Habit Chess Podcast
Habit Chess is about training everyday skills to make moves. Every week I share stories, mental models, and principles from the craft of getting better so you can apply them to your own training. My name is Misbah Haque and I've spent 10+ years coaching Fortune 1000 executives, athletes, and high performers from all walks of life.Outside of podcasting, I'm a consultant and author. You can grab my latest book, Pod Mahal on Amazon.Get Habit Chess Newsletter: https://habitchess.substack.com/
9 Books for Work Nobody Talks About (But Should) | EP90
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📚 Books mentioned
00:00 - The First Minute: https://geni.us/TOjzwZp
01:39 - Never Split the Difference: https://geni.us/fEmBF3B
03:05 - The Laws of Human Nature: https://geni.us/arSz
04:24 - The 33 Strategies of War: https://geni.us/mxhKlFq
05:23 - Peak: https://geni.us/xOJrr
06:36 - Let My People Go Surfing: https://geni.us/NJE3fMp
08:21 - Influence: https://geni.us/KmKIHpd and Pre-suasion: https://geni.us/D2a1Fr
09:55 - The Mamba Mentality: https://geni.us/iVWKg
10:56 - Same as Ever: https://geni.us/t00I...
3 Ways to Bring More Analog Back into Your Life | EP89
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Download my free Time Investing Journal: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://habitchess.substack.com/
Try Readwise: https://readwise.io/i/misbah8
Download 21 Questions to Learn Anything Faster: https://free.habitchess.com/21-questions-to-learn-anything-faster
Pod Mahal Website: https://podmahal.com
Pod Mahal book on Amazon: https://geni.us/O0hlR2W
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPDfB6AgbqvLCx_dChD6DeQ/
My Favorite Voice Notes App (1 Year Later) | EP88
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App mentioned: https://letterly.app/
Download my free Time Investing Journal: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://habitchess.substack.com/
Try Readwise: https://readwise.io/i/misbah8
Download 21 Questions to Learn Anything Faster: https://free.habitchess.com/21-questions-to-learn-anything-faster
Pod Mahal Website: https://podmahal.com
Pod Mahal book on Amazon: https://geni.us/O0hlR2W
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPDfB6AgbqvLCx_dChD6DeQ/
I Tried Brainfm for 2 Years | EP87
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In this episode, I share what I found from using Brainfm for learning, creativity, focus, sleep, working out, and more.
Try Brainfm: https://www.brain.fm/
Download my free Time Investing Journal: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://habitchess.substack.com/
Try Readwise: https://readwise.io/i/misbah8
Download 21 Questions to Learn Anything Faster: https://free.habitchess.com/21-questions-to-learn-anything-faster
Pod Mahal Website: https://podmahal.com
Pod Mahal book on Amazon: https://geni.us/O0hlR2W
<...How to Make Reading Fun Again | EP86
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A few notes on reading in modern times.
Download my free Time Investing Journal: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://habitchess.substack.com/
Try Readwise: https://readwise.io/i/misbah8
Download 21 Questions to Learn Anything Faster: https://free.habitchess.com/21-questions-to-learn-anything-faster
Pod Mahal Website: https://podmahal.com
Pod Mahal book on Amazon: https://geni.us/O0hlR2W
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPDfB6AgbqvLCx_dChD6DeQ/
9 More Life-Changing Books I Revisit Every Year | EP85
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You'll enjoy at least one.
Books I Mentioned:
00:00 - Book 1: The Great Depression: A Diary - https://geni.us/Aokqo
01:31 - Book 2: The Art of Spending Money - https://geni.us/NFEK
02:23 - Book 3: Peak - https://geni.us/Lvc9G
03:35 - Book 4: Mastery - https://geni.us/LPWw2E6
05:13 - Book 5: Wool - https://geni.us/vEdG5D
07:09 - Book 6: The Mamba Mentality - https://geni.us/xttuEmZ
9:33 - Book 7: Outlive - https://geni.us/QquD
10:55 - Book 8: Invent & Wander - https://geni...
Time Investing 101 | EP84
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A system for seeing the truth about your effort and why it quietly changes everything.
Download my free Time Investing Journal: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://habitchess.substack.com/
Try Readwise: https://readwise.io/i/misbah8
Download 21 Questions to Learn Anything Faster: https://free.habitchess.com/21-questions-to-learn-anything-faster
Pod Mahal Website: https://podmahal.com
Pod Mahal book on Amazon: https://geni.us/O0hlR2W
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPDfB6AgbqvLCx_dChD6DeQ/
We Fear the Wrong Failures | EP83
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A $10 billion lesson.
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://habitchess.substack.com/
Try Readwise: https://readwise.io/i/misbah8
Download 21 Questions to Learn Anything Faster: https://free.habitchess.com/21-questions-to-learn-anything-faster
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Pod Mahal Website: https://podmahal.com
Pod Mahal book on Amazon: https://geni.us/O0hlR2W
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPDfB6AgbqvLCx_dChD6DeQ/
Inside the Mind of a Barista Turned Billionaire (Never Enough by Andrew Wilkinson) | EP82
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In this episode, I share the lessons I learned from reading Never Enough: Barista to Billionaire by Andrew Wilkinson.
Get the book here: https://geni.us/U7NTfr
00:00 — Why This Book Hit Me02:20 — From Barista to Billionaire: What Makes Andrew Different05:01 — The Hidden Cost of Wealth08:34 — Lessons on People, Power, and Tacit Knowledge12:27 — The Traps of Ambition (Envy, Status, Mimetic Desire)18:02 — Rich vs. Truly Fulfilled24:08 — The Mindset Shift That Changed Him31:33 — The Real Lesson of Never EnoughHabit Chess Newsletter: https://habitchess.substack.com/
Try Readwise: https://readwise.io/i/misbah8
How To Reduce Eye Strain From Scrolling At Night In 3 Clicks On Your iPhone | EP81
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In this episode, I talk about how I save my eyes at night from scrolling without new glasses from this shortcut I learned from Rick Rubin and Dr. Andrew Huberman's conversation.
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://habitchess.substack.com/
Try Readwise: https://readwise.io/i/misbah8
Download 21 Questions to Learn Anything Faster: https://free.habitchess.com/21-questions-to-learn-anything-faster
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Book a free podcast strategy call: https://podmahal.com
Pod Mahal book on Amazon: https...
Scrolling Your Book Highlights With Readwise (120 Day Review) | EP80
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In this episode, I share what I think of Readwise after trying it for 120 days for reviewing my book highlights.
Try Readwise: https://readwise.io/i/misbah8
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://habitchess.substack.com/
Download 21 Questions to Learn Anything Faster: https://free.habitchess.com/21-questions-to-learn-anything-faster
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Book a free podcast strategy call: https://podmahal.com
Pod Mahal book on Amazon: https://geni.us/O0hlR2W
Instagram: https://www.instagram.c...
Reading On Kindle vs iPad vs Physical Books - 16 Months Later | EP79
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In this episode, I share my favorite way to read after 16 months of testing the Kindle, iPhone, iPad, and Physical Books.
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://habitchess.substack.com/
Download 21 Questions to Learn Anything Faster: https://free.habitchess.com/21-questions-to-learn-anything-faster
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Book a free podcast strategy call: https://podmahal.com
Pod Mahal book on Amazon: https://geni.us/O0hlR2W
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misbah.hawk/
YouTube: https://www...
How To Remember What You Read | EP78
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In this episode, I cover my 3 step process to remembering everything I read.
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://habitchess.substack.com/
Download 21 Questions to Learn Anything Faster: https://free.habitchess.com/21-questions-to-learn-anything-faster
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Book a free podcast strategy call: https://podmahal.com
Pod Mahal book on Amazon: https://geni.us/O0hlR2W
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misbah.hawk/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPDfB6AgbqvLCx_dChD6DeQ/
This Book Will Change How You See Status Games Forever | EP77
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In this episode, I share what I learned from reading The Status Game by Will Storr, breaking down the three types of status games and the seven rules to play them wisely.
Get The Status Game book on Amazon: https://geni.us/2ftpD
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://habitchess.substack.com/
Download 21 Questions to Learn Anything Faster: https://free.habitchess.com/21-questions-to-learn-anything-faster
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Book a free podcast strategy call: https://podmahal.com
Pod M...
9 Books I Revisit Often (in Under 10 Minutes) | EP76
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In this episode, I summarize the 9 books I think are worth keeping on your bookshelf because of how often you'll want to revisit them.
Get the books mentioned here on Amazon:
The Daily Stoic: https://geni.us/d8j0M6J
Poor Charlie's Almanack: https://geni.us/c9HJ
The Laws of Human Nature: https://geni.us/IH0mRE
The Courage to Be Disliked: https://geni.us/xDp29D
Same As Ever: https://geni.us/t9w8YX
The Creative...
This Simple Shift Will Make You a Faster Learner | EP75
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In this episode, I share a simple, counterintuitive shift that can help you remember more, learn faster, and apply new skills decades after your school brain has retired.
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://habitchess.substack.com/
Download 21 Questions to Learn Anything Faster: https://free.habitchess.com/21-questions-to-learn-anything-faster
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Book a free podcast strategy call: https://podmahal.com
Pod Mahal book on Amazon: https://geni.us/O0hlR2W
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com...
25 Ways Charlie Munger Outsmarted Bad Decisions (That You Can Too) | EP74
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In this episode, I go through Charlie Munger's 25 cognitive biases that quietly ruin your judgment and how to avoid them to sharpen decision making skills.
Get Poor Charlie's Almanack: https://geni.us/pSle
Checklist doc of the 25 biases: https://geni.us/OrhmsQy
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://habitchess.substack.com/
Download 21 Questions to Learn Anything Faster: https://free.habitchess.com/21-questions-to-learn-anything-faster
Get Pod Mahal the book on Amazon: https://geni.us/XA1k
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/noti...
The New Way to Set Goals in the AI Era | EP73
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In this episode, I share what I’ve discovered from a powerful new approach to goal setting in the age of AI. One that’s finally ready to dethrone SMART goals, from the book Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff.
Get the book: https://geni.us/QY98hvS
Download 21 Questions to Learn Anything Faster: https://free.habitchess.com/21-questions-to-learn-anything-faster
Get Pod Mahal the book on Amazon: https://geni.us/osBrz54
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: http...
How to Use AI Like a $700/hr Consultant w/ Danoosh Kapadia | EP72
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In this episode, I talk to Danoosh Kapadia, an AI educator and strategist who helps leaders turn AI hype into real strategic advantage.
He’s worked with executives through workshops, keynotes, and coaching, and previously helped scale General Assembly and launch IDEO U.
We explore how to use AI like a $700/hr consultant, why generalists will thrive, and which skills still matter in a fast-changing world.
Show Notes:
00:00 – Danoosh’s Journey: From Engineer to AI Educator07:45 – How AI Is Changing Education and Skill Va...Lawsuit for millions of job apps rejected with AI software | EP71
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In this episode, I talk about how the recent lawsuit with AI software affects the future of working people.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Download 21 Questions to Learn Anything Faster: https://geni.us/fPKj8h
Get Pod Mahal the book on Amazon: https://geni.us/TTvPpRq
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://www.mizhq.com/newsletter
Book a free podcast strategy call: https://podmahal.com
Pod Mahal book on Amazo...
Turn life into a lab with this 5min exercise from Tiny Experiments | EP70
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In this episode, I talk about trying out this daily 5min metacognition exercise from the book Tiny Experiments.
Get a copy of Tiny Experiments on Amazon: https://geni.us/ehuAc
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Get Pod Mahal the book on Amazon: https://geni.us/RsLQbA
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://www.mizhq.com/newsletter
Book a free podcast strategy call: https://podmahal.com
Pod Mahal book on Amazon: https://geni.us...
What Duolingo's AI-First Backlash Reveals About the Power of People | EP69
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In this episode, I unpack why Duolingo’s ‘AI-first’ email blew up and what it reveals about the future of work.
Referenced Duolingo's post on LinkedIn: https://geni.us/jhcWR
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://www.mizhq.com/newsletter
Book a free podcast strategy call: https://podmahal.com
Pod Mahal book on Amazon: https://geni.us/O0hlR2W
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misbah.hawk/
...
Vibe Coding with Replit as a Complete Beginner | EP68
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In this episode, I share my honest experience vibe coding with Replit as a complete beginner and what it taught me about the future of building.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://www.mizhq.com/newsletter
Seize the minute: https://laplist.io/
Website: https://podmahal.com
Pod Mahal book on Amazon: https://geni.us/h2rFmg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misbah.hawk/
Yo...
I Tried Turning My Smartphone Into A Dumb Phone For 3 Months | EP67
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In this episode, I breakdown what I learned from turning my smartphone into a dumb phone and why the most important metric isn't being measured by anyone.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://www.mizhq.com/newsletter
Seize the minute: https://laplist.io/
Website: https://podmahal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misbah.hawk/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPDfB6AgbqvLCx_dChD6DeQ/
How to Buy Back 20+ Hours Per Week Using AI w/ Aarti Anand | EP66
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Most business owners are drowning in tasks that could be automated tomorrow. In this episode, I talk to Aarti Anand, founder of Kodenyx AI and writer of the AI-First CEO newsletter. She spent 15 years building software for others before realizing she could build and sell, so she took the leap. Aarti now focuses on simplifying AI adoption for executives through strategy and automation.
In this conversation, she explains why you should start with problems instead of tools, how the 80% automation rule beats perfectionism, and why small businesses are outpacing slow enterprises in t...
Fiverr CEO’s Viral Letter: What It Means for Your Career | EP65
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In this episode, I breakdown how the Fiverr CEO's viral letter about AI isn't really about AI. It's about who operates with high agency and who doesn't.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://www.mizhq.com/newsletter
Seize the minute: https://laplist.io/
Website: https://podmahal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misbah.hawk/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPDfB6AgbqvLCx_dChD6DeQ/
Progression vs Regression in Training New Skills | EP64
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In this episode, I explore how the fitness concept of progression and regression can be used as a mental model to learn any skill more effectively.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Email: hi@habitchess.com
Pod Mahal Book: https://geni.us/fySk
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://www.mizhq.com/newsletter
Seize the minute: https://laplist.io/
Website: https://podmahal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misbah.hawk/<...
The Skills AI Can't Train for You | EP63
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The stuff AI can't do for you is about to be worth way more than the stuff it can.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Email: hi@habitchess.com
Pod Mahal Book: https://geni.us/FCMpSjm
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://www.mizhq.com/newsletter
Seize the minute: https://laplist.io/
Website: https://podmahal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misbah.hawk/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channe...
When To Stick vs Quit: The Dip by Seth Godin | EP62
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In this episode, I talk about The Dip by Seth Godin, to help decipher when it's time to stick vs quit. This is a crucial component of acquiring any new skill, embarking on a tough project, and making decisions that have multi-year effects.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Email: hi@habitchess.com
Pod Mahal Book: https://geni.us/kE53Tk
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://www.mizhq.com/newsletter
Seize the minute: https...
4 Agreements That Shatter Self-Limiting Beliefs | EP61
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In this episode, I dive into The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz after almost a decade and reflect on what stood the test of time. Join me to discover why I'm reading this transformative book once a year from now on.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Email: hi@habitchess.com
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
3 Day Next Move Sample: https://free.habitchess.com/nextmove
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://www.mizhq.com/newsletter
Seize...
3 Skills to Learn Or D*e Trying | EP60
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In this episode, I reveal the three fundamental skills I would dedicate my life to mastering. Skills that quietly shape success and can transform yours too. I share my framework for high-agency thinking that will help you move faster, think clearer, and build anything with greater confidence. Whether you're looking to switch careers, grow your business, or finally break free from feeling stuck.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Email: hi@habitchess.com
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
3 Day Ne...
How to Learn Any New Skill in 10 Minutes a Day | EP59
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Everyone's looking for shortcuts to mastery, but most overlook the simplest hack: consistent micro-practice. In this episode, I show you why dedicating just 10 minutes daily to any skill creates exponential growth that massive cramming sessions never will. You'll discover why traditional learning advice fails busy people and how to build an unbreakable practice that fits into even the most chaotic schedule.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Email: hi@habitchess.com
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
3 Day Next Move S...
What My 10 Year Old Notes Taught Me About Progress | EP58
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Notes can be time machines, giving you honest feedback about your progress and persistent challenges when you revisit them. In this episode, I share how accidentally stumbling upon my decade old notes revealed surprising stuff about my growth and helped me develop a deeper trust in my own voice.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Email: hi@habitchess.com
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
3 Day Next Move Sample: https://free.habitchess.com/nextmove
Habit Chess Newsletter: https...
The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman (5.5 Years Later) | EP57
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In this episode, I break down The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman, a powerful framework I've personally tested and refined over the past 5+ years. You'll learn practical ways to unlock peak performance whenever you need it.
Get the book here: https://geni.us/70lhkX
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Email: hi@habitchess.com
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
3 Day Next Move Sample: https://free.habitchess.com/nextmove
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://www.mizhq...
7 Soft Skills That Get Harder to Learn Every Year | EP56
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While everyone races to master technical skills, the invisible skills that determine who thrives are silently becoming harder to develop with each passing year.
In this episode, I dive into the seven critical soft skills that successful people master early, why waiting makes them exponentially harder to learn, and the specific systems you can use to develop them before it's too late.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Email: hi@habitchess.com
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
3 Day...
The Hardest Job of Our Lives Is Here | EP55
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The hardest job of our lives isn’t coming. It’s already here. AI is changing everything, and the way we navigate work, skills, and opportunities will determine who thrives and who gets left behind. In this episode, I break down what’s really happening, why it matters, and how to position yourself to stay ahead.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Email: hi@habitchess.com
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
3 Day Next Move Sample: https://free.habitchess.com/nextmove...
How to Capture & Resurface Your Best Ideas (So You Actually Use Them) | EP54
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How many great ideas have you lost just because you didn’t have a system to catch them? In this episode, I break down a simple five-step process to capture, resurface, and actually use your best ideas—so you never have to worry about forgetting them again.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Email: hi@habitchess.com
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
3 Day Next Move Sample: https://free.habitchess.com/nextmove
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://www.mizhq.com...
11 Skills That Will Always Be in Demand (And How to Stack Them) | EP53
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With AI automating more tasks, human-centric skills are your edge.
In this episode, I break down 11 timeless skills—like high agency, storytelling, and judgment—that will keep you relevant no matter how industries evolve.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Email: hi@habitchess.com
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.habitchess.com/notion-time-tracking-template
3 Day Next Move Sample: https://free.habitchess.com/nextmove
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://www.mizhq.com/newsletter
Seize the minute: https://laplist.io/
Website...
How Context Mapping Takes the Fear Out of Learning New Skills | EP52
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In this episode, I talk about the concept of "Context Mapping," a game changing approach to learning new skills by leveraging what you already know.
Discover how to overcome the fear of starting something new, break tasks into manageable steps, and apply your existing expertise to new challenges.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.podmahal.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://www.mizhq.com/newsletter
Website: https://podmahal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misbah.hawk/
YouT...
How To Skill Stack Your Way To What You Want In 2025 | EP51
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In this episode, I unpack how to build your own skill stack to get what you want, faster.
👋🏽 Connect with me:
Download my free Notion Time Tracker: https://free.podmahal.com/notion-time-tracking-template
Habit Chess Newsletter: https://www.mizhq.com/newsletter
Website: https://podmahal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misbah.hawk/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPDfB6AgbqvLCx_dChD6DeQ/
