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.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

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.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

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.

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.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

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.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

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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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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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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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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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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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.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

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.

Order The Happiness Project

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.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.