• 97 - Intentional Living - At a Time That Makes a Difference
    Dec 19 2024
    Have you ever wondered if true happiness lies not in avoiding challenges but in facing them intentionally and with an open heart? As we wrap up our year-long quest for happiness, Denise Russo and Samantha Powell share the transformative lessons they've gleaned from pivotal books like "The How of Happiness" and "The Happiness Project." This episode dives deep into the shift from chasing success to finding true significance, focusing on daily moments of joy, peace, and meaningful relationships. Samantha also discusses her rewarding experiences in career coaching, emphasizing the real impact of transforming mindsets and boosting self-esteem.

    Join us as we explore the importance of living intentionally with purpose and the courage to overcome fear and regret. Reflecting on our journey through books like "Solve for Happy" and "Intentional Living," we discuss how these works have reshaped our perspectives on happiness and personal growth. We emphasize the value of taking action to live our intentions out loud and share practical insights for making every day a day well-lived. Let this episode inspire you to carry forward the lessons learned into the next year, ensuring each day is a testament to a life lived with intent and joy.

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    28 mins
  • 96 - Intentional Living - Partner with Like-Valued People
    Dec 18 2024

    Have you ever wondered how living with anticipation and urgency can transform your life? This week, Denise Russo and Samantha Powell unpack another section of John Maxwell's "Intentional Living." We delve into how forward-thinking and timely action can make a huge difference. With insights from John Wooden’s timeless wisdom, we discuss how to prepare yourself for those golden opportunities when they appear. You'll learn the secrets to proactive, intentional living, ensuring that you're always ready to seize the moment.

    Imagine starting each day with a mindset geared towards success and balance. We'll explore how positive anticipation can help you achieve work-life harmony and spark innovation. Whether you're a busy professional or a young parent juggling multiple responsibilities, we offer practical advice on how to plan your day effectively. By entering every situation with a constructive attitude, you can foster creativity and collaboration, making every meeting and interaction more productive and fulfilling.

    Lastly, discover the transformative power of an abundance mindset. Listen to a heartwarming story about a high school football team rallying around their former coach, now a political candidate, demonstrating the lasting impact of leadership and community. We’ll discuss how believing in limitless possibilities can attract opportunities and enable you to take meaningful risks. The episode wraps up with a call to action: Adopt an abundance mindset, seize opportunities, and make significant contributions to enrich both your life and the lives of those around you. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that can help you lead a life of significance.

    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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    33 mins
  • 95 - Intentional Living - With People Who Make a Difference
    Dec 17 2024

    Ever wondered how connecting with diverse minds can transform your life? Join us, Denise Russo and Samantha Powell, as we explore John Maxwell's "Intentional Living" and uncover the magic of building relationships with like-minded individuals while embracing diverse perspectives. We'll share personal stories that highlight how engaging with people who challenge our viewpoints can spur significant growth and enrich our lives. Discover the value of a cohesive team when striving for monumental goals, and how collective trust and collaboration can make our dreams more achievable and meaningful.

    Next, we dive into the challenges and rewards of forming a new team within a large organization, drawing inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen. With a clear vision and a steadfast belief in the mission, we discuss the pivotal strategies that drive continuous improvement and significant change. Learn how faith over fear can unlock resources and propel you towards your goals. We'll share our insights on brainstorming, seizing opportunities, and navigating the sacrifices necessary for the right path, all while fostering a culture committed to excellence.

    Lastly, we shine a spotlight on the transformative power of attitude in achieving success. Drawing from Martin Luther King's insights on leadership, we explore whether our attitudes serve as assets or liabilities in our pursuits. Through compelling personal anecdotes, we demonstrate how a positive outlook and openness to new challenges can lead to extraordinary growth. We'll also discuss the importance of setting ambitious dreams to attract talent and how collaboration among winners can result in remarkable achievements. Wrapping up, we emphasize the joy and fulfillment that comes from partnering with the right people at the right time, setting the stage for our upcoming episode on living with anticipation and urgency. Don't forget to subscribe and share your journey with us!

    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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    31 mins
  • 94 - Intentional Living - Doing Something That Makes a Difference
    Dec 16 2024

    Have you ever wondered how a simple act of gratitude can transform your relationships? Join Denise Russo and Samantha Powell as they share powerful personal stories and discuss intentional living inspired by John Maxwell's "Intentional Living." Denise unveils the touching experience of writing heartfelt letters to her children, emphasizing how acknowledging the contributions of others brings profound changes. Samantha highlights the concept of "bids for connection," a term coined by the Gottman Institute, and how responding to these bids can deepen our relationships and enrich our lives.

    Imagine the impact of being fully present in our fast-paced, distraction-filled world. Denise recounts a moment with her son that provided a critical lesson in the power of intentional listening. When he wanted to share a TikTok video and she initially dismissed him, Denise learned the importance of truly engaging with loved ones. Samantha echoes this sentiment through his own experiences, showing how simple acts of attentiveness can strengthen emotional bonds. Together, they explore ways to create deeper connections and the significance of valuing ourselves and others.

    The journey to a more meaningful life starts with purposeful living. We discuss how to elevate our lives from mere success to true significance by identifying and pursuing greater meaning. Denise and Samantha share practical insights on making a difference, not just for oneself but for the people who make a difference in our lives. As we wrap up, we express our gratitude for our listeners and give a sneak peek into the exciting topics lined up for future episodes. Join us as we embark on this inspiring journey towards intentional and impactful living.

    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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    33 mins
  • 93 - Intentional Living - I Want to Make a Difference
    Dec 13 2024

    What if the key to achieving your dreams lies in taking the smallest steps with the biggest belief? Join us on a transformative journey as we explore John Maxwell's "Intentional Living" and dive into the art of starting small but thinking big. Drawing insights from Simon Sinek's "Start With Why" and James Clear's "Atomic Habits," we uncover how minor, consistent actions can catalyze monumental changes in your life. You'll learn how to harness the power of self-belief, illustrated by a moving story of a client who triumphed over job rejections through the power of self-affirmation.

    Ever wondered what fuels your passion and drives your purpose? This episode is your guide to discovering your "why." We dissect practical steps from influential thought leaders like John Maxwell and Simon Sinek, helping you uncover your life's mission through self-reflection. Learn to identify your passions, strengths, and impactful moments using Maxwell's three critical questions. By connecting these elements, you'll find a meaningful direction that integrates seamlessly with your daily life, akin to the Japanese concept of ikigai.

    Ready to turn introspection into action? We prepare you to make a tangible impact by applying the insights you've gained about yourself. Transitioning from self-discovery to purposeful action, we delve into Maxwell's practical advice and tools like "StrengthsFinder 2.0" to fortify your journey. Even if the path ahead is unclear, starting with intention and purpose is crucial. Join us next week as we continue to accelerate your progress with John Maxwell's teachings. Don't miss out—subscribe, share, and check our book recommendations for further reading.

    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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    35 mins
  • 92 - Intentional Living - Why Good Intentions Aren’t Enough
    Dec 12 2024

    What if a simple shift in your daily choices could lead to a life of lasting significance? Join Denise Russo and Sam Powell as they unpack John Maxwell's "Intentional Living," a game-changing book that wraps up our 2024 reading list. Drawing from our recent retreat, "Your Signature Story," we explore how conscious awareness of one's passions, potential, and purpose can ignite profound life changes. We outline Maxwell's four-step formula for making a difference and emphasize the importance of taking intentional actions to shape your future.

    We redefine significance, inspired by a grandmother's sage advice—"just do what your hands find to do." This episode is a deep dive into simple but powerful intentional actions, illustrating how they can create a meaningful impact in our daily lives. Maxwell’s touching anecdote about receiving a blank book titled "The Greatest Story Ever Told" serves as a powerful reminder of the opportunity we all have to fill our lives with acts of kindness and purpose. Denise and Sam urge listeners to become the authors of their own significant stories, not by drifting through life, but by living with intention.

    Lastly, we focus on transforming your life through deliberate choices. With everyone having the same 24 hours in a day, it's crucial to use that time wisely. We share insights from Maxwell's book, including essential questions to help you identify your unique skills, passions, and resources. We emphasize that good intentions alone are not enough; they must be coupled with actionable steps to achieve meaningful outcomes. Join us as we embark on this journey towards crafting a life of happy significance, aligning your passions, skills, and connections to make a lasting difference.

    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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    31 mins
  • 91 - The Happiness Project - Afterward
    Dec 11 2024

    Unlock the secrets to a happier, more intentional life as we wrap up our journey through Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project." Get ready to discover the transformative power of personalized resolutions and practical tips from Rubin's afterword, all while learning how to craft your own happiness project. We'll showcase how concepts from "Atomic Habits" complement Rubin's insights, offering you a flexible framework to kickstart your path to joy and fulfillment.

    Ever wonder how having a coach or accountability partner can amplify your personal growth? We'll share our experiences with reading and teaching Rubin's book and highlight the immense value of structured support systems. Learn how both professional coaching and informal help from friends can sustain your progress. We'll inspire you to take actionable steps towards a happier life, emphasizing that even the smallest changes can make a significant impact.

    As we transition to John Maxwell's "Intentional Living," we'll delve into the importance of setting intentional goals and simple habits that elevate your day-to-day happiness. Hear heartfelt stories and practical advice on living purposefully, and prepare to embrace a new year filled with conscious, fulfilling actions. Join us, Denise Russo and Sam Powell, on this enlightening journey and get ready to spread the wisdom of conscious living with your loved ones.

    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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    28 mins
  • 90 - The Happiness Project - December
    Dec 4 2024

    Ever wondered if you could synthesize a year’s worth of resolutions into one powerful month? Join us as we reflect on Gretchen Rubin’s final chapter of "The Happiness Project," where she dives into “Boot Camp Perfect.” We’ll discuss the challenges and triumphs of integrating positive habits into daily life and how eliminating negativity can lead to true happiness. Hear our reflections on the discipline required for happiness, drawing parallels to James Clear’s "Atomic Habits."

    Reminisce with us about a nostalgic Herbal Essences shampoo commercial and discover how sharing positive experiences can elevate happiness. We explore a fascinating debate on whether it's more effective to improve weaknesses or enhance strengths, guided by the insights of thought leaders like Mo Gaudet and Dr. Sonia Lyubomirsky. Learn how intentional thinking and actions can cultivate happiness, starting from the mind and radiating outward.

    Discover the ripple effect of happiness as we share personal anecdotes on how small, actionable steps can bring joy to ourselves and those around us. Reflecting on the evolution of our podcast, we highlight the significance of self-care and the journey of creating this series, which has brought joy both to us and our listeners. As we conclude our discussion on "The Happiness Project," we share our final thoughts and provide tangible actions for you to implement in your life, setting the stage for our next literary adventure. Tune in for a heartfelt wrap-up and a peek into the exciting future of our podcast 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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    34 mins