Better This Week - The "Ready, Set, Curious" Strategy, The "Scent Ritual Reset", The "Suitcase Like a Stylist" Hack - Edition 21


Know Better.

Do Better.

Be Better.

Read Time: 5 minutes

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Hi Reader,

Are you one of the many readers celebrating kids going back to school this week? As the summer break is almost over, it's time to focus on what we want to accomplish the rest of the year. We can't "wish" it to happen and expect to get the results we desire. We have to act with deliberate intention. It's time to focus on making some decisions for the upcoming months!

If you follow me on Linkedin, this was my most popular post last week:

This short video clip of Tom Holland on Jay Shetty's podcast is such a brilliant quote about dealing with other people's opinions about you.

video preview

Ready to get better this week?

Better @ Work

Be the kind of leader who makes curiosity contagious.

The “Ready, Set, Curious” Strategy

We live in a world where people ask “How are you?” but don’t really want the answer.
Where meetings start with awkward small talk and end with nothing getting decided.
Where titles get more respect than insights.

Let’s flip that.

How-To: Lead with Strategic Curiosity

1. Ditch “How’s everyone doing?”

  • That question is a trap. It leads nowhere.
  • Try: “What’s one thing you’re hoping we solve today?”
    → It signals focus and lets people opt in immediately.

2. Don’t assume job titles tell the story.

  • Instead of guessing someone’s role:
  • Try: “What part of this project are you closest to?”
    → You’ll get better answers, and better ideas.

3. Avoid status-based questions.

  • You’re not speed-dating résumés.
  • Try: “What’s something you’ve learned on this that surprised you?”
    → The gold is almost never in the job description.

🎯 Takeaway:
The most respected person in the room isn’t the one with the title - it’s the one who listens like it matters.

🔥 Try This:
Open your next meeting with one of these curiosity-based prompts. Watch how the conversation shifts from “meh” to meaningful.

Reflection:
Think of someone on your team who rarely speaks up. What could you ask that might invite their best idea forward?



The 49-Year-Old Rocker Who Stole The Voice Spotlight

Veteran rocker Bryan Olesen turned personal heartbreak into a triumphant run on The Voice, capturing hearts — and the spotlight — with his authenticity, grit, and a show-stopping moment alongside his daughter.


BETTER @ HOME

Create an environment that cues focus, rest, or creativity—on command.

The “Scent Ritual Reset”

Your brain is wired to associate smells with states. One of the fastest ways to reset your mood, energy, or focus? Train your brain to snap into different modes using signature scents for each type of moment at home.

How-To: Hack Your Headspace With Scents

Pick 2-3 scents—one for focus, one for unwind, one for reset.
Examples:
– Focus: Peppermint, citrus, rosemary
– Unwind: Lavender, vanilla, sandalwood
– Reset: Eucalyptus, pine, bergamot

Assign them a space or action.
– Diffuse peppermint during deep work at the kitchen table.
– Light lavender when transitioning out of work mode.
– Burn a eucalyptus candle after a long day while you shower.

Consistency trains your brain.
– Use the same scent only during that mode.
– Over time, your body will respond automatically.

🎯 Takeaway:
You don’t need a massive home makeover. You need micro signals that tell your brain it’s time to switch gears. Scent is fast, affordable, and science-backed.

📺 Watch it work:

Discover how to use scent association to create a productive workspace that aligns with your goals:

video preview

🔥 Try This:
Pick a scent this week and anchor it to one activity—deep work, rest, or transition.
Use it every time. You'll be shocked how fast it becomes your new on/off switch.


THE FUTURE OF MARKETING

If you’re a small business owner tired of chasing trends, wasting money on agencies, and running a marketing machine that feels more chaotic than clear, Unchained is your blueprint for freedom.

Written by Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing and architect of the “Anti-Agency Model,” this book helps you break free from outdated marketing systems and build a lean, scalable framework rooted in strategy, systems, and AI-powered clarity.

“Sara delivers a must-read for any small business that is ready to take on the future and make an impact.” – Seth Godin, Author, This is Marketing


BETTER @ LIFE

Pack smarter, not sadder.

The “Suitcase Like a Stylist” Hack

Tired of arriving wrinkled, overpacked, and missing that one thing you actually needed? This strategy—used by stylists on tour—is your carry-on cheat code.

How-To: Pack Like a Pro

  • Start with a “Power Pile”:
    Lay out only what you want to bring. Then cut it by 30%. You won't miss it.
  • Bundle Roll Instead of Fold:
    Rolling saves space. Bundling saves wrinkles. Combine both:
    • Roll base layers
    • Bundle jackets/dress shirts around them
    • Use packing cubes
  • Pack by Outfit, Not Item:
    Think in complete looks. If it doesn’t go with 2 other things, it doesn’t go.
  • Shoes at the Base, Stuffed:
    Put socks/chargers inside them. Then line the suitcase bottom.

🎯 Takeaway:
Packing well isn’t about bringing everything. It’s about bringing the right things—and looking like you didn’t panic-pack at 2am.

🛒 Find What You Need:

Check out these packing cubes if you aren't currently using some.

🔥 Try This:
Before your next trip, try building your suitcase around just 3 base colors. You’ll never overpack again—and you'll look coordinated without trying.


If you enjoy this newsletter and want to support it, there are several ways you can do it. Pick one right now and help us make the world a better place.

  1. Buy a Book - My new book is Designing Momentum
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  3. Hire Brant for one of his top-ranked conference keynotes

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Better This Week Newsletter

Brant Menswar is a former rock star turned best-selling author, sought after keynote speaker, and host of the Apple Top 30 podcast, "Just a Moment." His 'Better This Week' newsletter delivers three life-changing tips every week on how to get better at work, at home, and at life. Subscribe and join over 15,000+ readers leveling up their lives!

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