We explore how “expect nothing, accept everything” shifts us from rumination to action, drawing on Stoic ideas, happiness research, and candid stories from work and home. The theme is simple: lower the grip of outcomes, raise ownership in the present, and move.

• why hidden expectations derail progress and mood
• solving the reality–expectation gap without toxic positivity
• Inside Out as a model for reframing and presence
• attention bias and choosing what to notice
• work examples where titles and mind reading fail
• using positive intent and direct asks with leaders
• rituals to reduce digital clutter and anxiety
• Amor Fati, Epictetus, and practical Stoicism at work
• turning insight into action with present-tense steps

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We unpack Chapter 7—“I am relentless”—and connect mantras to motion, turning obstacles, doubt, and even well-meaning advice into fuel for consistent action. We share stories about evolving dreams, identity shifts, and practical ways to align emotion with execution.

• recap of key mantras and why action matters
• obstacles and discomfort as raw material for growth
• rivers and water as a metaphor for persistence
• loved ones’ advice as resistance and how to filter it
• identity, judgment, and changing how others relate to you
• evolving dreams across careers and life seasons
• jealousy gap and the myth of overnight success
• no entitlement: grind, stake your claim, ship work
• sage vs saboteur and using “are you sure?” wisely
• pairing why with what and how to build momentum
• emotions driving thoughts, actions, and results
• assessments and fit to remove hidden energy drains

Please share our episodes with someone who could use them. Comment, follow, like, and share on LinkedIn to help others find value in the conversation

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We explore Chapter Six of Gary John Bishop's "Un-F Yourself," challenging the notion that we are defined by our thoughts and asserting that our actions ultimately determine our reality and results.

• Your thoughts influence what you do, but you are defined by your actions, not what's in your head
• Breaking through belief barriers requires focusing on the next small step rather than getting overwhelmed by the entire journey
• Small, consistent actions compound over time to create significant results
• Admiral McRaven's "make your bed" philosophy demonstrates how one small accomplishment creates momentum for your entire day
• Clearing mental clutter through physical action creates space for productivity and clearer thinking
• Getting "unstuck" often requires action first, with improved thoughts and feelings following
• The cycle of thoughts, beliefs, and actions works in both directions - positive actions create positive thoughts
• "Action may not bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action"

This week's quest: Take one small action toward something you've been thinking about but haven't acted on yet - even when you don't feel like it.

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We explore embracing uncertainty as the pathway to growth and transformation in our lives, examining how our natural addiction to prediction often keeps us stuck in the past rather than moving forward.

• Uncertainty is where new happens, but humans are wired to avoid it as a survival mechanism
• What you want in life exists outside your comfort zone - if it were inside, you'd already have it
• The most successful people doubted themselves daily but acted despite their fears
• Theodore Roosevelt: "In any moment of decision, the best thing is the right thing, the next best is the wrong thing, the worst is nothing"
• Life is an adventure filled with opportunities that require embracing uncertainty
• When you move into uncertainty, you'll face judgment from others - often a sign you're on the right path
• Certainty is an illusion - nothing in life is truly certain despite our efforts to control outcomes
• You might be comfortable somewhere uncomfortable without realizing better options exist
• Your thoughts create your reality - changing "what if?" questions to "what if!" statements transforms your outlook

This week, challenge yourself to do one small thing that feels uncertain, and notice how it breaks you out of stagnation. Reach out to us if you need help navigating your uncertain path forward - we're here to support your journey.

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We explore Gary John Bishop's powerful message that no matter what obstacles we face, we already possess the inner strength to overcome them, though this doesn't mean we have perfect solutions or easy paths forward.

• Negative experiences rarely stay contained – they spread like toxic chemicals into all aspects of our lives
• There's no such thing as work-life balance because we have one integrated life where everything bleeds together
• Reflecting on past challenges helps us recognize our resilience and ability to persevere
• Getting connected to reality versus living in emotionally-soaked self-talk narratives changes our perspective
• Viewing life as a train track helps us see current problems as just one small segment of our journey
• Self-ownership means keeping your hands on the wheel and recognizing your agency in life's direction
• Life contains multitudes – both good and bad experiences that shape us into resilient beings

Please share your thoughts with us! Let us know what resonated with you from this episode by reaching out through the contact information in our show notes. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes.

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We dive into Chapter 3 of "Un**** Yourself" by Gary John Bishop, exploring the concept that we are all "wired to win" - sometimes at things we don't consciously want.

• 95% of our daily actions are controlled by our subconscious mind
• Your brain is constantly pushing you toward goals, even when you don't realize what those goals are
• We can be "winning" at negative behaviors or situations like unhealthy relationships or unfulfilling jobs
• Running away from something shouldn't be the path - instead, run toward where you want to be
• Breaking down large goals into small, manageable steps makes them achievable
• Identifying and addressing the limits to your potential is crucial for growth
• The quality of your thoughts determines the happiness of your life
• Understanding yourself and your personal constraints creates space for freedom and success

If you've enjoyed our episode, please share it with others. Contact us if you need help finding a copy of the book to take your own journey.

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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We explore Gary John Bishop's concept that you have the life you're willing to put up with, challenging readers to stop blaming external circumstances and take ownership of their responses to life's events.

• The crucial difference between being willing and unwilling to accept your current circumstances
• How willingness is defined as "the quality or state of being prepared" – readiness for action
• The paradox that sometimes becoming unwilling to tolerate your situation is the catalyst for change
• Breaking down the path to change: finding the door, understanding purpose, and charting your path
• Why dedicating just 30 minutes daily to your goals can create significant transformation
• How taking control of subconscious thoughts that sabotage your progress is essential
• The importance of accepting that career paths are no longer linear but more like climbing walls
• Why revisiting your "why" statement helps navigate changing goals and circumstances

Join us next week as we explore how you are "wired to win" in chapter three!

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We explore how negative self-talk holds us back and dive into practical ways to break free from limiting thought patterns. Neuroscience research shows we have over 50,000 thoughts daily, and the quality of these thoughts profoundly impacts our lives.

• Feelings from negative thoughts are exponentially stronger than positive ones
• Being stuck on a mental "hamster wheel" prevents forward progress
• The key is recognizing that "you are the answer" to your own problems
• Negative thoughts often serve as protection mechanisms against potential pain
• Changing neural pathways requires conscious effort but gets easier with practice
• Focus on "productive thoughts" rather than just positive thinking
• Environmental factors significantly influence our ability to maintain helpful thought patterns
• Marcus Aurelius' stoic philosophy aligns perfectly with modern psychology on self-talk
• The first step is acknowledging that your thoughts are in your way

Join us next week as we explore willingness to change and take action toward creating the reality you want to live in.

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