Keith McArthur's Blog, page 12

Happy. Merry. Happy.

It’s the last night of Hanukkah, six sleeps til Christmas and less than two weeks until 2018.

So I wanted to take a moment to wish you happy holidays and thank you for being part of the My Instruction Manual community!

I’m looking forward to some rest and family time over the next couple of weeks.

But I’ve also got some big things planned for the My Instruction Manual podcast!

On Christmas Day, my son Connor is taking over and he’s going to turn the tables on me, and ask me the five questions I ask my featured guests each week. So if you want to hear about the daily habits I try to maintain to be happy and healthy — as well as my one guilty pleasure — make sure you listen in.

I’m also going to ask these questions of our regular contributors Kathleen Trotter, Michelle Jaelin and Joelle Anderson so you’ll be able to get to know them better.

And then on New Year’s Day, I’m putting out the biggest podcast episode yet.

Over the first 10 episodes, we’ve heard from so many inspiring authors and podcasters including Jenny Blake, Dr. Greg Wells, Morra Aarons-Mele and Luminita D. Saviuc.

On New Year’s Day, I’m bringing all of them back and everyone is going share the story of how they learned the most important lesson of their lives.

It is absolutely an episode that you don’t want to miss.

Then on January 8, we’re returning to our regularly scheduled format. I’ve got some amazing guests lined up for the new year, including Kristen Ulmer, who was known in the nineties as the best female extreme skier in the world. I’ll talk to her about her new book The Art of Fear.

And I’ll speak to Andrea Owen, host of the Your Kickass Life Podcast. Her new book — How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t —  is coming out on Jan. 2. I got an early copy and I highly recommend the book. It does a great job of outlining the 14 most common impediments to our success and happiness.

Oh… and by the way… if you’re looking for a last-minute gift for me, there’s one thing I would truly appreciate. And that’s for you to subscribe, rate and review the My Instruction Manual podcast.

Happy Hanukkah!

Merry Christmas!

Happy New Year!

Keith

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Martin Gibala: The One-Minute Workout

Martin Gibala, author of The One-Minute Workout, reveals how to make high intensity interval training an efficient and effective component of your fitness routine. And host Keith McArthur speaks with fitness contributor Kathleen Trotter about setting up an inexpensive home gym.

Thanks for listening. Please subscribe!

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Episode 10 Show Notes
[00:00] Welcome and Intro
[1:02] Featured interview with Martin Gibala

Martin is author of The One Minute Workout: Science Shows a Way to Get Fit That’s Smarter Faster Shorter. Martin is a professor of Kinesiology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada and perhaps the leading expert in High Intensity Interval Training.

In this conversation, Keith and Martin discuss:

What is the one-minute workout?  [1:51]
Keith shares his own attempt at a one-minute workout [2:52]
High Intensity Interval Training creates a calorie-burning afterburn [4:01]
Exercise is good for you in so many ways but reducing calorie intake is much more effective for losing weight [5:29]
What led Martin to become one of the world’s leading experts in this area of study  [6:13]
The research Martin’s team does to prove the efficacy of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)? [7:57]
Why is HIIT so effective? [9:32]
Interval workouts even works for walking [13:14]
Martin explains the “ten-by-one” workout [14:45]
Martin responds to skeptics & criticisms around the risks and practicality of HIIT [16:24]
The idea of “exercise snacking”  [21:00]
Interval training for kids and teens [23:45]
Burpees as an ideal exercise – scroll down in shownotes for YouTube video on how to do a burpee [23:05]
The “holy grail” of weight loss: losing fat while gaining or maintaining lean muscle [26:31]

[28:18] Martin Gibala’s Instruction Manual

1. What are the habits you maintain every day to stay happy and healthy? [26:35]

Exercise almost every day

 2. What personal development book do you recommend? [29:03]

Blue Zones of Happiness by  Dan Buettner

“They have commonalities that lead to longer happier lives so I just thought that book was excellent.”


HBR’s 10 Must Reads of 2018: The definitive Management Ideas of the Year from Harvard Business Review by Clayton M. Christensen

“These are just short chapters that are quite inspirational and give some very good tips that you can adopt on your own.”

3. Personal mantra [30:01] 

“Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” — Allen Saunders

4. What’s your one guilty pleasure? [35:54]

Plain potato chips

5. When your time comes, how do you want to be remembered? [31:03]

“First and foremost for me is that I was a good husband and father.”

[31:41] Where to find Martin

Twitter: @gibalam

[32:32] Keith talks about special episodes for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
[34:53] Fitness contributor Kathleen Trotter on setting up an inexpensive home gym

Kathleen Trotter is author of Finding Your Fit: A Compassionate Trainer’s Guide to Making Fitness a Lifelong Habit

In this conversation, Keith and Kathleen discuss:

A home gym as an alternative to a gym membership[35:08]
Options for home gym equipment at multiple price points. Kathleen mentions Powerblocks. [36:32]
Kettlebells? [38:46]
Where to find Kathleen [39:45]

KatheenTrotter.com
Instagram: KathleenTrotterFitness
Twitter: KTrotterFitness
Facebook: KathleenTrotter



[42:01] Closing words
Feedback & Connect

Subscribe to My Instruction Manual on Apple Podcasts or on Android
Email: keith@myinstructionmanual.com
Keith on Twitter: @KeithMcArthur
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The post Martin Gibala: The One-Minute Workout appeared first on My Instruction Manual.

I’m Grateful for 2017

I wasn’t a big fan of 2016. But I’m grateful for 2017.

2016 was the year I learned my kidneys would soon fail and I began to feel sick and tired and scared. My son Bryson’s seizures seemed to be getting worse. And the year seemed to be full of hate and death, including the demise of the only princess I ever cared about.

[image error]Yep, that princess.

But honestly, 2017 was SO MUCH BETTER for me.

The main reason was that my little sister donated a kidney to me, giving me a second chance at life. I’ll never be able to thank her enough for what she did.

Each month, I pause to remember the gift and reflect on the things I’m grateful for in my life. For those keeping score — and you know I am — I’m now eight months post-transplant and feel one thousand times better than I did a year ago.

(Side note: I’m grateful that I finally figured out an easier way to do an emdash (long dash) in WordPress. It’s three hypens in a row. They don’t convert until you preview the page or publish,)

I’m grateful for 2017 because Bryson got on some new anti-seizure meds that seem to be helping. His seizures are still far to frequent, far too long and far too violent, but they’re better than last year and that gives me hope.

I’m grateful for 2017 because my son Connor began high school and seems to be doing well. Tonight I get to see him in the high school musical production of The Adams Family.

I’m grateful for 2017 because every minute Laura is my wife is a blessing, and this year I had I five-hundred-twenty-five-thousand-six-hundred of them. (Thanks Rent!)

I’m grateful for 2017 because the people that I care about mostly stayed healthy and my mom made it through her knee surgery.

I’m grateful for 2017 because the forces of goodness are rising up against the forces of hate as witnessed through important events like the #MeToo movement and the result of the special election in Alabama.

And I’m grateful because I get to see my princess’s last stand this weekend in The Last Jedi.

I know there was a lot of bad stuff in 2017 — the death of my cousin Alex and my aunt Melanie as well as the horrifying events in Charlottesville come to mind.

But while last year I literally held up my middle finger and cursed at 2016 as I counted down on New Year’s Eve, this year I will be able to say thanks for the blessings.

What about you? How was your 2017?

The post I’m Grateful for 2017 appeared first on My Instruction Manual.

Morra Aarons-Mele: A Roadmap for Introverts

Morra Aarons-Mele, author of Hiding In The Bathroom, shares tips for ambitious introverts. And host Keith McArthur speaks with mindfulness contributor Joelle Anderson about the importance of paying attention to physical sensations when we meditate.

Thanks for listening. Please subscribe!

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Episode 9 Show Notes
[00:00] Welcome and Intro
[0:58] Featured interview with Morra Aarons-Mele

Morra is author of Hiding in the Bathroom: An Introvert’s Roadmap to Getting Out There (When You’d Rather Stay Home). She lives in Boston and runs Women Online, a social media communications firm. She’s also the host of the Hiding in the Bathroom podcast.

In this conversation, Keith and Morra discuss:

The last time Morra hid in the bathroom [2:04]
When inner peace is interrupted by: “Wait, aren’t I supposed to be worried about something?” [3:31]
Morra’s life-long battle with anxiety [4:44]
In her twenties Morra was very ambitious and successful but unhappy [6:17]
“There is nothing about introversion that says I am not going to be the most powerful person in the room [8:25]
Morra says her privilege allows her to be open about her anxiety and introversion  [10:18]
Having the best of both worlds comes at a cost [12:37]
Writing & marketing the book. “I knew I was a true hermit when I enjoyed writing the book.” [16:08]
Why Morra says anxiety is a gift [19:41]
How to manage anxiety [21:41]
The importance and difficulty of self-love [24:23]
Trying a “hermit pilot” [25:23]
Managing for being in the office vs. managing for outcomes [29:23]
Why women graduating today aren’t as happy as those who graduated in the seventies [32:01]

[34:18] Morra Aarons-Mele’s Instruction Manual

1. What are the habits you maintain every day to stay happy and healthy? [34:35]

 Take care of body
Not eat too much sugar
Try to have hour to self every day

 2. What personal development book do you recommend? [35:00]

Achieving Success Through Social Capital by Wayne Baker

It should be the bible of every introvert / hermit who wants to be successful

3. Personal mantra [36:53] 

“The perfect is the enemy of the good.”

4. What’s your one guilty pleasure? [37:45]

Watching Netflix for an hour in the middle of the day

5. When your time comes, how do you want to be remembered? [38:18]

To be remembered as a good mom

[39:13] Where to find Morra

Hidinginthebathroom.com
Twitter:  @morraam

[40:04] Mindfulness contributor Joelle Anderson on why we need to pay attention to our bodies when we mediate

Joelle Anderson is a therapist specializing in mindfulness meditation and creator and host of the Kernel of Wisdom YouTube channel.

Why is it important to pay attention to the body? [40:33]
Keith shares that he feels a pit in his stomach that he recognizes as fear [41:02]
The average emotion only lasts for 2-3 minutes if we let them go [42:04]
Where to find Joelle[43:39]



Kernelofwisdom.com
YouTube.com/KernelofWisdom1





[44:02] Closing words
Feedback & Connect

Subscribe to My Instruction Manual on Apple Podcasts or on Android
Email: keith@myinstructionmanual.com
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The 10 Best Self-Improvement Books of 2017

Do you want to be a better you in 2018? Get inspired with the 10 best self-improvement books of 2017.

I’ve included five books that I’ve read and five more that I’ve heard great things about and can’t wait to read. In some cases, I’ve even had the privilege of interviewing some of these amazing authors on the My Instruction Manual podcast.

Agree / disagree with the list? Scroll down and let me know in the comments.

Best Self-Improvement Books of 2017: Five books I’ve read

Unplug by Suze Yalof Schwartz

[image error]

Schwartz used to be an always-on, often-angry fashion consultant. Then she discovered mindfulness meditation. She’s opened a drop-in meditation center in Los Angeles to make the practice more accessible. Written with a similar goal, the book is a fantastic primer for anyone wanting to learn the basics of meditation without all the spiritual mumbo jumbo.[image error] (Amazon: Unplug: A Simple Guide to Meditation for Busy Skeptics and Modern Soul Seekers)

We Need to Talk by Celeste Headlee

Most self-help books about talking include tips for people who are introverted or socially awkward. This book is geared more to those who don’t know they have a problem. Put it under the tree from ‘Santa’ for that person who talks much but listens poorly. (Amazon: We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter)

Celeste was my guest on a recent episode of the My Instruction Manual podcast. Listen here:

The One Minute Workout by Martin Gibala

[image error] [image error]

Martin is perhaps the world’s leading expert in High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). The one-minute work out is a bit of an exaggeration. It’s actually three 20-second all-out sprints inserted into a low-intensity workout. It sounds easy, but I tried it and it nearly killed me. I recently had a chat with Martin and will be playing my interview with him on an upcoming episode of the My Instruction Manual Podcast. (Amazon: The One-Minute Workout: Science Shows a Way to Get Fit That’s Smarter, Faster, Shorter[image error])

Hiding in the Bedroom by Morra Aarons-Mele

It’s possible to thrive in business without being an always-on extrovert. Morra outlines how in this book. I loved my chatting with her recently for an upcoming episode of the My Instruction Manual podcast. (Amazon: Hiding in the Bathroom: An Introvert’s Roadmap to Getting Out There (When You’d Rather Stay Home))

The Ripple Effect by Greg Wells

This book is crammed with useful tips on how to improve your fitness, diet, sleep and mind. (Amazon: The Ripple Effect: Sleep Better, Eat Better, Move Better, Think Better}

Greg was my guest in a recent episode of the My Instruction Manual podcast. Check it out here:

Best Self-Improvement Books of 2017: Five Books I can’t wait to read

Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown

Brené is amazing. Enough said. (Amazon: Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone)

The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin

I’m a huge fan of Gretchen Rubin. Her book The Happiness Project inspired a lot of what I do on My Instruction Manual. This book provides a fascinating new paradigm for understanding an individual’s relationship to goals, and why they motivate people differently. (Amazon: The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (and Other People’s Lives Better, Too))

How to be a Bawse by Lilly Singh

I haven’t read this one yet, but YouTuber Lilly Singh is a powerful force for positivity and my son Connor loves the book. (Amazon: How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life)

Altered Traits by Daniel Goleman & Richard J. Davidson

We keep hearing that meditation is good for us. This book presents the science to back that up. (Amazon: Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body)

Tribe of Mentors by Timothy Ferris

Ferriss has re-defined the self-improvement industry with his “Four-Hour” series. He says this book might be his best yet. (Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World)

What else?

Have you read any of these? What did you think? What am I missing? What else should be on the list of the 10 best self-improvement books of 2017? What should I be adding to my own Christmas list? Please scroll down and let me know in the comments.

The post The 10 Best Self-Improvement Books of 2017 appeared first on My Instruction Manual.

Celeste Headlee: Conversations That Matter

Celeste Headlee, author of We Need to Talk, shares her tips on how we can all have conversations that matter. And Kathleen Trotter, our fitness contributor, critiques the fitness routine of host Keith McArthur.

Thanks for listening. Please subscribe!

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Episode 8 Show Notes
[00:00] Welcome and Intro
[1:01] Featured interview with Celeste Headlee

Celeste is author of We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter and radio host of On Second Thought at Georgia Public Broadcasting. Celeste’s TEDx Talk –10 ways to have a better conversation – was one of 2016’s most watched TED talks, with over 12-million views.

In this conversation, Keith and Celeste discuss:

What makes a good first question in an interview [1:54]
We Need to Talk is a conversation book for people who might not think they need it [3:36]
Most people overestimate their own conversation skills {4:16]
What’s wrong with the current state of conversation?  [6:10]
Why talking is usually better than email [7:40]
Celeste’s past as an imperfect conversationalist [8:20]
When you become a better conversationalist, the people around you get better too [10:08]
How putting your phone away and being present can make you a much better conversationalist [11:49]
Why you shouldn’t bring up your own personal experience when someone is talking about theirs [13:13]
How Celeste used her role as a professional interviewer to test out different rules of conversation [15:36]
Celeste still struggles with keeping her mind from wandering; she has ADHD [17:28]
A simple technique when your brain is really unable to focus on a conversation: Tell the other person the truth [18:58]
The importance of the worlds “I don’t know” [20:04]

Mentions The Knowledge Illusion by Steven Sloman and Philip Fernback


The less we know about a subject, the less we’re aware of our actual ignorance about the subject [21:33]

[23:07] Celeste Headlee’s Instruction Manual

1. What are the habits you maintain every day to stay happy and healthy? [23:28]

Exercise in the morning
Meditate for at least 20 minutes
Make bed every morning
Get in 5-6 servings of fruits and vegetables each day plus 80 ounces of water

2. What personal development book do you recommend? [24:12]

Yes Please by Amy Poehler
“She’s basically talking to you about how she created the life that she has now and a lot of it is about empowerment.”

3. Favorite inspirational quote? [25:21] 

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama

4. What’s your one guilty pleasure? [25:44]

Nachos

5. When your time comes, how do you want to be remembered? [26:00]

“I hope I’m just remembered for doing the best I could. To leave the world better than I found it.”

[26:35] Where to find Celeste

Twitter: @celesteheadlee
Facebook: /celeste.headlee
CelesteHeadlee.com includes a list of where to find the book

[27:23] A critique of Keith’s fitness routine with regular fitness contributor Kathleen Trotter

Kathleen Trotter is author of Finding Your Fit: A Compassionate Trainer’s Guide to Making Fitness a Lifelong Habit

Keith shares his current fitness routine [28:09]
Kathleen’s advice to Keith [29:21]
Let Kathleen give you feedback on your exercise routine and get a free copy of Finding Your Fit [35:10]
Where to find Kathleen [36:30]

KatheenTrotter.com
Instagram: KathleenTrotterFitness
Twitter: KTrotterFitness
Facebook: KathleenTrotter



[36:53] Closing words
Feedback & Connect

Subscribe to My Instruction Manual on Apple Podcasts or on Android
Email: keith@myinstructionmanual.com
Keith on Twitter: @KeithMcArthur
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Fabiana Bacchini: From Surviving to Thriving

Fabiana Bacchini, author of From Suriving to Thriving, shares how she found joy in her tumultuous through infertility, loss and miracles. And Michelle Jaelin, our regular nutrition contributor, tells us the truth about fat.

Thanks for listening. Please subscribe!

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Episode 7 Show Notes
[00:00] Welcome and Intro
[1:02] Featured interview with Fabiana Bacchini

Fabiana is author of From Surviving to Thriving: A Mother’s Journey Through Infertility, Loss and Miracles. Fabiana faced three major challenges on the road to becoming the mother she is today. First, infertility; second, the loss of a child in in utero; third, the birth of a severely premature son with cerebral palsy. Fabiana is the founder of HandFullHearts.

In this interview, Fabiana shares how was able to find joy in this tumultuous journey.

Fabiana’s infertility journey and birth of first son Thomas [2:57]
Fabiana’s second pregnancy with twins and death of Michael in utero [5:39]
Gabriel in the hospital for his first 146 days [11:52]
Fabiana’s decision between the path of darkness and the path of light [12:56}
The family learns Gabriel has cerebral palsy [15:04]
How living in the present moment helped Fabiana get through her challenges [18:01]
The importance of meditation and self-care [19:05]
Origins of Fabiana’s spiritual / personal development journey [19:39]

[23:50] Fabiana Bacchini’s Instruction Manual

1. What are the habits you maintain every day to stay happy and healthy? [24:12]

Takes a moment of gratitude every day
Green juice every morning
Self-care

2. What personal development book do you recommend? [25:03]

Option B by Sheryl Sandberg

“She lost her husband a few years ago and she shares her journey and a lot of lessons she learned on that journey.”


The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

” There is something very, truly magical about it.”

3. Favorite inspirational quote? [27:30] 

“ Who is in your room? ” – Stewart Emery

For more on this concept, check out this video:

4. What’s your one guilty pleasure? [29:40]

Shoes

“I just feel if I’m going to do a lecture or do a presentation, I have to have a beautiful pair of shoes that make me stand tall and powerful in my own self.”

5. When your time comes, how do you want to be remembered? [30:10]

“By my children, I want to be remembered a mom who always tried and did the best that I could with the resources I had at the time.”
“By the community, as someone who tried to create a ripple effect of kindness.”

[31:34] Where to find Fabiana

HandFullHearts.com

[33:02] The truth about fat with regular nutrition contributor Michelle Jaelin

Michelle Jaelin is both a trained artist and a Registered Dietitian who is known as The NutritionArtist. She appears regularly as in newspapers, magazines and on television as an expert in healthy eating.

Why we need fat in our diets [33:30]
What are healthy fats? [34:12]
Avoid trans-fats [35:18]
Red, yellow and green fats [36:27]
Saturated fats may not be as bad for us as we used to believe [36:53]
Where to find Michelle:

Twitter: @nutritionartist 
Instagram: /nutritionartist
Facebook: /nutritionartistRD



[39:09] Closing words
Feedback & Connect

Subscribe to My Instruction Manual on Apple Podcasts or on Android
Email: keith@myinstructionmanual.com
Keith on Twitter: @KeithMcArthur
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The post Fabiana Bacchini: From Surviving to Thriving appeared first on My Instruction Manual.

Dr. Greg Wells: Sleep, Eat, Move and Think Better

Dr. Greg Wells talks about the connection between sleep, nutrition, exercise and the human mind in this week’s episode of the My Instruction Manual podcast.

Thanks for listening. Please subscribe!

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Episode 6 Show Notes
[00:00] Welcome and intro
[00:50] Featured Interview with Dr. Greg Wells

Greg Wells is author of The Ripple Effect: Sleep Better, Eat Better, Move Better, Think Better and Superbodies: Peak Performance Secrets from the World’s Best Athletes. Greg is a physiologist who does research at the University of Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children. He is also the host of The Be Better Podcast.

How Greg’s trip to the cardiac ward changed his life [2:24}
What is the ripple effect? [4:44]
1% gains [9:28]
Sleep – why it’s important and how to do it better [14:46]
Eating well as a tool for success [18:29]
Why we can’t trust food guides [22:45]
Nutrient-dense vs. energy-dense foods [25:45]
Why it’s better to exercise outside than at the gym [26:48]
Muscular meditation [27:35]
Eustress vs. distress [31:20]

Websites and books mentioned:

Harvard Medical School Healthy Eating Plate & Healthy Eating Pyramid
Precision Nutrition
Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
Blue Mind by Wallace J Nichols
Peak Performance by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness

[33:30] Greg wells’ INSTRUCTION MANUAL

1. What are the habits you maintain every day to stay happy and healthy?

Exercise every single day for at least 30 minutes

2. What personal development book do you recommend?

The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman

“that’s one that I’ve gone through pretty repeatedly throughout my life”


The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin S. Sharma

“another general mindset book that’s made a big difference in my adult life.”

3. Do you have a personal mantra?

Anything is possible

4. What’s your one guilty pleasure?

A really good espresso in the morning

5. When your time comes, how do you want to be remembered?

“What I would love to have happen is to go out being content with the impact that I have had in the world, the way that I’ve lived my life, but more importantly surrounded by my wife and children and family and friends and for them not to be sad.”
References Gord Downie, the lead singer of The Tragically Hip

[40:19] Where to find Greg

DrGregWells.com
The Ripple Effect
Superbodies
Twitter: @drgregwells

[41:02] Closing words
Feedback & Connect

Subscribe to My Instruction Manual on Apple Podcasts or on Android
Email: keith@myinstructionmanual.com
Keith on Twitter: @KeithMcArthur
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The post Dr. Greg Wells: Sleep, Eat, Move and Think Better appeared first on My Instruction Manual.

Today I’m Grateful

Today I’m grateful.

Today I’m grateful that seven months ago I got a second chance at life when my sister Stephanie donated one of her kidneys to me.

I’m grateful that I don’t need to be perfect. It’s okay that I’m writing my monthly gratitude post four days after my seven-month kidneyversary. (I aim for the 11th of each month.)

I’m grateful that even though my to-do list is long, there are few things I really need to do today. One is to take care of myself by exercising, eating well and meditating. The other is to be good to my family.

I’m grateful that I discovered mindfulness meditation and that it is helping me to live in the moment.

I’m grateful that we’re getting a new puppy next week, even though I was the one resisting for months when my wife and kids really wanted one.

Check him out!

[image error]Quincy the Goodlendoodle puppy.

I’m grateful that even though the world seems crazy and violent and mean, most people are more good than bad.

I’m grateful that I was able to follow through on getting my new podcast off the ground. (Check out the preview episode here.)

I’m grateful that my podcast gives me an excuse to speak with amazing and inspiring people such as Jenny Blake, Luminita D. Saviuc and Kurek Ashley.

I’m grateful that on Monday, I got over 1,000 unique visitors on this website for the first time.

I’m grateful that I’m finished a project that was creating unnecessary stress.

I’m grateful for my strong, inspiring wife Laura, my brilliant, generous son Connor and my exuberant, delightful son Bryson.

I’m grateful for food and that curses sometimes become blessings.

I’m grateful for my sister Stephanie who saved my life.

And today I’m grateful for sharks.

The post Today I’m Grateful appeared first on My Instruction Manual.

Jolenta Greenberg: Living Life By The Book

Jolenta Greenberg talks about what it’s like to live her life one self-help book at a time. I also share some early feedback from a listener and chat with Kathleen Trotter about how to get started with a fitness routine.

Thanks for listening. Please subscribe!

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Episode 4 Show Notes
[00:00] Welcome and Intro
[00:54] Featured interview with Jolenta Greenberg

Jolenta is host of the By The Book podcast. Every two weeks Jolenta and her co-host Kristen Meinzer pick one self-help book, read it, and follow its instructions precisely. She’s also a stand-up comedian and storyteller based in New York City. Jolenta is author of Modern Harpies – a book she wrote while she was living for two weeks as an ebook author as part of the podcast.

Self help books are appealing because the promise magic
Is the Self-help book industry a racket?
Favorite and least favorite books lived on the podcast?
Why diet books should not be considered self help
What’s in store for season 2?
Books featured on season one of by the book and referenced in this podcast:

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up  by Marie Kondo (see Keith’s review)
French Women Don’t Get Fat  by Mireille Guiliano
Men Are From Mars Women Are From Venus  by John Gray
Past Lives, Future Healing  by Sylvia Browne
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne



[23:30] Jolenta Greenberg’s Instruction Manual

1. What are the habits you maintain every day to stay happy and healthy?

Drink a huge glass of water every day when you first get up
Tries to make time every day for physical activity
Spend time with an animal every day

2. What personal development book do you recommend?

A blank journal
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

3. Favorite inspirational quote?

“The smartest people always ask the best questions” – Jolenta’s dad

4. What’s your one guilty pleasure?

Reality TV

5. When your time comes, how do you want to be remembered?

“I want to be remembered for helping people feel not alone.”

[27:35] Where to find Jolenta

Podcast: By The Book
Podcast Twitter: @ByTheBookPod
Jolenta Twitter: @JolentaG
Jolenta’s website: JolentaGreenberg.com
Jolenta’s book: Modern Harpies: Why loving The Real Housewives means you’re cultured AF

[28:45] I share some early listener feedback
[30:40] Chat with regular fitness contributor  Kathleen Trotter

Kathleen Trotter is author of Finding Your Fit: A Compassionate Trainer’s Guide to Making Fitness a Lifelong Habit

Fitness goals vs. fitness wishes
Your fitness routine needs to be consistent and convenient
Don’t aim for perfection when working out; a little is better than nothing
Where to find Kathleen [35:18]

KatheenTrotter.com
Instagram: KathleenTrotterFitness
Twitter: KTrotterFitness
Facebook: KathleenTrotter



[37:15] Closing words
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The post Jolenta Greenberg: Living Life By The Book appeared first on My Instruction Manual.