Daily Boost — Clear Thinking for Real Life

Scott Smith
  • 3.9 (1.3K)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
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The Daily Boost is a real-life conversation about thinking clearly, living well, and navigating the world without losing your sense of humor—or yourself. Hosted by longtime coach and broadcaster Scott Smith, the show feels less like traditional personal growth and more like finally talking about life the way thoughtful adults actually experience it. Scott has a rare ability to go deep without getting heavy—covering money, work, faith, purpose, relationships, and the world around us—while keeping the conversation human, honest, and often surprisingly light. This isn’t personal growth as performance—it’s personal growth, grown up. Each episode is recorded within 24 hours of release with no scripts, no hype, and no agenda. Just real perspective delivered in a way that helps you feel heard, think more clearly, and make choices that actually make your life work better. Episodes run about 15 minutes and stand alone, making them easy to fit into your day and worth revisiting when you need perspective. Many listeners say it feels like the conversation they wish more people were willing to have—especially with their kids. Now in its 20th year, with over 5,000 episodes and more than 130 million downloads, The Daily Boost has become a trusted daily companion for people who want real wisdom without the theater. Learn more about coaching and masterminds at motivationtomove.com

  1. 1D AGO

    MAPSS Anti-Burnout Order

    Burned out? Maybe not. What if you're just running your life out of order? I'm sharing a framework I've used with myself and my clients for years — the MAPSS system. Motivation, Accountability, Planning, Systemization, Sustainability. In sequence, this changes everything. Out of sequence, burnout is just around the corner. Wednesday this week, I caught myself staring at the screen, arguing with AI, and refreshing my email, hoping for something to get mad about. Sound familiar? You're not exhausted from effort. You're exhausted from ambiguity — and that's a fixable problem. Let's reset today. Featured Story Wednesday hit different this week. I was sitting at my desk, staring at the screen like it owed me an answer. Opening tabs. Closing them. Checking email again — hoping something came in that I could get mad about. Then I caught myself arguing with AI. Actually arguing. That's when it hit me. Was I burning out? Or was I running my week out of sequence? I figured it out fast. I'd been winging it for two weeks. No structure. And there I was, doing the Wednesday stare-down — not from effort, but from ambiguity. The sequence was off, and my brain was paying the price. Important Points Most burnout isn't emotional collapse — it's decision overload from running your life out of the right sequence. The MAPSS system — Motivation, Accountability, Planning, Systemization, and Sustainability — only works in order. If you can't describe your plan in one or two sentences, you don't have a plan — you have activity and ambiguity. Memorable Quotes "Burnout isn't an emotional collapse — it's decision overload, and you feel it every time you re-decide the same thing." "You're not exhausted from effort. You're exhausted from ambiguity — it's an awareness issue, not an energy issue." "If you can't run this pace for five years without resenting it, you haven't built a system — it's just adrenaline." Scott's Three-Step Approach Start by checking your real motivation — is it still aligned with who you are today, or a game you outgrew years ago? Lock in accountability and simplify your plan until you can describe the whole thing in a single sentence or one word. Build systems that run without pep talks or caffeine, and ask if you can sustain this pace for five straight years. Chapters 0:02 - Topic intro: burnout is everywhere these days 1:46 - Are you burned out or just running out of order? 5:27 - Introducing MAPSS: the anti-burnout framework 6:25 - What each layer looks like when it breaks down 8:25 - Burnout is decision overload, not exhaustion 10:16 - Your Friday reset: pick one layer and fix it Connect With Me Search for the Daily Boost on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify Email: support@motivationtomove.com Main Website: https://motivationtomove.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/dailyboostpodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/heyscottsmith Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/motivationtomove Facebook Group: https://dailyboostpodcast.com/facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    16 min

  2. 1D AGO

    Avoid Obstacles, Get What You Want

    What if the things slowing you down aren't obstacles — they're distractions disguised as opportunities? After 5,300 episodes, I know one thing for certain: the people who win are the ones who can tell the difference. Most of us are moving fast, juggling 30 things, and wondering why we're not getting where we want to go. The answer might surprise you — and it starts with a dog agility course and a world champion trainer named Mindy. If you're ready to stop veering off course and start moving toward what actually matters, this one's for you. Featured Story When Levi was about a year old, I decided to try dog agility with him. I did what I always do — watched the videos, read the books — but I also tracked down a world champion trainer. If I were going to do this, I wouldn't start with someone who just knew the basics. Her name was Mindy, and she was the real deal. What she taught me changed everything. On an agility course, my dog isn't reading the numbers — I am. My job is to discriminate between the right path and the false one. One wrong turn and we're completely off course. That lesson hits different when you apply it to your own life. Important Points Too many options create decision fatigue — when everything looks like a chance, nothing actually moves you forward. Distractions disguised as opportunities are the sneakiest obstacles — they feel exciting but always pull you off track. Knowing your goals is the only real way to tell a genuine opportunity from an expensive, time-consuming detour. Memorable Quotes "Having options is the key to being happy — when you're truly not stuck anywhere, your whole life changes for good." "If you live an active, growth-oriented life, you're going to encounter distractions. That's all there is to it." "Follow the numbers, go as fast as you can, and slow down just enough to keep navigating whatever gets in your way." Scott's Three-Step Approach Get clear on your goals first — you can't discriminate between obstacles and opportunities without a real path. Once your path is set, discriminate hard — if something doesn't match your numbers, it's a distraction, not a chance. Move fast and protect your course — when you know where you're going, nothing should be allowed to pull you off. Chapters 0:02 - 5,300 episodes and the question that doesn't matter 1:01 - Opportunity, growth, and feeling completely stuck 5:19 - The dog agility lesson that changed how I think 8:14 - How Mindy set traps — and why your boss does too 10:44 - When distractions show up dressed as opportunities 13:38 - Follow the numbers and finally get where you want Connect With Me Search for the Daily Boost on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify Email: support@motivationtomove.com Main Website: https://motivationtomove.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/dailyboostpodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/heyscottsmith Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/motivationtomove Facebook Group: https://dailyboostpodcast.com/facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    17 min
  3. You Might Also Like: The $100 MBA Show

    1D AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: The $100 MBA Show

    Introducing Am I Publishing Enough Content On Social Media? How Much Is Good Enough? from The $100 MBA Show. Follow the show: The $100 MBA Show How many posts are too many? Is once a week enough, or do you need to show up every day? With so many “rules” and numbers being thrown around, it’s easy to feel lost in the noise. So what’s the real answer if you want your content to actually make an impact? In this Q&A Wednesday episode, Omar tackles Tom’s question head‑on. He digs into real data from big personalities and reveals exactly how much content you should be publishing to stand out. You’ll get a behind the scenes look at what successful creators are doing, plus practical steps you can apply no matter where you are starting. Whether you are brand new or ready to level up, this lesson lays out a clear roadmap for meaningful content growth. Stop guessing. The play button is right at the top of this page - press it now to get the full breakdown. This training could be the shift that helps you ramp up your content and finally get noticed. MBA2744 Am I Publishing Enough Content On Social Media? How Much Is Good Enough? Recommended episode to explore: MBA2731 Why People Turn Against You When You Start To Succeed To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q. Watch the episodes on YouTube: https://lm.fm/GgRPPHi SUBSCRIBE YouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  4. 2D AGO

    Quiet Way High Performers Win

    Want to know the quiet rules that high performers follow — even when life is fighting back? After 20 years and over 5,200 episodes, I've watched successful people up close. They're not always the smartest or the most talented. But they follow a simple set of rules that most people skip right past. In this episode, I break down the rules I keep coming back to — the ones that show up in every winning life I've ever seen. They're not complicated. You've probably heard them before. Now it's time to actually do them. Featured Story Saturday afternoon, I walk in at 3:30 for rehearsal, and everything is still in the boxes. I run audio for the church I go to — it's a portable setup that breaks down after every service and lives in a trailer until the next one. I never assume it's going to be ready. Never. So I always show up early. That day, it was a three-person job and I had 30 minutes. But because I never assumed, I was there in time to get it done. That one habit — never assuming — shows up everywhere in a winning life. And once you see it, you can't unsee it. Important Points Find your strongest why, make it personal, and you'll outwork, outlast, and outperform almost anyone in your path. Showing up consistently is the one rule that creates legacy — 5,200 episodes prove it works every single time. Taking ownership of everything in your life — even the mess you didn't make — puts you back in the driver's seat. Memorable Quotes "I showed up for 20 years, did over 5,000 episodes, and AI tells new listeners every day that I'm the real deal." "Accept responsibility for everything, even the stuff you didn't want — then you're back in control, and you win." "When your why is stronger than the next person's, you win — it doesn't matter what the competition looks like." Scott's Three-Step Approach Get crystal clear on your strongest why — it becomes the fuel that drives every decision from this point forward. Commit to showing up consistently and on time — it signals seriousness and separates you from almost everyone else. Never give up total control to others and accept full responsibility for everything — that's how winners think. Chapters 0:02 - Why rule breakers still need rules that work 4:13 - The strongest why is the one that wins every time 4:49 - Why showing up every day beats talent alone 6:41 - The 60-second rule that filters out the flakes 9:08 - Never assume it's handled — it probably isn't 12:52 - Own it, serve more, and gratitude changes things Connect With Me Search for the Daily Boost on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify Email: support@motivationtomove.com Main Website: https://motivationtomove.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/dailyboostpodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/heyscottsmith Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/motivationtomove Facebook Group: https://dailyboostpodcast.com/facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    17 min

  5. 3D AGO

    Pre-Planned Responses

    Ever feel like you're doing everything right but still stuck going in circles? I spent the weekend at Daytona watching a guy in 19th place never hold a single lead lap. Then chaos hit. While everyone else crashed, he stayed calm, navigated through the mess, and won the race. That's the power of being prepared when it matters most. Today I'm teaching you my pre-planned response system. It's changed everything for my clients who are crushing it in business but keep getting blindsided in important conversations. This is applied awareness before the moment happens. Featured Story Years ago, I was dating Joy, who's now my wife of 19 years. I was terrible at dating but determined to nail every moment. We're at this French restaurant in Mount Dora, and she looks at me and asks, "Mr. Smith, what are your intentions, sir?" Without hesitation, I said, "My intentions are to get you to fall madly in love with me, marry me, and spend the rest of your life with me. Is that okay?" Her jaw hit the table. Was it random? Not even close. I'd practiced that response over and over. I had it dialed in and ready to fire. That's what pre-planned responses do. They turn the moments that matter into wins instead of regrets. Important Points Important conversations trigger emotions, emotions narrow your thinking, and that narrow thinking creates regret. Most regret doesn't come from bad intentions but from showing up unprepared when the moment demands your best. Pre-planned responses give you composure when stakes are high and emotions want to hijack the conversation. Memorable Quotes "Confidence in any conversation isn't about charisma. It's about preparation and showing up ready to execute." "If you think through what you'll do when you're totally surprised, you'll never be totally surprised by anything." "We're not controlling the conversation. We're controlling ourselves inside the conversation when it matters." Scott's Three-Step Approach Identify the specific conversation coming your way, what concerns you about it, and what's actually at stake here. Anticipate the angles of attack like pushback, objections, emotions, blame, and surprise questions heading your way. Write short anchor responses you can repeat calmly when pressure hits and you need composure fast under fire. Chapters 0:02 - Racing metaphor that changes how you think (chaos wins) 4:00 - The restaurant moment that locked in my marriage 5:06 - Why successful people still say stupid things 8:53 - The four-step system for never getting caught off guard 11:12 - Anchor responses that give you control instantly 13:04 - Emergency saves when conversations go sideways fast 13:39 - One issue rule that stops the emotional spiral completely Connect With Me Search for the Daily Boost on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify Email: support@motivationtomove.com Main Website: https://motivationtomove.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/dailyboostpodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/heyscottsmith Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/motivationtomove Facebook Group: https://dailyboostpodcast.com/facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    17 min

  6. 4D AGO

    Staying in Control When You Feel Out of Control

    Ever had your brain just go blank at the worst possible moment? You can see where you need to go, but you have no idea how to get there. I had this happen at 3,000 feet while flying my daughter home from college. The airport was right in front of me, but I was completely disoriented. Terrifying. What I did next saved the day. In this episode, I share the three-rule framework pilots use in moments of confusion that works just as well when your brain quits on Tuesday afternoon. Ready to stay steady when everything feels uncertain? Featured Story I was flying my Cessna to pick up my daughter from the University of Florida. Clear day, smooth air, nothing special. About 15 minutes from landing, the heat and drone had me snoozing. Then suddenly, I had this overwhelming sensation that I had no idea where I was. The airport was right in front of me, but I couldn't figure out how to get lined up. Panic kicked in. I was minutes from controlled airspace and hadn't called the tower. I could have faked it, but instead I keyed the mic: I'm confused and need help. Within minutes, they vectored me to a perfect final. Worst landing ever, but I got it stopped. Not bad for a lost pilot. Important Points When your brain goes blank and you feel disoriented, stabilize first before making any dramatic decisions or changes. Small confusion turns into a catastrophe when people stop flying the airplane, spiral, overreact, or pretend they're fine. Procedure beats panic every time—training kicks in when thinking shuts down and your brain switches to threat mode. Memorable Quotes "Just because you feel lost doesn't mean you are. Sometimes you're just a little south of the field you're looking for." "Aviate, navigate, communicate. Fly steady, get clear, speak up early. That's how you land the plane in daily life too." "Ask for help before it becomes an emergency. Don't wait until it's a catastrophe to open your mouth and communicate." Scott's Three-Step Approach Aviate first—stabilize your behavior and don't make dramatic decisions that could make your situation even worse. Navigate second—once you're stable and nothing's getting worse, get clear on where you are and the path forward. Communicate third—ask for help early before it becomes an emergency, whether with clients, vendors, or your spouse. Chapters 0:02 - Happy Monday (yes, Mondays can be happy too) 1:43 - When your brain goes blank at the worst moment 3:03 - Flying disoriented at 3,000 feet (a true story) 5:25 - The three rules pilots use when confused 8:05 - Asking for help when you don't want to admit it 10:26 - How to apply aviate, navigate, communicate daily 11:35 - Using this framework in your personal relationships Connect With Me Search for the Daily Boost on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify Email: support@motivationtomove.com Main Website: https://motivationtomove.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/dailyboostpodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/heyscottsmith Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/motivationtomove Facebook Group: https://dailyboostpodcast.com/facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    16 min

  7. FEB 13

    Should, Can, Must: 3 Questions That End Overwhelm

    Feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone. Most people are drowning in endless to-dos, convinced they need to do more to achieve more. But successful people know a secret: more is on the other side of less. In this episode, I share a powerful three-question framework that cuts through the chaos and helps you focus on what actually moves you forward. If you're tired of rushing around like a chicken with its head cut off, this simple filter will change how you approach your day. Ready to eliminate 80% of what you think you need to do? Featured Story I was working with an Inner Circle member leading a high-performance team. Smart people, ambitious, aggressive. Lots of chaos. She was overwhelmed trying to manage everyone's input and competing priorities. I told her to stop playing the consensus game. Put your head down, decide what you want to do, and go do it. Don't announce it. Just let them catch up. She filtered everything through three simple questions: should, can, must. Within weeks, people noticed her momentum and asked how they could do the same thing. It's not about working harder. It's about getting ruthlessly clear on what actually matters. Important Points More money, happiness, and time exist on the other side of doing less, not more. That's the real secret to success. Most to-do lists are built for someone with 40 hours a week and zero responsibilities—and that's definitely not you. One powerful decision made right now can completely change your trajectory before this podcast even ends today. Memorable Quotes "If you're rushing around all the time like crazy, you're proving loud and clear you have no control or discipline." "Should is brainstorming. Can is reality. Must is the priority layer where you finally stop negotiating with yourself." "If everything feels urgent all the time, congratulations—you've successfully avoided deciding what actually matters." Scott's Three-Step Approach Ask what should you do that will lead directly and quickly to achieving your goal—this is your brainstorm layer. Then ask what can you realistically do today given your actual time, energy, resources, and other commitments. Finally ask what must you do if you only had one hour tomorrow with something critical at stake—that's your priority. Chapters 0:02 - Happy Friday the 13th (and Daytona 500 weekend) 2:03 - Why you're overwhelmed (and why it keeps happening) 3:38 - The truth about massive action (you're doing it wrong) 5:40 - How fast can you actually change your life? 7:05 - The should, can, must framework (that ends overwhelm) 10:25 - Marcus Aurelius on doing less (ancient wisdom wins) 12:23 - Real talk about putting your oxygen mask on first Connect With Me Search for the Daily Boost on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify Email: support@motivationtomove.com Main Website: https://motivationtomove.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/dailyboostpodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/heyscottsmith Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/motivationtomove Facebook Group: https://dailyboostpodcast.com/facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    16 min

  8. FEB 12

    Framework for an Amazing Life

    Are you living comfortably, miserably, or actually excited about what's ahead? Most people are stuck in between, capable but confused. I pulled back the curtain on the exact framework I use with my Inner Circle clients to create an amazing life. It's built on three foundations: awareness of where you really are, options to do what you want, and a peaceful base so you're not operating from chaos. This is the system that drives everything I do. If you can't figure out how to get from where you are to where you want to go, this will change that. Featured Story Fresh off a coaching call with nine Inner Circle members, I realized something powerful. New people needed orientation, but everyone else needed reorientation. We're all capable and doing fine on the surface, but most of us are slightly out of alignment. So I walked them through the triangle framework I've been developing for 20 years. Amazing life in the center. Awareness on the left because you can't fix what you don't know is broken. Options on the right because I've never met anyone who didn't want more choices. And peaceful base at the bottom as the foundation, because you can't operate from chaos. The call went deep. Multiple people said afterward it completely shifted how they see everything. Important Points Awareness is everything. Until you wake up and realize something needs to change, you're living in ignorant bliss. Options mostly come from money. I don't argue about it anymore. Cash in your pocket means choices in your life, period. You need a peaceful base across six life areas. Without that foundation, you're a hot mess no matter what you achieve. Memorable Quotes "Everything in life applies to everything in life. Stop siloing things off, or you're missing all the juice right there." "If you have one big-ass goal, you don't need any more. You'll be so obsessed that's all you're going to do anyway." "Inspiration is the key to motivation. Get fired up enough and motivation comes out of nowhere and stays there." Scott's Three-Step Approach Build awareness across every aspect of your life. You can't fix problems you don't know exist in the first place. Create options through money and choices. With enough options, you have the freedom to do whatever you actually want. Maintain a peaceful foundation in six key areas. From that stable base, you can pursue anything without chaos. Chapters 0:03 - Living comfortably, miserable, or truly excited? 0:29 - The triangle framework that changes everything 5:42 - Why options matter more than freedom itself 6:17 - Your peaceful base makes everything else possible 8:55 - How exploring possibilities leads to motivation 11:53 - From passion to purpose to your actual legacy 13:04 - The power of one big-ass goal that scares you Connect With Me Search for the Daily Boost on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify Email: support@motivationtomove.com Main Website: https://motivationtomove.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/dailyboostpodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/heyscottsmith Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/motivationtomove Facebook Group: https://dailyboostpodcast.com/facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    17 min
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The Daily Boost is a real-life conversation about thinking clearly, living well, and navigating the world without losing your sense of humor—or yourself. Hosted by longtime coach and broadcaster Scott Smith, the show feels less like traditional personal growth and more like finally talking about life the way thoughtful adults actually experience it. Scott has a rare ability to go deep without getting heavy—covering money, work, faith, purpose, relationships, and the world around us—while keeping the conversation human, honest, and often surprisingly light. This isn’t personal growth as performance—it’s personal growth, grown up. Each episode is recorded within 24 hours of release with no scripts, no hype, and no agenda. Just real perspective delivered in a way that helps you feel heard, think more clearly, and make choices that actually make your life work better. Episodes run about 15 minutes and stand alone, making them easy to fit into your day and worth revisiting when you need perspective. Many listeners say it feels like the conversation they wish more people were willing to have—especially with their kids. Now in its 20th year, with over 5,000 episodes and more than 130 million downloads, The Daily Boost has become a trusted daily companion for people who want real wisdom without the theater. Learn more about coaching and masterminds at motivationtomove.com

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