In this episode, we explore our first listener-suggested maxim: “Don’t let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do.” The saying is primarily attributed to legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, and its message is as practical as it is timeless.

Sam and I unpack this adage with our guest, Mike Piehl of Somerville, MA, examining how focusing on forward motion—rather than limitations—can unlock progress in work, creativity, and life. The phrase isn’t about ignoring challenges or pretending constraints don’t exist; it’s about refusing to let them become excuses. It’s a reminder that momentum is built by acting on what’s within reach, even when the full path forward is completely clear yet;-).

Given his lifelong practice of resourcefulness across nearly every facet of his life, Mike turned out to be the perfect guest to bring this idea to life, sharing real-world perspective on how doing something often matters more than waiting to do everything.

Postscript: As I wrote this episode summary, I was struck by how relevant this topic is to the very existence of Maxim EQ itself. There were (and still are;-) plenty of things Sam and I didn’t know about podcasting—but we started anyway, we’re learning as we go, and have enjoyed every step of the journey.

Thanks for listening,

Mike

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While this episode is far from a high-falutin academic deep dive into Seneca’s maxim, we do unpack the very real—and largely unhelpful—habit of catastrophizing: how a relatively small setback can snowball into a full-blown worst-case scenario, and the impact that pattern can have on our well-being. We also dig into the practical foundations that help us show up more fully in every part of life—thoughtful time management, emotional regulation, and intentional self-care. And finally, we acknowledge the difficulty of following our own advice: why it’s so hard, and what it really takes to bridge the gap between what we know and what we actually practice. It’s a grounded, candid discussion for anyone looking to move through life with a bit more clarity, compassion, and intention.

Thanks for listening,

Mike

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We’ve all heard the advice: tune out the noise. But what if that noise is where the valuable signal lives? In this episode, Sam, Lysa, and I dive into the power of paying attention to what may be tempting to ignore. Perhaps we’re actually being invited to listen more closely and observe with greater discernment—because the more “noise” we welcome in, the more opportunity we create to connect, learn, and grow.

Thanks for listening,
Mike

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