Everyday Lessons Every Day

Not all everyday lessons come from self-improvement books. Sometimes they sneak up on you in the strangest places. This week's lesson comes from Pixar's Toy Story and it's probably not the lesson you're thinking of. Join David as he takes you back to 1987 and shares the story of an incident that hurt him deeply and puzzled him for years, making him wonder what was wrong with him and what he had done wrong. Then find out how Buzz and Woody taught him a lesson that allowed him to finally put that hurt and confusion aside. Referenced in this episode: Toy Story

Everyday Lessons Every Day is all about the concept of learning life lessons and implementing them to be a better version of yourself. I'm proud of the progress I've made and excited to share my stories of growth with the world. But just when I think I've come so far on my journey from grumpy to grateful, I do occasionally revert back to my old ways. In this episode, I share how poorly I handled my Monday morning and the terrible impact it took on my daughter. I lost my temper, couldn't see things from her point of view, and acted like an asshole. Maybe you'll relate. Hopefully, you'll learn from my mistakes.

Too many times, we act on limited information, be it a text from a friend, news on the television, or even social media posts and comments. Later on, we are provided more information, we discover that we acted inappropriately, wishing we had been given a more complete picture to work with. Eric Davis refers to this as call center syndrome and he talks about how to recognize it and avoid it so that you can make better decisions and improve your relationships. Insight into this everyday lesson can help you at work and at home.

Rob White is an international best-selling author and intriguing philosopher. He has over 30 years of experience helping others to accurately understand themselves and their remarkable resources, so they might realize their dreams. He was born in a small mill town, went on to become a schoolteacher and then a successful entrepreneur as a bicoastal real estate developer and restauranteur. Rob's an avid reader, engaging thinker, and zealous poet, as well as global traveler and author. Over the past 25 years of his life-journey, Rob has been exploring the incalculable nature of what it means to be a human being. Combining that knowledge with his vast experiences, he has reworked his realizations, spiritual insights, and wisdom into sound practical advice. Rob was a regular columnist in the Huffington Post, has written four other

When David hears his nephew's new song on Spotify, he is transported to the past, struggling to reconcile the beautiful and professionally produced song with the little baby he knew so long ago. How could this tiny person be a college graduate, producing music? In this moment, he starts to realize just how much he's been pining for the past. To further complicate things, his daughter turns sixteen this week, causing more conflict between wanting his baby girl to stay little and looking forward to what the future will bring for them.  He is reminded of a quote he learned from Yoda (yes, the little green dude from Star Wars) many years ago. No, it's not the quote about trying and doing. It's a different bit of wisdom from the mind of George Lucas and the voice of Frank Oz. Tune in to find out what everyday lesson from Yoda shaped and improved David's life this week. Referenced in this Episode: Return of the Jedi Nice and Slow, by Jacob North Hill

At 68 years young, Jill Phillips has a lot of stories and several everyday lessons worth sharing. From growing up in 1960's London, to writing a book, to getting healthy and completing a 5K in her mid-sixties, Jill's message is clear: Do the things you want to do. This energetic and vibrant lady reminds us that divorce isn't a death sentence and that spending time with loved ones near the ends of their lives can be incredibly fulfilling and valuable. When Jill decided to write her book, it meant learning about and telling her family stories. What surprised Jill during this process was how much she learned about herself. If you have a passion project, a bucket list, or just want to make a few changes in your life, Jill's interview may be the jolt you need to get up off the couch and do the things you want to do.

Sean Tyler Foley is passionate about helping others confidently take the stage and impact an audience with their stories. He is the author of the #1 best-selling book The Power to Speak Naked, which is based on his speaker training courses. In this episode, Tyler shares one of the most powerful lessons from his training courses: The thing you're afraid to say is very likely the thing that the world needs to hear. If you're struggling to share your truth with the world, this episode will give you the confidence that you seek.

Like a lot of new moms, Catherine O'Brien quickly discovered that a new baby meant a new dynamic in her relationship with her husband. Even as a Licensed Marriage Therapist, she found herself overwhelmed and unprepared for how significantly her life had changed. Her kids are older now and she learned a lot on her journey. Thankfully, she was brave enough and took the time to write her story to share the everyday lessons she learned along the way with other new parents. From dealing with sleep deprivation, to finding time for self-care, Catherine shares some of her best tips in this episode of Everyday Lessons Every Day. This is a great episode for new parents, of course, but there's also some pretty solid relationship advice for those who aren't parents yet, or who have been at it awhile.

When Brandy Peterson started her career in early childhood education, she quickly found herself doing the work of three people. Because of her “helper personality,” she did the best she could to keep up. Being needed made her feel necessary and validated. But she was stressed and tired and not eating. She wasn't giving her all to her family at home. She was simply stretched too thin. That's when she broke down and cried in the middle of the circle-time carpet. Luckily, Brandy had a boss who cared for her more as a person than as an employee. That's when she learned to let go of some things and focus on the tasks that only she could do. The lesson has stuck with her for nearly two decades and in this episode she shares how it helped her to be a better boss, friend, spouse and mother. If you're feeling overwhelmed and overworked, this episode is for you.

If you've ever wanted to turn your passion project or side hustle into a full-time career, you're going to want to hear what Julian Placino has to say about discovering your talents and abilities, using them to serve others, and how doing those things will help you and your community to grow. Julian has been a student of success for many years, investing thousands of dollars and hours into books, seminars, and personal coaching. He hosts the successful Podcast and YouTube show “Pathways to Success” where he interviews leaders, authors, CEOs and entrepreneurs. In this episode, Julian talks about his journey from corporate career to independent entrepreneur and provides several everyday lessons for those who are on a similar journey.

With thousands of followers, Julie Burton has a unique perspective of how her social media posts impact the world. This snarky mother of two isn’t afraid to talk about how hard it is to be a woman, what it’s like to go through a divorce or to describe in great detail what it was like getting her first Brazilian. The feedback she gets from her followers has helped her to see the value in being honest and vulnerable. Join us for some insight into what kind of an impact you’ll have on the world and how the world may reciprocate when your social media doesn’t always look like it comes directly out of a magazine.  Referenced in this episode: But Did You Die?: Setting the Parenting Bar Low (I Just Want to Pee Alone) by Jen Mann I’m sorry… Love, Your Husband by Clint Edwards

Everyday Lessons Every Day has been graced by some very strong female guests. This week is no exception with Tracy Oswald, who speaks proudly for women everywhere. Tracy shares how she approached her life at work and her life outside of work in very different ways. Then, after an immersive theater experience, she found herself forever changed. She decided to start being true to herself and the changes that occurred were life-altering. This is the episode for women who need to be reminded that their feelings and their voices count, and for men who may not realize that women are still suffering from second-sex syndrome. Referenced in this episode: The McKittrick Hotel Sleep no More presented by Emursive

Matt Brandenburg, serial entrepreneur, husband and father, is one of the most positive people you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting. But he wasn’t always like smiling fool that he is today. In his twenties, Matt found himself with a failed relationship under his belt and a massive lack of life direction. That’s when his best friend got tired of him feeling sorry for himself and challenged him to make a change. Learn what Matt did to change his circumstances and how the everyday lessons he learned during this difficult time have shaped his life and his attitude in such a positive way.

Do you struggle with your coworkers, employees or your boss? It’s not an uncommon problem. Personality conflict at work has the power to turn even the most awesome job into a terrible one. When Dr. Amy Hahn, graduated dental school and started working at her father’s practice, she discovered this the hard way. It turned out that dealing with employees was a serious challenge that she hadn’t been taught to handle in any of her classes. So she took a page out of the Everyday Lessons playbook and picked up a couple of books filled with workplace advice for dealing with difficult coworkers and staff members.  What she learned from those books helped to shift her perspective and transform her office. She even created a required reading list for her staff to read. While it wasn’t an overnight change, the lessons she and her team learned from those books have helped her to create a workplace filled with positivity. Referenced in this episode: Good Boss, Bad Boss: How to Be the Best... and Learn from the Worst by Robert I. Sutton The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't by Robert I. Sutton What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

Fellow sales trainer and podcaster Mike Papacoda talks about a classic everyday lesson – the power of visualization. He shares the story of how he used visualization to get a new job as well as an account of how visualization helped him lose weight. But Mike does more than just share stories in this episode. He explains how visualization helps your brain to recognize the resources you need to accomplish your goals and leverages the law of attraction to bring the people and resources into your life to turn your dreams into reality. Referenced in this episode: Tony Robbins Zig Ziglar Caddyshack The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

When Lee Clontz reached out to David McBee to say hello and let him know that he liked an episode of Everyday Lessons, David immediately saw an opportunity. Figuring that if Lee was a listener of his podcast then he probably was a fan of the self-improvement genre. That’s when David asked Lee if he had an everyday lesson that had shaped his life and if he’d be interested in being a guest on the show. Turns out this journalist-turned-IT-manager had an experience with a predictive health study that let him to find his passion, his tribe and a handful of everyday lessons that he eagerly shares in this episode. Referenced in this episode: 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found a Self-Help That Actually Works by Dan Harris We Need to Hang Out: A Memoir of Making Friends by Billy Baker

Courtney Lawrence was like a lot of people, a wife and mother of two children, working hard at her career and climbing the corporate ladder. She was comfortable, but not totally fulfilled. That’s when a book, a leadership course and a business coach inspired her to face her fears and follow her dream.  If you too are comfortable but not truly living the life of your dreams, allow this episode and Courtney’s journey to inspire you to get uncomfortable and to overcome whatever obstacles are holding you back.  Referenced in this episode: Hello, Fears: Crush Your Comfort Zone and Become Who You're Meant to Be by Michelle Poler Business Coach, Sarah Stevens at Black Pearl Coaching Leadership Development Program by Ginny Wilson-Peters, Integrity Integrated Lead(h)er Mentorship Program

What happens when you ask a comedian for advice about how to improve your life? Well that’s what you’ll find out in this episode with James Johann, who has been looking at life with a sense of humor and making people laugh for over 30 years. James may not be a big reader of self-help, but he shares a lesson that was passed down to him from his father, and from his father before him. And it’s this advice that has provided James with a positive mental attitude that makes him one of the most likable guys you could ever want to meet. Referenced in this episode: You Just Have to Laugh by David Naster

This week’s lesson comes from entrepreneur, business owner, consultant, author, father, husband and Ninja Warrior, Troy Helming. And if you’re wondering how one man can be all of those things, then you can probably guess the everyday lesson that Troy has to share. It’s all about wearing too many hats, and wasting time in the transition between tasks. Troy shares tips on how to become more efficient, to get into the flow state, to purge your brain of clutter and to win back your physical, mental and emotional energy. This episode is for the overworked and over-committed.

Every once in awhile we are blessed with “a moment.” Something happens that makes us reevaluate our behavior and our beliefs. Musician and middle school band director, Eric Griffin had such a moment when he read Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting out of the Box. In this episode, Eric describes how he felt when he learned an everyday lesson that changed his perception of the people around him, and how a slight change improved his ability to connect with his students and peers. This is the episode every teacher, coach, manager and leader will benefit from. Referenced in this episode: The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box by The Arbinger Institute

On vacation in beautiful Hawaii, Kristy Neick’s son noticed his mother spending a lot of time on her phone. When he mentioned it to her, she had a bit of an epiphany. She might have a social media addiction. This was her wake-up call and she decided to take action to remedy the situation by taking a month-long break. The detox turned out to be harder than she thought, and Kristy learned a lot about how social media had been impacting her life in an adverse way. Find out how things went and how she is slowly allowing social media back into her life. Referenced in this episode The Social Dilemma (Netflix documentary) Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis The fabulous Mel Robbins

There are certain people in this world whom some might consider “self-improvement junkies.” These people often read tons of books, listen to audio books and podcasts and they are usually surrounded by like-minded individuals who consider a positive mental attitude as vital to their lives as oxygen. Sharon Fanto is one of those people and I knew this about her when I invited her to be my guest on Everyday Lessons Every Day. What I didn’t prepare for was the amount of good advice she would bring to the table. Unwilling (or maybe unable) to limit her everyday lessons to just one, Sharon shares a great deal of advice that has impacted her life and helped her be successful. Find out why she left a career she loved and is diving into a whole new world filled with anxiety and excitement. And maybe grab a pencil because she’s references a ton of great books and brilliant self-improvement strategies. Referenced in this episode: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by John Gray The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson And the fabulous Mel Robbins

NOTE: This episode contains profanity. In this episode, David makes a departure from his season 2 format, compelled to share a personal story about how his efforts to help his daughter with his “everyday lessons” advice didn’t go as well as he had hoped. Referenced in this episode: Courage to Change and F**ckin' Perfect by P!nk

How many times have you heard someone say that school doesn’t actually prepare kids for the real world? Maybe you’ve thought there should be a class that teaches people the fundamentals of success – how to prepare for an interview, how to dress for an interview, how to land the job! In his new book, Now What? (Real World Advice for Graduates), Bob Visotcky gives a master class on those topics and more. Written specifically for new graduates, but ideal for anyone going through transition, Bob shares real-world everyday lessons that anyone can implement for a better future. Referenced in this episode: Now What? (Real World Advice for Graduates) by Bob Visotcky Dress for Success by John T. Malloy Ninja Selling by Larry Kendall Richard Williams AKA Prince EA

When Jonathan Burnos picked up Matthew McConaughey’s new book about a walkabout, he discovered that it was filled with profound wisdom and several possible subjects worthy of discussion on the Everyday Lessons Every Day podcast. But as he was trying to choose just one lesson to talk about, he realized that the real lesson wasn’t one of Matthew’s discoveries, but rather the act of journaling itself. When he took a look at his own journaling habits, he realized how much value the process of writing and rereading old journal entries had brought to his life. In this episode, Jonathan talks about how his journals have helped him process his recent divorce, become a better parent, and have helped him to “outbox” his feelings so that he isn’t so reactionary when faced with difficult situations. Referenced in this episode: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

When I met Shannon Mossler a few years ago, I was immediately impressed with her. Barely out of college, taking on her first “real job,” this young go-getter was someone I found myself proud to work with. When I discovered that she was a reader of self-improvement books, I wasn’t surprised in the least. Her work ethic and positive mindset are quickly obvious to anyone who knows her. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have her as a guest on Everyday Lessons Every Day, and I hope you enjoy her story. Referenced in this episode: The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes Kyle Maynard

Have you ever had the urge to create something? Maybe you’ve got an idea for a book, a song, a play, a work of art or even a charity, organization or a business you want to start. Ever wonder where those ideas come from or if they’re worth pursuing? If yes, you’ll want to hear the everyday lesson that Wilene Dunn learned from The Game of Life and How to Play It, a book that has been around for nearly 100 years and is still relevant today. We also talk children’s books, poetry and t-shirts. Join us and learn to embrace your ideas to create a life you’ll love. Referenced in this episode: ROLLERCOASTER: The Ups and Downs of Life in Poetry by Wilene Dunn The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel Shinn Your Word is Your Wand by Florence Scovel Shinn The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks   More stuff by Wilene: Butterflies and Flower Petals by Wilene Dunn and Melanie Mitchell Raindrops and Lightning Bugs by Wilene Dunn and Melanie Mitchell PhoneticsWorld.com WCDSpeakers.com

Our lives are filled with limiting beliefs. Some of those beliefs keep us stuck in a rut, at a job we don’t love, trudging toward a retirement that isn’t guaranteed. In this episode, Stephen Heiner shares how reading The 4-Hour Work Week forced him to challenge his own limiting beliefs. While the lessons didn’t sink in right away, sixteen years later, Stephen has discovered his ikigai. Roughly translated, ikigai means “reason to live” and is one of the Okinawans’ 3 secrets to a long life. Find out what limiting beliefs are holding you back and how to find your ikigai in this week’s episode of Everyday Lessons Every Day.  Referenced in this episode: The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape the 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss Gary Vaynerchuk Ikigai

If you’re struggling with a difficult family member, friend, boss or neighbor, the insights from this episode will be invaluable. Rebecca Clark is a life and work coach with training in coaching, teaching, psychology, leadership, and learning theories. In this episode, Rebecca shares the story of how a college psychology class introduced her to an everyday lesson that impacted her life in a big way. The lessons she learned from it have guided her life and her career for many years and she rereads the book regularly to remind herself that one way of dealing with difficult people is to pay attention to how you are showing up with them, and that change comes from within. Referenced in this episode: The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict by The Arbinger Institute Leadership and Self-deception: Getting Out of the Box by The Arbinger Institute Bonds That Make Us Free: Healing Our Relationships, Coming to Ourselves by C. Terry Warner Move Your Desk Podcast by Rebecca Clark

Mike is one of those half-glass-full types who is always looking for ways to improve his life through self-motivation, leadership training, church and other ventures. So when he picked up a book that encouraged quitting, it caught him off guard and provided him an everyday lesson he wasn’t expecting. In this podcast, Mike talks about a story from Dream Big by Bob Goff that changed the way he’s going to take on 2021. Instead of giving you homework, Mike shares how to shed some of the burdens that are keeping you from growing. Referenced in this episode: Dream Big by Bob Goff

When Jody found himself working from home, he discovered how easy it was to find reasons to get up from his desk and distract himself from work. When he learned an everyday lesson from a YouTube video by Casey Neistat, he made some changes to his morning ritual that made a huge difference in how he approached his day. Jody shares that lesson and how it made such a big difference to his work from home success.   Referenced in this episode: Casey Neistat, YouTuber Extreme Ownership, How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win by Jacko Willink The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned by Robert Iger Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven

Carah is a strong woman who is also a mother, a spouse, a daughter, a sister, a friend and an employee. She takes all of her roles very seriously and is living a life she’s proud of. In this episode, she gives some of the credit for her success to an everyday lesson she learned when she was only 19. Her love for female comedians led her to pick up the book Bossy Pants by Tina Fey. She expected to laugh, and there was plenty of that, but she got so much more in the way of a lesson that shaped her perception of the people around her and positively impacted her career. Referenced in this episode: Bossy Pants by Tina Fey Yes, Please by Amy Poehler

If you're struggling with the division created by our nation's turmoil and the upcoming election, if you're shocked when you talk to friends who are voting for "the other guy", and if you want a strategy for bringing people back together, this episode's message is the one you've been looking for. David tackles some tough topics including politics, gun control, climate change, race and barbecue. Learn to see the other person's point of view and let's bring this great nation back together. Referenced in this episode: Creating Miracles Every Day, Richard Carlson Ph. D. Donald Trump and Joe Biden

Have the changes of 2020 got you down? Feeling sad, anxious, or maybe even depressed? If so, you'll relate to David's story in this episode. Hear how he felt so low that he didn't even want to get up, and how he finally found his way back "to himself" thanks to an Everyday Lesson from author, Richard Carlson. Referenced in this episode: Creating Miracles Every Day, by Richard Carlson Ph. D.

When David attends his annual off-road adventure in Colorado, he is overcome by fear and panic when faced with the high mountain roads of Black Bear Pass. Listen in to discover how he handled the overwhelming emotions that kept him up at night for a month before even embarking on the trip. More importantly, you'll get to find out how his friends chose to step up and take care of him when he was vulnerable. This is a part II episode so check out episode 12: Face Your Fears. Referenced in this episode: Drew Barrymore Hooper's Overland Adventures

Sometimes you step in dog "stuff." You don't mean to, but it can't always be avoided. In fact, "stuff" happens all the time and we have no control over it. But we do control how we respond to the "stuff". In this week's episode, David literally stepped in dog "stuff" only to run across Kevin Hart's crispy golden nugget of wisdom on that very topic. Find out what Kevin says about deciding to clean the "stuff" off of your shoes or to track it with you. Referenced in this episode: The Decision, by Kevin Hart

In this episode, David shares how his son, Tanner, struggled with the decision to leave college and how they made a deal that would shape his future in a positive way. Part of their agreement included consuming positive content, including The School of Greatness Podcast. Find out how this new habit positively impacted the life of this young man who was having a hard time finding his path. Referenced in this episode: The School of Greatness, by Lewis Howes The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olson

Online bullying has gotten out of control. You can't hardly scroll through social media or read the comments section of an article without seeing divisive, hateful comments from people who often don't even know each other. In this episode, David leverages a strategy by Sam Horn for dealing with bullies and shares how he used the words "shame on you" to defuse an argument peacefully. Referenced in this episode: Tongue Fu! How to Deflect, Disarm, and Defuse Any Verbal Conflict, by Sam Horn Donald Trump on the Larry King Live Show

How many "great men" of history were able to achieve their dreams and goals, but to the detriment of their families and relationships? In this week's episode, David examines how Alexander Hamilton struggled with this universal issue of family vs. career and how a small choice led to a cascade of negative consequences. Referenced in this episode: Hamilton, Broadway musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda (Based on biography by Ron Chernow) Steve Jobs

If you don't believe that the universe sends signs to those who are looking for them, this episode might change your mind. Three different times, David was presented with messages that spoke to the specific struggles he was dealing with this week. If you're battling to persevere on your path to success, you're likely to relate with this episode. Referenced in this episode: The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman Les Brown's Chinese bamboo tree story (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e1LYMhgxTk) The Decision (Audible Original) by Kevin Hart

In this episode, David shares his knowledge of the mobile internet to really drive home how addicted people are to their phones. He then shares 5 things to stop doing on your phone to make it less evil and follows that up with some advice from Mel Robbins and Bobby Bones that will completely change the way you use your phone. Referenced in this episode: The Five Second Rule, Mel Robbins Fail Until You Don't: Fight. Grind. Repeat. Bobby Bones

Revisiting one of the most talked about chapters in Everyday Lessons Every Day, David takes a page out of his dog's book and greets people with enthusiasm and fervor. But that's only the beginning. This time around, he realizes that there's a lot more to learn from dogs than just how to make someone feel special. Listen in to find out what David learns from Maggie, Luna, Jack, Stitch, Ridge and Ramen Doodle (the Golden Doodle). Referenced in this episode: The PIXAR movie, Up

GIGO stands for garbage in, garbage out and is a concept used by computer scientists and mathematicians.  Basically, it says that the quality of output is determined by the quality of the input. Or said another way, if you put flawed data into an equation or a program, the results will also be flawed, or garbage. In this episode, David confesses his obsession with and consumption of "garbage" and how it has impacted his life in a negative way. David challenges his listeners with a BFHG (big fat hairy goal) to try and change the world.

After a conflict with his daughter, David dials back the nagging and criticism, hoping to be the better version of himself that he found during his Everyday Lessons journey. However, his efforts to bite his tongue backfire and leave him feeling worse than ever. When he is reminded of, and implements a classic everday lesson about praise, the results are immediate and profound. Referenced in this episode: How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie

In this episode, David talks about the panic attack that led to the development of his new children's book and how overcoming fear resulted in one of the most exciting adventures of his life. He then shares a secret weapon for overcoming anxiety by re-framing the feelings associated with fear into excitement. Referenced in this episode: Mel Robbins DJ's Off-road Adventures: DJ Faces His Fear

Jim Rohn said, “The actions that lead to success are easy to do. They’re also easy not to do.” In this episode, David talks about how true this statement has been throughout his life by sharing stories of the mistakes he made in his twenties and thirties and the results of those mistakes. Then he shares how small, easy changes led to health, wealth and happiness. Referenced in this episode: Jim Rohn The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olson

In honor of his twenty-second wedding anniversary, David dedicates this episode of the podcast to the book The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman. He talks about how important the lessons of this book have been to his marriage and how an understanding of the love languages has been so instrumental to his wife and family as a whole. Referenced in this episode: The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman

In this episode, David talks about his obsession with a positive mental attitude and how subscribing to the phrase "failure is not an option" actually backfired on him. Find out why David now believes that failure is a friend, a teacher and an inevitability. Bonus: Learn about the invention of the french dip sandwich! Referenced in this episode: The Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale Failure is Not an Option, by Gene Kranz Rich Dad, Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki

Once again, this week's Everyday Lesson is inspired by David's Peloton instructor. After hearing Rebecca Kennedy say, "The extra mile is never crowded" he realizes that there is a person in his life who constantly goes the extra mile. This is the story of an internet marketing trainer whose high standards make her extraordinary in a world of people who do the bare minimum. Find out how going the extra mile can help you achieve your goals. Referenced in this episode: Don't Sweat The Small Stuff, by Richard Carlson The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, by Mark Manson

While preparing for this episode, an off-hand comment from his daughter derails David, forcing him to question his reasons for writing. As he struggles with self-doubt, a quote from Anna Kendrick's book, Scrappy Little Nobody, reminds him that his struggle is just a part of the journey. Referenced in this episode: Fail Until You Don't. Fight. Grind. Repeat. by Bobby Bones Scrappy Little Nobody, by Anna Kendrick

Not all everyday lessons come from self-improvement books. David finds several, including this week's lesson in the 90's movie Heart and Souls. The story of four souls who have unfulfilled lives reveals that failure is the result of never trying. Referenced in this episode: Heart And Souls (movie)