The OptimalWork Podcast
OptimalWork
Hosted by Dr. Kevin Majeres and Sharif Younes, co-founders of OptimalWork, The OptimalWork Podcast will help you learn to challenge yourself in each hour of work according to your highest ideals. We discuss all aspects of Dr. Majeres's approach to work, which he developed in his private practice and teaches at Harvard Medical School, and show how it applies to everyday situations like professional work, study, sleep, and relationships.
For personalized plans to help you put the ideas into practice, visit www.OptimalWork.com.
Please send questions for discussion to team@optimalwork.com.
For personalized plans to help you put the ideas into practice, visit www.OptimalWork.com.
Please send questions for discussion to team@optimalwork.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 25, 2023 • 27min
162. How to Conquer Procrastination
Discover the costs and consequences of procrastination, explore different approaches to overcome it, and learn how embracing negative emotions can reduce procrastination. Find out how to conquer procrastination by leaning into challenges and turning them into opportunities for growth.
Sep 18, 2023 • 30min
161. How to Develop Lasting Motivation
The podcast discusses the idea that intrinsic motivation is corrupted by rewards and praise, but actually develops over time. It explores the role of positive reinforcement in generating intrinsic motivation, the impact of praise and rewards on shaping children, the difference between judgment and constructive criticism, evaluation of Alfie Cohen's theory and Skinner's principles, and perspectives on the development of individuals and the role of parents.
Sep 11, 2023 • 27min
160. Punished by Rewards?
In this episode, the podcast explores Alfie Kohn's book 'Punished by Rewards' and its critique of incentivizing behavior. The negative impact of grades on students' motivation and the importance of intrinsic motivation are discussed. The use of rewards to reinforce habits and behaviors is explored, along with the transformational power of conversations and the role of self-determination.
Sep 4, 2023 • 28min
[Rebroadcast] How to Be Generous and Still Thrive
#159: At OptimalWork, we often emphasize generosity as a crowning ideal: a key character quality to strive for. But this raises some questions. Should you just give everything to everyone? What are the limits? What if people start to take advantage of your generosity? In this episode, we discuss how to set boundaries that will help you maximize your generosity by making it sustainable.
Find more at https://www.OptimalWork.com.
4 snips
Aug 28, 2023 • 28min
[Rebroadcast] How to Have Deeper Conversations
This podcast discusses the key skill needed for good conversations, emphasizing the importance of being present and engaged. It explores the power of silence and the significance of pausing, along with the art of asking good questions and actively listening. The podcast also highlights the power of sincere communication and sharing personal experiences. It concludes by discussing the significance of pauses in conversations and introduces OptimalWork.com for personal growth resources.
Aug 21, 2023 • 29min
[Rebroadcast] Challenging Anxiety
#157: Do you have any anxiety that you feel might be holding you back? In fact, anxiety is like a forge that you can use to shape yourself according to your highest ideals. In this episode, we show you how to find the challenge at the root of your anxiety and engage it as a unique opportunity.
Find more at https://www.OptimalWork.com.
Aug 14, 2023 • 27min
[Rebroadcast] Making Wise Use of Small Blocks of Time
#156: Do you ever find that you don’t have enough time to accomplish all the things you’d like to? Small blocks of time may seem inconsequential, but they add up. Making wise use of these blocks can increase your productivity by 20% — the difference between getting ahead and falling behind. How to do it? That’s the topic of today’s rebroadcast.
Find more at https://OptimalWork.com
Aug 7, 2023 • 31min
[Rebroadcast] Boost Your Sleep Skills
Discover the art of mastering your sleep skills and learn why sleep isn't just a natural occurrence but a skill to be honed. Explore the connection between exercise intensity and sleep patterns while debunking myths around sleep as an obligation. Delve into techniques like mindfulness and image streaming to enhance creativity and relaxation. Uncover the benefits of practices like yoga nidra and how nurturing a positive mindset can transform your relationship with sleep. Sleep better and wake up more energized!
4 snips
Jul 31, 2023 • 27min
154. Mastering Your Brain’s Predictions
Explore the concept of breaking free from automated urges and building virtuous cycles. Learn about the three types of pain and how emotions are categorized as predictive pain. Discover strategies for managing overwhelm and breaking vicious cycles. Understand the role of prediction and error correction in personal growth.
Jul 24, 2023 • 24min
153. Break Through Your Brain’s Predictions
Exploring how the brain's predictions influence our sensations, treating predicted pain with mindfulness, connecting distorted information to the original, harnessing predictions for growth and dopamine release, and adopting a growth mindset for personal growth and success.
