Episode 23

full
Published on:

13th May 2026

Quick Spoon: If I was at my absolute best...

What do you do in those moments when emotions are running high?

An awkward conversation.

A difficult email.

A family disagreement.

A colleague who’s pushing your buttons.

In this Quick Spoon from my conversation with Dr Eric Goodman, we explore one simple question that can create a little more space… and a little more choice:

“If I was at my absolute best right now… what would I want to do?”

Not…

What do I feel like doing?

Not…

What would be easiest?

But…

What would my best self choose?

A practical reflection on values, choice, and how to respond—rather than simply react—when things get challenging.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

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Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life

He's now also on Bluesky

The People Soup Website on CAPTIVATE

Transcript

QS6 If I Was at My Absolute Best…

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[00:00:01] you're having an argument with your

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[00:00:05] feel like

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[00:00:07] their mother or something like that, right?

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[00:00:15] was at my absolute best, what would I want to do? How would I [00:00:20] want to deal with this?

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[00:00:22] gives you

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[00:00:26] to, work towards.

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[00:00:28] Eric: So, when

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[00:00:31] they need things made very

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[00:00:39] Ross: Hi there, [00:00:40] and welcome to People Soup Quick Spoon real conversations about work, leadership, and being human, grounded in behavioral science with practical ideas you can [00:00:50] actually use. Ross McIntosh and here's your quick spoon.

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[00:01:21] Ross: That's your QUICK SPOON Until next time, take care.

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About the Podcast

People Soup
Real conversations about work, leadership and being human
A podcast exploring work, leadership, and being human through real conversations — grounded in behavioural science and full of practical ideas you can apply straight away.

About your host

Profile picture for Ross McIntosh

Ross McIntosh

I'm a work psychologist. I want to help you navigate the daily challenges of work by sharing behavioural science in a way that's accessible, useful and fun.
I'm originally from Northumberland in the UK and I now live near Seville in Spain with my husband.