Food School: Smarter Stronger Leaner.

Is this feeling of never catching up normal? What if nobody, not even that person you admire who seems to have everything together, has actually figured it all out?  This episode introduces a powerful 3-step Frustration List Technique that transforms how we handle the anxiety of unfinished tasks and unrealized potential.  Drawing from well-researched strategies in stress management, wellness, and productivity science, this approach creates immediate relief and sustainable progress.  The freedom comes not from completing everything, but from making peace with the unfinished nature of life while focusing your energy where it matters most.  Your brain doesn't need you to finish everything, it simply craves progress and attention on what's important. By implementing this technique, you'll experience more presence, joy, and fulfillment, even with a long list of things still undone.  Ready to stop feeling like you're always behind?  Listen now to discover how writing it down, sorting what matters, and taking small actions can transform your relationship with your to-do list and ultimately, with yourself.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Ever catch yourself frustrated by a lack of progress despite feeling like you're working hard? You're not alone. It's the most common reason for quitting ... early.  The disconnect between effort and results often comes down to a simple truth: we expect extraordinary outcomes from ordinary input.  Looking at myself in the gym mirror recently, I realized something powerful. I've achieved better physical results than most gym-goers not because I've obsessively chased fitness goals, but because I've consistently shown up for an hour every day.  This pattern holds true across all domains of achievement, whether building a business, advancing a career, or mastering a skill.  When my consulting clients express disappointment with their progress, I ask them one critical question: "Is it reasonable to expect the results you want from the work you've put in?"  Objectively?  There's a profound difference between subjective effort (how hard something feels) and objective effort (what's actually required).  To bridge this gap between action and achievement, I've developed a 3-step system that prioritizes repetitions done right over goal-fixation. More hard work won't get you there. More work with strategy will!  Ready to transform your approach to achievement?  Tune in!    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Ever wonder why thousands of people willingly sign up for grueling marathons and obstacle courses, yet struggle to maintain basic health habits?  Games!  The answer lies not in the level of difficulty, but in how our brains perceive challenges when they're framed as games rather than obligations.  In this fascinating exploration of gamification, we decode the psychological techniques that companies like Facebook use to keep you hooked, and how you can harness these same powerful tools to achieve your personal and professional goals. When you transform mundane tasks into compelling quests with clear win states, visible progress, and milestone celebrations, you tap into the brain's natural motivation systems.  The most disciplined people don't actually rely on discipline at all!  They craft personal missions that generate intrinsic motivation, making hard work feel like play.  Whether you're building healthier habits, developing professional skills, or pursuing ambitious personal goals, these gamification techniques can transform your approach to change.  Ready to level up your life?

Have you ever felt that nagging impatience when working toward an important goal? That almost physical itch wondering why success isn't happening faster?  You're not alone.  The truth is that transformative change rarely feels significant in the moment. While we expect to see daily improvement, real progress accumulates invisibly, only revealing itself after consistent effort over extended periods.  What do you do while waiting for progress to show up? How do you stay consistent? How do you know it's working?...  When we examine the journeys of those we admire—whether entrepreneurs, authors, or leaders—their success appears almost magical. What we don't see are the countless hours of imperceptible progress, the years of showing up when results weren't evident. Their "overnight" success typically represents decades of incremental improvement that went unnoticed by the world and sometimes even by themselves.  The answer?  Setting up better systems for tracking "the invisible" progress.  And that's not all!  Often, when pursuing goals that take decades, we decide to "entertain" ourselves with many other goals, just in case" this one doesn't work out.  Often, stealing that success we desire so much.  The episode also tackles another critical obstacle to achievement: our tendency to spread ourselves too thin. Much like trying to prepare a feast with only enough ingredients for one good meal, we dilute our impact when we distribute our finite resources—attention, energy, and time—across too many objectives. Research confirms that focusing on just one habit change dramatically increases success probability, while attempting multiple changes simultaneously often leads to complete failure. This explains why many people remain perpetually busy yet never achieve their most meaningful goals.  Ready to transform your approach to growth?  Listen now to discover practical strategies for tracking progress, maintaining motivation through invisible growth phases, and focusing your resources where they'll create the most significant impact.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  How to you practically become a better you?  You got your Enneagram, or results of StrengthsFinder, what's now? How do you develop new habits of being you... just different you?  This episode explores the disconnect between how we approach career development versus character development, and why that gap keeps us from becoming who we truly want to be.  What if the same systems that helped you excel professionally could transform your character?  Drawing from coaching experience with high-performing leaders, this episode unpacks a practical framework for developing traits like courage and discipline. You'll discover why most character development fails (hint: it's not your psychology) and how to create effective feedback loops that drive measurable growth.  You'll learn why focusing on just one character trait dramatically increases your chances of success. Rather than overwhelming yourself with multiple improvement areas, this targeted approach creates momentum that can transform how you show up in every aspect of life. Whether you're feeling stuck in patterns that limit your potential or simply ready to grow beyond your expertise into wisdom, this episode provides the roadmap for meaningful personal evolution.  Ready to finally make progress on becoming the person you aspire to be? Schedule that meeting with yourself today and work on your character development plan with this strategy.  Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a loop, making the same decisions day after day despite your best intentions to change?You're not alone.  In this episode we'll explore this fascinating fact how 75% of our daily thoughts are nearly identical to yesterday's, creating a cycle that keeps us living in our past rather than growing into our future.  Discover groundbreaking research that shows people with a close, friendship-like relationship with their future self make demonstrably better decisions today. Brain scans reveal that different neural pathways activate when we think about our future self as a friend rather than a stranger. This connection translates into healthier eating, better financial choices, and greater life satisfaction. I share insights from John Sonney's powerful "The Bridge" meditation technique that helps strengthen this crucial connection between your present and future selves.  The key to meaningful change, bringing our future selves into the present sooner lies in understanding the psychology of habit formation.  Whether you're struggling with health goals, productivity habits, or leadership development, these evidence-based techniques will help you bring your future self into your present reality much faster.  Ready to break free from recycling your past and start embodying who you're truly meant to become? Listen now and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this message.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

What if could upgrade performance at work, build deep relationships at home and in the workplace, heal loneliness everywhere by communicating 3 simple things?We're facing a crisis that's hiding in plain sight.It's not just loneliness or disengagement - it's what researcher Zach Mercurio calls a "mattering deficit." Despite our hyper-connected world, people simply don't feel seen, heard, and valued in their everyday interactions.The statistics are striking: one-third of people report persistent loneliness, 70% feel emotionally uninvested in their work, and half of students don't believe anyone would notice if they were absent. But Mercurio reveals that these aren't separate problems - they're symptoms of our collective failure to make each other feel significant.Why now?Since the early 2000s, digital communication has allowed us to bypass situations that once developed our human connection skills. We can respond to someone's bad news with a sad emoji rather than sitting with them, truly listening, and showing compassion. Zach Mercurio introduces a powerful framework - Notice, Affirm, Need - that transforms how we interact. Through compelling stories and research, Dr Mercurio demonstrates how small interactions can have profound impacts.A supervisor who keeps notes about team members' lives, a facilities manager who shows his team photos of people enjoying their work, or simply telling someone "if it wasn't for you..." can transform an ordinary exchange into one that fosters significance.Your next great act will happen in your next interaction. Don't overthink it. Instead of searching for the next big program or initiative, focus on optimizing how you notice, affirm, and need the people around you.Join the mattering movement and discover how making others feel significant creates a virtuous cycle that enriches everyone's lives.  _____________________Dr Zach Mercurio: https://www.zachmercurio.com/  Mattering Assessment for leaders and more book resources: https://www.zachmercurio.com/mattering/"The Power of Mattering" book equips leaders to unleash the hidden superpowers in each individual by addressing the fundamental human need to feel significant: https://www.zachmercurio.com/the-power-of-mattering/  Connect with Dr Zach Mercurio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio/  More about Dr Zach Mercurio:  Dr Zach Mercurio is an author, researcher, and leadershipdevelopment facilitator specializing in purposeful leadership,mattering, and meaningful work. He advises leaders inorganizations worldwide on practices for building cultures thatpromote well-being, motivation, and performance.  Zach holds a Ph.D. in organizational learning, performance, andchange and serves as one of Simon Sinek's Optimist Instructors,teaching a top-rated course on creating mattering at work. Hisnew book is "The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create aCulture of Significance." His previous book is "The InvisibleLeader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with ThePower of Authentic Purpose.”  He's been featured in The Harvard Business Review, Forbes,Psychology TText Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  Ever noticed how hard it is to make healthy choices when you're feeling sick, tired, or overwhelmed?  That's exactly when self-leadership matters most - and precisely when it feels most challenging.  This episode reveals a research-backed emotional regulation technique that transforms how you care for yourself during difficult times.  Learn the powerful three-step process that helps you make better choices when your energy is low but the stakes are high. By shifting how you talk to yourself (hint: third-person self-talk is scientifically proven to enhance decision-making), you'll discover how to bridge the gap between what feels good momentarily and what truly serves your recovery and wellbeing.  The framework shared isn't just for sick days, it's a versatile approach for improving any self-care habit when motivation wanes. Whether you're struggling with fitness consistency, nutritional choices, sleep discipline, or boundary-setting, this episode provides practical tools to strengthen your self-leadership muscle.   What makes this approach particularly valuable is its simplicity and immediate applicability. You don't need special equipment, extensive preparation, or perfect conditions - just a willingness to engage with yourself differently.  Ready to become better at taking care of yourself, especially when you don't feel like it? Listen now and learn how to lead yourself toward the future you truly want to create. Your future self will thank you.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  What if the solution to your productivity struggles isn't found in the next AI tool, but in mastering something you already possess?   This episode explores a simple truth about personal growth and leadership: we've mistakenly believed that better tools, more knowledge, or the perfect system will finally help us get organized and reach our potential. Yet despite having access to all the knowledge we need to live better lives, most of us still struggle with consistency and follow-through.  Why is that?  The real operating system for success isn't external - it's internal.  Drawing from research on emotional regulation and insights from experts and entrepreneurs like Derek Sivers and Yu-kai Chou, we unpack how the most important human problem to "fix" isn't knowledge or access to tools - it's self-leadership.  At the heart of this episode is a practical five-step framework for emotional mastery to unlock self-leadership skills you need to get the most of all the tools and knowledge humanity has to offer - you'll discover how to cultivate your "emotional garden" to drive meaningful change.  Ready to move beyond the endless search for the perfect productivity system?  Join us to learn how emotional mastery creates the foundation for everything else in your life to work successfully.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  Every day we wake up to expanding to-do lists, countless open tabs, and the gnawing feeling that we're falling behind. Sound familiar?  It's not just you - it's the natural result of living in an accelerating world where AI, content, and expectations multiply faster than we can keep up.  But what if your frustration with "not getting things done" isn't a personal failure but simply the result of working against your brain's natural wiring?  In this episode we break down the behavioral science behind why willpower alone fails and how to deal with increasing forgetfulness :) - a practical four-step system will transform how you approach tasks and responsibilities.  Quit frustration - welcome to getting all the IMPORTANT done consistently and reliably.  Drawing from Stanford scientist BJ Fogg's groundbreaking behavior model (Behavior = Motivation + Ability + Prompt) and insights from neuroscience, We reveal why our brains function much like apps - without the right trigger, action simply doesn't happen. You'll discover why "what looks like resistance is often a lack of clarity" and how this insight can free you from the shame spiral of repeatedly forgetting important tasks.  Ready to transform your relationship with productivity and reclaim your sense of control? Listen now, and remember to share this episode with someone who might benefit from breaking free of overwhelm and building systems that actually work.  https://calendly.com/angelashurina/executive-momentum-360    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Have you ever wondered if your mind could actually heal your body?  Not through some mystical force, but through simple, deliberate attention?  Pain had become my unwelcome companion.  Despite no obvious injury, a nagging pain in my hip forced me to move differently, think differently, and ultimately feel different.  And through a very simple mindfulness practice I got rid of it.  The experience revealed a profound truth about our bodies: we're integrated ecosystems where everything connects.  As someone who battled frequent illness in younger years, I've witnessed firsthand how nervous system regulation dramatically improves immune function, energy levels, and even decision-making ability. When your nervous system remains in a state of tension, recovery processes never fully activate, cellular energy is wasted, and you're primed for short-term thinking rather than choices that benefit your long-term wellbeing.  Learning to control your nervous system might be the most important skill you can develop, with benefits ranging from pain elimination to enhanced immunity to better life choices.  This simple practice we talk about on this episode could transform your health and wellbeing more powerfully than any supplement or trendy wellness protocol. What might change in your life if you learned to truly listen to what your body is telling you?  Simple body scan protocol - on YouTube  Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  What if the secret to consistent healthy habits isn't iron discipline but simply the art of asking better questions?  This episode we dive into the science of strategic questioning that can completely bypass your willpower and naturally guide you toward choices that serve your highest goals.  I'm sharing my personal journey as someone with an intense sweet tooth (once consuming over a kilogram of chocolate in a single day!) - and I still manage to maintain fitness-magazine-ready physique 365/year. The magic lies not in superhuman restraint but in mastering specific questions at critical decision points.  The episode provides practical applications for both personal goals and leadership scenarios. When coaching others toward positive change, questions prove far more effective than direct instructions.  Whether you're struggling with health habits, professional goals, or simply making better daily choices, this episode offers a refreshingly different approach to change that feels natural rather than forced.  Try these questioning techniques today and experience how much easier change becomes when you engage your brain's natural programming instead of relying on willpower that's so short-lived.  Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TUNE IN TO LEARN:Have you ever felt frustrated by your inability to follow through on things you genuinely want to do?   That gap between intention and action isn't a character flaw - it's neurobiology at work.  What if you could reprogram your brain to automatically do the things that align with your goals and values?  In this episode, we dive deep into implementation intentions, a powerful psychological tool that creates neural pathways for better follow-through. This isn't about willpower or motivation; it's about understanding how your brain works and leveraging that knowledge to your advantage.  I share my personal struggles with consistency in podcast recording, language learning, client deliverables, and presentation preparation - and how implementation intentions transformed these areas of my life.  What makes this approach so effective is that it works with your brain's natural tendency toward efficiency rather than fighting against it.  What important action have you been struggling to take despite knowing its value?  Try implementation intentions and experience the difference between hoping you'll do better and actually programming yourself for success.  Share this episode with someone who could benefit from this research-backed approach to personal transformation, and let me know how it works for you!  Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Ever wondered why some people seem consistently productive and energized while others constantly bounce between burnout and recovery?   The answer isn't superhuman genetics or fancy supplements - it's understanding the fundamental science of energy management.  After working for 100+ consecutive days without a traditional day off, I've discovered something counterintuitive: sustainable productivity has nothing to do with motivation or willpower. It's about aligning with our biological design rather than fighting against it. Weekends are social constructs, but rest is biological. When you implement strategic, science-backed rest protocols throughout your day, you can maintain high energy levels without requiring complete disconnection.  This approach is validated by leaders like Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, who dedicates significant space in his productivity blog to health optimization. This isn't about pushing through fatigue—it's about preventing fatigue from accumulating in the first place.  Ready to transform how you work?  Book a free trial coaching session through this link in the show notes to discover the missing pieces in your energy optimization routine.  https://calendly.com/angelashurina/executive-momentum-360  Whether you're aiming to grow a business, advance your career, or simply live with more vitality, sustainable energy management is the foundation everything else builds upon.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

How do C-suite, busy leaders, entrepreneurs get work done and take care of themselves?  Do they get more hours in the day? Or some superhero secrets?  Strategic thinking.  It isn't just for boardrooms and business plans—it's the secret weapon for transforming every aspect of your life. When we apply the same thoughtful preparation to our health, relationships, and personal development that we do to our work projects, everything changes.  The power lies not in how well you squeeze more things into your calendar but in strategically choosing what deserves your attention and how to prepare for it well in advance. The most successful leaders apply this thinking across their entire lives, not just their professional responsibilities.  Because in the end, you'll never "find" more time—there will always be just 24 hours. The difference-maker is how strategically you invest those hours in what truly matters.  Tune in and learn from examples of my clients, myself and Sam Altman how to simplify strategy for achievement and life lived well.  Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  Behavior change is the foundation of all transformation, yet we often approach it backward. Instead of trying to change people's deeply-held beliefs or identities, the most effective approach starts with small, simple behavioral shifts that gradually reshape how people see themselves.And that changes what people choose to do or not do.Isn't this what sales are all about? An invitation to change?Drawing from behavioral science research and personal experience as a change consultant, this episode reveals why attempting to change people's minds directly often backfires by triggering resistance.    The key insight comes from understanding that our brains are wired to conserve energy - learn how the best salesmen and business owners use it when designing products.  This perspective shift has profound implications for anyone trying to create change. Instead of asking, "How can I persuade or motivate others?" start asking, "How can I make the desired behavior easier and simpler?" Stop expecting people to leap into new ways of thinking, and instead create pathways for them to tiptoe forward with minimal resistance.  Whether you're trying to transform yourself, your team, your organization, or sell more - this episode provides actionable tools that will start things moving.  Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  Feeling stuck? Lost your motivation? Questioning whether your efforts even matter?  You're not alone – and this episode might be exactly what you need to break through.  We all face moments when progress seems impossible and inaction feels like the only option.  Today, I'm sharing two game-changing mindset hacks that have transformed not only my approach to challenges but also helped countless clients overcome the biggest obstacle - resistance and inertia.  The Probability Mindset Hack and the Insanity Mindset Hack.  What makes these mindset shifts so powerful is their versatility.  Beyond personal growth, they function as persuasion tools in sales conversations, leadership challenges, and anywhere you need to inspire action. When someone is hesitating to make a decision, these simple questions create an undeniable logical framework that moves them from paralysis to progress.  Listen now, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this message.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  We've all been there—vowing to completely transform our diet, fitness routine, and sleep habits all at once, only to abandon the whole plan days later.  What if the problem isn't your willpower but your approach?   In this eye-opening exploration of behavioral change, we explore why our brains actively resist massive lifestyle overhauls and how tiny, almost ridiculously small steps might be the secret to lasting transformation.  Drawing from the Japanese concept of Kaizen (continuous improvement through small steps), I explain the fascinating neuroscience behind why your brain treats big changes as threats.  The solution?  Actions so small they fly completely under your brain's radar.  Whether you're struggling with personal health goals or leading organizational change, this episode offers an evolutionary framework for making progress without triggering resistance.  You can change your life.  Just not one leap.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  A transformation director's honest feedback led to a pivotal realization that had been holding back my business for over a decade.  Despite years of successful client work and positive testimonials, I couldn't get to the next level.  Why is it?  I believe I finally got the answer.    The breakthrough came when I discovered Todd Brown's concept of the "Dominant Differentiator" – the idea that to stand out in a crowded marketplace, professionals need a clearly defined, named methodology that clients can understand and trust.     When you can articulate exactly how you deliver results through a defined process, you transform from being viewed as an interchangeable commodity to a premium solution provider.    This episode walks you through how to define your own unique methodology, why naming it matters, and how to communicate it effectively in your marketing and sales conversations. Whether you're a coach, consultant, or any type of professional or creative, developing this could be the missing piece that transforms your work into business results.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  What if I told you that laziness doesn't exist?  That what we think of as resistance—in ourselves and others—is actually just a lack of clarity?  This revelation turns conventional thinking about change on its head, offering a powerful new perspective for anyone struggling to make progress on important goals.  Drawing from classic change management wisdom and years of executive coaching experience, this episode introduces the transformative "3 P's of Clarity" framework that dissolves resistance by addressing its true causes.  Whether you're trying to adopt a personal habit or lead organizational transformation, these three elements make the difference between stagnation and momentum.  Through practical examples and actionable insights, you'll learn to diagnose which element is missing when you or others feel stuck.  The framework applies equally to personal goals like learning a language and organizational challenges like culture transformation. By trading judgment for curiosity about which "P" needs attention, you'll discover how clarity naturally generates momentum.  Ready to transform how you approach change?  Listen now, and never again mistake confusion for resistance.  Share this episode with someone who might benefit from knowing they're not lazy—they're just unclear about their next step toward meaningful change.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TUNE IN TO LEARN:Feeling uncomfortable with a new job, home, or relationship even though it's objectively better than what you had before?  You're not alone, and there's a neurological reason for it.  The Change Wired podcast tackles one of life's most universal experiences: transitions. Drawing from personal experience after moving to a new apartment, host Angela Shurina unpacks why our brains resist change at a biological level and how to make resistance smaller.   Armed with 15+ years of coaching experience, Angela shares a powerful 4-step framework anyone can use to navigate transitions more effectively, and lead others - family, team, organizations - through change smoother.    This episode offers particular value for leaders guiding teams through organizational changes. Understanding that resistance isn't personal but neurological can transform your approach to change management. The same principles that help us adapt to a new home apply to career shifts, relationship evolutions, and organizational transformations.  In a world where the pace of change continues to accelerate, mastering transitions isn't just helpful—it's essential. Whether you're facing a personal or professional transition, or leading others through change, this episode provides the blueprint for smoother, more productive adaptations.  Listen, apply, and share with someone who might benefit from understanding why new feels wrong, even when it's right.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  "We don't rise to the level of our goals. We fall to the level of our systems."   Ever heard this quote?  This profound truth, dating back to Stoic philosophy and championed by modern thinkers like James Clear, exposes why so many of us struggle to achieve our aspirations despite our best intentions.  The distinction is crucial: goals are simply desired outcomes – writing that book, building a business, achieving fitness – while systems are the daily routines and processes that actually lead us there. Without robust systems, our goals remain distant dreams rather than achievable realities.  On today's podcast we talk about the simplest yet most effective system to make sure you goals meet reality. It's the most powerful system-building tool at your disposal!  From those who consistently exercise for decades or maintain healthy eating habits to executives who avoid burnout - this pattern of success is universal. The world grows increasingly noisy and demanding, making deliberate system-building more essential than ever.   What systems are you using today?  Take the challenge: identify your key aspirations and create a system for each one based on today's episode learnings.  Remember, we don't magically rise to our goals – we fall to the level of our systems. Make yours exceptional!   Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  Your brain physically reshapes itself every single day—but are you giving it what it needs to evolve in the right direction? Neuroplasticity, your brain's remarkable ability to remodel itself in response to experiences, doesn't happen automatically. It requires specific conditions that many of us unknowingly sabotage through our daily habits.  Drawing from fascinating research with London taxi drivers whose brains physically grew larger in memory regions, this episode reveals the 4 lifestyle pillars that maximize your brain's ability to learn, adapt, and evolve. These aren't just theoretical concepts—they're practical strategies backed by neuroscience that can dramatically accelerate your personal growth.  Whether you're struggling with learning new job skills, seeking to break old habits, or simply wanting to optimize your cognitive performance, these four foundations form the cornerstone of effective brain change.  By implementing these science-backed strategies, you'll enhance not just what you know, but who you become.     Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Are you clear on what really matters—or just busy?  This episode is your permission to hit pause, zoom out, and get focused and what really matters to you.  Because clarity doesn't magically appear—it's built.   One question, one insight at a time.  I'll take you behind the scenes of what's worked (and what hasn't) for clients and leaders who finally broke free from overwhelm and started making progress that actually felt meaningful.  You'll hear:  

Why do some people see opportunity while others only see disaster—even when facing the exact same situation?  The difference isn't luck or circumstance; it's something entirely within your control: your focus.  In this insightful episode, you'll learn:  How your perspective shapes reality, explained through the powerful metaphors and neuroscience.  How "if only" thinking is sabotaging your potential, and what neuroscientist Andrew Huberman identifies as the most dangerous thought pattern holding you back.  A simple, transformative question that will help you to see more opportunity in the challenge you face now, eliminating anxiety and worry.  Ready to unlock a world of possibilities you've been overlooking?  Listen now to discover how changing your focus can transform your entire experience of life in a moment.  Press play and start seeing a different world all around you.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  "Research shows that exercise can be 1.5 more effective than therapy and medications combined for treating depression"    Your body and mind share an incredible connection—but how well are you actually using it every day?  Science now proves we have a built-in "remote control" for our nervous system, the capability of transforming our health, emotional balance, and decision-making.  But ... nobody ever taught us how to use it.  In this episode, you'll discover 3 tools for nervous system control:  A secret weapon against pain and powerful re-energizer—learn how a simple breathwork practice can shift your nervous system from chaos to calm, from drained to energized within moments.  An unconventional but powerful technique for better decisions—explore why talking to yourself in the second or third person (yes, seriously!) can revolutionize how you handle pressure in daily work-life.  Ready to unlock the ability to choose your physical and mental responses rather than react instinctively? Tune in to uncover the tools that give you immediate control over stress, decision-making, and overall wellness—without spending a dime.  Hit play, and take control of your mind-body connection today.  Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Navy SEALs—the world's most elite warriors—write and recite daily affirmations. A special kind of affirmations.  Why would they "waste" their time?  When these special operators face life-or-death situations, they need their best behaviors to activate automatically. Their solution? Programming their identity through powerful statements.  What are those statements? Tune in to find out!  University of Pennsylvania research reveals that repeating self-affirmations of this nature that Navy SEALs do physically rewires brain regions associated with identity, creating neural pathways that automatically generate desired behaviors.  This explains why willpower alone often fails us—we're fighting against our deeply held identity rather than changing it at the source.  What area of your life consistently frustrates you?  The solution might not be more information or motivation, but an identity upgrade. Try this Navy SEAL- approved technique will help you shift your automatic behaviors to begin shifting toward your goals without constant struggle.  Change happens in days, not years, when you rewire your identity. What will you program yourself to become?    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

What if the way you look at the world could change how you think?  Every week, I climb a mountain in Cape Town. At the top, everything shifts. The city looks smaller. My problems feel lighter. The higher I go, the bigger my perspective becomes. But here's the thing—you don't need a mountain to experience this shift.  Navy SEAL commander Rich Diviney, in his new book "Masters of Uncertainty" talks about how simply changing your gaze can rewire your brain. When you focus on a single object, your mind narrows in, locking onto details. But when you soften your gaze—seeing everything without focusing on anything—you activate a different part of your brain. Suddenly, you connect more dots, see patterns, and think beyond immediate obstacles.  This practice isn't just about problem-solving; it's about freedom. For me, true success isn't money or titles—it's living without compromise, expressing myself fully. Every decision I make comes down to one question: Does this expand or limit who I am?  Next time you feel stuck, pause. Shift your gaze. Step back. Look at the bigger picture. A new perspective might be all you need to keep going with a lighter heart.  Try it today. Then share this episode with someone who needs to see things differently.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  What if you could transform paralyzing uncertainty into decisive action?In this eye-opening exploration of mental focus, you'll learn how Navy SEALs navigate chaos and make critical decisions when stakes are highest.    Enter the DPO method (Duration-Pathway-Outcome), a neuroscience-backed approach that elite military operators use to create certainty in the most uncertain environments. By deliberately shifting your temporal horizon, you generate the confidence and motivation to move forward rather than freeze.  This uniquely human ability to shift focus across time—zooming in on immediate details, then zooming out to connect actions to larger goals—is what separates those who thrive from those merely surviving in today's accelerating change.  As unpredictability becomes our new normal, mastering this mental skill may be the most critical factor in your future success.  Ready to transform how you navigate uncertainty?  Try this Navy SEAL technique today and watch how this creates momentum toward your larger objectives.  Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  What separates those who achieve their goals from those who don't?  It's not luck or resources—it's mindset.  Let's dive deep into the psychology of achievement, revealing how to overcome many obstacles needed for your personal and business growth with great mental health feeling like a hero and having fun.  The hard truth?  You're not yet good enough for the dream you're pursuing—and that's exactly as it should be. Just as muscles don't develop by lifting lighter weights, your capacity for achievement doesn't expand by avoiding challenges. Every obstacle serves as the training ground where you develop the skills, resilience, and wisdom required for your next level.  Let's together unpack powerful mindset frames used by successful entrepreneurs and top achievers in different fields. These are universal ways of thinking of people who despite hard stuff win BIG.  The learning frame, the infinite game frame, the gains rather than gaps frame; the hero's journey frame, the evolution frame, the gratitude frame.  Most fascinating is how these psychological shifts actually change your biology—stress either strengthens or weakens your body depending entirely on your perception of challenges.  When you change your expectations into appreciation, the path to achievement—though still difficult—becomes infinitely more rewarding.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  Are you feeling unmotivated or stuck in a rut? Or not feeling all that energized lately? Deflated? Hard to get through the day? Batteries running on low?   Discover how the powerful concepts of behavioral activation and the simple act of soaking up sunlight can help you reclaim your energy and motivation in toda's episode!  Join me as we delve deep into the relationship between action and emotion.  We'll discuss the science behind behavioral activation and how small daily habits can significantly uplift your mood and energize your day.  We'll also uncover the vital link between sunlight and energy production in your body and especially your brain.  The role of sunlight goes beyond mere enjoyment; it's crucial for the health of our energy-producing cells—our mitochondria—which, in turn, fuels our motivation and productivity. Tune in to learn how to get this one habit right for productive days and more workouts.  This episode is packed with practical tips to integrate behavioral activation and sunlight into your life, enabling you to elevate your daily experience and get closer to living a fulfilling life you love.  Tune in, and start taking actionable steps today towards a vibrant, energized future!    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:"The only way to make tomorrow a masterpiece is to master today." How do you master today?How do make yourself do things that are hard, uncertain, uncomfortable every day? When there's NO pay-off promised or guaranteed?    On today's podcast episode, you will also gain insights and understanding of what drives your motivations, and how leveraging them can open doors to greater achievements.  Today you'll learn how to make optimization easy and meaningful VS doing it for the sake of doing it, feeling like it's never enough.  Learn to align your resources—time, energy, focus—toward fulfilling your dreams in a very simple way, very simple DAILY ritual.    By the end, I'll invite you to reflect on your own goals.  What are you pursuing?  What measures are you taking today to ensure that your tomorrow resembles your ambitions?  Join this conversation, and let's commit to a journey of daily self-mastery, leadership and achievement together.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

Tune in to learn:  In this episode, I'll share how platforms like ChatGPT can act as your personalized mentor, guiding you through the complexities of personal growth and business strategy. From mastering your emotional landscape to leveraging AI for actionable insights, we delve into real-life applications that showcase AI's role in refining your journey toward success.  I'll share how I use ChatGpt in my business every day to grow my change management consulting in B2B. And it's not what you think, it's not about automation or using some apps for lead generation - it goes a lot deeper.    ChatGPT plans out my daily work schedule based on my goals, follows up on my progress, adjusts my offers, tells me who to reach out, tells me what to do when things aren't working...  It gets even better and wilder.  I promise this episode will make you think differently about ChatGPT and your growth journey.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:Are you ready to unlock your inner superhero?  Join me on an insightful journey where we explore the powerful connection between mindset and physical fitness, highlighting how you can harness the strengths within you to overcome self-doubt and foster genuine empowerment, strong, unbeatbale self-belief.    As we discuss the strong correlation between regular exercise and an empowered mindset, you'll learn actionable strategies to boost your mood and self-confidence, delving into how physical challenges can help dissolve feelings of inadequacy.    Additionally, we'll introduce the methodology to help you combat and transform your negative self-talk into strong self-belief.  Kill imposter syndrome - revive your superhero!    By the close of the episode, you will not only gain insights to uplift your own life but also inspire those around you.   Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  Ever felt swamped by to-dos while trying to reach your long-term goals? Also wanting to get fitter, meditate, learn and sleep more? ALL at the same time?Using the insightful "rocks, pebbles, and sand" theory, together we'll discover practical strategies to help you focus on what truly matters, ensuring your time and energy are spent wisely on significant actions that propel your life forward WITHOUT overwhelm and burnout.  You can have it all. But you got to work on it in the right order...    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  The episode will help you learn to embrace change and uncertainty and to act and make decisions effectively in this new normal of accelerating change where old rules don't apply. You'll also learn how to not stress about it which will give you a lot more energy to tackle challenges and prevent burnout.  This is a core mindset toolkit to be a leader in your life and navigate life's and career transitions with ease, joy and more success.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  If you aren't consistent with hard stuff - some part of your brain doesn't believe it's worth it

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  Have you ever felt like feedback was more of a personal attack than constructive criticism? And you literally felt like it physically hurt and you could barely get back to work, back to your day after? With your confidence levels down to the floor or below ground level?  Join me, Angela Shurina, as I share a client's story when total loss of confidence from harsh feedback sparked a journey toward resilience, growth and optimism, AND higher motivation to get back to it, learn and get better.  We'll explore strategies to rewire negative thought patterns that come from painful criticism, into constructive, optimistic and uplifting ones.   Even the harshest feedback can be transformative when you frame it the right way.  Tune in to get your vibes up, grow through challenges and smile into negative feedback, growing your confidence in your ability to improve and build your biggest vision for life and work.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  Can you truly wake up inspired every day and maintain the energy to chase your dreams?  Join me, Angela Shurina, as your Brain's Coach to uncover the secrets of emotional high and easy energy shifting.  This episode is your guide to understanding the powerful link between your emotions and spaces, and how mastering this connection can boost your performance by up to 60%, but most importantly boost your vibe, like you get to finally enjoy it more.  With insights from Tony Robbins and cutting-edge research on emotional management, you'll discover practical tools to maintain the energy you need to keep moving toward your aspirations.    Discover how your surroundings can significantly impact your emotions and actions, offering a fresh perspective on how to design environments that nurture positivity and productivity. From creating spaces that fuel your inspiration to implementing strategies that shift your emotional state, this episode is packed with actionable advice to transform your emotional landscape and, ultimately, your life.  Tune in and learn how to harness your environment and emotions to propel you toward the life you envision.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:In this episode we'll talk about mastering our emotions so we get to create the future we want, our better future, instead of a future with a lot of regret, "I should have..."We'll explore tools from Ethan Kross's book "Shift: Managing Your Emotions--So They Don't Manage You." Tools that I use every day to turn daily fatigue into fired-up motivation to keep going, keep honing my craft, keep working on the future that I absolutely love living.You can't control what emotions happen to you, but you can control where they lead you, a better or more regretful future.We'll be:• Discussing insights from "Shift" by Ethan Kross • Emphasizing the difference between emotional experience and emotional management • Overview of daily practices for emotional regulation • The concept of hard work leading to personal excellence • Benefits of reflecting on past and future emotions • The importance of self-distancing for clearer decision-making ...Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  This episode focuses on the powerful concept of urgency and its critical importance in driving change in both personal and business contexts.  As one great book says,  If it's not urgent, it doesn't get done.  We explore the barriers to change, and strategies for "training" urgency to overcome them.    • Understanding the high failure rate of change initiatives due to lack of urgency  • The distinction between coaching's focus on measurable results versus therapy's emphasis on understanding  • Comfort zones and the resistance to change and the most important question to get you unstuck  • Quantifying the cost of waiting to create a sense of urgency  • The necessity of genuine time-sensitive opportunities to motivate action  • The impact of personal stakes and accountability in goal achievement   • The value of quick wins to maintain momentum in progress   ...    Please do share this podcast with one another to keep each other accountable on the goals you say are important.  Create this sense of urgency for yourself and the people around you. If you're okay with never having what you say you want, then that's fine with me.  But is it fine with you?  Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  How to build resilience through daily practices so you can endure more setbacks to turn accelerating change into your successes!  Join me, Angela Shurina, your Executive Leadership Coach, as we uncover  and learn how the foundation of strong relationships can be the key to personal and organizational triumph, creating a safety net of support, how certain type of communication practices is fundamental to building our collective ability to endure challenging times.  I'll guide you through a unique framework that blends psychology, biology, and communication to foster resilience.  With practical, research-backed strategies, we'll build a robust foundation to help you and your organization not only survive but thrive amid life's hurdles.  Join me as we learn to embrace change and build a growth mindset that propels us forward.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

This episode explores the common experience of feeling unfulfilled despite outward achievements and the crucial role of personal growth in finding satisfaction.  Tune in to figure out:  - why you feel like something's missing;  - how to fill "the cup" and start filling like your life has meaning and direction;  - a simple action plan to start right away to bring more satisfaction into your daily life.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  Today, I'm gonna challenge you to confront and transform the limiting narratives that hold you back.    Join me on this journey to discover the empowering concept that changing your story can change your life.  We dive into the excuses and disempowering tales that often dictate our actions and shapes our lives.  We found the enemy - and it's us.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  Wanna know the secret to sustained motivation?     95% of people have no idea!  No wonder you hear things like - motivation doesn't last. Most don't know how it works!    Join us as we uncover the power of progress milestones, featuring a fascinating story from a client about a Norwegian motivational speaker who used this secret to conquer the icy trek to the North Pole.    Discover how you can harness this approach to keep the momentum alive, turning overwhelming ambitions into achievable victories.    We delve into how humans are wired to feel a surge and fall of motivation at very specific times, and why marking making many small victories is crucial to maintaining the drive to achieve.     Tune in and learn how to transform not only your own goals but also become a beacon of inspiration for those around you!    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:    In a world that demands our best, even top performers can level up with 1% habits - it's something like brushing your teeth, very small, but over time gives big returns on this tiny investment.    These are my top 2 which change everything - business, health, fitness and happiness.    Best part?  They are as easy as brushing your teeth.      Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

This episode focuses on the 3 critical mistakes we make in business and personal growth.    By learning to ship our work, concentrating on the #1 problem like Elon Musk, and adapting our strategies instead of blaming ourselves, we open doors to unmatched success.    • Learning to ship your work instead of perfecting it indefinitely;  • Emphasizing the significance of receiving feedback for improvement;  • The importance of solving one problem at a time, inspired by Elon Musk's approach;  • Adjusting your methodology to fit your unique circumstances instead of placing blame;  • Encouragement to embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth - lot os them!  ... let's make 2025 the year when everything changed!    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  Unlock the discipline secrets of high achievers like David Goggins and Elon Musk as we explore the powerful concept of internalizing motivation for success.    What if the key to achieving your most ambitious goals lies in embracing both the desire and the hard work required to get there?  And how do you do that?    Join us as we unpack the internal conflict known as interjected motivation, where part of you wants to succeed, but another part resists the effort.     This episode challenges you to reflect deeply on your true aspirations and whether your goals come from personal desire or societal expectations.  Want to achieve, do hard things and be happy?    This episode gives you the first required step to get you started.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!

TUNE IN TO LEARN:   Discover how THIS FEELING can serve as a compass 

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  This podcast episode focuses on the power of a 100-day challenge designed to reshape habits and behaviors AND change your life.    You'll learn a five-step blueprint for effective habit-building to stick with long challenges that lead to permanent results and change, emphasizing commitment, clarity, visibility, reward, and intrinsic motivation.   We'll be:  • Discussing the importance of challenges in testing limits  • Describing the commitment to business-generating activities  • Explaining the metaphor of laying neural "tracks" for new habits  • Presenting a five-step blueprint for habit building  • Highlighting the role of visibility in committing to habits  • Emphasizing the significance of rewarding progress  • Encouraging a focus on intrinsic motivation and clarity of purpose  • Advising on how to handle setbacks during the challenge  ... and more!    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE HEALTH AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Change in days - not in years!