Épisodes

  • The Intensity Illusion: Why Pushing Harder Backfires
    Feb 20 2026

    Nick Gilbert introduces Uplifted Living and explains that feeling stuck is often a nervous system response to high-pressure approaches, not laziness or lack of desire. He argues that when goals are tied to perfectionism and intensity, the body perceives threat, leading to fight/flight and often a freeze response that looks like procrastination. The episode critiques the “intensity illusion” (sprints, challenges, all-or-nothing efforts) and describes how depletion teaches the brain an activity is unsafe, increasing resistance. Gilbert proposes shifting from high intensity to high repeatability by finding a “safety threshold”—the smallest version of a habit you can do even on a bad day (e.g., three sentences instead of 1,000 words, a 10-minute walk instead of an hour). He emphasizes that capacity fluctuates, urges lowering the bar without guilt on low-capacity days, and suggests a one-week experiment of cutting intensity in half with full focus to reduce dread and restore enjoyment. He concludes that sustainable progress comes from showing up consistently.

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    10 min
  • Burnout Recovery Doesn’t Look Like You Think
    Feb 13 2026

    In this episode of 'Uplifted Living' hosted by Nick Gilbert, the concept of burnout is explored in-depth. Nick challenges the common misconception that burnout is due to doing too much, highlighting instead that it often results from asking too much of oneself without sufficient rest or compassion. The episode emphasizes that burnout is a signal to care for oneself rather than apply more pressure. It advocates for a 'gentle reset' approach to recovery, which includes granting permission to slow down, focusing on the basics, and redefining success as small actions supporting well-being. The episode ends with an invitation to reflect on what would feel supportive rather than impressive in the moment, promoting sustainable and kind growth.

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    6 min
  • Your Life Improvements Keep Failing? Here's Why
    Feb 6 2026

    In this episode of Uplifted Living, host Nick Gilbert discusses the pitfalls of trying to fix all aspects of one's life simultaneously, which often leads to burnout and frustration. Instead, he advocates for prioritizing and focusing on a single area of life that, if improved, would reduce the most friction and bring about more sustainable growth. Gilbert emphasizes that choosing one area to focus on at a time is an act of self-respect and can lead to more meaningful progress. He advises listeners to reflect on and journal about the one area in their life that deserves their full attention, and to give themselves permission to grow at a human pace.

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    5 min
  • Your Motivation Problem Isn't What You Think
    Jan 30 2026

    In this episode of Uplifted Living, host Nick Gilbert discusses the misconceptions about motivation in personal growth. He argues that motivation, being emotional and temporary, is not a reliable engine for action. Instead, Gilbert advocates for creating systems that simplify actions by reducing friction and setting up supportive environments. These systems enable consistent progress without relying on fluctuating emotions. The episode also suggests an identity shift from acting based on feelings to acting based on who you aim to become. Listeners are encouraged to make one habit easier to achieve by adjusting their environment or expectations.

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    6 min
  • You’re Not Lazy — You’re Overloaded
    Jan 23 2026

    In this episode of 'Uplifted Living,' host Nick Gilbert addresses the common misconception of laziness, suggesting that many people, in fact, suffer from cognitive and emotional overload rather than laziness. He explains how carrying too much information and setting numerous goals can lead to decision fatigue, ultimately making people feel stuck and inadequate. Gilbert offers a solution: simplifying tasks and focusing on smaller, meaningful actions to reduce the emotional and cognitive load. This approach, he argues, can restore energy, clarity, and consistency, helping individuals achieve sustainable growth. He encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider how lightening their load could lead to positive change.

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    5 min
  • Stop Doing More, Start Doing This Instead
    Jan 16 2026

    In this episode of Uplifted Living, host Nick Gilbert discusses the challenges faced by growth-oriented individuals who feel overwhelmed by self-improvement. He argues that the issue often lies in the overconsumption of self-help content rather than a lack of motivation. He suggests that real progress comes from simplifying one's approach, focusing on small, manageable actions, and reducing the number of decisions. Gilbert emphasizes the importance of building confidence through consistent, small commitments and encourages listeners to shift their identity towards one that keeps promises. He advises against trying to overhaul one's entire life at once, advocating instead for focusing on one small, actionable step to create momentum. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to simplify their routines and provide feedback or suggestions for future topics.

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    6 min
  • The Productivity System That Taught Me How to Pay Attention
    Jan 9 2026

    In this episode of Uplifted Living, host Nick Gilbert encourages listeners to reflect on whether their recent activities reflect their desired life or a life they are merely reacting to. Nick proposes that living intentionally requires more mindfulness and attention rather than doing more. He introduces The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll as a practice blending mindfulness, productivity, and self-discovery, emphasizing its simplicity over aesthetic appeal. Nick discusses research on how environmental factors like phone use affect attention and well-being, and promotes journaling as a tool for mindfulness. The key components of bullet journaling—tracking the past, organizing the present, and planning the future—are highlighted. Nick suggests a simple seven-day experiment to help listeners start living more intentionally by writing daily reflections. The episode underscores the importance of pausing to notice what truly matters, encouraging a shift from productivity to purposeful living.

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    12 min
  • Terminal Cancer Changed How He Lived Forever
    Jan 2 2026

    In this episode of Uplifted Living, host Nick Gilbert discusses the powerful message in Randy Pausch's 'The Last Lecture.' Facing terminal cancer, Pausch talked about living fully, emphasizing purpose, gratitude, and the importance of not taking time for granted. Gilbert explores how treating each day as a gift can transform our perspective and relationships. Key themes include practicing purpose daily, expressing gratitude openly, and living intentionally without waiting for a crisis. The episode encourages listeners to appreciate the present, value their time, and uplift themselves and others.

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    6 min