Can you truly design your life, or are you living it by default? Discover how the art of making bold, intentional choices can transform your work-life balance and lead to a more fulfilling existence. In our exploration of "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, we uncover the powerful themes of adaptability, conscious decision-making, and the courage to choose the harder right over the easier wrong.

Join us as we reflect on the poignant end-of-life regrets of Steve Jobs and the audacious career moves of Joel Manby, former CEO of Saab and SeaWorld. These stories challenge us to examine our career satisfaction and daily authenticity. Drawing inspiration from Manby's book "Love Works," we delve into the importance of maintaining a consistent character across all areas of life and recognize the signs of imbalance. Through real-life transformations, such as a client's journey to regain balance by setting boundaries and prioritizing time, we highlight the profound impact of bold decisions.

As we navigate the complexities of post-COVID work environments, we underscore the importance of focusing on what truly matters. From managing time effectively to setting boundaries against distractions, like excessive screen time, we explore practical strategies to help reclaim your time. Drawing from insights in "Atomic Habits," we offer practical questions and systems to support desired habits, encouraging you to take control of your life story. Embrace the challenge of changing your thoughts to reshape your reality and prepare to write the next chapter of your inspiring journey.

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Have you ever wondered if your perception of confidence is truly aligned with reality? Join us as we unravel the intricacies of confidence, perspective, and humility in this engaging episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf." We draw inspiration from "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, focusing on the fourth bold choice: redefining confidence. Through a tapestry of personal stories and memorable anecdotes, including a charming video of a confident little girl, we explore how our views on confidence evolve from childhood into adulthood.

Our discussion takes a deep dive into the subjective nature of truth and reality, as highlighted by Mo Gawdat in "Solve for Happy." With a focus on openness and humility, we share how confidence can be a powerful tool in leadership when balanced correctly. Personal anecdotes, including insights from legendary coach John Wooden, illustrate how internal development can lead to practical success and more effective leadership. We argue that acknowledging multiple truths and perspectives fosters a humility that complements true confidence.

In our final discussion, we explore the transformative power of accountability and support systems in building confidence. Through the stories of individuals who have conquered self-doubt with the help of accountability partners and coaches, we illustrate how confidence can be cultivated as a learnable skill. As hosts, Sam Powell and Denise Russo, we encourage you to reflect on your own experiences and consider the impact these insights might have on your journey. We invite you to share your "aha" moments and connect with us for further discussion, with all relevant links available in the show notes.

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How do we navigate the constant waves of change that life throws our way? Today, inspired by "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, we explore the powerful theme of adaptability and its critical role in our personal and professional lives. We share personal stories and insights on how the pandemic and the Great Resignation have reshaped our perspectives, pushing us to embrace change rather than resist it. Biometric intelligence and its ability to measure stress reveal the intricate relationship between our emotions and the need to adapt, urging us to confront discomfort and take control of our lives.

Reflecting on pivotal moments like 9-11, we uncover strategies to tackle life's challenges by breaking down overwhelming obstacles into more manageable tasks. We question whether stagnation is even an option in today's fast-paced world, where standing still might mean falling behind. With personal anecdotes, we highlight the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability, underscoring how they empower us to keep moving forward, ensuring we never remain stuck.

As we look back on the past five years, we invite listeners to examine their growth journeys, from career shifts to family dynamics. The conversation stresses the importance of internal transformation and the power of coaching in unlocking potential and fostering meaningful change. Drawing from influential authors like John Wooden and James Clear, we discuss nurturing personal values and making bold choices to lead a purposeful life. Prepare for our next engaging topic on confidence and discover the balance between overconfidence and underconfidence that awaits.

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Are you truly taking responsibility for your life's journey? In our latest episode, we promise you'll gain the insights needed to transform accountability from a daunting obligation into a powerful tool for personal growth. Inspired by "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, we discuss the critical role accountability plays in overcoming the fear of failure, drawing on the wisdom of experts like John Maxwell. Discover how reframing failures as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks can empower you to take charge of your own narrative.

Join us as we explore the importance of intrinsic motivation and how understanding your "why" can fuel your accountability journey, with insights from thought leaders like James Clear and Simon Sinek. We introduce a practical exercise designed to promote self-reflection and leadership, encouraging listeners to focus on actionable changes that pave the way for future success. By shifting focus away from past mistakes, learn how to cultivate a mindset geared toward continuous improvement and achievement.

Finally, we highlight the transformative power of both intrinsic and extrinsic accountability in fostering personal and professional growth. Through engaging stories and real-life examples, we illustrate how bold choices and taking ownership of one's actions can create a ripple effect of trust and progress. As we prepare to explore adaptability, we invite you to reflect on your own accountability journey and the areas in which you can step up, celebrate your successes, and lead yourself and others toward meaningful actions.

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Clarity isn't just a buzzword; it's a game-changer in our journey toward success. Imagine stepping away from the chaos of everyday life to truly focus on what matters—this is the essence we're capturing in our latest episode of "What's On Your Bookshelf." We begin our exploration of "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, highlighting the pivotal role of clarity. Personal anecdotes shed light on how removing ourselves from familiar distractions helps us prioritize meaningful pursuits over life's noise. We also tackle the concept of energy, identifying those pesky "energy vampires" and the uplifting forces that energize us, drawing inspiration from philosophies like Marie Kondo's tidying approach.

Taking time for self-reflection is an investment in yourself that pays dividends. We discuss how setting aside moments for clarity can lead to effective decision-making, especially in times of crisis. By assessing our goals and obstacles, we align our actions with our aspirations, paving the way for a fulfilling year. Your feedback on methods for gaining clarity matters, and we're excited to hear your thoughts. Get ready for next week's conversation on accountability, where my accountability buddy, Sam, will join us. Thank you for tuning in to "What's On Your Bookshelf"—we can't wait to continue this enlightening journey with you.

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What if the choices you make today could transform your tomorrow? "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, a book that challenges us to rise above life's circumstances and redefine our paths. As we weave through the practical advice and personal anecdotes shared by these compelling authors, we discover how strategic decisions can lead to untapped potential and impactful change. From Denise's resilience in the face of a devastating flood to Jay's journey of finding purpose after a life-altering car accident, we share stories that exemplify the power of bold choices in overcoming obstacles.

Throughout our discussion, we reflect on the importance of clarity, support systems, and realistic planning, drawing connections with principles from "Fierce Conversations" and "Atomic Habits." We emphasize how gradual choices culminate in significant outcomes, much like a picture hanging securely until the pressure causes it to fall. This episode is a call to action for self-reflection and growth, inviting listeners to engage with introspective questions that align with what truly matters. Whether you're seeking personal or professional transformation, this conversation offers a roadmap for breaking boundaries and stepping boldly into a resilient future.

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Remember the moment when a single book changed your perspective on life? Join us as we celebrate a milestone in our podcasting journey with our 100th episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf." Featuring a heartfelt conversation with our producer, Scott Miller, we revisit the origins of our podcast, starting with "Let's Be Real" in 2019 and evolving into a vibrant platform for book lovers. Scott shares the brainstorming sessions that sparked this literary adventure, emphasizing the transformative power of books in enriching lives. We express our gratitude to our listeners and hint at exciting special editions planned for this year.

Our shared passion for books has opened doors to unexpected opportunities and connections, enriching our podcast in ways we never imagined. As unexpected hosts alongside Scott and Sam Powell, we reflect on how thematic book selections, beginning with Coach Wooden's works, deepened our conversations and relationships. This literary journey evolved from a simple seven-episode plan into a hundred, illustrating the profound impact that books can have. From leadership insights with John Maxwell's "Failing Forward" to memorable discussions with Pat Williams, our podcast has become a tapestry of serendipitous encounters and powerful connections.

Books have not only been a source of knowledge for us but also a lifeline during challenging times. Sharing titles like "Atomic Habits" and "The Happiness Project" has brought immense joy and fulfillment. Planning forward, we're thrilled to share our vision for special edition episodes, including collaborations on "The 12 Week Year" with Michelle King. Thanks to our global audience, we've built an incredible community of book enthusiasts, and we're excited to continue exploring meaningful topics together. Join us as we embark on another enriching year of conversations, inspired by the books on our shelves.

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Ever wondered how a small conversation about books turned into an engaging podcast series? Denise Russo and Sam Powell take you through their inspiring journey from a casual chat around Denise's bookshelf to creating "What's on Your Bookshelf," a podcast that explores themes woven through literature and life. As we kick off 2025, we reminisce about our evolution, including the delightful story of Denise’s son, Vincent, who secretly listened to past episodes, borrowing books to fuel his own growth. We're excited at the prospect of having Vincent join us in future discussions, bringing fresh insights to our literary explorations.

This episode promises to empower you with tools for resilience and transformation. We'll discuss "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Cullough and Larry Julian, a book that blends sports and leadership, and delve into Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle is the Way" to navigate life's hurdles. For those ready to shake things up, we’ve got Gary John Bishop's "Un-F Yourself," a motivational guide to break free from self-imposed limits, and Don Miguel Ruiz's "The Four Agreements," offering profound reflections. Our talented producer, Scott Miller, joins us, sharing his excitement for this year’s standout lineup.

Set your sights on a year of growth and fearless choices. We invite you to engage deeply with our book selections, whether you read them before or after our episodes. Listener feedback is vital to us, so share your thoughts and suggestions for future topics. Don't miss special edition episodes planned for 2025, and remember to subscribe and spread the word. Thank you for your support on this enriching journey—let's unlock new perspectives together!

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

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