The Last Podcast

Episode 300: Are You Living on Autopilot?

Are you living on autopilot? If so, maybe it's time to become more intentional in living your life, especially in our relationships, productivity, and spare time.Steps to Interrupt Autopilot and Reclaim Control
Pause and Reflect
Regularly schedule "check-in" moments to review your actions and feelings.
Example: Journaling or mindfulness practice.
Ask "Why" More OftenFor every significant decision or habit, ask yourself:
"Why am I doing this?"
"Is this serving my current goals or values?"
Experiment with ChangeBreak routines by doing something unfamiliar or uncomfortable.Try a new route to work, a new hobby, or a different approach to a recurring task.
Set Clear IntentionsStart each day by defining one meaningful action you want to take.Example: “Today, I will connect deeply with a colleague.”
Practice MindfulnessStay present by focusing on what you’re doing in the moment.Use techniques like deep breathing or grounding exercises.
Review Your GoalsAre they outdated? Revise them to reflect your current desires and aspirations.
Seek FeedbackAsk trusted friends or mentors if they notice patterns in your behavior that seem automatic or unexamined.
Transformative Questions to Move Beyond Autopilot
What do I want to achieve or experience in the next month/year?Helps shift focus to intentional goal-setting.
What small change can I make today to disrupt my routine?Encourages actionable steps toward growth.
Who inspires me, and why? How can I embody those qualities?Helps you realign with inspiring values.
If I weren’t afraid, what would I do differently?Challenges limiting beliefs that keep you in a loop.
What legacy or impact do I want to create?Encourages a big-picture view to guide your decisions.
By regularly asking yourself these questions and implementing small, intentional changes, you can stay aware and actively engaged in shaping your life.I would love to hear from you. dave@thelastpodcast.infoYou can reach out to me at 214-518-9934‬.  I also accept a text as well.Website: http://thelastpodcast.info/

Episode 299: How To See Pain Differently

How To See Pain Differently - I believe we all experience pain in our lives on some level. Whether it be physical, emotional, or mental.  We are all experiencing some type of pain, financially, academically, or professionally.I just want you to remember that all pain doesn't have to be bad but for the refining of ourselves into becoming stronger, individuals being equipped with life's lessons and experiences, painful or not. Will allow us to endure future storms of life with grace.I would love to hear from you. dave@thelastpodcast.infoYou can reach out to me at 214-518-9934‬.  I also accept a text as well.Website: http://thelastpodcast.info/ 

Episode 298: Poetry Friday ~ 3 New Poems

Poetry Friday ~ 3 New Poems and music.I would love to hear from you. dave@thelastpodcast.infoYou can reach out to me at 214-518-9934‬.  I also accept a text as well.Website: http://thelastpodcast.info/

Episode 297: How To Set Your Goals For 2025

Key Characteristics of a Goal
Clarity: A goal needs to be well-defined and unambiguous. For example, instead of saying, "I want to be healthier," a clearer goal would be, "I will exercise for 30 minutes, 5 times a week."
Specificity: Goals should be detailed enough to guide actions. Specificity helps you understand what success looks like and what actions are needed to achieve it.
Measurability: A goal should have criteria for measuring progress and success. This could involve numerical targets, deadlines, or other quantifiable elements.
Achievability: Goals should be realistic and attainable within the available resources and constraints. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and demotivation.
Relevance: A goal should align with broader values, priorities, or objectives. It needs to be meaningful and connected to the bigger picture.
Time-Bound: Goals should have a deadline or a specific timeframe to create urgency and structure.
Types of Goals
Short-Term Goals: Achieved within a relatively short timeframe (days, weeks, or months). Example: Completing a project at work by the end of the month.
Medium-Term Goals: Achieved over several months to a year. Example: Learning a new skill over six months.
Long-Term Goals: Achieved over years and often require sustained effort. Example: Saving for retirement or earning a degree.
Outcome Goals: Focused on the result, such as losing 10 pounds or earning a promotion.
Process Goals: Focused on the actions required, such as exercising three times a week or reading a chapter daily.
Performance Goals: Focused on improving specific metrics, such as increasing sales by 15% or running a mile in under six minutes.
Why Goals Are Important
Provides Direction: Goals act as a roadmap, helping you prioritize actions and resources effectively.
Increases Motivation: A well-defined goal gives you something to strive for, enhancing motivation and persistence.
Enhances Focus: Goals help eliminate distractions and guide your energy toward meaningful tasks.
Facilitates Decision-Making: Knowing your goals makes it easier to make choices that align with your priorities.
Promotes Accountability: By setting clear goals, you can track progress and hold yourself accountable for your actions.
Encourages Growth: Goals push you out of your comfort zone, fostering personal and professional development.
Goal-Setting Frameworks
SMART Goals:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-Bound
OKRs (Objectives and Key Results):
Objectives define what you want to achieve.
Key results measure how you'll achieve it.
BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals):Bold, ambitious goals that inspire and challenge you to think long-term.
I would love to hear from you. dave@thelastpodcast.infoYou can reach out to me at 214-518-9934‬.  I also accept a text as well.Website: http://thelastpodcast.info/ 

Episode 296: How To Turn Regret Into Opportunity

Some people live life without any regrets, and that's amazing. On the flip side of that coin, there are many people who do have regrets, whether they be minor, small, or big.If you ever had a regret, I want to show you how you can look at regret from a different perspective and see it throughthe lens of new opportunity.Understanding Regret: The Pain, the Lessons, and the OpportunitiesRegret is a universal emotion—everyone has experienced it in some form. It might stem from missed opportunities, mistakes, or choices that led to unintended consequences. While regret often feels heavy and unpleasant, it’s more than just a negative emotion. It has the power to teach us, shape our future decisions, and even open doors to new opportunities.What is The Dark side of regret?Emotional BurdenUnderstanding Its Weight and Navigating Its ImpactRegret is a profound emotional experience that arises when we perceive our past decisions, actions, or inactions as mistakes. While regret is a common experience, its emotional burden can be immense, often lingering in ways that affect mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. This podcast explores the emotional toll of regret, its manifestations, and strategies for managing its impact to foster growth and healing.The Nature of RegretRegret stems from the recognition that an alternative choice could have led to a better outcome. It often involves comparing the current reality with a hypothetical, idealized scenario. This process, called counterfactual thinking, is at the heart of regret and intensifies its emotional weight.Regret can be triggered by various situations, such as:Missed Opportunities: Failing to seize chances, such as declining a job offer or neglecting to express feelings.Wrong Decisions: Making choices that lead to negative outcomes, such as poor financial decisions or strained relationships.Moral Lapses: Acting against one’s values, causing harm to oneself or others.

Episode 295: Poetry Friday Four New Poems

Poetry Friday Four New Poems.  I created the first four new poems this morning.  I hope you enjoy it.  If you want to share you poem on Poetry Friday, contact me at thelastpodcast443@gmail.com.  If you have any ideas for the show please reach out to me at the same email address.https://mentalhealthhotline.org/grief-loss-hotlines/National Mental Health HotlineThe National Mental Health Hotline is a 24-hour helpline you can call for advice about all kinds of issues. The hotline is confidential and staffed by trained individuals who can connect you to a local grief counseling helpline or other free services, depending on the support you need. They support people across the United States and can help you find free, confidential mental health resources in your area.(866) 903-3787I would love to hear from you. dave@thelastpodcast.infoYou can reach out to me at 214-518-9934‬.  I also accept a text as well.Website: http://thelastpodcast.info/ 

Episode 294: My Podcast Saved My Sanity

My Podcast Saved My Sanity.  I am still picking up the pieces.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.I would love to hear from you. dave@thelastpodcast.infoYou can reach out to me at 214-518-9934‬.  I also accept a text as well.Website: http://thelastpodcast.info/

Episode 293: What Seeds Are You Planting In Your Garden of Life?

Have you ever looked at a garden with complete admiration?You may not even be into gardens, but when you see a beautiful well kept garden, with out a doubt you come to admire it's beauty.  What's amazing is there are all kinds of gardens.Botanical Gardens, Herb Gardens, Water Gardens, Wildlife Gardens,Japanese Gardens, Edible Gardens, and even theme gardens, which are designed around a specific theme, such as Shakespearean gardens with plants mentioned in his plays or a moonlight garden with white blooms.And butterfly gardens enriched with nectar-rich flowers.I would love to hear from you. dave@thelastpodcast.infoYou can reach out to me at 214-518-9934‬.  I also accept a text as well.Website: http://thelastpodcast.info/ 

Episode 292: Poetry Friday Several Poems

Poetry Friday Several Poems. I would love to hear from you. dave@thelastpodcast.infoYou can reach out to me at 214-518-9934‬.  I also accept a text as well.Website: http://thelastpodcast.info/

Episode 291: Have You Ever Felt A Nudge In Life?

Have You Ever Felt A Nudge In Life? Or perhaps you have felt a pull in a certain direction, but you're so accustomed to doing things your way that it's no longer working for you. I think it may be time for change.  I would love to hear from you. dave@thelastpodcast.infoYou can reach out to me at 214-518-9934‬.  I also accept a text as well.Website: http://thelastpodcast.info/