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
Nov 20, 2023 • 34min
170. Should You Be Doing Therapy at Work?
#170: With rising rates of anxiety and depression, some have suggested that managers be trained to provide “mental-health first aid” to employees in distress. In this episode, we discuss the best ways managers can help employees thrive at work, how to help them grow, and how to balance the need to get results from their teams with the ideal of supporting and mentoring them.
Find more at https://OptimalWork.com
12 snips
Nov 13, 2023 • 32min
169. How to Persuade Your Emotions
The podcast discusses strategies for behavior change, including preventing distractions and building self-mastery. It explores the relationship between predictions, emotions, and moral virtues. The difference between outcome goals and growth goals is explained, along with strategies for personal growth. The speakers share their experiences with managing addictive behaviors and extreme personalities. The chapter on persuading emotions emphasizes the power of repetition and holding onto our beliefs.
Nov 6, 2023 • 27min
168. The True Value of Reframing
Discover the transformative power of reframing challenges into growth opportunities. Learn how shifting negative thoughts can turn anxiety into enthusiasm, particularly in high-pressure situations like public speaking. Explore how reframing daily tasks connects with personal ideals, fostering fulfillment and resilience. The podcast emphasizes practical mindfulness strategies that enhance personal growth and the importance of nurturing relationships. By aligning actions with high ideals, listeners are reminded that meaningful outcomes are achievable even amidst challenges.
Oct 30, 2023 • 34min
167. The Power of a Golden Hour
Explore the concept of the 'golden hour' and its impact on productivity. Discover how the golden hour shapes personal growth and improves work performance. Learn practical strategies for implementing the golden hour and starting a focused work session. Find out how the golden hour tool on OptumWork.com can help individuals in different circumstances.
Oct 23, 2023 • 29min
166. Why Embracing Shame Will Help You Thrive
Exploring how shame can shape our actions and hinder personal growth. Understanding the relationship between shame, self-concepts, and anxiety. Managing with humility and acceptance of failure. Embracing failure and shame as catalysts for growth.
Oct 16, 2023 • 34min
165. How to Stop Justifying Yourself
Explore cognitive dissonance and self-justification, how it affects personal growth, and a clever way to use it for deeper connections. Learn about the impact of self-justification on beliefs and judgments, confirmation bias in therapy, and the role of pride and humility in self-justification.
14 snips
Oct 9, 2023 • 34min
164. Why Venting Negative Emotions Only Makes Things Worse
Exploring the ineffectiveness of venting negative emotions and the concept of catharsis. Providing guidance on handling painful emotions and how to deal with others who are venting. Venting does not lead to positive outcomes and can worsen mood and increase aggression.
Oct 2, 2023 • 29min
163. The Power of Agency
#163: In their 2019 book “The Power of Agency,” Paul Napper and Anthony Rao lay out their theory of growth and happiness, which centers on the concept of “agency.” In this episode, we compare their seven principles with OptimalWork’s approach, and show how ideals are essential to true agency.
Find more at https://OptimalWork.com
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.
