The Dr. Laura Podcast
Episode: Would You Live By These Mantras?
Date: February 22, 2026
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Episode Overview
In this episode, Dr. Laura Schlessinger discusses “mantras to live by” drawn from a popular article on goodmenproject.com, exploring how simple, powerful phrases can reshape mindsets and foster personal growth. Dr. Laura unpacks ten mantras, examining their meaning, offering examples from her own life, and connecting each to everyday challenges. The episode serves as an inspiring, practical guide for listeners seeking self-improvement, resilience, and a more intentional life.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Introduction to Mantras (02:30)
- Dr. Laura explains what a mantra is:
"A phrase you repeat to yourself. It's not magic, it's practice. And it will shape how you think. Act in the direction of your becoming."
The 10 Mantras & Dr. Laura’s Take
1. Awareness and Acceptance
Quote: Nathaniel Branden: “The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.”
- Dr. Laura’s Insight (03:00):
- Emphasizes that true change starts with honest awareness of one’s own patterns—not just with actions or adding new habits.
-
“Most people try to fix their lives by doing more... But transformation starts with awareness of the patterns you keep repeating, the excuses you keep recycling, and the stories you keep telling yourself.”
(03:40)
2. Have Big Dreams; You'll Grow Into Them
Quote: Norman Vincent Peale: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”
- Dr. Laura’s Insight (05:00):
- Readiness is a myth; growth happens after you start, not before.
-
“You're never going to truly feel ready. Readiness comes every after you start, not before—you grow into being ready.”
(05:36)
3. Stop Asking for Permission
Quote: Napoleon Hill: “Do not wait. The time will never be just right. Start where you stand.”
- Dr. Laura’s Insight (06:10):
- Seeking permission often traps people; instead, act and make your own decisions.
-
“Enough of needing everybody's approval. Take action.”
(06:40)
4. Inspiration Finds You Working
Quote: Picasso: “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”
- Dr. Laura’s Insight (07:00):
- Real creativity and breakthroughs require discipline and repeated effort—success is not just natural talent.
-
“Lazy artists don't make masterpieces. They make excuses. Keep showing up, keep working hard, and you will ultimately leave something behind that is worth remembering.”
(07:44)
5. Knowledge Pays the Best Interest
Quote: Benjamin Franklin: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
- Dr. Laura’s Insight (08:10):
- Knowledge—the habit of continuous learning—fuels growth and sharpens perspective, as opposed to blind opinion and ideological rigidity.
-
“A lot of opinions without knowledge... very dangerous. Because what happens is, it becomes their identity.”
(08:45)
6. Forget the Mistake, Remember the Lesson
Quote: Henry Ford: “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”
- Dr. Laura’s Insight (09:10):
- Failure provides essential lessons; citing her own experience making leather goods, she emphasizes embracing mistakes as guidance for smarter action next time.
-
“So failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently. I love it.”
(10:00)
7. Letting Go Can Make You Stronger
Quote: Hermann Hesse: “Some of us think holding on makes us strong; but sometimes it is letting go.”
- Dr. Laura’s Insight (13:40):
- Strength can come from releasing relationships, routines, or beliefs that no longer serve you.
-
“Letting go often isn't about giving up. It's about clearing up space. When you release the noise, the unnecessary and the expectations, what matters most will remain.”
(13:55)
8. Make Time for What Matters
Quote: Unknown: “It's not about having time, it's about making time for what matters.”
- Dr. Laura’s Insight (14:27):
- Effectiveness comes from prioritizing, working smarter (not harder), and eliminating self-indulgent guilt.
-
“Sometimes you have to take a lot off your plate in order to make anything work. Time is finite, energy limited.”
(14:55)
9. Be Your Own Sunshine
Quote: Dalai Lama: “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.”
- Dr. Laura’s Insight (15:16):
- Relying on external validation makes happiness unstable; true power comes from cultivating it yourself.
-
“Don't wait for the world to brighten your day, be the light that lifts it.”
(15:37)
10. Be the Flame, Not the Moth
Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
- Dr. Laura’s Insight (16:10):
- Staying true to yourself and your values creates authentic impact.
-
“Being the flame means cultivating your own fire... It's about living with intention instead of just reacting. Don't chase the light, be the light, be the flame, not the moth.”
(16:55)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Readiness:
“You grow into being ready.” (Dr. Laura, 05:36)
-
On the Value of Knowledge:
“A lot of opinions without knowledge... very dangerous.” (Dr. Laura, 08:45)
-
On Failure:
“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” (Henry Ford, cited by Dr. Laura, 09:20)
-
On Letting Go:
“Letting go often isn't about giving up. It's about clearing up space.” (Dr. Laura, 13:55)
-
On Being Your Own Sunshine:
“Don't wait for the world to brighten your day, be the light that lifts it.” (Dr. Laura, 15:37)
-
On Individuality:
“Be the flame, not the moth.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson, cited by Dr. Laura, 16:55)
Essential Timestamps
- 02:30 – Introduction to mantra concept and article background
- 03:00 – 10:00 – First six mantras unpacked with quotes and examples
- 13:35 – 17:00 – Last four mantras discussed; emphasis on letting go, prioritizing, internal happiness, and individuality
- All times exclude advertisements and unrelated promo segments
Tone & Style
Dr. Laura maintains her straightforward, instructive, and occasionally humorous tone throughout the episode. She blends tough-love wisdom with encouraging, relatable personal stories, reinforcing the practical value of each mantra.
Summary
This episode presents ten transformative mantras as practical guideposts for living with greater awareness, intention, and self-empowerment. Dr. Laura digs beneath each phrase, challenging listeners to question their routines, beliefs, and self-imposed limitations, and to pursue growth, authenticity, and fulfillment. The discussion offers actionable takeaways for anyone seeking motivation and real-life strategies for improvement.