Lessons from a Quitter

Goli Kalkhoran
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Dec 9, 2025 • 28min

Stop Rushing Your Life: The Truth About Goal Setting

In this episode, we explore why so many of us rush through our lives believing happiness waits on the other side of achievement. As I prepare for a sabbatical, I share my philosophy of choosing one meaningful goal each year—not to fix yourself, but to deepen your experience of the life you already have. We talk about the trap of chasing "there," the shame cycle of over-goal-setting, and how slowing down helps you reconnect with joy, presence, and purpose. Instead of racing toward a future version of yourself, this episode invites you to savor the chapter you're in while intentionally shaping what comes next.
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Dec 2, 2025 • 23min

The Paradox of Choice: Why More Options Make Us Miserable

In this episode, we dive into the hidden reason so many of us stay stuck: the paradox of choice. In a world overflowing with career paths, business ideas, and "perfect" next steps, too many options can keep us spinning in fear of choosing wrong. I talk about why our brains get overwhelmed, how endless possibilities dilute satisfaction, and how this shows up when we're burnt out and unsure of our next move. More importantly, I walk you through building the skill of making confident decisions, embracing "good enough," and moving forward without regret so you can finally redesign a life you love.
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Nov 25, 2025 • 26min

Stop Judging Your Productivity: Understand Your Capacity

In this week's episode, we explore one of the most important—and most overlooked—keys to redesigning a life you love: honoring your own capacity. As I prepare for my upcoming sabbatical, I reflect on why so many high-achievers feel broken when they can't operate like everyone else. Using stories from my son's soccer team and my own burnout, I break down how our brains, bodies, and nervous systems are uniquely wired. When we stop fighting who we are and start working with our natural rhythms, we can make clearer decisions, reduce shame, and build a life that actually fits.
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Nov 18, 2025 • 50min

How to Build a Full Life Without Burning it All Down with Dinesh Melwani

In this week's episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we sit down with special guest Dinesh Melwani to explore how small, intentional shifts can completely change the trajectory of your life and career. We talk about delegating without guilt, reclaiming your time, and building confidence through consistent, incremental action. Dinesh shares how he's redesigned his own life—juggling law, real estate, coaching, a podcast, and now a children's book—by narrowing his focus, embracing seasons, and letting his day job fund his bigger dreams. This conversation is a powerful reminder that you don't have to quit everything to build a life you love. Follow Dinesh Melwani at @dineshmelwani and check out his book on amazon.
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Nov 11, 2025 • 22min

Hierarchy of Needs

In this week's episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we dive into an unpolished but powerful reflection on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and how understanding it can help us navigate uncertainty and reduce unnecessary suffering. We explore the difference between "clean" and "dirty" pain and how our brains are wired to always look for problems—even when life is objectively good. By recognizing where we are on the hierarchy, we can cultivate more compassion for ourselves, redirect our minds toward meaningful goals, and find gratitude for the structure and challenges that keep us grounded, even in seasons of self-doubt or transition.
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Nov 4, 2025 • 27min

Happy Life of Mediocrity

This discussion dives into the pressures of perfectionism and how chasing unattainable goals leads to burnout. Instead of striving to be the best, finding joy in mediocrity is celebrated as a path to less stress. The host highlights the liberating idea that life balances between highs and lows, urging acceptance of being average. Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing meaningful experiences over perfection, listeners are encouraged to choose happiness over excellence and consider how 'good enough' can lead to a more fulfilling life.
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Oct 28, 2025 • 34min

How to Rewire Your Brain for Joy When You've Been Chasing Achievement

In this discussion, high-achievers confront the challenge of finding joy outside of their accomplishments. It explores how societal programming ties self-worth to productivity and how ignoring bodily needs diminishes joy. Listeners are encouraged to rediscover curiosity, engage in low-stakes dabbling, and reconnect with their inner voice. Practical suggestions include scheduling time for curiosity and recognizing patterns in personal interests. The episode emphasizes that a rich life comes from varied interests beyond job titles.
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Oct 21, 2025 • 23min

Burnout Breakthrough week 6

In this final episode of the Burnout Breakthrough series, we wrap up six weeks of transformation by shifting from hard work to joyful living. After tackling boundaries, delegation, and saying no, this week focuses on the fun part—learning to live your dream life now. Goli challenges listeners to stop postponing happiness and start creating daily joy through simple exercises like crafting a "dream day" and building a "bliss list." You'll learn how to bring intention, fun, and presence back into your routine—because life isn't something to endure until it gets better. It's happening right now.
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Oct 14, 2025 • 47min

Burnout Breakthrough week 5

This discussion uncovers how letting go of emotional 'manuals' can liberate you from burnout. Discover the energy wasted on trying to control others and the refreshing power of setting healthy boundaries. Learn practical tips for managing workplace interactions and recalibrating friendships without resentment. Explore how people-pleasing ties into this struggle and why shifting your focus to your own actions brings calm. Finish with actionable steps to release expectations and confront discomfort in relationships.
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Oct 7, 2025 • 56min

Burnout Breakthrough Week 4

In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we dive into the often-overlooked emotional side of career change—grief. When we outgrow an identity, a job, or a dream, it's not just a pivot; it's a loss. I'm joined by grief coach Laverne McKinnon to unpack how letting go of who we thought we'd be can open the door to who we're becoming. We explore why it's essential to honor our grief rather than rush past it, how to rebuild self-trust, and how embracing the messy middle can lead to a more authentic, fulfilling next chapter in your life and career.

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