We explore how “expect nothing, accept everything” shifts us from rumination to action, drawing on Stoic ideas, happiness research, and candid stories from work and home. The theme is simple: lower the grip of outcomes, raise ownership in the present, and move.

• why hidden expectations derail progress and mood
• solving the reality–expectation gap without toxic positivity
• Inside Out as a model for reframing and presence
• attention bias and choosing what to notice
• work examples where titles and mind reading fail
• using positive intent and direct asks with leaders
• rituals to reduce digital clutter and anxiety
• Amor Fati, Epictetus, and practical Stoicism at work
• turning insight into action with present-tense steps

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We unpack Chapter 7—“I am relentless”—and connect mantras to motion, turning obstacles, doubt, and even well-meaning advice into fuel for consistent action. We share stories about evolving dreams, identity shifts, and practical ways to align emotion with execution.

• recap of key mantras and why action matters
• obstacles and discomfort as raw material for growth
• rivers and water as a metaphor for persistence
• loved ones’ advice as resistance and how to filter it
• identity, judgment, and changing how others relate to you
• evolving dreams across careers and life seasons
• jealousy gap and the myth of overnight success
• no entitlement: grind, stake your claim, ship work
• sage vs saboteur and using “are you sure?” wisely
• pairing why with what and how to build momentum
• emotions driving thoughts, actions, and results
• assessments and fit to remove hidden energy drains

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Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

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We explore Chapter Six of Gary John Bishop's "Un-F Yourself," challenging the notion that we are defined by our thoughts and asserting that our actions ultimately determine our reality and results.

• Your thoughts influence what you do, but you are defined by your actions, not what's in your head
• Breaking through belief barriers requires focusing on the next small step rather than getting overwhelmed by the entire journey
• Small, consistent actions compound over time to create significant results
• Admiral McRaven's "make your bed" philosophy demonstrates how one small accomplishment creates momentum for your entire day
• Clearing mental clutter through physical action creates space for productivity and clearer thinking
• Getting "unstuck" often requires action first, with improved thoughts and feelings following
• The cycle of thoughts, beliefs, and actions works in both directions - positive actions create positive thoughts
• "Action may not bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action"

This week's quest: Take one small action toward something you've been thinking about but haven't acted on yet - even when you don't feel like it.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

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