A Better You (Part 1)

First in a series

For many people, August is quiet month. Work feels a bit more relaxed. School is out for most kids. Summer trips still beckon. But this downtime is the perfect time for reflection and rethinking: What could I be doing better?

Better habits. Better routines. Better relationships. Better goals.

A better you.

Two summers ago, I did what everybody else seemed to be doing and launched a podcast, I Wish They Knew. The show focuses on big ideas that deserve more attention. Each episode features short-forms conversations with thought leaders and lasts about 15 minutes – about the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee. (For some, the amount of time they wish they had to drink a cup of coffee!)

Almost 100 episodes later, the podcast is heard in 35 countries around the world and has featured world-renowned business leaders, media personalities, bestselling authors and education reformers. We've covered a lot of territory, from to learning to loss, purpose to public speaking, work to wellness – and, of course, feedback.

The show has helped people around the globe and from all walks of life answer a simple question:

What do you wish more people knew?

For the next few weeks, I'd like to use this space to share some of the big ideas that deserve your attention – in about the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Here are four wishes from recent guests to help you...become a better you.

If any of these episodes move you, be sure to let others know about them, too!

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Your hidden influence (Vanessa Bohns)

We tend to believe that influence belongs only to the most visible or powerful people in the room. But as Vanessa Bohns explains, we have more influence than we think. Explore why people doubt their power to persuade, how we undermine our own influence, and the surprising (and even outrageous) things we can get people to do on our behalf. 

Make a productivity plan (Jeff Sanders)

Why do we always feel like we’re working so hard and yet have so little to show for it? The sad reality is that we're busy but not productive. Jeff Sanders shows us how to fix that by developing deep focus and getting our priorities in place. From choosing the right tasks to setting the right environment, you’ll learn how to develop effective habits and routines to feel more personally and professionally accomplished at the end of each day. 

Grow sideways in your career (Kelli Thompson)

We’re told that professional success follows a series of upward steps. But what if our career ladders are pointing in the wrong direction? Kelli Thompson challenges us to rethink our assumptions about career growth and shares a career alignment tool to help us know if we’re pointed in the right direction. 

Find your real motivation (Todd Henry)

Why do we do what we do? It turns out the traditional view of motivation – a system of rewards and repercussions – doesn’t account for the highly nuanced, deeply ingrained factors that drive our behaviors and beliefs. To understand motivation, says Todd Henry, we need to crack the code – literally.

Stay fearless and keep fixing,

Joe

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Dr. Joe Hirsch is the managing director of Semaca Partners, a TEDx and international keynote speaker, and the author of "The Feedback Fix." His work and research has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, Inc. and other major outlets. He also hosts the popular podcast, I Wish They Knew.

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