Daily Boost Show NotesHow to Say NO Without Losing Your Friends - Episode 5008Host: Scott SmithEpisode DescriptionScott shares powerful communication techniques from his background in improv, teaching listeners how to better handle difficult conversations and maintain a growth mindset. He weaves these lessons through a touching story about his 93-year-old mother's decision to give up her driver's license, demonstrating how acceptance and positive framing can make life's transitions easier.Key Takeaways- Using "Yes, and" in communication helps maintain open dialogue and avoid blocking conversations- The word "yet" is a powerful tool for maintaining a growth mindset when facing challenges- Structure and patterns are essential for success, even in seemingly spontaneous activities like improv- Sometimes giving things up can be reframed positively, as demonstrated by Scott's mother's attitude about having a "chauffeur"Featured StoryScott shares how his 93-year-old mother handled giving up her driver's license with grace and humor. Instead of being upset about failing the vision test, she chose to see it as finally having a personal chauffeur (her daughter) to drive her anywhere she wants to go. Her positive attitude about this major life transition serves as an inspiring example of how to handle difficult changes.Scott's Three-Step Approach1. Start with "Yes" instead of blocking communication with immediate nos2. Follow with "And" to maintain dialogue while redirecting the conversation3. Use the word "Yet" when facing challenges to maintain a growth mindsetMemorable Quotes"People like to hear the word yes. What follows the yes doesn't really matter.""If you say 'yet,' you will extend everything.""I have waited my entire life to have a chauffeur to take me anywhere I want to go."Connect With ScottSearch for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.https://www.faceyourpassion.com/https://www.9minuteclaritycode.com/#DailyBoost #PersonalDevelopment #CommunicationSkills #GrowthMindset #LifeTransitions #PodcastTips #PositiveMindset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clearing Your Life's ClutterDaily Boost Podcast - Episode 5007Host: Scott SmithEpisode DescriptionScott Smith explores the concept of simplifying life by addressing both physical and mental clutter. Using wisdom from Stoic philosophy and Brian Tracy's "Eat the Big Frog First," he explains why taking inventory of your life's complexities is crucial for personal growth and achieving your goals in 2025.Key TakeawaysLife's basics (sleep, food, hydration, bodily functions) form the foundation of wellbeing- You can't effectively add new things to your life without removing existing clutter- Stoicism advocates for simplicity through clarity of thought, not necessarily minimalism- Managing and worrying about excess "stuff" wastes significant mental energyFeatured StoryScott shares a humorous morning conversation with his wife about having a "frog in his throat" after reading Brian Tracy's book "Eat the Big Frog First." The story serves as an entertaining introduction to discussing productivity, mental clarity, and clearing life's clutter.Scott's Three-Step Approach1. Start with a complete brain dump of everything cluttering your life2. Include all areas: physical, emotional, financial, relationships, and work3. Don't organize while dumping - just get everything out of your head and onto paperMemorable Quotes- "If you don't know where you are now, what's really going on, what's surrounding you, you can't get to where you want to go."- "New stuff is not going to fix your old stuff, but I guarantee you this: the old stuff you're hanging on to will break the new stuff."- "Awareness is your gift. Once you have it, you cannot give it up."Connect With ScottSearch for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.#PersonalDevelopment #Productivity #DailyBoost #LifeCoaching #MentalClarity #Declutter #SelfImprovement #Motivation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Living an Imperfectly Perfect Life - Episode 5006Host: Scott SmithEpisode DescriptionScott Smith explores the concept of living an imperfectly perfect life, discussing how life's natural peaks and valleys affect our journey. He shares insights about human adaptation, the challenge of maintaining New Year's resolutions, and the importance of mastering life's basic fundamentals before pursuing complex goals.Key TakeawaysLife naturally flows between peaks and valleys due to hedonic adaptation, and understanding this pattern helps manage expectations and responses.Mastering the basics (sleep, nutrition, hydration, health) creates a strong foundation for pursuing larger goals.The fundamentals of human experience haven't changed throughout history - success comes from embracing simple, proven principles.Discipline and self-awareness are crucial for maintaining progress and achieving goals beyond basic needs.Featured StoryScott discusses National Quitters Day (January 10th), when most people abandon their New Year's resolutions. He connects this to his Perfect Week Planner tool, emphasizing how awareness and discipline can help maintain momentum despite the natural tendency to quit. The story illustrates how simple, consistent actions often yield better results than pursuing perfection.Scott's Three-Step ApproachMaster the basics of life first (sleep, nutrition, hydration, health)Find and follow existing maps for achieving specific goalsMaintain discipline to execute plans consistentlyMemorable Quotes"If you master the basics, if you get right down to it, if you got your health, life is perfect.""You are the only person responsible for your life experience.""The stuff of life is the stuff of life is going to keep coming at us. And the basics of life are the basics."Connect With ScottSearch for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.#DailyBoost #PersonalDevelopment #LifeBasics #SelfImprovement #Motivation #PerfectlyImperfect #LifeBalance #Success #Discipline #Mindfulness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daily Boost Podcast - Are You a Rule Bender? - Episode 5,005Host: Scott SmithEpisode DescriptionScott Smith explores the complex relationship between following rules and bending them, sharing personal experiences from his high school days and radio career. Through engaging storytelling, he reveals how sometimes we unconsciously follow the rules while thinking we're breaking them and the importance of understanding when rule-bending crosses the line.Key Takeaways- Rules in jobs, relationships, and organizations serve important purposes, even for self-proclaimed rule-benders- Understanding your "why" and following core principles can coincide with being a rule-bender- Sometimes, we follow important rules unconsciously while thinking we're breaking them- Creating your own rules without considering others can lead to professional consequencesFeatured StoryScott shares a pivotal career moment when his radio mentor called him in for a "Come to Jesus" meeting. While Scott prided himself on being a rule-bender, his mentor showed him how he followed all the essential rules - showing up early, being persistent, never assuming, and taking responsibility. However, the story takes an unexpected turn when Scott learns he is creating too many rules that affect others.Scott's Three-Step Approach1. Recognize which rules are fundamental and serve a purpose2. Understand your personal "why" and align it with organizational goals3. Consider how your actions and personal rules impact othersMemorable Quotes- "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." - Annie Dillard- "You may not like our rules, but you seem to have written them for us."- "Rules for thee, but not for me."Connect With ScottSearch for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.#DailyBoost #PersonalGrowth #Motivation #Leadership #RuleBreaker #PodcastNotes #SuccessStrategies #PersonalDevelopment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily Boost - Episode 5,004"Why You Shouldn't Trust Your Brain"Host: Scott SmithEpisode DescriptionScott explores the fascinating relationship between our brain's chemical rewards system and decision-making. He explains why our brains, while essential for survival and success, shouldn't always be trusted blindly due to their addiction to neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. Scott shares his unorthodox yet practical approach to managing this relationship for better decision-making.Key Takeaways- Your brain is naturally addicted to chemical rewards, making it an unreliable partner in decision-making without proper verification- The brain takes 10% of daily caloric intake regardless of performance, so it's best to learn to work with it effectively- Emotional decisions aren't always the best decisions, even when they feel right at the moment- Taking time for clarity, such as during a peaceful drive, can help bypass the brain's emotional responsesFeatured StoryScott shares a listener's experience finding mental clarity during solo road trips on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The story illustrates how removing ourselves from regular environmental triggers can help achieve better mental clarity and decision-making capabilities, contrasting with the "poop show" of regular daily life when our brain's chemical responses are in complete control.Scott's Three-Step Approach1. Accept that you can't completely control your brain's chemical responses2. Learn to recognize which activities trigger positive feelings and consciously choose them3. "Trust but verify" - like Ronald Reagan's approach, acknowledge your brain's influence but verify its decisionsMemorable Quotes- "No matter how successful you feel, there is a day when you'll get out of bed wondering if you're successful."- "Your brain is an addict, it's junky. Say it as it is; it's addicted to every possible chemical it can find."- "Do more of what you like and less of what you don't like. Keep those feelings coming."Connect With ScottSearch for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.#DailyBoost #Motivation #PersonalDevelopment #MentalClarity #BrainScience #DecisionMaking #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #MotivationalPodcast #SelfImprovement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daily Boost Podcast - Episode 5003Monkey Effect: When Others Dump Their Problems on YouHost: Scott SmithEpisode Description:Scott explores how people try to burden us with their problems (their “monkeys”) and how this affects our ability to pursue our goals. Through a personal story from his fifth grade, he illustrates why we should be mindful of taking on others' responsibilities while managing our challenges, especially during New Year's resolution season.Key Takeaways:- External influences and others' agendas are constantly trying to impact your path- Everyone has their own "monkeys" (challenges/problems) to deal with already- Big goals naturally come with challenges, but they shouldn't be overcomplicated- Saying "no" without explanation is sometimes necessary to protect your time and energyFeatured Story:Scott shares a memorable childhood story about his fifth-grade teacher, who literally put a monkey on his back while visiting her home. This amusing yet pointed anecdote is a metaphor for how people frequently try to burden others with their problems and responsibilities, demonstrating why we should be cautious about taking on others' challenges.Scott's Three-Step Approach:1. Expect others will try to distract you with their problems and learn to say "no" without explanation2. Don't overcomplicate or self-sabotage by putting monkeys on your own back3. Avoid putting your monkeys on other people's backs - they'll just return them anywayMemorable Quotes:- "Life is your circus, and you are in charge of your monkeys."- "You've got your dreams, ambitions, goals, desires, all the things you want to do... And while they may be good, they can still feel like a monkey on your back."- "Not my monkey, not my circus."Connect With Scott:Search for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.https://motivationtomove.comhttps://faceyourpassion.comhttps://9minuteclaritycodecomhttps://perfectweekplanner.com#DailyBoost #Motivation #PersonalDevelopment #GoalSetting #Boundaries #PodcastTips #SelfImprovement #LifeLessons #ProductivityTips #MindsetMatters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love vs Grind: Counterintuitive Path to SuccessHost: Scott SmithEpisode Description:Scott explores wanting success "bad enough" through personal experiences and an enlightening interview with Ann Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne's Pretzels. He discusses the reality of "the grind" and how passion transforms challenging work into meaningful pursuits.Key Takeaways:- True desire for success requires embracing difficulty rather than seeking easy paths- Sometimes, not knowing the challenges ahead can be beneficial for starting ambitious ventures- Following what you love naturally leads to success, even if the path isn't what you expected- Changing direction when passion doesn't align is better than forcing an unwanted pathFeatured Story:Ann Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne's Pretzels, reveals she wouldn't have started if she knew the challenges ahead. Starting with a simple love for making people happy through food, she built an empire of 1,400 locations. The story concludes with a surprising twist - Ann prefers baking chocolate chip cookies over her famous pretzels.Scott's Three-Step Approach:1. Verify you want your goal badly enough; change direction if needed2. Focus on doing what you love rather than dwelling on difficulties3. Accept that hard work is inevitable but doesn't feel like grinding when aligned with passionMemorable Quotes:"Thank God I didn't know what it was going to take because I would have never even started." - Ann Beiler"Your purpose for today is to get out there and go find your purpose.""Sometimes the things you love, they just sneak up on you."Connect With Scott:Search for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.#DailyBoost #Entrepreneurship #AuntieAnnes #SuccessMindset #BusinessMotivation #PurposeDriven Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily Boost - Episode 5,001When Resolutions Meet Bathroom BreaksHosted by Scott SmithEpisode DescriptionJoin Scott for this milestone 5,000th episode, where he shares a hilarious road trip story that perfectly illustrates the difference between goals and resolutions. Through bathroom breaks, Bucky's stops, and visiting his 92-year-old mom, Scott reveals powerful insights about setting and achieving your biggest dreams.In This Episode- Celebrating 18 seasons and 5,000 episodes of The Daily Boost- A road trip adventure with unexpected life lessons- The real difference between goals and resolutions- Wisdom from a 92-year-old who prioritizes mobility over dignity- Why treating your goals like military objectives worksKey Takeaways1. Set big, exciting goals that light your fire2. Attack your objectives like a military mission3. Make firm resolutions, but stay flexible with timing4. Sometimes, the best path forward isn't the most conventional oneQuotable Moments"I'm okay walking around in wet pants as long as I can!" - Scott's Mom."Your goal should be an obsessive objective.""Sometimes timing's not up to you... and that's okay."Resources Mentioned- Nine Minute Clarity Code Course - http://NineMinuteClarityCode.comConnect With Scotthttps://motivationtomove.comhttps://faceyourpassion.comRemember: Life's greatest lessons often come wrapped in laughter and bathroom breaks!*Next Episode: Catch Scott tomorrow for more motivation and real-life wisdom on The Daily Boost!#DailyBoost #GoalSetting #Resolutions #Motivation #PersonalDevelopment #RoadTrip #LifeLessons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don’t Break Your Success ChainI’ll never forget the day a friend called and made me an offer I couldn’t refuse - and I didn’t.Rob was an event promoter who had snagged the chance to book an up-and-coming comedian named Jerry Seinfeld into a local venue. He needed somebody to warm up the audience and introduce Jerry. I was all in when he agreed to cover my drink tab and let me hang out with Jerry before the show.It was 1986, and Jerry’s television series about nothing was still in development. I know that because it’s what we talked about before the show. As he munched on veggies and sipped sparkling water, I’ll never forget how focused he was on getting what he wanted. Tired and worn out from living on the road, I asked how he managed to keep going. He said —“I know exactly what I want. I’m a comedian, so I have to be funny. The only way to be funny is to write funny jokes. The only way to write funny jokes is to write every day. So, I write daily and put a big red “X” on the calendar. Eventually, there is a chain of X’s on the calendar. My goal is not to break the chain.” Then, in a very Seinfeld way, he screamed, “Don’t break the chain! That’s how you get what.”Over the years, I’ve read that others have had the same conversation with Jerry. I’m guessing it was a rule of success that he practiced and shared often. I’m happy he shared it with me.As we begin 2025, pick an action and do it every day until you get so good people notice. And, whatever you do, “Don’t break the chain!” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How To Make Change in 2025As we get into the New Year, I've noticed that people are getting back to their old ways.That's okay. It's a journey.But what is that journey?Winston Churchill said, "To improve is to change, so to be perfect is to have changed often." And it helps if you understand the stages of change:1) Pre-Contemplation. You may intend to take action but are unaware that your behavior is the problem. 2) Contemplation. You recognize the problem and start to debate the pros and cons of your actions.3) Preparation. You intend to take action soon. You may even begin small steps.4) Action. The process of making the specific changes required to create your new life begins.5) Maintenance. Sustain your efforts for at least six months. You will likely achieve a life-long transformation.6) Termination. You have zero temptation and are sure you will not return to your old unhealthy habits.Winston Churchill said something else -"For myself, I am an optimist — it does not seem to be much use being anything else." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices