A Productive Conversation

Latest Episodes:

The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen Jul 04, 2018

Show notes

My book, Productiveness, is now available. It's about the difference between doing more and doing what matters, and how we lost the ability to tell them apart. I'll send the release date the day it's set. Visit https://mikevardy.com/productiveness to learn more and get your copy today.

David Allen joins me on this episode of the podcast to dive deeper into the Getting Things Done methodology. The meat of our conversation gets into how it has evolved over the years since it first was introduced in 2001. There’s a bit of noise at parts during our discussion, but even still this episode is a winner. Some of the highlights of this episode include: How much of a role he had in writing the new book, Getting Things Done for Teens Why he believes teens need GTD more now than ever before A discussion about the reframing of GTD that needed to happen when adapting the methodology for teens How he has changed his approach when teaching GTD over the years David reveals his thoughts on the most challenging aspect of GTD (Hint: It hasn’t changed since the introduction of GTD) A conversation surrounding the renaissance of analog tools and his thoughts on why they’ve made a comeback Relevant Links Getting Things Done with David Allen | The Productivityist Podcast Getting Things Done for Teens | Amazon Getting Things Done | The David Allen Company David Allen (@gtdguy) | Twitter It’s always a treat to get to chat with the creator of GTD. I had a great time speaking with David and I hope you have a great time listening to our conversation. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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Off the Clock with Laura Vanderkam Jun 28, 2018

Show notes

This week on The Productivityist Podcast, I am joined by speaker and author Laura Vanderkam. Her latest book is Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Things Done. Laura’s work has appeared in various publications and media outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Today Show and Fox & Friends among many others. She co-hosts the Best of Both Worlds podcast and has delivered a TED talk with more than 5 million views. Tune in as we discuss why we always feel there’s not enough time and some mindset shifts we need to break that. We talk about people’s different perception of time, prioritizing, setting the right habits and managing your energy among other things. If you are always stressed out and can’t seem to accomplish your goals, then this episode is for you. Relevant Links Laura Vanderkam’s website Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Things Done | Amazon How to Gain Control of Your Free Time | TED Best of Both Worlds Podcast Laura Vanderkam (@lvanderkam) | Twitter Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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Willpower Doesn't Work with Benjamin Hardy Jun 20, 2018

Show notes

This week on the Productivityist Podcast, I am joined by Benjamin Hardy. Benjamin has been the #1 writer on Medium.com since 2016 and has organically grown his email list from 0-300,000+ subscribers in 2 years through his writings about self-improvement. His new book, Willpower Doesn’t Work came out this March. In this episode, we dived deep into the psychology of willpower. Some topics we discussed include the dangers of relying on willpower, why it seldom works, and a better approach to productivity. We also discussed journaling as a tool for improving yourself and achieving your goals, among many other things. Relevant Links Benjamin P. Hardy | Medium Willpower Doesn’t Work by Benjamin Hardy | Medium What You Need to Know About Willpower: Here’s What Actually Works You Can Never Change Your Life Through Willpower: Here’s What Actually Works Willpower Doesn’t Work: Here’s How to Actually Change Your Life Willpower is a Myth, and Believing in it Can Make Things Worse | CBC Radio Top Change Management Consulting Firm: Employee Engagement Solutions Johann Hari: Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong Home – Joe Polish How to Write in Your Journal to Improve Yourself and Achieve Your Goals Genius Network Events 2018 Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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The Direct Line Between Happiness and Productivity with Will Henshall Jun 13, 2018

Show notes

On the 200th(!) episode of The Productivityist Podcast my guest is Will Henshall. Will is the CEO and founder of Focus@Will, a tech music platform that helps 1.5m professionals be up to four times more productive at work. He has had a 30 year notable career as a startup entrepreneur, tech inventor and musician. He founded the platinum-selling 90s British pop soul band Londonbeat (he wrote Billboard #1 hit songs ‘I’ve Been Thinking About You’ and ‘Come Back’). In 1996 he started up San Francisco based Rocket Network, and invented the pro audio media transfer tool ProTools DigiDelivery, used extensively in movie post-production, sold to Avid in 2003. During our nearly hour-long conversation, we talked about the evolution of his entrepreneurial journey, attention and what distractibility has done to our productivity (and what he is doing to help combat that), the relationship between happiness and productivity, and so much more. Relevant Links Focus@Will I’ve Been Thinking About You by London Beat | YouTube The Big 5 Personality Types | Business Insider Can This “Neuroscience-Based” Music App Really Boost Your Brain Power by 400% | WIRED Dr. Ned Hallowell Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder | Amazon Ikigai The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life | Amazon Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience | Amazon How to Transform A Single Daily Theme Into an Everyday Focus | Productivityist The Power of When with Dr. Michael Breus | The Productivityist Podcast I’ve Been Thinking About You by Good Luck | YouTube Focus@Will (@focusatwill) | Twitter Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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Create Good Mornings with Craig Kulyk Jun 06, 2018

Show notes

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Craig Kulyk. Craig writes about how to customize your morning to build better habits and be more productive. We spoke about intentionality, how routines set the tone for the day, how you can shift and adapt your rituals over time and more. Here are a few highlights from the show: The power of routines Building constraints (or you find yourself eating too many cookies) Starting points at building a routine The idea of sunk costs The role fear of missing out (FOMO) plays in our decision-making process Establishing breathing room or space into your morning routines Questions to ask that are causing challenges in your morning routine Planning your day The power of small changes Different things Craig has tried in his morning routine such as meditation, fasting, etc. Craig’s experience with the Tribe Conference Relevant Links Five Simple Strategies to Customize Your Morning Routine Start Here – Create Good Mornings What You Can Learn from Mike Vardy About Productivityist The Lesson of Sunk Costs (Applied to Morning Habits) Why You Shouldn’t Spend Time Journaling in the Morning (And What You Should Do Instead) 127 Morning Rituals – The Ultimate List to Customize Morning Routine Mike Vardy’s Morning Routine | My Morning Routine Mike Vardy’s Evening Routine | Evening Routines How Tribe Conference Can Change Your Life Craig Kulyk @craigkulyk | Twitter Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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The Competitive Advantage with Austin Church May 30, 2018

Show notes

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Austin L Church. Austin is the author of children’s books and a consultant who loves helping people build businesses around the work that doesn’t feel like work to them. We spoke about theming, using physical tools to stay on track, keeping things simple and more. It was a great conversation that I think you’ll enjoy. Here are a few highlights from the show: Why it’s a great idea to give credit to others (a funny story) Using notecards How simplicity is a serious advantage Focusing on the right things at the right time Proactively ignoring certain things Managing complexity The importance of focusing and finishing Omission vs. elimination Why we overestimate what we can do in a day Overestimating urgency Abstractions and exceptions Creating durable plans Assigning weight to specific tasks based on the day and bigger goals Relevant Links Austin’s Website Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World Eat that Frog: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get Things Done in Less Time FOFI Cards Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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Getting Back to Happy with Marc and Angel Chernoff May 23, 2018

Show notes

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Marc and Angel Chernoff. Marc and Angel are the authors of the new book Getting Back To Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality and Turn Your Trials Into Triumphs. We spoke about happiness, overcoming adversity and the role rituals play in our happiness. We also did a self-inquiry session which I found very insightful. It was a great conversation, I hope you enjoy it too. Here are a few highlights from the show: We are what we do on a daily basis The importance of rituals as a way to move forward Why rituals are a solid foundation for mindfulness and other tools How Marc and Angel work together The power of self-inquiry by journaling on the most stressful experiences Our thoughts and the way we think are the stories we tell ourselves 98% of the time, the problem is not the problem, it is something deeper Recording your thoughts, then reviewing them to bring awareness Whatever you’re seeing is an interpretation of what you’re thinking Ways to have lasting benefits such as visual reminders and accountability Accountability using your own questions and having someone read them to you Relevant Links Marc and Angel’s Blog Getting Back to Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality, and Turn Your Trials into Triumphs 6 Tiny Daily Rituals That Will Change Your Life Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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Morning Routines with Benjamin Spall May 16, 2018

Show notes

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I speak with Benjamin Spall. Benjamin is the co-author of My Morning Routine: How Successful People Start Every Day Inspired, and the founding editor of the blog of the same name. During our discussion we touch on how morning routines are important to both early risers and night owls alike, what was discovered about routines during the research for the book, what he has taken from some of the routines that are in the book (and from the website as well), and more. The book reads like a solid reference book – a lot like Tim Ferriss’s Tools of Titans – and it’s a worthy addition to any bookshelf. Whether you use it to establish a solid routine or use it to find things to add or subtract to your own routines. Relevant Links Benjamin Spall’s Website My Morning Routine: How Successful People Start Every Day Inspired | Amazon Mike Vardy’s Morning Routine | My Morning Routine My Morning Routine on Facebook My Morning Routine on Twitter Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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All Things Productive with Carl Pullein May 09, 2018

Show notes

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Carl Pullein. Carl is a personal productivity specialist, presenter and author of Your Digital Life and Working With Todoist: The Book. We spoke about the term “productivity,” how to get the most out of applications and more. Here are a few highlights from the show: What productivity means Why it’s so important to capture quickly How culture affects perspective and productivity What “hard edges” are and why it’s so important to productivity Using tools for their designed purpose The problem with having too many choices Why it can be great to stick with one app that has a specific purpose Why approach is more important than application We tend to overcomplicate applications Relevant Links Carl Pulein Your Digital Life & Working with Todoist How to Turbo-Charge Your Productivity by Using Hard Edges and Single Apps You Have a Choice and That’s the Problem Why the Front End Work is Essential if You Want to be Productive Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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Purpose Mapping with Craig Filek May 02, 2018

Show notes

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Craig Filek. Craig is Executive Director of the Purpose Genome Institute and the creator of Purpose Mapping. He helps high-achievers realize their full potential by clarifying their purpose, aligning with their flow state, and making a meaningful contribution every day. We spoke about Purpose Mapping, how it provides users with valuable insights, and how it aligns with personal productivity. Here are a few highlights from the show: We spoke about the concept of “flow” How boundaries reinforce flow Why it’s important to double down on the things you really do well How Craig’s personal journey lead to the creation of Purpose Mapping How your purpose and mission relates with your day-to-day life Moving past the “Golden Hamster Wheel” Why the areas you struggle with are important to your breakthrough Relevant Links Purpose Mapping: The Dirty Little Secret of Every High-Achiever The Productivityist Podcast: Beyond the E-Myth with Michael E. Gerber | Productivityist Craig Filek | Twitter Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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