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  • Easy Hard vs. Hard Hard Pilot Episode

    Easy Hard vs. Hard Hard Pilot Episode
    2025/06/15
    Welcome to the Easy Hard vs. Hard Hard podcast. This pilot episode provides and introduction to the podcast and introduces the Easy Hard vs. Hard Hard Concept.
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    9 分
  • Is Productivity the Problem or How We Define it?

    Is Productivity the Problem or How We Define it?
    2025/06/19
    We’re taught that productivity means getting more done—but what if that’s wrong? In this episode, we discuss why working harder doesn’t always mean moving forward and how misaligned effort leads to burnout, frustration, and a sense of being stuck. If you’ve ever felt like you're constantly busy but making no real progress, this episode will help you redefine productivity around alignment, not just activity. In This Episode: Why traditional definitions of productivity are broken How working on the wrong things drains your time and energy Why procrastination isn’t laziness—it’s protection The emotional weight of misaligned work Why your identity isn’t your output How to recognize the difference between movement and progress The power of saying “no” and setting boundaries Stay Connected: Follow Bobby on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-shelton-pmp-acc-124502b Subscribe to the Easy Hard vs. Hard Hard newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7337526896307429377 Email Bobby: bshelton@battlecatcoaching.com Share this episode with someone who’s stuck in the “grind” Rate & review the show if this message resonated with you
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    17 分
  • Purpose ,Praise, and the Problem of Doing It for Others

    Purpose ,Praise, and the Problem of Doing It for Others
    2025/06/22
    Episode 3: Purpose, Praise, and the Problem of Doing It for Others In this episode of *Easy Hard vs. Hard Hard*, we unpack a powerful trap that so many high-achievers fall into: confusing purpose with praise. You might be doing all the right things—working hard, meeting expectations, getting noticed—but deep down, something feels off. That’s not a motivation problem. That’s a purpose problem. We explore how external validation can hijack your direction, how to spot when you're working for others instead of yourself, and what it really takes to reconnect with the kind of work that *matters to you*. What You’ll Learn: - The subtle ways we chase approval instead of purpose - Why burnout can sometimes be a sign of misalignment - Red flags that you’ve disconnected from your values - A personal story of shifting from "What will they think?" to "What do I want?" Listener Reflection Challenge Take 10 quiet minutes this week and ask yourself: - What am I doing that I wouldn’t choose without praise? - What used to give me purpose that I stopped doing? - What would I pursue if no one had an opinion? Resources & Links - Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/easy-hard-vs-hard-hard-7337526896307429377/ - Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-shelton-pmp-acc-124502b - Email me: bshelton@battlecatcoaching.com - Share this episode with someone running in the wrong direction - Catch up on Episode 2: *Productivity is a Trap—Unless You Redefine It*
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    17 分
  • Meaning in Life

    Meaning in Life
    2025/06/29
    Episode 4: Meaning in Life In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to live a life filled with meaning—and why so many of us are quietly losing it. We explore how doing Easy Hard work that is misaligned with your values, can steal your meaning in life. The good news is it’s not all doom and gloom—we also unpack practical strategies to rebuild meaning through reframing, contribution, and purpose-driven action. Key Topics: What meaning in life actually is How doing “Easy Hard” work can leave you feeling empty Research-backed ways to regain meaning in life How misaligned work can erode your meaning in life Referenced Thinkers & Works: Emily Esfahani Smith – The Power of Meaning Takeaways: Meaning is not found, it’s built—through values, reflection, and action. Align your daily work with who you truly are, not who others expect you to be. Reflection Question: What’s one small step you can take this week to reconnect with what gives your life meaning? Subscribe & Share: If this episode resonated with you, send it to a friend or coworker who might need to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on direction, identity, and doing the work that matters.
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    22 分
  • Understanding Easy Hard – Why Some Work Leaves You Empty

    Understanding Easy Hard – Why Some Work Leaves You Empty
    2025/07/06
    In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of Easy Hard…work that might look impressive from the outside but doesn’t bring real joy, fulfillment, or lasting meaning. He shares personal stories about weight loss, academic burnout, and the subtle traps of living life to impress others instead of pursuing what truly matters to you. This foundational conversation sets the stage for identifying and shifting toward Hard Hard work—the kind of work that aligns with your purpose and brings lasting growth. Easy Hard Defined: • Work with a clear, formulaic path that may not foster personal growth. • Work done primarily to impress others or meet external expectations, not for personal fulfillment. The Cost of Easy Hard: • Leads to burnout, frustration, lack of productivity, and a deeper sense of meaninglessness. • It can look successful on the surface but leaves you drained and disconnected inside. Personal Stories: • My 180-pound weight loss journey and the shift from external validation to personal motivation. • The decision to pause and later re-engage in a doctoral program for the right reasons—learning and personal growth rather than prestige. How to Identify Your Easy Hard: 1. Does the work bring you joy? 2. Are you doing it for yourself or to impress others? 3. What’s your emotional and physical state while doing it? (Energized vs. drained) Practical Advice: • Start small: Find one thing that brings you joy and make space for it. • Begin replacing easy hard work with activities that align with your values, purpose, and well-being. • Don’t quit everything overnight—start where you are and build momentum. Write down 1-2 things that feel like “Easy Hard” and consider how you might begin shifting toward work that truly matters. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Together, let’s help more people find their Hard Hard and start doing the work that matters to them. Follow along: Substack: https://bobbyshelton.substack.com/ Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-shelton-pmp-acc-124502b
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    29 分
  • How to Find Your Hard Hard Work

    How to Find Your Hard Hard Work
    2025/07/13
    In this episode, we dive into the concept of Hard Hard work—the kind of work that moves you closer to your goals, brings meaning to your life, and helps you become the person you truly want to be. We discuss why most of us avoid this type of work, how societal pressures push us toward “Easy Hard” choices, and how to begin the journey back to yourself through intentional effort. Bobby also shares the science behind personal change, including Growth Mindset and Self-Determination Theory, offering listeners practical strategies for identifying and embracing their own Hard Hard work. Key Topics Covered: • What is Hard Hard work and how is it different from Easy Hard? • Why we often avoid the work that matters most to us • The role of societal expectations and internal resistance • Scientific foundations: - Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset - Ryan & Deci’s Self-Determination Theory (Competence, Connection, Autonomy) - The power of Flow State • Practical steps to find your Hard Hard work: 1. Identify your resistance: What have you been avoiding? 2. Reflect on who you want to become 3. Seek discomfort and meaning in your work 4. Experiment and reflect—try things on 5. Monitor your energy: Does the work fuel or drain you? Takeaways: • Hard Hard work doesn’t have to be physically hard—it’s about alignment with your values and desires. • Doing the work that matters to you leads to increased happiness, fulfillment, and personal growth. • Small steps—even five minutes—can start the transformation. • Self-leadership is the foundation for becoming the person you want to be and for leading others. Action Step: This week, commit to spending just five minutes on something you’ve been avoiding—something that might be your Hard Hard. Notice how it makes you feel, the discomfort it brings, and reflect on whether it aligns with who you want to become. Connect with Bobby: Email: bshelton@battlecatcoaching.com Share your progress or ask questions—I am happy to be your guide on this journey. If You Found This Helpful: Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to the podcast for more on Hard Hard work, self-leadership, and building a life of purpose. Resources Mentioned: • Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-Determination Theory. • Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience.
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    25 分
  • The Dangers of Groupthink

    The Dangers of Groupthink
    2025/07/20
    The Dangers of Groupthink Description: In this episode, Bobby dives into the subtle yet powerful force that keeps so many of us stuck: Groupthink. We explore how the desire to fit in can override our ability to think independently—and how that often leads us away from the meaningful, challenging work we’re truly called to do. Through examples from everyday life and reflections on personal experience, Bobby unpacks how groupthink fuels Easy Hard behavior and blocks us from stepping into Hard Hard work—the kind that requires clarity, courage, and authenticity. If you’ve ever found yourself compromising your values or silencing your voice to avoid conflict, this episode is a must-listen. Key Topics Covered: What is groupthink, and why is it dangerous? How groupthink shows up in your work, relationships, and decisions The connection between groupthink and Easy Hard work Real-life stories and examples, including CrossFit culture, nutrition tribes, and professional identity Why Hard Hard thinking means embracing discomfort, questioning assumptions, and honoring your own voice How to break free: 3 strategies to challenge groupthink and think for yourself This Week’s Challenge: Identify one area in your life where you’ve defaulted to groupthink. Ask yourself: What do I truly believe here? Then try reacting differently next time—and reflect on how it feels. Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s ready to challenge their thinking and step into more meaningful work. And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!
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    22 分
  • The Hot Dog Effect: A $5 Act That Changed My Day

    The Hot Dog Effect: A $5 Act That Changed My Day
    2025/07/23
    A small gesture at a hot dog shop reminded me how powerful everyday kindness can be—and why we need more of it now than ever.
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    8 分