No Vacation Required Podcast

Why Are We Still Doing That? - Episode

We’re back with another episode of Why Are We Still Doing That? — and this time, we’re rethinking the age-old question that still lingers in job interviews, leadership trainings, and well-meaning conversations: Where do you want to be in five years? In this episode, we explore why that question doesn’t hold up anymore — especially in a world that feels more uncertain and fast-moving than ever. Instead of obsessing over the title or role you want “someday,” we talk about what it means to tune into how you want to feel — and how that simple shift can change everything. You’ll hear: • Why “Where do you want to be?” is the wrong question — and what to ask instead • How the five-year plan keeps us stuck in a role-based mindset • Why tuning into your energy can lead to smarter, more fulfilling decisions Plus, we’ve got a simple but powerful tool that can help you get clear on what’s working — and what’s not.

Why Are We Still Doing That? - Episode 5

We’re back with another episode of Why Are We Still Doing That? This time we’re exploring the myth of “the next thing” – why we’re conditioned to believe fulfillment lives just. over. there. when, in fact, the fulfillment is available to you right. here. You’ll hear: • Something Neil Patrick Harris talked about that perfectly captures the endless pursuit of the “next level” • How social currency, FOMO, and even well-meaning friends keep us focused on “what’s next” instead of “what’s now” • A funny story about a dream trip, a boat tour, and the woman who couldn’t stop selling her next dream trip Plus, we unpack how knowing yourself—your values, strengths, and what actually matters to you—can help you break free from the chase and build fulfillment today. Spoiler: The thing you’re chasing probably isn’t the thing.

Why Are We Still Doing That? - Episode 4

We’re back with another episode of Why Are We Still Doing That? This time we’re exploring externalization vs. internalization – why we obsess over outward success and validation while ignoring the most important data source: ourselves. You’ll hear: • The story of Anya, a top performer who finds personal development unexpectedly harder once her external mission ends. • How the “office mom” who nurtures everyone else can’t turn that same care inward. • Why evidence‑based decision‑making feels essential at work but “woo‑woo” when applied to personal growth. • Our soap‑box on a culture trained to chase external approval – from childhood messages to social‑media metrics – and how to flip the script. Plus, we implore you to start using good self‑data – your strengths, values, and even your intuition – as your first point of reference for lasting fulfillment.

Why Are We Still Doing That? - Episode 3

As you now know, every month we are tackling a topic related to building a life you don’t need a break from. We do that by asking the question “why are we still doing that?” about some outmoded idea or past-its-fresh-by-date tradition. In this episode, we’re continuing our conversation about redefining success. In this episode, we’re talking about how society’s obsession with hyper-efficiency is stealing our joy and how to reclaim it through intentional living. We’re sharing insights on how to shift your mindset and live a richer, more fulfilling life, including such hits as: • How outsourcing isn’t the key to more time. • Why chores – like making your own oatmeal (we’re dead serious) and simple tasks can bring true joy. • The link between hyper-productivity and declining health. All that, and a little soap-box moment about why the pursuit of more money is really about freedom, in a tight 13:34. How efficient!

"Why Are We Still Doing That?" - Episode 2

We’re back with another episode of “Why are we still doing that?” – examining the habits, beliefs, and expectations that no longer serve us and, more importantly, exploring actionable strategies to help you build a life you don’t need a break from. In this episode, we dig into the idea that success is yours to define. After our last discussion on invoking your agency [https://open.substack.com/pub/thechangelaboratory/p/no-vacation-required-podcast-episode?r=38pxje&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false], we heard from many of you who said, “I love the idea, but I don’t even know what I stand for.” So, in addition to talking about the crucial first step in our L.I.F.E. philosophy, we talk about: • How important it is to have personal measures of success, not just in your career [https://open.substack.com/pub/thechangelaboratory/p/success-is-yours-to-define?r=38pxje&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false]. • A pivotal moment in our relationship when we realized we had been following someone else’s script for success – and how rewriting that script led us to a more fulfilling life together. • An ad campaign we did for Sate of Washington Tourism [https://vimeo.com/1045140357] framed around how our take on romance / relationships shapes how we travel. Plus, we revisit a memorable conversation [https://thechangelaboratory.substack.com/p/why-are-we-still-doing-that] with a group of bridesmaids in Cabo, who had very basic opinions on what makes a romantic partner worthy. If you’ve ever felt like you’re chasing someone else’s version of success, this episode is for you.