The OptimalWork Podcast

#130: In his book “The Confident Mind,” Dr. Nate Zinsser, shares the approach he’s developed as the director of West Point’s Performance Psychology Program and consultant for numerous elite athletes. His insights, which center on the idea of confidence, can be transformative not only for preparing for combat and athletic competitions, but also for approach challenges in everyday life. In this episode, Dr. Kevin Majeres and Sharif discuss his work, compare it to OptimalWork’s approach, and identify one key idea that would enhance Dr. Zinsser’s analysis. Find more at https://www.OptimalWork.com.

#129: In the book “Brain Energy,” Dr. Chris Palmer explores the link between metabolism — which includes diet, exercise, environment, lifestyle, and other factors — and mental illness. There is a broad overlap between metabolic disorders and mental illness. In this episode, Dr. Kevin Majeres and Rashad Badr discuss Dr. Palmer’s work, and compare metabolic approaches and cognitive behavioral approaches in treating mental illness. Find more at https://www.OptimalWork.com.

Exploring mindfulness of the heart and its connection to reframing challenges, overcoming obstacles, and cultivating positive emotions. The importance of gratitude and mindfulness in building strong bonds with others. Fostering positive emotions and practicing mindfulness, even in the face of negative thoughts. The role of mindfulness of the heart in developing noble motives in everyday actions.

#127: Reframing lies at the heart of OptimalWork’s approach. In this episode, Dr Kevin Majeres and Sharif survey some precursors to reframing in the literature and practice of psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy, and what distinguishes reframing from these other approaches. Find more at https://www.OptimalWork.com.

#126: You may think that anxiety is an inherent trait, something that cannot be changed, only managed. In fact, it’s a state of training — of a small region of your brain called the amygdala. In this rebroadcast, Dr. Kevin Majeres and Sharif discuss the definite steps you can take, not just to overcome it, but actually to transform it into your best performance. Find more at https://www.OptimalWork.com.

#125: In this rebroadcast, Dr. Kevin Majeres and Sharif discuss the importance of rising early to meet the challenges of the day head-on. They present an email from someone who uses OptimalWork asking for advice: whether she should adjust her schedule to be much earlier to accommodate a morning workout. They apply OptimalWork’s approach to this question and examine the results it yielded. Find more at https://www.OptimalWork.com.

#124: The New Year provides a unique opportunity for a fresh start. To make the most of this opportunity, approach your resolutions with hope and creativity: hope so that you strive for the highest things (ideals, bonds) and creativity so that you can strategize how to achieve them. In this rebroadcast, Dr. Kevin Majeres and Sharif Younes discuss a broad array of questions related to New Year’s resolutions. Find more at https://www.OptimalWork.com.

#123: In this rebroadcast, Dr. Kevin Majeres and Sharif discuss the nature of service. Working with a spirit of service means shaping yourself so that you’re the kind of person who is ready to give cheerfully to all those around you. Although this requires that the work you’re doing be helpful, the essence lies more in the way you do it: with a willingness to form and prioritize bonds with those closest to you.

#122: The classic example of a courageous person is one who can approach the possibility of death in battle. But this case has little to do with work in the modern world. Is courage, then, irrelevant? In this episode, we discuss what courage means in a modern work context and why it is not just relevant, but essential for thriving.

#121: As you start to develop a new habit, you may meet internal resistance. Far from being a sign that you’re failing to build a virtuous cycle, facing internal resistance is actually a sign that you’re on the verge of real progress. Resistance is necessary in order to build true and lasting momentum and connect your new habits to deeper and more meaningful motives. Find more at https://www.OptimalWork.com.