Build Your Ideal Day

Lessons From The Mountains - Finding Purpose Can Come From Unexpected Places

In 2015 Nepal experienced a devastating earthquake. I recently interviewed Neill Johanson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/neill-johanson-a915541a/], a prominent principal architect at Davenport Campbell and an experienced mountaineer, including summiting Everest. His life's purpose was transformed when a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015. While in the region for an ANZAC centenary trek, he witnessed widespread devastation: nearly 9,000 lives lost, over half a million homes destroyed, and tens of thousands of classrooms rendered unusable. Moved by the generosity of the Sherpa community, Johanson rallied Australian architects and engineers to partner with the Australian Himalayan Foundation [https://www.linkedin.com/company/australian-himalayan-foundation/] (AHF) and local NGOs. Together, they provided immediate relief and focused on rebuilding with resilience in mind. It's a great story to reflect on this Anzac Day and an opportunity to support the great work AHF do in rebuilding process that continues to this day.

Ideas from Finland on Job Crafting & Workplace Wellbeing

What can we learn about workplace wellbeing from the happiest people? In 2025, Finland was voted the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year. Finnish educational expert Dr Terhi Nissinen shares her insights on job crafting and the power of SISU.

How to apply Olympic thinking to living your best life.

Caroline Anderson, Olympian, performance psychologist and dedicated mum of three, shares her insights on the critical elements of wellbeing, particularly for high performers in both sports and the workplace. With a wealth of experience in elite sports, Caroline blends her professional knowledge with personal practices to advocate for a holistic approach to wellbeing. Some takeaways 1. Foundational Relationships - Strong relationships and support systems are essential for success and personal growth. 2. Mental Recovery Matters - High performers often focus on physical recovery but must also prioritize mental recovery for optimal performance. 3. Nature's Impact - Engaging in outdoor activities strengthens family bonds and supports overall wellbeing. 4. · Exercise Challenges - Balancing a busy lifestyle with regular exercise is critical yet hard to do; it requires prioritization and planning. 5. · Invest in mindful activities - Fostering a flow state through focused activities, like reading, is becoming increasingly vital in our technology-dominated world. 6. Be intentional – creating boundaries and even something as simple as a lunch break can help promote day time recovery and lead to higher performance Extra information available at https://performanceedgepsychology.com/ [https://performanceedgepsychology.com/] and the book https://www.amazon.com.au/Jets-Secret-Strength-Superpower-Athletes/dp/B0DQ8MZ6RL [https://www.amazon.com.au/Jets-Secret-Strength-Superpower-Athletes/dp/B0DQ8MZ6RL] If you enjoyed the conversation, share the podcast with friends or anyone interested in enhancing their health and well-being!

Becoming Indistractable - How to control your attention and choose your life with Nir Eyal.

Nir Eyal, author of bestsellers "Hooked" and "Indistractable" with over 1 million books shares insights on how best to control attention and become indistractable. Key Topics Discussed: * Nir's personal journey to becoming "indistractable" over five years (why he wrote the book) and how applying these principles has improved his physical health, personal relationships, and professional productivity. * Research-backed principles for enhancing productivity and well-being * The importance of doing what we already know we should do for health and relationships * Nir's insights on managing distractions and promoting a balanced lifestyle * Practical tips from Nir's life illustrating how simple adjustments can lead to significant changes. * Extra notes on: * How to make a schedule that works https://www.nirandfar.com/schedule-maker/ [https://www.nirandfar.com/schedule-maker/] * Common values https://www.nirandfar.com/common-values/ [https://www.nirandfar.com/common-values/] * Time boxing https://www.nirandfar.com/timeboxing/ [https://www.nirandfar.com/timeboxing/] If you enjoyed the conversation, share the podcast with friends or anyone interested in enhancing their health and well-being!

Could a healthier diet improve your mental wellbeing? with Dr Jessica Bayes

How likely would you change your diet if it improves your mental wellbeing? Clinical nutritionist and researcher Dr Jessica Bayes joined us recently on the Build Your Ideal Day podcast and has been studying the impact of traditional diets on mental ill health in young men aged 18-25 with clinical depression. Although nutrition is just one pillar of lifestyle medicine, it is good to know that there are small things we can all do to build better mental wellbeing every day.