What's on Your Bookshelf?

In this episode, Denise and Sam discuss Chapter 13, How to Stop Procrastinating by Using the Two-Minute Rule.  Your goal might be to run a marathon, but your gateway habit is to put on your running shoes.  The point is to master the habit of showing up. You can’t improve a habit that doesn’t exist. Make it easy to start and the rest will follow. The more you ritualize the beginning of a process, t...

In this episode of What's on Your Bookshelf, Denise and Scott talk about Chapters 5 and 6, Five Gold Rings and Six Geese a-Laying. If you would like to download the 12 Days playlist from Spotify, the link is available here . If you would like to purchase your copy of 12 Days, use this link to order for your Kindle, soft cover, or hard cover.  Support the show Connect with us on our LinkedIn p...

It's a fact that the Law of Least Effort governs human behavior. Our natural tendency is to choose the option that requires the minimum amount of work. Therefore, one should make their habits so easy that they can be carried out even when they don't feel it's essential. It's important to create an environment that makes doing the right thing as easy as possible. Instead of tryi...

In this episode of What's on Your Bookshelf, Denise and Scott talk about Chapters 3 and 4, Three French Hens and Four Calling Birds from her book, 12 Days. If you would like to download the 12 Days playlist from Spotify, the link is available here . If you would like to purchase your copy of 12 Days, use this link to order for your Kindle, soft cover, or hard cover.  Support the show Connect...

In this episode, Denise and Sam explore Chapter 11 of Atomic Habits by James Clear : Walk Slowly, but Never Backward We are so focused on figuring out the best approach that we always need to take action. For example: Motion : outlining twenty ideas for articles. Action : sitting down and writing an article Motion : search for a better diet plan and read a few books. Action : eat a healthy meal Mo...

In this episode of What's on Your Bookshelf, Denise and Scott talk about Chapters 1 and 2, A Partridge in a Pear Tree and Two Turtle Doves from her book, 12 Days. If you would like to download the 12 Days playlist from Spotify, the link is available here . If you would like to purchase your copy of 12 Days, use this link to order for your Kindle, soft cover, or hard cover.  Support the show C...

Every behavior has both a surface-level craving and a more profound underlying motive. For instance, smoking cigarettes or checking Instagram may not be something we truly desire. Instead, at a deeper level, we may aim to reduce uncertainty, relieve anxiety, win social acceptance and approval, or achieve status. Essentially, our habits are modern-day solutions to ancient desires. Some people may t...

In this episode, Denise and Sam discuss Chapter 9: The Role of Family and Friends in Shaping Your Habits. The culture we live in determines which behaviors are attractive to us. We tend to adopt habits that are praised and approved of by our culture because we have a strong desire to fit in and belong to the tribe. We tend to imitate the habits of three social groups. Each group offers an opportun...

In this episode, Denise and Sam explore Chapter 8: How to Make a Habit Irresistible The more attractive an opportunity is, the more likely it is to become habit-forming.  Habits are a dopamine-driven feedback loop. Every behavior that is highly habit-forming – taking drugs, eating junk food, browsing social media – is associated with higher levels of dopamine. Dopamine is released when you experie...

On this episode, Denise and Sam discuss Chapter 6: Motivation Is Overrated; Environment Often Matters More of Atomic Habits by James Clear.  Making small changes in your environment can lead to significant changes in behavior over time. Habits are context-dependent, and the cues of good habits should be obvious in your surroundings. For example, if you want to practice guitar more frequently, you...

On this episode, Denise and Sam continue their discussion of Chapter 5: The Best Way to Start a New Habit by James Clear. To make your habits stick, it's important to tie them to specific cues. The two most common cues are time and location. You can use implementation intention by pairing your new habit with a specific time and location. For example, "I will exercise for one hour at 5 p....

On this episode, Denise and Sam discuss Chapter 5: The Best Way to Start a New Habit by James Clear. To make your habits stick, it's important to tie them to specific cues. The two most common cues are time and location. You can use implementation intention by pairing your new habit with a specific time and location. For example, "I will exercise for one hour at 5 p.m. at my local gym.&q...

In this episode, Denise and Sam discuss Chapter 4: The Man Who Didn’t Look Right from Atomic Habits by James Clear. Developing good habits requires tying them to specific cues such as time or location. The habit can also be paired with a current habit, known as habit stacking, to make it more actionable. Awareness is crucial in changing habits, and the Habits Scorecard can be a useful tool to beco...

On this episode, Denise and Sam discuss Chapter 3: How To Build Better Habits In 4 Steps. Behavior with satisfying consequences tends to be repeated, while less pleasant behavior is less likely to be repeated. Habits are automatic behaviors formed through trial and error. Useless movements fade with practice, while valuable actions are reinforced. Habits are reliable solutions to recurring problem...

In this episode, Denise and Sam continue with Chapter 2 in the book, Atomic Habits, by James Clear. If you're looking to get your life back on track, Atomic Habits offers an easy framework for improving your life. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals strategies to help you form and break bad habits. You'll also learn to recognize how tiny daily...

In this episode, Denise and Sam start a continue with Chapter 1 in the book, Atomic Habits, by James Clear. If you're looking to get your life back on track, Atomic Habits offers an easy framework for improving your life. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals strategies to help you form and break bad habits. You'll also learn to recognize how ti...

In this episode, Denise and Sam continue with chapter 1 in the book, Atomic Habits, by James Clear. If you're looking to get your life back on track, Atomic Habits offers an easy framework for improving your life. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals strategies to help you form and break bad habits. You'll also learn to recognize how tiny daily...

In this episode, Denise and Sam start a new book, Atomic Habits, by James Clear. If you're looking to get your life back on track, Atomic Habits offers an easy framework for improving your life. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals strategies to help you form and break bad habits. You'll also learn to recognize how tiny daily routines can incre...

On this episode, Denise and Scott talk with the author of Coach Wooden, Mr. Pat Williams. Additional Resources The Passion Planner Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C Denise Russo's Website www.schoolofthoughts.net Denise Russo's Forbes Articles Forbes Article Link Samantha Powell's Website and Blog Lead The Game Connect with us on LinkedIn: Denise Russo Andy Hughes Sam...

In this episode, Denise, Andy, and Sam discuss the final principle of the book, Pray for Guidance and Count and Give Thanks for Your Blessings Every Day. Coach Wooden learned a great deal from his father, Josh Wooden on how to live his life. Coach Wooden emphasized the importance of counting your blessings each day. Listen in and get some great ideas of how you can express gratitude to friends, fa...

Coach Wooden held the conviction that it was essential to set aside resources and make arrangements for difficult times, as they were inevitable for everyone. Additionally, he advocated for seeking guidance through prayer and cultivating a daily practice of expressing gratitude for one's blessings. Additional Resources Know What You're FOR: A Growth Strategy for Work, An Even Better Stra...

Coach Wooden held the conviction that it was essential to set aside resources and make arrangements for difficult times, as they were inevitable for everyone. Additionally, he advocated for seeking guidance through prayer and cultivating a daily practice of expressing gratitude for one's blessings. Additional Resources Know What You're FOR: A Growth Strategy for Work, An Even Better Stra...

If you’re interested in more information about coaching or the upcoming retreat, please email us at info@schoolofthoughts.net .  If you would like to attend our Your Signature Story retreat September 29th – October 1st, register here . You can connect with School of Thoughts on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-of-thoughts-inc.  You can connect with Denise Russo on LinkedIn at ht...

John Wooden emphasized the importance of friendship by considering it a refined art in his Seven-Point Creed. Consequently, it is unsurprising that Coach Wooden incorporated friendship as a fundamental component within the foundation of his Pyramid of Success. He defined friendship as a product of mutual esteem, respect, and dedication, likening it to a marriage that should never be assumed but ra...

In this episode, Denise and Sam discuss Principle #4 - Drink Deeply From Good Books, Especially the Bible. Bill Bennet states, “Life is about continuous learning. If you’re not learning, you’re not living. If you’re wasting your learning opportunities, you’re wasting your life. Reading is one of the most learning-intensive activities you’ll ever do. It doesn’t matter if you’re reading poetry or a...