We dig into the difference between mind and brain, map the four levels of mind, and show how thoughts shape the body through neuroplasticity and epigenetics. Using tree and pruning metaphors, we share how to spot signals, trim toxic patterns, and prepare for the Neurocycle tools.

• Mind as thinking, feeling, and choosing
• Clear split between mind and brain
• Four levels of mind and their roles
• Thoughts as trees with memory branches
• Signals from the body as useful prompts
• Epigenetics and how thinking affects genes
• Reactive versus proactive mind management
• Pruning toxic thoughts to free up energy
• Kintsugi as a model for meaningful repair
• Tease into the five-step Neurocycle next week

Next week, the practical application of the neurocycle, we're gonna dive into those five steps

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We unpack how toxic thinking shows up in the body and how a practical, five-step mind management process can turn awareness into lasting change. Real stories meet research on stress, immunity, and neuroplasticity to help us build peace that holds under pressure.

• moving from data to daily application
• naming and handling cognitive dissonance
• distinguishing useful stress from toxic stress
• how thoughts influence immunity and inflammation
• stories that turn science into lived practice
• why awareness without strategy backfires
• rebuilding habits over 63 days through repetition
• millennial and Gen Z burnout drivers and fixes
• empowerment through competency and simple tools

Get the book. Read along with us one chapter a week. If you want an agile brain exercise, just message us and we will give it to you for free with no strings attached. The best ways through our Substack, W-O-Y-B, for what’s on your bookshelf. We’ll have a link to how to get the book.

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We dig into the research-heavy chapter that proves mind management isn’t fluff and outline how awareness and autonomy work together to reduce toxic stress and build resilience. The data across brain waves, blood markers and validated scales points to real, measurable change over 60 days.

• why control groups spiralled when awareness lacked tools
• how autonomy fuels follow-through and habit formation
• stress as a signal to manage, not erase
• the hard middle between days 14 and 60
• reconceptualising your narrative to reduce toxic load
• neuroplasticity turning practices into automatic patterns
• measurable shifts in anxiety, mood and physiological markers
• preparing support for the uncomfortable early phase

Go get the book; in our show notes should be the link to the book. We have a Substack, W-O-Y-B, where we also have the links to the book.

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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 trace why mind management matters now, how the Neurocycle works, and what the research says about stress, habits, and biological aging. Heavy science meets practical steps, with identity, autonomy, and small daily actions at the center.

• stress as a warning signal you should not ignore
• mind management as legacy for kids and teams
• well-being reframed as being well through identity
• 21 days to wire, 63 days to automate habits
• directed neuroplasticity replacing reactive patterns
• measurable change in cortisol, inflammation, and scans
• telomere protection and implications for aging
• moving from bystander to first responder in life
• career autonomy through internal rewiring, not just job changes
• practical next steps and accountability through community

Subscribe for free at woyb.substack.com and catch new episodes every Wednesday

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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 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
Please come back and share our episodes with those that you think would get value from this as well

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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.

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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 close the year with The Four Agreements’ final chapter and explore how a “new dream” becomes real through imagination, love, and steady action. From Bob Ross to Figment to mountain summits, we turn mistakes into material and choices into change.

• the new dream as practical freedom
• Bob Ross as a model for reframing error
• choosing heaven or hell in daily practice
• imagination prompts turned into actions
• love as a method and self-respect
• identifying and starving the parasite
• opening the door out of comfortable pain
• consistency, tiny habits, and resilience
• reading widely to expand empathy
• reflections on the season and what’s next

If you have enjoyed this series, please, we’re asking you to not only comment and and like and let us know, but share it with other people that could get value from this as well

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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.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.