Start with Small Steps

151 - Embracing a Little Discomfort Can Improve Your Health We explore how the little things we do every day can have a big impact on our health. Today, we're diving into the topic of convenience and how it can actually be hurting us. Have you ever noticed that the more convenient something is, the less healthy it tends to be? We're talking junk food, drive-thrus, and sedentary lifestyles. But what if I told you that embracing a little inconvenience could actually be the key to better health? In Michael Easter's book "The Comfort Crisis," he explores how convenience can be detrimental to our physical well-being. And it's not just about getting off the couch and moving more (although that's important too!). It's also about the calorie density of our food and the addictive nature of junk food. So, let's challenge ourselves to do something a little inconvenient but healthier every week. Maybe we eat out less often or opt for a walk instead of a Netflix binge. It's all about taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Remember, we don't have to sacrifice the things we love for the sake of our health. But by embracing a little inconvenience, we can make a big impact on our overall well-being. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3687 https://eastermichael.com/book/ Jill’s Links https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps https://twitter.com/startwithsmallsteps Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

150 - The Power of Inconvenience Today, we’re going to explore a fascinating idea - can inconvenience actually make our lives better? It might sound counterintuitive. We’re going to discuss how excellence often requires inconvenience, and why the opposite of inconvenience is innovation. But here’s the thing - we all have different needs and preferences, and that’s okay. And that’s why we’re going to dive into the role of inconvenience in promoting growth and satisfaction. I mean, have you ever noticed how we tend to be at our best when we’re physically and mentally challenged? It might sound strange, but avoiding discomfort can actually make us weaker, sicker, and psychologically unwell. So, let’s talk about how we can benefit from discomfort and the challenges it poses. Maybe it’s quitting drinking, losing weight, or taking a new job - whatever it is, we can find happiness and progression in discomfort. And avoiding challenges can make us weaker and less satisfied. It’s time to challenge ourselves, spend time outdoors, and engage with others to enrich our lives. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3684 https://eastermichael.com/book/ Jill’s Links https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps Twitter startwithsmallsteps Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

149 - Breaking Out of Our Comfort Zones We're going to shake things up a bit and explore the idea that inconvenience can actually be GOOD for us! That's right, you heard me correctly. We're going to dive into the ways in which our modern conveniences may actually be limiting our experiences and keeping us from connecting with others. "The Comfort Crisis" by Michael Easter is about the ways in which we've become too reliant on convenience. I've had some experiences in my own life where inconvenience actually led to some unexpected moments of connection and reflection. In this episode, we're going to talk about the dangers of becoming too comfortable and the Japanese approach to convenience as a design challenge. We'll also explore how losing the ability to adapt to changes or challenges can really hold us back in life. We're going to break out of our comfort zones and embrace inconvenience in a meaningful way that will expand our experiences and connect us with others. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3681 https://eastermichael.com/book/ Jill’s Links https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps Twitter startwithsmallsteps Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

148 - Strategies for Taking Control of Procrastination Today, we’re diving into the world of overcoming procrastination and how you can take control of your life. We’ll be drawing insights from the book “The Art of Procrastination” by John Perry, which provides practical solutions for beating this common hurdle. I talk about strategies that can help you tackle procrastination head-on! One of the best ways to overcome procrastination is to set reminders, break down tasks into smaller, more manageable goals, and collaborate with others. These methods can help you stay on track and motivated to take action. In addition, it’s important to find a system that works for you. Whether it’s using a planner, a project management tool, or a productivity app, finding a system that suits your needs can help you stay focused and on task. But, it’s not just about work. Taking moments to enjoy life and finding ways to use technology to your advantage can also help you overcome procrastination. By understanding the underlying causes of procrastination, like perfectionism, disorganization, and depression, you can begin to address these issues and improve your overall well-being. Take that first step towards overcoming procrastination by thinking of one thing you can do to avoid a problem that would cause you to procrastinate. Remember, every small step counts and incremental improvements can lead to big changes in your life. startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3678 getting-around-to-writing-art-of-procrastination change-your-life-procrastination-burkeman Jill’s Links https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps Twitter startwithsmallsteps Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

147 - The Art of Overcoming Procrastination Today, I will talk about something that affects all of us at some point in our lives: procrastination. We all know the feeling of putting things off until the last minute, but what if I told you there’s a way to tackle this once and for all? First off, I want to recommend a book that has completely changed my perspective on the topic. It’s called “The Art of Procrastination” by John Perry, and it’s a game-changer. Perry identifies himself as a “structured procrastinator,” and his insights into the root causes of procrastination are spot-on. One of the biggest culprits behind procrastination is perfectionism. We all strive for perfection, but it’s an unattainable goal that only holds us back from accomplishing our tasks. Instead, we should focus on taking small steps and completing simple tasks. Perry recommends task triage and creating a “don’t list” to avoid distractions and keep us on track. Another obstacle to productivity is depression, which can make even the simplest tasks seem insurmountable. But fear not! Perry has a solution for that too. He suggests creating playlists of upbeat music to lift our mood and energize us, and organizing our tasks in a way that provides a sense of accomplishment. So, what’s the key to overcoming procrastination? Self-awareness and self-discipline. By identifying the root causes of our procrastination and taking small steps toward completing tasks, we can break the cycle and achieve our goals. Remember: don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today! startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3672 getting-around-to-writing-art-of-procrastination change-your-life-procrastination-burkeman Jill’s Links https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps Twitter startwithsmallsteps Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

146 - Exploring Alternative Time Tracking Are you tired of the same old methods of time tracking and task management? In this episode, we dive into some creative ways to take control of your time and accomplish your goals. I share their personal experience with time blocking, a technique that involves scheduling larger blocks of time for specific tasks and activities. Not only does this method increase focus and productivity, but it allows for prioritization and goal setting. Whether you're a creative worker or have a more rigid schedule, time blocking can be a game changer. I explain the different terms associated with this technique, such as time boxing and task batching. Plus, I offer some great app recommendations to make the process even easier. I stress the importance of reviewing and tracking your time to ensure you're effectively managing your schedule and making progress toward your goals. Give time blocking a try and find the method of time management that works best for you! https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3664 https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/time-blocking https://www.youtube.com/@aliabdaal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlGKOMCz5hw https://www.usemotion.com/blog/time-blocking https://blog.rescuetime.com/time-blocking-101/ https://www.wondermind.com/article/time-blindness Jill’s Links https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps Twitter startwithsmallsteps Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

145 - Reset Your Life and Achieve Your Dreams Today, we're diving into "The Great Money Reset" by Jill Schlesinger. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to make their dreams a reality while still being financially responsible. Jill has a fantastic podcast where she gives financial advice and helps people plan for their retirement, and she brings that same expertise to this book. In "The Great Money Reset," Jill encourages us to dream big and then figure out how to make those dreams a reality without sacrificing our financial stability. She recommends taking a hard look at our finances and creating a detailed budget to see where we can cut costs. Jill also suggests thinking outside the box when it comes to negotiating with our employers or family members to get what we want. What I love about this book is that it comes with a 10-rule plan to help us figure out what we want and how to plan for it. Jill reminds us to be realistic and avoid disappointment by setting achievable goals. She also encourages us to take advantage of the tax system and make smart moves to stay in control of our emotions. Overall, "The Great Money Reset" is a must-read for anyone who wants to achieve their dreams without sacrificing their financial well-being. Pair it with "Ask for It" to create a knockout punch that will help you get everything you want in life. So go ahead, dream big, and let both Jills help you make it a reality! https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3658 https://www.jillonmoney.com the-great-money-reset https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9iUeK7VKBE Jill’s Links https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps Twitter startwithsmallsteps Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

144 - Ask For It Already! I’ll discuss the book Ask for It by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever, which could change how you approach negotiations personally and professionally. “Ask For It” is a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their negotiation skills and learn how to get what they want. The author provides practical tips on preparing for negotiations, such as knowing your worth and having a clear idea of what you want. She also suggests practicing negotiation skills on small things, which can help build confidence and prepare you for more significant negotiations. One of the book’s most interesting aspects is its focus on maintaining likability during negotiations. This is particularly important for women, who are often penalized for being too aggressive or assertive. The author encourages readers to be persistent and confident in asking for what they need while being likable. Whether you’re negotiating a job offer, a promotion, or workplace conditions, “Ask For It” has something to offer. So, if you want to learn to negotiate like a pro and get what you deserve, check out this insightful book. https://www.saralaschever.com/books https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XKGUXvB08U https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3654 https://www.podfeet.com/blog/2023/05/jill-ai-for-writing/ Jill’s Links https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps Twitter startwithsmallsteps Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

143 - Making Happy Memories I discuss the book The Art of Making Memories by Miek Wiking and share some of his insights with you. Firstly, it’s all about paying attention to your surroundings and using your senses. By doing so, you’ll be able to create more vivid and joyful memories that will stay with you for years to come.  But it’s not just about you - connecting with others is equally important when making memories. That’s why it’s crucial to remember positive details and align your sense of self with others’ perceptions. By doing this, you’ll be able to create shared experiences that you can cherish together.  And, of course, photos are an excellent way to help bring back memories. By curating them and reflecting on them regularly, you can keep those happy moments alive in your mind. These tips can help improve your memory and make your life happier. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3651 https://www.meikwiking.com/books https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGQmdoK_ZfY Jill’s Links https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps Twitter startwithsmallsteps Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

142 - Memories to Bring Us Happiness In this episode, I explore the fascinating relationship between memory and happiness. I look at the book by Miek Wiking. The Art of Making Memories and share insights from a book on the topic and studies conducted by the Happiness Research Institute. We learn about the power of curating happy memories and how it can improve our mood and overall well-being. I also provide practical tips on creating and remembering happy memories, such as engaging all our senses and experiencing new things. I also discuss the importance of episodic memories and the potential for false memories. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the science of happiness and the role of memory in our lives. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3648 https://www.meikwiking.com/books Jill’s Links https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps Twitter startwithsmallsteps Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com