Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 1928:

Leah Manderson shares how she transformed her writing skills into a thriving freelance business to help fund her dream wedding. By targeting women-owned businesses with generous, value-first pitches, she built a client base, earned over $5,000, and discovered a side hustle that outlasted the wedding itself.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.budgetsaresexy.com/side-hustle-series-started-freelance-writing-business/

Quotes to ponder:

"It's a rollercoaster of emotions in the beginning (it took me 2 months to get my first client!), but so worth the effort when you finally get a 'yes!'"

"To sell my services, I sent email pitches to women-owned businesses in my area, telling them how I could help them improve their sales."

"In exchange for free projects, request either a testimonial or referral to further your business in a non-monetary way."

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 1927:

Chalene Johnson explores the emotional dilemma of offering your services for free and why doing so often undermines the recipient's commitment and results. She also breaks down four entrepreneurial mindsets, Doubter, Perfectionist, Jumper, and Soldier, helping you identify your current approach and what it takes to shift into a more productive, resilient mindset. These insights are invaluable if you're striving to build stronger boundaries and achieve real progress in both life and business.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.chalenejohnson.com/services-when-you-should-give-away-your-services-for-free/ & https://www.chalenejohnson.com/entrepreneurs/

Quotes to ponder:

"When you give people something for free, not always, but 9 times out of 10, they don't do anything with it."

"You have to stop doubting yourself because, if you doubt yourself, I guarantee everyone else will, too."

"You must be a quiet hero. Feel fear and do what is right."

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 1926:

Carl Pullein dismantles the myth that productivity requires elaborate systems, showing how focus and daily consistency, like Ian Fleming's writing ritual, are all it takes to accomplish great work. With just a notebook, clear priorities, and protected time blocks, anyone can achieve meaningful results without stress or complexity.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.carlpullein.com/blog/to-be-productive-you-dont-need-a-complicated-system/7/8/2019

Quotes to ponder:

"To become super productive, you need two ingredients: focus and consistency."

"No one will respect your time until you respect your time."

"A notebook, a pen and clarity for what you want to accomplish is all you need."

Episode references:

Casino Royale: https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Royale-James-Bond-Book/dp/1612185436

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 1925:

Michael Simpson reveals how entrepreneurs can leverage social proof and scarcity, two powerful psychological triggers, to increase their chances of raising startup capital. By creating urgency and demonstrating interest from others, founders can flip investor hesitation into momentum, even in the absence of hard financial data.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/raisemoney/

Quotes to ponder:

"Investors are a lot more compelled to invest if there is $100,000 left in a $1m round then if there is $900,000 still available."

"Social proof, in essence, is the herd instinct: people are more compelled to do something if others are already doing it."

"Make up your own mind. Don't follow the herd. Don't chase."

Episode references:

AngelList: https://angel.co

True Ventures: https://www.trueventures.com

The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 1924:

Leo Babauta explores how anyone can turn their passions into a sustainable income, without needing a huge investment. By starting small, building skills through practice, and gradually attracting an audience, you can create multiple income streams and reclaim control over your career and life.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/job/

Quotes to ponder:

"Don't be afraid to make mistakes, they're stepping stones to greatness."

"The best way to attract an audience is to provide really valuable content."

"There is something incredibly empowering about seizing control of your life and creating the job you want."

Episode references:

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 1923:

Leo Babauta shares how breaking free from soul-crushing jobs and unemployment starts with a bold move: creating your own dream job. Through personal stories and practical examples, he shows that passion, persistence, and minimal resources, not money, are the real foundations of building a fulfilling career from scratch.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/job/

Quotes to ponder:

"Create your own dream job. Don't wait for someone to hand it to you."

"If you have no answers, it's time to start finding things to be passionate about."

"You learn by doing and making mistakes, not by analyzing every possible outcome and factor."

Episode references:

Google Adsense: https://www.google.com/adsense/start

Google Analytics: https://analytics.google.com

Blogger: https://www.blogger.com

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 1922:

Jeff Goins unpacks the truth behind real influence, not flashy marketing or talent, but consistent, meaningful relationships. Through service, generosity, and simply showing up, anyone can build lasting impact by focusing on helping others rather than promoting themselves.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://goinswriter.com/what-it-really-takes-to-build-influence/

Quotes to ponder:

"It's not who you know. It's who you help."

"Maybe instead of being the smarmy self promoter, constantly selling himself, I could do something different. Maybe I could add value instead of taking it."

"Influencers keep showing up. They outlast and out-give the rest of the pack."

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 1921:

Karl Staib shares how shifting from a manager mindset to that of a coach transformed the way he led people, first in corporate settings and later in his own business. By focusing on guidance, autonomy, and deeper connection, he offers actionable questions and insights to help leaders create more productive, engaged, and happier teams.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://digtofly.com/managing-employees-used-to-be-hard-then-i-tried-this/

Quotes to ponder:

"People don't want to be managed. They want to be coached to be their best self."

"Employees want to understand and appreciate the vision and help build upon it."

"Career progress is maybe the most important aspect of happiness at work."