We dig into Chapter Two of Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess by Dr. Caroline Leaf and explain why mind management is the lever for change. We separate mind from brain, outline a five-step neurocycle, and share practical ways to catch and edit thoughts.

• the urgency behind mind management and lifestyle trends
• difference between mind and brain and why it matters
• thoughts as precursors to actions and results
• how to catch and edit toxic thought patterns
• neuroplasticity and rewiring automatic responses
• five-step neurocycle: gather, reflect, write, recheck, active reach
• the 63-day habit timeline and realistic expectations
• using emotions as guideposts for change
• applying tools across work and life without silos

We are giving no strings attached, absolutely free, an Agile Brain exercise and assessment that helps you look at your subconscious thinking

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We kick off a new year and series with Dr. Caroline Leaf’s Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess, linking emotional warning signals to health, performance, and leadership. We share why mind management beats quick fixes and how small, steady practices rewire thought patterns for real change.

• five-step mind management as a response to stress signals
• the difference between mind and brain and why it matters
• how toxic thinking drives inflammation and disease risk
• turning emotion into data, not directives
• from information overload to deep, applied learning
• self-leadership practices that improve team outcomes
• practical pacing for reading, reflection and habit change
• resources: Agile Brain exercise and Substack archive

Join us on Substack: w oib.substack.com
If you haven't gotten it yet, Zach will have some links to the book in the show notes
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Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

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We map out a year to declutter life and leadership, moving from neuroscience-backed habit change to practical workplace cleanup, stronger boundaries, and a disciplined pursuit of less. Four books guide the path: Dr. Caroline Leaf, Marie Kondo at work, Mel Robbins, and Greg McKeown.

• theme of the year set as decluttering life across mind, work, relationships, priorities
• recap of past arcs from happiness to facing obstacles
• why we start with neuroscience and long-term habit formation
• introduction to Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess and the five-step approach
• workplace clutter, meeting hygiene, email and file systems
• relationships, boundaries and the Let Them mindset
• essentialism as the filter for fewer, better commitments
• invitations for coaching, cohorts and deeper book clubs
• announcement of the Substack and how to join

Join our Substack: woyb.substack.com. Discovery calls are free, and links to book deals are in the show notes.

Support the show

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.