

From Chad
Chad Smith
Your thinking is bad. I can help. These quick daily messages aim to upgrade your mental game by helping you tell a better story. The most powerful story in the world is the story you tell yourself. You can download my book at fromchad.gumroad.com. Email me at fromchadsmith@gmail.com or visit www.fromchad.com for episode transcripts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 3, 2025 • 3min
Endurance #658
The story of Ernest Shackleton’s Arctic Expedition, where his ship was crushed in pack ice, exemplifies perseverance. Despite the hardships, Shackleton did not lose a single crew member, demonstrating that if you dont quit, you can’t fail.

Apr 2, 2025 • 3min
Optimism #657
Admiral James Stockdale, a decorated US Navy officer and Vietnam War POW, endured 7.5 years of captivity, including 4 years in solitary confinement and 2 in leg irons. He attributed his survival to his belief in the eventual end of his ordeal and his determination to prevail, contrasting this with the optimism of fellow prisoners who lost hope. Stockdale’s philosophy centered on focusing on controllable factors, a mindset that echoes Viktor Frankl’s perspective on maintaining freedom of choice in adversity.

Apr 1, 2025 • 3min
Responsibility #656
You are telling yourself different stories all day long. They either sustain or drain. They are helping you grow into the best version of yourself or holding you back.

Mar 31, 2025 • 3min
Scorecard #655
UNC’s Anson Dorrance implemented the “competitive cauldron” system, using daily data-driven rankings to gamify practice and motivate his players. This system, which created accountability in a clear scorecard, contributed to the team success. The concept of a scorecard, whether physical or mental, is crucial for engaging progress in improving performance.

Mar 30, 2025 • 3min
Talk #654
You have to learn to talk to yourself more than you listen to yourself.

Mar 29, 2025 • 2min
Marvel #653
Win Hof has become known as “The Iceman”. He has made cold exposure mainstream. His feats demonstrate the marvel of the human body.

Mar 28, 2025 • 3min
Persistence #652
What an infestation of bedbugs can teach you. There is a story behind that.

Mar 27, 2025 • 2min
Sharpen #651
What was old man Charlie’s secret? It will be your secret to success too.

Mar 26, 2025 • 2min
Meaning #650
Motivation is a myth, but meaning isn’t.

Mar 25, 2025 • 2min
Reflection #649
What has this person been saying to you?