• 87 - The Happiness Project - September
    2024/11/06
    Ever struggled to find time for your true passions amidst the chaos of daily life? This episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf" promises to enlighten and inspire you as Denise Russo and Samantha Powell explore the transformative power of pursuing your passions. Drawing inspiration from Chapter Nine of Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project," they dive deep into how dedicating time to activities we love can bring immense joy and fulfillment. Denise shares why September is her favorite month for personal development, emphasizing how Rubin’s methods of recognizing and integrating passions into everyday life have resonated deeply with her.

    We also tackle the challenges of creating environments that foster creativity and productivity. Through personal anecdotes, Denise and Sam illustrate the critical importance of consistency and accountability, sharing stories about a friend’s stalled book-writing project and a child’s enthusiasm for sports-related books. These narratives highlight the role of interest in learning and the significance of small changes in our surroundings to spark big leaps in our personal projects. They remind us that dedication and passion are the cornerstones of achieving success and personal fulfillment.

    Lastly, we reflect on the personal growth and evolution that comes from reading and sharing book recommendations. The origins of "What's on Your Bookshelf" are rooted in a simple idea that has blossomed into a platform for meaningful conversations and practical applications of our favorite books. Denise and Sam encourage listeners to embrace their true likes and dislikes, invest time in their passions, and share their progress with the community. Join us in this heartfelt journey of discovery and inspiration, as we all strive to live out the valuable insights from the books on our shelves.

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    31 分
  • 86 - The Happiness Project - August
    2024/10/30
    Can contemplating mortality and eternity shift your daily priorities? Join us on a transformative journey as we explore the August chapter of Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project." This segment seamlessly transitions from material wealth to profound existential musings, offering a structured framework for your own happiness project. Discover how our book selections align perfectly, providing a balanced pathway from monetary concerns to philosophical inquiries about life's purpose.

    Ever considered how reflecting on mortality can reshape your life? We dive into this thought-provoking topic, drawing connections to Simon Sinek's concept of the Infinite Game. By focusing on long-term legacy rather than short-term gains, we unpack how mindfulness and intentional reflection can foster resilience and happiness. Through personal anecdotes and gratitude journaling practices, we illustrate the transformative power of capturing moments of joy amidst life's uncertainties.

    Are you ready to cultivate happiness and gratitude with just a single sentence a day? In our discussion, we highlight the benefits of journaling, annual reminders, and tools like the Passion Planner. Learn the significance of emulating spiritual masters and influential thinkers to inspire your personal development. Wrapping up, we express heartfelt gratitude to our listeners, inviting you to share your thoughts and experiences—your feedback not only enriches our podcast but also fosters a community of growth and happiness. Join us, and let's explore the profound impact of choosing happiness together.

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    31 分
  • 85 - The Happiness Project - July
    2024/10/23

    What if your next purchase could genuinely make you happier? This episode of our podcast takes you on a thrilling exploration of how money intersects with happiness, as inspired by Chapter 7 of "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. We break down Rubin's July resolutions, such as indulging in modest splurges and buying needful things, offering practical tips to assess how money can enhance your life. Learn from personal anecdotes that highlight the joy found in meaningful workplace relationships and simple, inexpensive pleasures like hiking and museum visits.

    Have you ever wondered how to create a budget tailored to your personal happiness? We delve into the idea of a financial "box" to help you define your financial needs and desires. By understanding what truly brings you joy—whether it's a vacation, a weekly fancy coffee, or quality pens—you can make informed spending decisions that reduce stress and enhance happiness. We also discuss how to strike a balance between short-term pleasures and long-term goals, aligning your spending with your personal values and aspirations.

    Imagine impressing your family with a homemade version of their favorite treat, or finding joy in collecting sentimental items like city-specific coffee cups. Through relatable stories, we explore how investing in experiences rather than things can bring lasting happiness. Plus, we share techniques for transforming your relationship with money through decluttering, inspired by Marie Kondo's principles. Learn how eliminating unnecessary expenses and clutter can create space for joy and peace in your life, ultimately shifting your mindset from scarcity to abundance. Join us for an enlightening discussion that promises to transform how you think about money and happiness.

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    33 分
  • 84 - The Happiness Project - June
    2024/10/16
    Have you ever wondered how friendships can profoundly impact your happiness? Join us on "What's on Your Bookshelf" as Denise Russo and Samantha Powell explore the timeless value of friendship, inspired by Chapter 6, "June," from Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project." We'll share heartwarming personal stories, like Denise's joyful reunion with her lifelong friend Sandy, and discuss practical ways to nurture these invaluable relationships. From remembering birthdays to staying in touch, we emphasize the simple yet meaningful actions that fortify our social bonds.

    We'll also dive into the broader concept of generosity, moving beyond financial contributions to uplifting and inspiring others to dream big. Denise recounts a memorable coaching moment that encouraged someone to pursue their dream of writing a book, demonstrating the powerful impact of empowering others. Together, we'll reflect on how fostering an environment of support and encouragement can lead to greater happiness and productivity, both in personal and professional spheres.

    Lastly, we delve into the art of building genuine connections and the joy of bringing people together. Despite being introverted, Denise shares her knack for creating meaningful relationships that transcend professional roles, leading to unexpected collaborations. We'll celebrate the joy of friendships and express our gratitude to our listeners and our dedicated team member Scott. Tune in to discover how strong social bonds and acts of generosity can enhance happiness and create a thriving, supportive community.

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    32 分
  • 83 - The Happiness Project - May
    2024/10/09

    Ever wonder why your childhood hobbies brought you so much joy, but as adults, we often struggle to find that same happiness? Join Denise Russo and Samantha Powell on this week's episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf" as we unlock the secrets to integrating play and leisure into our busy lives. Inspired by Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project," we reveal actionable steps for mid-career women, particularly millennials, to intentionally carve out time for those activities that truly make us happy.

    As we discuss the complexities of people management, we also look at how to maintain our well-being amidst challenges like reorganizations and layoffs. Tune in to hear personal stories and insights on how reconnecting with past pleasures and family interactions can be a powerful tool to enhance our present happiness. By focusing on what we can control and reflecting on our initial motivations for leadership, we provide a roadmap to navigating the often tumultuous waters of mid-career responsibilities.

    Finally, we dive into the art of choosing happiness through mindful leisure activities. Borrowing wisdom from Andy Warhol, we explore how both daily routines and occasional special treats contribute to our overall sense of joy. As we gear up for next week's engaging dialogue on the value of friendship, this episode serves as a heartfelt reminder to prioritize fun and leisure in our lives. Let us inspire you to start your own happiness project, filled with activities that bring you genuine joy and fulfillment.

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    32 分
  • 82 - The Happiness Project - April
    2024/10/02

    Picture this: you're juggling work, chores, and trying to be the perfect parent, and it feels like you're drowning in responsibilities. Denise Russo and Samantha Powell bring some much-needed lightness to this scenario as they dive into "Lighten Up" from Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project." With honest reflections and personal stories, they explore reducing self-imposed pressures and embracing a more joyful approach to parenthood. Sam shares her battle with the quest for perfect parenting, while Denise contemplates her mother's legacy of unconditional love.

    Ever wondered how to turn your child's constant whining into moments of joy and humor? That's exactly what we tackle next! Denise and Sam share practical strategies for transforming mundane complaints into opportunities for laughter and connection. By reframing negative responses and acknowledging feelings with empathy and humor, they show how to create a positive atmosphere that respects children's emotions. This approach not only enhances family happiness but also teaches essential life skills, highlighting a refreshing generational shift in parenting styles.

    Balancing personal commitments and family priorities is no easy feat, and we've got some insightful stories to share. From regretting missing a family wedding for a science competition to the joy of baking brownies with your kids, Denise and Sam discuss the importance of aligning actions with core values. They emphasize the value of shared experiences and highlight the stages of experiencing joy—anticipation, savoring, expressing happiness, and recalling memories. Wrapping up, they express gratitude to their dedicated producer, Scott, and tease next week's topic on the significance of play. Tune in for a heartfelt and engaging episode of What's on Your Bookshelf.

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    31 分
  • 81 - The Happiness Project - March
    2024/09/25

    Are you ready to unlock the secrets of true happiness at work? Discover the transformative power of aligning your career with your Ikigai as we delve into Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project." You're invited to explore Rubin's insightful March resolutions: from launching a blog and savoring the fun of failure to asking for help and working smart. Learn how happiness at work can boost your performance, improve relationships, and foster cooperation. Our personal stories and experiences underscore the critical role of enthusiasm and passion in achieving both mastery and joy in your professional journey.

    Ever wondered how taking on new challenges can expand your potential? Inspired by John Maxwell's "High Road Leadership," we discuss the profound impact of aiming higher in your endeavors. By embracing challenges, such as starting a blog, you don't just grow your skills; you expand your identity and social circles. Through engaging personal anecdotes, we reveal how risks and perceived failures can become your greatest learning opportunities. Embrace the art of experimentation and playfulness as essential elements for personal and professional growth and find out why aiming higher is a game-changer.

    Coaching young athletes offers unique joys and challenges, and this episode brings those lessons into the spotlight. Discover how the perseverance required in sports translates into valuable life skills. We'll share strategies for working smarter, the importance of asking for help, and the concept of the "arrival fallacy," which reminds us that happiness is in the journey, not the destination. As we wrap up, we encourage you to set incremental yet meaningful goals to achieve greater fulfillment. Join Denise Russo and Sam Powell and aim higher in your work and contributions to society. Small steps can lead to significant differences in your overall satisfaction.

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    29 分
  • 80 - The Happiness Project - February
    2024/09/18

    Have you ever wondered why the atmosphere of your marriage can set the tone for your entire life? We're Denise Russo and Samantha Powell, and in this heartfelt episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf," we explore February's theme of love from "The Happiness Project." Join us as we discuss the profound influence that marital satisfaction and the dynamics of love have on overall happiness, especially after having children. We dive into key resolutions like quitting nagging, not expecting praise, fighting right, and giving proofs of love to strengthen our relationships.

    Expressing appreciation and gratitude is more than just a nice gesture—it's a cornerstone of healthy relationships. Drawing insights from John Maxwell's "Everyone Communicates, Few Connect," and referencing "Solve for Happy" and "Atomic Habits," we underline the power of small gestures like the six-second hug to enhance relationships. Listen in as we share a humorous family anecdote about the importance of finding internal motivation and satisfaction in our actions, particularly in maintaining strong bonds with loved ones, including teenage children.

    Communication is key to building healthy relationships, and we delve into John Gottman's research on the six-second kiss and how fewer unpleasant experiences contribute more to relationship satisfaction due to human negativity bias. We explore different conflict styles and the importance of managing conflicts with humor and affection. Lastly, we discuss integrating work into life, rather than seeking a work-life balance, and how personal happiness, especially within marriage, can significantly impact professional success. Join us for an engaging conversation on love, happiness, and the interconnectedness of our personal and professional lives.

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    39 分