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
6 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 33min
242. How Addictions Hijack Your Brain
Addiction starts as a quest for pleasure but can spiral into a compulsive behavior that erodes personal freedom. The neuroscience behind this shift focuses on the brain's transition from the ventral to the dorsal striatum. Key insights reveal how compulsive habits form independently from emotional triggers. Strategies like reframing and mindfulness play crucial roles in breaking free from addiction cycles. Engaging in new challenges can also help disrupt entrenched patterns, paving the way for healthier habits and a balanced life.
8 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 31min
241. The Seven Deadly Sins: A Psychological Perspective
Delving into the Seven Deadly Sins, this discussion examines them as habits tied to personal ideals. It reveals how addiction is influenced by emotional triggers rather than just being a brain disease. Mindfulness and acceptance emerge as key tools for overcoming these vices. The conversation highlights the role of environment in addiction and the importance of building meaningful connections to combat loneliness. Ultimately, it encourages listeners to reflect on their struggles and develop practical skills for personal growth.
Mar 24, 2025 • 32min
240. Understanding Dynorphins III: Case Studies in Growth
#240: In this episode, Sharif and Dr. Kevin Majeres explore the concept of dynorphins and their role in personal growth, looking at a variety of cases. They discuss how dynorphins can affect behaviors such as perfectionism, procrastination, and workaholism, emphasizing the importance of embracing pain to foster growth. The conversation also touches on emotional responses, the challenges of insomnia, and the significance of validating one's feelings to enhance emotional resilience.Find more at https://OptimalWork.com
10 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 31min
239. Understanding Dynorphins II: The Dopamine-Rebound
Dive into the fascinating world of dynorphins and their surprising links to human suffering and growth. Discover how embracing discomfort can fuel personal development and the critical role of the amygdala in our emotional responses. Explore the fight or flight dynamics, and learn how high dynorphin levels can sabotage your motivation. Strategies to confront challenges reveal secrets to overcoming procrastination and fostering emotional resilience. Uncover how reframing negative experiences can lead to deeper connections and fulfillment in life.
14 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 31min
238. Understanding Dynorphins I: Exploring Unwillingness
Delve into the fascinating world of dynorphins and their impact on emotional growth. Discover how embracing feelings of unwillingness can transform them into opportunities for personal development. Mindfulness is discussed as a tool to combat experiential avoidance, while exposure therapy contrasts acceptance with fear. The metaphor of cold plunges illustrates how discomfort fosters resilience, emphasizing the importance of love in navigating challenges. Practical strategies for cultivating willingness in the face of adversity are also shared.
11 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 31min
237. The Essential Tools to do OptimalWork
Discover transformative practices that fuel productivity and personal growth. Explore the concept of the 'golden hour' and how mindfulness can enhance focus. Learn about new AI tools tailored for individual growth strategies, including time-tracking features that streamline task management. Delve into the synergy between skills and ideals in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of serving others. Uncover innovative ways to reframe tasks and engage more deeply with your work.
9 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 27min
[Rebroadcast] Mastering Your Brain’s Predictions
Discover how your brain’s predictions shape your emotions and influence your discomfort. Learn to transform negative experiences into opportunities for growth by embracing challenges and reframing your relationship with discomfort. Explore the concept of predictive pain and strategies to manage overwhelming tasks mindfully. Understand the power of action to break cycles of stress and perfectionism, leading to deeper relationships. Delve into how adjusting your brain's predictions can foster personal evolution and a more meaningful life.
Feb 17, 2025 • 24min
[Rebroadcast] Break Through Your Brain’s Predictions
Discover how your brain's predictions influence your experiences of sensations like pain and tiredness. Learn the power of mindfulness in correcting these predictions for better emotional health. Explore fascinating exercises that reveal how context affects perception, and understand how motivation is driven by the interplay of dopamine and expectations. Uncover the impact of self-labeling on personal growth and adopt a growth mindset to break free from limiting beliefs.
Feb 10, 2025 • 31min
234. The Generous Mind II: What is False Generosity?
#234: In this episode, Sharif and Dr. Kevin Majeres discuss the complexities of generosity, distinguishing between true and false forms. They explore the barriers that prevent individuals from being generous, such as fear of exploitation and loss of personal boundaries. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trust in relationships and how generosity can enhance personal growth and strengthen bonds. They also discuss the need for strategic resets in one's approach to generosity, ensuring that it remains a healthy and sustainable practice.Find more athttps://OptimalWork.com
Feb 3, 2025 • 27min
[Rebroadcast] Why Leisure is More than Just Rest
#233: We work in order to produce something of value for others. In order to work better, rest is important to restore ourselves and maintain energy. But activities of leisure carry us beyond rest to contemplation, and are done for their own sake. In this episode, Dr. Majeres and Sharif discuss the relationship between rest, work, and leisure.
Find more at https://OptimalWork.com.
