Daily Boost - Clarity for Life and Work
Scott Smith - Motivation and Coaching
The Daily Boost is a short, practical podcast for people who want their life and work to work better.
I’m Scott Smith. For years, people have come to me with the same request:
“Help me fix a few things and move forward.”
That’s what the Daily Boost is designed for.
Each episode is just a few minutes long. One idea you can use. One shift in perspective that helps you make better decisions, handle pressure more cleanly, and feel like you’re moving in the right direction again.
No hype.
No long theories.
Just useful insight you can carry into your day.
Most people who listen are building careers, businesses, or leadership roles. They’ve done a lot right — they just don’t want progress to come at the expense of everything else.
Along with the short daily episodes, I also share longer weekly Deep Dives. That’s where we go further — connecting the dots between the changes you’re trying to make today and the bigger picture of where your life and work are heading.
The Daily Boost is the starting point.
It helps you fix what’s in front of you — and opens the door to building something that actually lasts.
If you’re looking for clarity, traction, and a better way forward, you’re in the right place.
I’m Scott Smith. For years, people have come to me with the same request:
“Help me fix a few things and move forward.”
That’s what the Daily Boost is designed for.
Each episode is just a few minutes long. One idea you can use. One shift in perspective that helps you make better decisions, handle pressure more cleanly, and feel like you’re moving in the right direction again.
No hype.
No long theories.
Just useful insight you can carry into your day.
Most people who listen are building careers, businesses, or leadership roles. They’ve done a lot right — they just don’t want progress to come at the expense of everything else.
Along with the short daily episodes, I also share longer weekly Deep Dives. That’s where we go further — connecting the dots between the changes you’re trying to make today and the bigger picture of where your life and work are heading.
The Daily Boost is the starting point.
It helps you fix what’s in front of you — and opens the door to building something that actually lasts.
If you’re looking for clarity, traction, and a better way forward, you’re in the right place.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 20, 2023 • 11min
Uncomfortable Growth and Building Lasting Self-Confidence
Uncomfortable Growth and Building Lasting Self-ConfidenceI got off the phone with a client who told me I insulted her with a comment on a recent call when I said, “Your self-confidence is low, and that’s okay. Everybody has low self-confidence - even if they walk with a swagger that says otherwise.”It turns out she spent the entire day pondering my comment. Then she realized that I was referring to a moment along her journey. Let me put it another way.No matter how long you live, how much you succeed, or how much swagger you have in your walk, there will always be someplace in your life where you feel like the underdog. It’s the same way for everybody. As soon as you take the next step, your self-confidence is forever boosted - until the next step arrives. The process will continue throughout your life.If you want unstoppable self-confidence, get used to feeling uncomfortable and taking action anyway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 19, 2023 • 11min
The Goal Paradox: Distractions on the Path to Success
The Goal Paradox: Distractions on the Path to SuccessDo you have a long-term goal on paper, a computer file, or in your mind? Is that a goal that you want so much that it could also be a distraction?It’s common for me to run into someone working to get what they want. As momentum builds, they decide to take a shortcut. They take a leap of faith and go for it - only to see the dream slip through their fingers and fade. Why does this happen?Building toward success also builds self-esteem and excitement. It can be tempting to disrupt the same day-to-day process that has propelled your progress. However, if you jump too soon, those disruptions turn into distractions. When that happens, you undermine the foundation of your success.What’s the fix? Achieving big goals is like saving money. Over time, your efforts compound, and you can have anything you want. Be patient, and keep moving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 16, 2023 • 13min
Rock Star vs. Band Member: The Journey to Success
Rock Star vs. Band Member: The Journey to SuccessI have a question for you - Are you a Rock Star or a member of the band?Either is okay, but it sure helps to know which role you play while you are moving toward your goals.I remember talking with my son after graduation. He had set his sights on becoming a Rock Star. Now, as a Dad who has BIG dreams and hard-won experience, I knew I had to give him perspective. So I asked -Are you willing to do what it takes to rise to the top? And if you don’t get what you want, will you be happy settling for life in the background?That’s when he said, “I wouldn’t be happy being a background singer.”He chased his dreams for a few years until he found a new passion that fits him like a glove. He may not be on stage, but he is a huge fish in a massive pond - and happy as a clam. You might call him a Rock Star!You will always get what you want if you are willing to do whatever it takes to reach your dreams. How bad do you want it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 15, 2023 • 11min
The Power of Stop, Think, Think Again
The Power of Stop, Think, Think AgainWith everything happening in the world, it isn’t easy to make good decisions. Being a former fat guy living in a relatively thin body, I learned a life lesson I still use daily that helps.As a kid, going out to eat was a special occasion. One weekend my parents introduced me to the concept of an all-you-can-eat Steak House! From that day forward, I knew I would live in my Husky pants until I found a solution. Years later, I did.In the beginning, I adopted a philosophy of choosing food that said, “Stop. Think. Order.” If that doesn’t work, I employ my advanced version, “Stop. Think. Think again. Order.”Years later, I streamlined my thinking to “Stop. Think. Think again. Act.” I also began to apply it to everything I do.One day I mentioned my new-found thinking to my Mom. She said, “That’s like listening before speaking and thinking before acting. Hmm… that sure sounds like something I may have said to you before.”I’ll never admit it.Stop. Think. Think Again. Act. Today is going to be awesome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 14, 2023 • 11min
It’s Better NOT to Push Through the Pain
It’s Better NOT to Push Through the PainLevi is my high-energy Australian Shepard. I can count on him to always be at my side and ready to go - until I noticed something was off.After a trip to the Vet, we figured out that intensely chewing his toys and breaking a few teeth. He's an all-in working dog, after all. Nothing will stop him from doing his job.It's been a while since the surgery, and he's doing great. I remember when I asked how long until he was up to speed again, the Doctor said -"He's been pushing so hard and living with a lot of pain. Now that the pain is gone, I wouldn't doubt he pops right back feeling and acting better than ever!"Hmm… that sure sounds like what I find in some humans.Why work through the pain when you can just get rid of anything causing pain in your life?It is much easier to remove the pain so you and focus on positive solutions in front of you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 13, 2023 • 11min
The Motivated Way: Stand Up, Take a Step, REPEAT
The Motivated Way: Stand Up, Take a Step, REPEATEvery time I see my friend, Tony, he greets me, saying…“Hey, Buddy! I see you still have the BIG MO. What’s your secret?”Yes. I’m still MOtivated, MOving, and in MOmentum. If there is a secret, George Herbert said it this way -“Do not wait; the time will never be ‘just right.’ Start where you stand and work with whatever tools you have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.”If you keep the faith, start where you stand, and do the work; you will always find your way.Stand up, take a step, REPEAT! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 12, 2023 • 11min
Default Mode: The Path to Happiness and Success
Default Mode: The Path to Happiness and SuccessThere is a myth floating around that life is more fun when you are spontaneous. That’s true, but not all the time.Happiness and success are most common among folks who live in a Default Mode.In other words, they figure out what works for them and keep doing it.Living in Default Mode makes life predictable for you and everybody around you.It limits decision-making and establishes continuity.It’s a behavior that reduces stress and improves happiness.Living your life in Default Mode is the fastest way to reaching your goals - your way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 9, 2023 • 12min
Staying Engaged and Crushing Goals
Staying Engaged and Crushing GoalsI've been listening to clients tell me the story of their life. I can't help but wonder why they keep beating around the bush.In journalistic terms, these folks are burying the lead. Instead of getting to the point, they begin with secondary details.How does this relate to improving your life?Many say, "I can't focus on anything." No. You are focusing on the wrong things.Sometimes I hear, "I can't get myself get moving." Truth? You are moving - in the wrong direction.They may say, "I don't have enough money!" No. You need more money.Don't get caught up in the unimportant yet dramatic parts of life. Focus on the cause of your challenges. The results will change automatically. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 8, 2023 • 12min
Four Simple Steps to Unlocking Transformation
Four Simple Steps to Unlocking TransformationCreating a difference in your life requires simple actions. It’s all about getting what you want and keeping what you love.1) Decide - Everything begins with your decision to transform.2) Define - Aimless wondering is no fun. Defining your path will get you there.3) Deploy - Putting your plan into action is the only way to make progress.4) Defend - Your goal should be to make life better. When you find what you love - defend it so you never lose it.I like simple. Simple works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 7, 2023 • 11min
Uncover Your Big, Awesome, Motivating Mission
Uncover Your Big, Awesome, Motivating MissionDo you still dream of what you will be when you grow up? Do visions still keep popping into your head? Is there a mission that seems to be calling you?What’s your BAM? What’s your BIG - AWESOME - MOTIVATION - MISSION?What gives you pleasant dreams and a feeling of happiness?What scares yet excites you?What makes you smile and say, “If I could only get myself to…”Stand up? Take a step? Repeat?There’s no need to wait. You can start right now. Really! Right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
