#22: The New Science of Gratitude

On this episode, Cal dives into the exciting new science of positive psychology and gratitude.  Saying we should be more thankful is easy advice to give -- similar to saying we should live in the moment -- but for some reason it is harder to practice on a regular basis.   Cal explores some of the key obstacles to most of us practicing gratitude and offers two practical, yet powerful, ways that we can begin practicing gratitude (and reaping the benefits of it) today.   Join Cal on a 30 day commitment to the daily practice of gratitude!  

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This week in the United States we celebrate Thanksgiving. It is a day to stop, reflect, and intentionally give thanks.

It is not hard to see the value in giving thanks. We teach our children this as soon as they are old enough to want things. We teach them to value what they have, and we hope they will learn to find the beauty in the smallest things. In our gut and in our heart, we know there is something inherently right about giving thanks.

In the past few decades, researches have discovered that the benefits of gratitude and positive thinking go far beyond our anecdotal experiences. Scientific studies by leading gratitude researcher Dr. Robert Emmons have shown incredible results from those who practice gratitude as little as one time per week. Studies show those who practice gratitude are 25% happier than those that do not.

Incredibly, those who take the time to think about and write down the things and people they are thankful for reported:

• fewer health conditions;

• spending more time exercising;

• feeling more joyful, excited, determined, and strong;

• feeling more optimistic about the coming week;

• getting more sleep each night; and

• a greater desire to help those around them.

On this episode of Intentional Living and Leadership, Cal discusses these new findings in positive psychology. He also discusses the greatest obstacles we face to practicing gratitude and two specific practices you can start today to make gratitude a very real part of your day (and your life).

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#21: Digital Minimalism - Let's Be Human Again

How is technology affecting your life?  Do you feel overwhelmed and exhausted by constant connectivity?  Have you ever felt the urge to check your phone when you're with people you love?  Have you felt that gut feeling after spending aimless minutes on your phone that you wish you had used

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How is technology affecting your life?  Do you feel overwhelmed and exhausted by constant connectivity?  Have you ever felt the urge to check your phone when you're with people you love?  Have you felt that gut feeling after spending aimless minutes on your phone that you wish you had used your time more wisely?  

If you have felt any of these feelings, you're not alone.  

We have a collective problem with technology.  

On this episode, Cal shares his own struggle with technology and explores the magnitude and causes of the problem.  

More importantly, Cal offers practical solutions for regaining control of our digital tools to make them work for us.

Let's collectively take a step back, discovery the beauty of a technology detox, and intentionally manage digital tools to make them tightly aligned with our deeply held values!

Two books referenced during this episode:

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

By Newport, Cal

Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World

By Newport, Cal

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#20: Q&A with Ryan Brence - Football, Ranger School, and Servant Leadership

Packed with great stories of overcoming adversity and incredible nuggets of wisdom and inspiration, this episode will not disappoint!

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Packed with great stories of overcoming adversity and incredible nuggets of wisdom and inspiration, this episode will not disappoint!

Ryan Brence grew up playing big time Texas high school football.  He is the son of a very successful Texas high school football coach in Plano, TX, and he shares lessons he learned watching his dad lead a football team.  

Ryan is a husband, father, West Point Graduate, former Army Football player, winner of the Black Lion Award, Army Ranger, and he currently works as a business development manager for TDIndustries in Dallas, TX.  TDIndustries teaches servant leadership and is a Fortune 100 Best Company to Work For: TDIndustries Awards.

Ryan shares stories of overcoming adversity in football and Ranger School.  He shares practical ways in which he lives an intentional life, and he shares lessons he learned on servant leadership from his dad and his work at TDIndustries.    

Ryan references the following book during the episode: 

The Power of Consistency: Prosperity Mindset Training for Sales and Business Professionals

By Long, Weldon

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#19: A Deep Dive Into Servant Leadership, Part 4 (Invest and Inspire)

On this episode, Cal wraps up his servant leadership series by covering the last three principles of servant leadership -- that servant leaders:  1.  Invest in the personal growth of their team members;  2.  Build a culture of trust; and 3.  Inspire!

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On this episode, Cal wraps up his servant leadership series by covering the last three principles of servant leadership -- that servant leaders: 

1.  Invest in the personal growth of their team members; 

2.  Build a culture of trust; and

3.  Inspire!

Cal dives into practical steps of how to apply these principles to your leadership!  

Cal references the following items in the podcast: 

Simon Sinek TED talk

The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni

Bain & Company study on inspirational leadership

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#18: A Deep Dive Into Servant Leadership, Part 3 (People Principles)

On this episode, Cal continues an exciting series on servant leadership!   Cal jumps right into the next three principles of servant leadership: 1.  Servant leaders care about the WHOLE person;  2.  Servant leaders are generous to their team; and 3.  Servant leaders listen.

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On this episode, Cal continues an exciting series on servant leadership!  

Cal jumps right into the next three principles of servant leadership:

1.  Servant leaders care about the WHOLE person; 

2.  Servant leaders are generous to their team; and

3.  Servant leaders listen.

At the end of this episode, you will be more equipped to immediately apply servant leadership principles in your team, organization, or business!

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You can also follow Intentional Living and Leadership on Facebook.