaster = | Virtue’s Opportunity (#1152) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/disaster/

Big Idea 5: CHOICE OF HERCULES
- +1: The Choice of Hercules | Vice Dressed up as Virtue (#1036) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-choice-of-hercules/
- 500+ Optimize Coaches Conquer a Spartan Race → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrGspQzbzf0
- +1: +1 or -1 = Destiny Math | What Must YOU be? (#1) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/destiny-math/

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Sep 5, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport. Hope you enjoy!

Cal Newport is one of my favorite thinkers. He got his Ph.D. in Computer Science from MIT and is now a Professor at Georgetown. He’s also a bestselling author of a number of books. Given the fact that the fastest way to Optimize your life is to STOP doing things that are sub-optimal AND the fact that (for nearly all of us) our use of technology is the #1 thing that “Needs work!,” it’s SUPER important for us to figure out how to best use all the technology available to us WITHOUT becoming lost in a tsunami of inputs. Enter: Our new philosophy of technology use: Digital Minimalism. Enter: My SUPER strong recommendation of the book and my ALL IN commitment to helping create a movement around the ideas in the book. As you know, I rarely say a book is a must read but this book is as close as it gets. Big Ideas we explore include the fact that your soul is engaged in a lopsided arms race, a definition + overview of digital minimalism, the importance of spending time alone (and the consequences of *not* spending adequate time alone), reclaiming leisure (get active!) and joining the Attention Resistance. Here's to Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World!

Get Digital Minimalism on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Minimalism-Choosing-Focused-Noisy/dp/0525536515

Learn more about Cal Newport: https://www.optimize.me/authors/cal-newport/

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Sep 4, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from It Takes What It Takes by Trevor Moawad. Hope you enjoy!

Trevor Moawad is a mental conditioning coach to elite performers. He is well known for being the mental coach to Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and has worked closely with prestigious NCAA football programs and coaches, the US Special Operations community, Major League Baseball, and the NBA. This book is, as per the sub-title, all about “How to Think Neutrally and Gain Control of Your Life.” I loved it and, if you’re also equally fired up by the mental toughness in sports and life genre, I think you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. Big Ideas we explore include neutral thinking (much better than positive or negative), goats and G.O.A.T.s, the law of substitution (focus!), the illusion of choice (if you’re REALLY ALL IN, there is no choice), and drawing a line in the dirt (and getting to it… again and again and again!).

Get It Takes What It Takes on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Takes-What-Think-Neutrally-Control/dp/0062947125

Learn more about Trevor Moawad: https://www.optimize.me/authors/trevor-moawad/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: NEUTRAL THINKING
- PN: Rethinking Positive Thinking by Gabriele Oettingen → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/rethinking-positive-thinking-gabriele-oettingen/
- +1: Etiology vs. Teleology | Freud vs. Adler (and Campbell and Me and…) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/etiology-vs-teleology/
- +1: First Things First | Second Things? Not at All (#275) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/first-things-first/
- +1: What’s Important Now? (Part 2) | How to Win 28 Olympic Medals (#276) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/whats-important-now-part-2/
- +1: WIN! WIN! WIN! | What’s Your Next Most Important Thing? (<- Crush That. Repeat.) (#421) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/win-win-win/

Big Idea 2: GOATS + G.O.A.T.S.
- +1: Goeswith | Our New Wisdom Word (Thanks, Alan Watts!) (#639) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/goeswith/

Big Idea 3: LAW OF SUBSTITUTION
- +1: A Wandering Mind | Is an Unhappy Mind (#1234) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/a-wandering-mind/

Big Idea 4: ILLUSION OF CHOICE
- +1: Commitments: 100% Is a Breeze | 99%? Not So Much. (#46) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/commitments-100-is-a-breeze/
- +1: Proving Yourself Right | vs. “I Hope This Works Out Alright” (#215) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/proving-yourself-right/
- +1: Sacrifices vs. Decisions | There’s a Big Difference Between the Two (#65) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/sacrifices-vs-decisions/
- +1: Deciding vs. Wishing | 3 Steps on How to Get What You Want (#101) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/deciding-vs-wishing/

Big Idea 5: DRAWING YOUR LINE
- Joe De Sena → https://www.optimize.me/authors/joe-de-sena/
- +1: The Paradox of Choice | Maximizer vs. Satisficer <- Which Are You? (#416) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-paradox-of-choice/
- PN: The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-paradox-of-choice-why-more-is-less-barry-schwartz/

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Sep 3, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg. Hope you enjoy!

BJ Fogg founded the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University. He is one of the world’s leading authorities on the science of behavior change. In this book, he introduces us to the core elements of his Fogg Behavior Model as we learn that habit change doesn’t need to be as hard as we make it. As BJ tells us: “We are not the problem. Our approach to change is. It’s a design flaw—not a personal flaw.” Big Ideas we explore include the three elements that drive behavior (B = MAP!), the ABCs of Tiny Habits (Anchor + (Tiny) Behavior + Celebration!), the power of anchor prompts (After I (ANCHOR), I will (NEW HABIT), and the power of celebration (get your Shine on!).

Get Tiny Habits on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Habits-Changes-Change-Everything/dp/0358003326/

Learn more about BJ Fogg: https://www.optimize.me/authors/b-j-fogg/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: B = MAP
- Optimal Living 101 classes → https://www.optimize.me/master-classes/
- +1: B = MAP | The Behavior Design Equation (#1198) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/b-map/
- +1: How to Delete a Behavior | Remove the Prompt and Make It Hard! (#1199) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-delete-a-behavior/
- +1: How to Delete a Bad Habit (Again!) | One Way: Make It Harder (#1233) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-delete-a-bad-habit-again/
- PN: Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/digital-minimalism-cal-newport/
- +1: Character Flaws vs. Design Flaws | Note: There’s a BIG Difference (#1214) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/character-flaws-vs-design-flaws/

Big Idea 2: ABCs
- +1: The ABCs of Tiny Habits | Anchor + Behavior + Celebration (#1205) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-abcs-of-tiny-habits/
- Celebration | As Powerful as Mindfulness and Gratitude? (#1206) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/celebration/

Big Idea 3: SHINE!
- +1: Shine | The Result of Skillfully Celebrating our Successes (#1209) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/shine/
- +1: The Neuroscience of Seneca | Pleasant + Honorable = The Same (#1208) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-neuroscience-of-seneca/

Big Idea 4: INSTALL
- +1: How to Celebrate | Hint: IMMEDIATELY + INTENSELY (#1207) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-celebrate/
- PN: Mini Habits by Stephen Guise → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/mini-habits-stephen-guise/
- +1: The Weed | A Case Study in Habit Creation (#1213) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-weed/
- +1: How to Build a Good Habit | Easy as 1, 2, 3 (#657) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-build-a-good-habit/

Big Idea 5: DELETE
- +1: How to Delete a Behavior | Remove the Prompt and Make It Hard! (#1199) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-delete-a-behavior/
- The Fastest Way to Delete a Bad Habit | Hint: Remove the Prompt (#1211) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-fastest-way-to-delete-a-bad-habit/
- Prompt Begone! | No Behavior Happens Without a Prompt (#1212) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/prompt-begone/
- +1: Mistake-Learner’s High | Enjoy It as You Pursue Audacious Goals and Endlessly Evolve (#370) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/mistake-learners-high/
- +1: How to +3 It | When -1 → +1 = +3 (#1232) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-3-it/
-#1: Let’s take a walk! (Visit the Johnson Trail. lol) (#15) → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg9SlllpG6c
- +1: Energizers vs. Enervators | The Art & Science of How to Take a Good Break (#181) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/energizers-vs-enervators/

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Sep 2, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker. Hope you enjoy!

Matthew Walker is one of the world’s leading neuroscientists and sleep experts. He’s a professor at UC Berkeley (and former professor at Harvard) who has spent decades studying why we sleep and how to, as per the sub-title of this book, unlock the power of sleep and dreams. As you know if you’ve been following along, I’m a HUGE advocate of Optimizing our sleep as a fundamental practice in Optimizing our lives. This book has made me EVEN MORE bullish about the power of sleep. The consequences of chronically depriving ourselves of the sleep we need? Well, they’re astonishingly devastating—dramatically increasing the odds of having everything from mood disorders to cancer (and everything else we don’t want). Big Ideas we explore include the fact that you're more likely to get struck by lightning than have the gene that let's you get by on less than the recommended sleep, the universality of sleep (even worms sleep!!), resetting baselines, the iPad effect (did you know how much using one before sleep messes w/your melatonin?), and some tips to Optimize your sleep TONIGHT!!

Get Why We Sleep on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Sleep-Unlocking-Dreams/dp/1501144324

Learn more about Matthew Walker: https://www.optimize.me/authors/matthew-walker-phd/

► RELATED RESOURCES:
Big Idea 1: FOUNDATION VS. PILLAR
- PNTV: Future Visions by Abraham Maslow (#391) → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ncur6rCM2-0
- PN: Future Visions by Abraham Maslow → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/future-visions-edward-hoffman/
- +1: Sleep: Even Worms Do It | Plus: One-Eyed-/Half-Brained-Bird Sleep (#744) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/sleep-even-worms-do-it/
- +1: Sleep: Before + After Edison | Know How Much Your Great Grandparents Slept? (#217) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/sleep-before-after-edison/
- +1: A Brief History of (Blue) Light | Save It for the Daytime (#915) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/a-brief-history-of-blue-light/
- +1: Digging Foundations | What the World’s Tallest Building Can Teach Us about Building the World’s Tallest You (#58) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/digging-foundations/
- +1: Foundation vs. Pillars | Our #1 Fundie? Sleep! (#911) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/foundation-vs-pillars/
- Oura Ring → https://ouraring.com/
- +1: Sleep Efficiency | Want 8 Hours? Be in Bed for 9! (#913) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/sleep-efficiency/
- +1: Think You Can Get By on Little Sleep? | Science Says: Think Again (Struck by Lightning Lately?) (#742) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/think-you-can-get-by-on-little-sleep/
- +1: Seneca: The Worse a Person Is the Less He Feels It | Aurelius: Don’t Like Yourself? Why Would I Care Whether or Not You Like Me? (#381) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/seneca-the-worse-a-person-is-the-less-he-feels-it/
- +1: Sleep: Crazy Stats | To Make Your Heart Skip a Beat (#747) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/sleep-crazy-stats/

Big Idea 2: THE BRIDGE FROM DESPAIR → HOPE
- +1: Despair --> Hope | The Best Bridge? (#948) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/despair-hope/
- +1: The Optimize Compass | And How to Make One (#1128) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-optimize-compass/

Big Idea 3: PM BOOKEND
- PM Counts Twice | PM → AM + DAY + PM = #carpediem (#1007) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/pm-counts-twice/
- +1: AM + PM Bookends | How to Create Masterpiece Days: Start Here! (#78) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/am-pm-bookends/
- +1: “Shut-Down COMPLETE!” | Not “Shut-Down ALMOST Complete!” (#1171) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/shut-down-complete-2/
- PNTV: The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-sleep-revolution-arianna-huffington/
- PN: The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington (#390) → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc41NbQoaw0
- “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” ~ Jiddu Krishnamurti → https://www.optimize.me/authors/jiddu-krishnamurti/
- +1: Sleep Q: How Little Light Is Too Much? | A: Not a Lot! (#741) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/sleep-q-how-little-light-is-too-much/
Big Idea 4: #1 TIP = DIGITAL SUNSET
- +1: Digital Sunset | Bedtime for Your Electronics (#152) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/digital-sunset/

Big Idea 5: PRO TIP = EATING SUNSET
- +1: Sleep Curfews | Caffeine + Exercise + Eating + Screens + Work (#917) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/sleep-curfews/
- +1: Got Glymph? | How to Wash Your Brain (#895) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/got-glymph/
- PN: The Longevity Paradox by Dr. Steven Gundry → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-longevity-paradox-steven-gundry/
- +1: Glymph for the Win | Crazy Stats from My Oura Ring (#896) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/glymph-for-the-win/
- #1s: Behind the Scenes → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuDYg_teIIc&list=PLj3yWdMwimwnHBIHfq6smL9JSwrTpU_ge

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Sep 2, 2020

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Here are 5 of my favorite Big Ideas from Future Visions by Abraham Maslow. Hope you enjoy!

As you know if you’ve been following along, I love Abraham Maslow and feel a deep kinship to him and his work. We have featured two of the books he published during his lifetime: Toward a Psychology of Being and Motivation and Personality. Although this book has only ONE review on Amazon and I could only buy a used copy of it, I knew I’d love it. And, although I had already been deeply influenced by Maslow and his thinking, there was something about reading his unpublished essays and journal thoughts that made me feel that much more connected to this great man. Big Ideas we explore include Maslow’s thoughts on the “eupsychian ideal” (aka: the “eudaemonic ideal”!), the psychology of happiness (eudaimonology!!), Stoic philosophy (Maslow was a fan), vicious cultural influences (Maslow was NOT a fan!), and the Jonah Complex (ANSWER YOUR HEROIC CALL, already!!).

Get Future Visions on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Future-Visions-Unpublished-Papers-Abraham/dp/0761900500

Learn more about Abraham Maslow: https://optimize.me/authors/abraham-maslow

► RELATED RESOURCES:
- All PhilosophersNotes TV episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj3yWdMwimwmSz4DXwtJkCeQ958RHnOfj
- PN: Motivation and Personality by Abraham Maslow → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/motivation-and-personality-abraham-maslow/
- PN: Toward a Psychology of Being by Abraham Maslow → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/toward-a-psychology-of-being-abraham-maslow/
- +1: Eudaimōnology | The Study of a Good Soul (#997) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/eudaimonology/
- The Optimize Coach program → https://optimize.me/coach/
- Martin Seligman → https://www.optimize.me/authors/martin-seligman/
- PN: Flourish | A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being by Martin Seligman → https://www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/flourish-martin-seligman/
- +1: The #1 Key to Happiness + Flourishing | Hint: Become BFFs with your Inner Soul → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-1-key-to-happiness-flourishing/
- +1: How to High Five Your Inner Daimon | My Philosophy in One Word (#3) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-high-five-your-inner-daimon/
- +1: The 5 (Greek) Keys to Optimizing | Areté + Eudaimonia + en*theos + Hērōs + Euthymia (#200) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-5-greek-keys-to-optimizing/
- +1: Put Your Virtues in Action | How to Flex Your Flourishing Muscles → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/put-your-virtues-in-action/
- +1: How to Flourish | Science Says: PERMA (#280) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/how-to-flourish/
- +1: Mediocrity vs. Excellence | How to Avoid Getting Stuck in the Middle of a Rugged Mountain (#95) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/mediocrity-vs-excellence/
- +1: Hedonic Eudaimonia | A Close Relative of Flow Junkies (#908) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/hedonic-eudaimonia/
- 14-Day Free Optimize Trial Membership → https://optimize.me/trial/
- +1: +1 or -1 = Destiny Math | What Must YOU be? (#1)
- Ellen Langer → https://www.optimize.me/authors/ellen-langer/
- +1: The Psychology of Possibility | Celebrating with 300 Burpees (#1009) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-psychology-of-possibility/
- +1: Prior Best = New Baseline | Your Best Days? That’s Your New Normal (#264) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/prior-best-new-baseline/
- +1: Capacities Clamoring to Be Used | Answering Your Soul’s Cries (#403) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/capacities-clamoring-to-be-used/
- +1: Optimize = Optimus | = The Best Version of You (#367) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/optimize-optimus/
- Hērō = protector
- +1: The Optimize Compass | And How to Make One (#1128) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/the-optimize-compass/
- +1: Hērōs | Building Strength for 2 (#107) → https://www.optimize.me/plus-one/heros/

► FREE 14-DAY TRIAL:
Get the PhilosophersNote on Future Visions and 600+ other books by starting a Free 14-Day trial membership to Optimize: https://www.optimize.me/trial/

► MORE GOODNESS:
- Get the Optimize App for iPhone & iPad: https://www.optimize.me/apps/
- Get the Optimize App for Android: https://www.optimize.me/apps/
- Subscribe to the Optimize Podcast: https://optimize.me/podcast/
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- Follow Optimize on Instagram: https://instagram.com/optimize.me/

Dec 27, 2018

Dr. Mercola is a super-popular alternative health physician who runs the equally popular site Mercola.com. In this book, we get a look at his “Mitochondrial Metabolic Therapy” program. MMT for short. As you could probably guess, this is a high-fat (+ “adequate” protein + low-carb) diet. If that approach fires you up, I think you’ll love the book. If not, well… :) Big Ideas we explore include: meeting our mitochondria (the key to health), why “adequate” protein is where it’s at (not low or moderate or high but “adequate”!), mTOR (the cancer switch), good fats (vs. bad ones), peak fasting, and how to win the urge war.

Dec 25, 2018

Susan Peirce Thompson is a Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Rochester. She’s an expert in the psychology of eating and creator of Bright Line Eating Solutions, “a company dedicated to helping people achieve long-term, sustainable weight loss.” Plus... She used to be obese and, as she says, addicted to *everything.* She integrates her background in neuroscience with her personal experience conquering her diet and other addiction issues in this super popular book. Big Ideas we explore include why bright lines are where it’s at, the susceptibility quiz, the saboteur, self-perception theory, and the four bright lines of eating.

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