3736: How to Use Principles Instead of Plans by Stephen Guise of Mini Habits on How to Create Lasting Progress

Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

Optimal Living Daily LLC

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

4.6 • 3.2K Ratings

🗓️ 13 September 2025

⏱️ 11 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 3736: Stephen Guise explains how principles can serve as powerful guides when detailed planning feels overwhelming or restrictive. By adopting simple rules like the 2-minute rule, acting on anything that improves your life, and consulting your “future self,” you can make better everyday choices, stay consistent, and build momentum without relying solely on rigid schedules. His approach blends the structure of planning with the flexibility of principles to help create lasting progress. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://minihabits.com/how-to-use-principles-instead-of-plans/ Quotes to ponder: “If it takes 2 minutes or less, do it.” “If you’ll regret it tomorrow, don’t do it. If you’ll be thankful for it tomorrow, do it.” “The final principle: If you can ingrain valuable principles into your psyche and follow them, you’ll do great(er) things!” Episode references: Getting Things Done: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0143126563 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:18.0	Find out how Mac can help you run and grow your business at apple.com forward slash hellovet.
0:26.0	Here's the truth about AI.
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0:49.5	That's why the world works with ServiceNow. Visit ServiceNow.com slash UK slash AI for people.
0:57.0	This is Optimal Living Daily. How to Use Principles instead of Plans by Stephen
1:02.5	Guys of Many Habits.com. And I'm your narrator, Justin Mollick. Now let's get right to our next
1:08.2	article as we optimize your life.
1:19.8	How to Use Principles instead of Plans by Stephen Guys of minihabits.com.
1:25.9	Planning is how we crystallize our intentions and make goals and dreams reality.
1:29.0	But it's also difficult sometimes and exhausting.
1:35.6	There may be some days or times in the day that you don't want to or can't plan. And if that's the case, you can instead rely upon principles. First, let me reiterate the importance and value of
1:42.9	planning. Planning is great. If you don't plan
1:46.0	things, you're going with the flow, and that flow might not be good. The flow is also unlikely
1:51.6	to magically improve your life. You have to be intentional to get the best results and rewards.
	...

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