3715: Email for Minimalists AND Not a Natural by Joshua Fields Millburn of The Minimalists

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

Optimal Living Daily LLC

Self-improvement, Education, Mental Health, Health & Fitness

4.6 • 3.2K Ratings

🗓️ 25 August 2025

⏱️ 10 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3715: Joshua Fields Millburn shares how simplifying his email habits, removing smartphone access, unsubscribing from low-value sources, and responding on his own terms - has reduced stress and reclaimed time. He also reveals that writing was never a natural gift, but through persistent practice and dedication, he transformed his skills, proving that talent is often built, not born. Together, these reflections highlight the power of intentional habits and committed effort in creating a more focused, meaningful life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.theminimalists.com/email/ AND http://www.theminimalists.com/natural/ Quotes to ponder: "Life is too precious to spend our days feeling anxious with required email responses." "Most things in life aren’t innate: individual betterment has little to do with inbred talent." "Before a man can even think about being a rockstar, he must earn the calluses on his fingertips." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Why are businesses like HelloVet choosing Apple products and services?
0:04.8	So we started the business two years ago.
0:07.2	We had a few people who were used to PCs and this was their first foray into Macs.
0:12.5	But it's been super smooth getting everyone onto those devices and everyone seems really, really happy.
0:18.0	Find out how Mac can help you run and grow your business at apple.com forward slash hello vet. If I get my kid a phone, I'll be able to keep in touch with them all the time. They'll be on it all the time. Could work to skill by himself. She could see something she shouldn't. You could chat with grandma. Friends, trolls? They can access anything on the internet. They can access anything on the internet.
0:39.2	So, should I give my kid a phone?
0:42.7	Growing up with phones isn't always easy.
0:44.7	Introducing EEA for Sims.
0:46.8	Sims that help moderate usage and shield harmful content on any smartphone.
0:50.4	Choose EEC for Sims.
0:51.9	Only on the UK's Best Network.
0:53.7	To verify best network, see E.e.com.uker claims.
0:57.3	It's a minimalist Monday edition of Optimal Living Daily.
1:00.7	Email for minimalists and not a natural, both by Joshua Fields Milburn of theminimalist.com.
1:07.7	And I'm Justin Mollick, the guy that reads to you every single day of the year, including weekends and holidays to help you live a more meaningful and positive life.
1:15.4	Two posts today, both from Joshua of the Minimalists, a friend of mine, and our shows.
1:20.1	Let's keep this intro minimal for the minimalist and start optimizing your life.
1:28.1	Email for Minimalists by Joshua Fields Milburn of the Minimalists.com.
1:33.2	I manage email differently from how I used to.
1:36.9	Email of yesteryear.
1:39.1	When I worked in corporate America, I would receive 150 to 250 emails a day. In fact, the first thing I did each morning was
1:47.5	reach for my Blackberry and check my inbox, and then I was anchored to that device throughout
	...

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