Ever feel certain you’re right… until the facts don’t move the needle? We unpack the hidden architecture of your mind—the cognitive biases that color every argument, purchase, scroll, and self-judgment—and show how small shifts in awareness can change everything. Rather than treating your brain like a camera or computer, we reframe it as a painter, filling in gaps with familiar colors: confirmation bias and my-side bias select the evidence that flatters us, while desirability bias makes wishful thinking feel like truth.

We dive into confident humility by naming the traps that inflate or deflate our self-perception. The spotlight effect fuels insecurity by convincing us everyone notices our flaws. The objectivity illusion whispers that we’re less biased than “those people.” And the Dunning–Kruger effect explains why knowing a little can make us dangerously sure, while deeper expertise restores healthy doubt. You’ll learn how to stress-test your certainty, invite disconfirming evidence, and keep curiosity alive without surrendering conviction.

Fear-based biases also skew our map of reality. Negativity bias makes bad news sticky; declinism and conservatism bias keep us nostalgic for a past that never fully existed. Then there’s the anchoring bias, where first numbers and first impressions frame value and character, and pessimism aversion—the ostrich move—where we avoid hard truths about money, health, or the planet. We translate these concepts into action with a one-week game: label biases as they arise, question anchors before deciding, and turn overwhelming headlines into concrete, right-sized steps.

By the end, you’ll have a practical toolkit to spot distortions, lower the temperature of debates, and make cleaner choices under uncertainty. Share this with a friend who loves mindset upgrades, and if it helped you think clearer, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: which bias did you catch first?

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https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

Tired of trying to brute-force discipline only to burn out when motivation dips? We flip the script by treating discipline as the effect and resolve as the cause—then show you how to build resolve on command by fueling it with a clear, emotionally charged why. Instead of pushing the car up the hill, we build the engine and pour in the right fuel, so action becomes the natural outcome.

We start by dismantling common myths: motivation is a spark, not a steady fuel; discipline is the consistent action but not the driver. The driver is resolve, the felt decision that ends the internal debate before it begins. From there, we connect the dots with Angela Duckworth’s research on grit—passion (your ultimate concern) plus perseverance (your tenacity). When your why is specific and personal, resolve becomes firm, and discipline follows with less friction. You’ll hear a vivid contrast between a weak why like “look good on vacation” and a powerful why rooted in being a healthy, present parent, and why the latter wins on cold, rainy mornings.

We get practical with a three-step method to make action stick. First, excavate your why using the five whys to drill from surface goals to core values. Second, turn that why into identity, shifting from “I want to run a marathon” to “I am a runner,” so behavior aligns without bargaining. Third, make a real decision—cut off other options and end the loopholes. Along the way, we map how repetition creates an upward spiral: as your discipline muscle grows, you need less resolve to move it, making consistency feel calm and almost automatic.

If you’re ready to replace willpower theatrics with a dependable engine, this conversation gives you the tools. Subscribe, share with someone who needs it, and leave a review with the one why that drives you most—what identity are you ready to claim?

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

A week of grief, noisy construction, and tech issues forces a candid look at how to keep promises when nothing goes to plan. We share three core tools—pivot, resolve, and resilience—and why showing up matters more than perfect conditions.

• mini format focused on setbacks and adaptation
• personal loss and limited time creating pressure
• construction noise and equipment failure blocking the usual setup
• choosing to pivot methods while keeping the commitment
• resolve as doing what you said you would do
• resilience as flexible strength under stress
• promise of a full episode on resolve later this week
• affirmation to honor self-worth and confidence

If you haven't already, don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on more Sage advice

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

We return to a listener Q&A with a candid look at podcast craft, personal loss, and the mindset tools that help us heal without denying our feelings. We share how pragmatic optimism works in practice and when pessimism is the smarter move.

• real time cost of recording, editing, and prep
• why Tony Robbins shaped our coaching approach
• grief and shades of gray thinking in action
• using locus of control without invalidating pain
• mindful stoicism and feeling the waves
• pragmatic optimism as a default, not a mandate
• when pessimism improves plans, timing, and health
• small joys and mental health with Luffy and Ginny
• a lighthearted listener question to end

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If you haven't already, don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on more Sage advice

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

What would people actually say about you tomorrow? Not the polished bio or the curated grid—real stories, told in kitchens, over coffee, and in the soft silence after a hard day. We sit with grief, clarity, and the unsettling but liberating question of what truly outlasts us, then turn that insight into simple daily practices that anyone can start today.

We walk through a vivid “begin with the end in mind” exercise and pause where it matters: family, friends, colleagues, and community. From there, we unpack why the resume fades while character endures, and how the “tyranny of the urgent” drowns out the whispers that build a life—deep conversations, bedtime stories, quiet check-ins, and the slow work of listening. Drawing on the Harvard Study of Adult Development, we underscore a core truth of personal growth: good relationships keep us happier and healthier, and they are the living archive of our legacy.

This conversation blends personal story and practical tools. You’ll get a simple daily compass question to cut through noise, a weekly calendar audit to make space for presence, and specific micro-actions that compound—one whisper before every scream, one honest text before the inbox, one page with your kid before the scroll. We don’t chase perfection; we choose alignment, repair quickly, and return often. Legacy becomes a practice of attention, a pattern of kindness, and a feeling others carry forward long after we leave the room.

If this resonates, subscribe for more grounded conversations on self-worth, confidence, and intentional living. Share this with someone who needs a gentle nudge today, and leave a review to help others find the show. What whisper will you follow before the day ends?

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

A heartfelt tribute unfolds as David Sage rebroadcasts his powerful interview with his stepfather, John Azzolina, who recently passed away after battling terminal cancer. This deeply moving conversation captures the raw authenticity of someone facing mortality with remarkable courage and wisdom.

John takes us through his unexpected journey from a routine doctor's appointment to a terminal liver cancer diagnosis that changed everything. With remarkable candor, he shares the physical challenges – from high-risk surgery to remove a tumor growing toward his heart, to the rollercoaster of treatments that followed. But the true power of this episode lies in John's emotional and spiritual evolution throughout his illness.

What begins as a cancer story transforms into a profound meditation on what truly matters in life. John reflects on his transformation: "I don't think I was a bad person before my diagnosis... but I think I'm a better person now than I was before." His vulnerability shines through as he questions why it took such a profound situation to become his best self.

The conversation offers rare insights into the psychology of terminal illness – from initial denial and anger to eventual acceptance and peace. John describes how his perspective shifted dramatically: "All that matters is the relationships that we build with the people that we care about. It's not the money, it's not the cars... None of it matters anymore."

For those supporting loved ones with serious illness, John provides invaluable perspective on the well-intentioned but sometimes frustrating ways people change their behavior toward those who are ill. His insights help bridge the gap between caring for someone and empowering them.

This episode serves as both a loving memorial and a wake-up call. John's parting wisdom challenges us all to examine our priorities before crisis forces us to see what truly matters. As David notes, we're being given the gift of perspective without having to face our own mortality – an opportunity to put first things first without waiting for a devastating diagnosis to show us the way.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

Pragmatic optimism combines positive expectations with realistic action, creating a powerful mindset that transforms how we approach challenges and improves health, relationships, and goal achievement.

• Optimism and pessimism exist on a spectrum that deals with our expectations and hope for outcomes
• The realistic-idealistic spectrum is separate and deals with our assessment of reality
• Pragmatic optimism merges optimism with realism and practical action
• Martin Seligman's research shows optimism is a learnable skill based on our "explanatory style"
• Pessimists view setbacks as permanent, pervasive, and personal
• Optimists see challenges as temporary, specific, and nuanced with both internal/external factors
• Studies show optimists have better cardiovascular health and live 11-15% longer
• Optimists experience less stress, stronger immune systems, and better mental health
• Benefits include greater persistence, proactive goal-setting, opportunity focus, enhanced happiness
• Cultivate pragmatic optimism by challenging assumptions, focusing on what you can control
• Practice the ABCDE method: Adversity, Beliefs, Consequences, Dispute, Energy
• Pessimism still has appropriate uses for acknowledging tragedy or identifying potential problems

Subscribe and share this podcast with anyone looking to improve their life. You are enough and deserve to fill your inner cup with happiness, true confidence, and resilience.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

Have you ever found yourself saying yes while every fiber of your being screamed no? That small act of self-betrayal often leads to a quiet but persistent resentment that can ultimately poison our most important relationships.

Boundaries are frequently misunderstood as selfish acts or walls we build to keep others out. The truth is quite the opposite – they're the guidelines that define where you end and others begin. They're not punishments or arbitrary rules imposed on others, but standards you uphold for yourself out of deep self-respect. When we consistently allow our boundaries to be crossed, we send a powerful message to ourselves and the world that our needs don't matter, gradually eroding our self-worth and leading to burnout.

Why is setting boundaries so difficult? Many of us were conditioned from childhood to be people-pleasers, taught that keeping peace at our own expense was the right thing to do. We fear disappointing others, being seen as selfish, or triggering conflict. Yet as Dr. Brené Brown brilliantly puts it, "Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others."

The most powerful tool for communicating boundaries effectively is the "I statement" – a three-part formula that shifts focus from accusation to personal experience: "I feel [emotion] when [specific behavior] because [impact on you]." This approach prevents defensiveness and creates space for mutual understanding. For example, instead of "You're so inconsiderate calling this late," try "I feel flustered when I get calls about non-urgent matters after 10pm because that's my time to decompress."

Research confirms that people with healthy boundaries experience significantly less burnout and greater wellbeing. Start small this week by identifying one low-stakes boundary to practice. Notice the discomfort – that's the feeling of choosing yourself – and the sense of peace that follows. Your time and energy are precious resources worth protecting through clear, compassionate boundaries.

Subscribe now and share this podcast with anyone looking to build a life that feels more honest, authentic and true to themselves – one courageous choice at a time.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.