The Double Win

Latest Episodes:

How to Beat Interruptions and Distractions: A Free Audio Chapter from Free to Focus May 09, 2019

Show notes

What’s your biggest roadblock to productivity? Many people would say, “Interruptions and distractions! I can’t get anything done because I keep getting interrupted!”

If that’s you, we’re going to solve that problem for you right now.

First, a little celebration. We are so excited that Free to Focus made 4 major, national best-seller lists! That includes number one spots at the Wall Street Journal business list and the Amazon.com list for personal time management. We’re so excited!

To celebrate, we’re releasing a second free audio chapter in this bonus episode of Lead to Win. (The first chapter is here.)

Today’s episode is “Activate: Beat Interruptions and Distractions.” And we promise it’ll help you slam the door on time stealers like email, social media, drop-in visitors, electronic notifications, and more.

Put the techniques we reveal here into practice, and you’ll be amazed at how your productivity skyrockets!

Here’s a peek at what’s inside the episode—

Learn how to limit instant communications so you can respond on your schedule.
Get tips for taking control of your inbox—so others cannot use it to delegate to you.
Understand the concept of “downhill work” and stop using it to avoid complex tasks.
See the true cost of task switching on your productivity, and find out how to focus longer on a single task.
Learn the science behind how certain types of music can boost your concentration.
Gain tactics for using technology to fight technological interruptions.
Use Implementation Intentions to pre-program responses to interruptions, so you never get pulled off track.

We’ve coached thousands of people on the techniques we’re giving you in this episode. And we know how powerful they are in beating distractions and boosting your focus.

So here’s our challenge for you. Listen to the episode, and pick one or two of these techniques to implement today. You’ll be more productive than you ever thought possible!

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Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less by Michael Hyatt

LeaderScore Assessment

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7 Steps to Thinking Big May 07, 2019

Show notes

Do you have a really big dream or far-out goal that you’ve never told anybody about? We’ll bet you do because we’ve had them too. What’s sad is that most of those dreams get buried under a huge mound of fear and insecurity. It doesn’t have to be that way! We’ve felt that same fear of acting on our deepest desires. And we’ve learned from experience that when you do take the risk of sharing your dream, people usually tell you “get real” or “be practical.” It’s discouraging. After a while, it’s just easier to play it safe. Here’s the thing: nothing good in our lives has come from thinking small. All the breakthroughs—every single one—have come as a result of dreaming big and nurturing those dreams to reality. Thinking big is a skill, just like anything else. You can train yourself to it, and we’ll show you how. I (Megan) had to learn that lesson to overcome my lifelong fear of public speaking. To do that, I had to envision a bigger future for myself. In this episode, I share that journey and how it transformed my life and leadership. We’re excited about this message because we know it will be a turning point for a lot of people, maybe you. This episode is brought to you by the Full-Focus Planner. Pre-order in the Executive, Classic, and Bold lines. Here’s the insight you get in this episode— Learn why the biggest change you need is in your mindset, not your behavior. Identify the primary emotion that keeps us from dreaming big. Recognize the predictable process that causes you to give up on big ideas. Find out why writing down your dreams nearly guarantees they’ll be realized. Understand the difference between a dream and a goal, and why both matter. Discover the most vulnerable stage in thinking big, and learn how to ensure your dream doesn’t die here. Hear the magic question that moves you from dreaming to doing. See why most big dreams are not achieved. (Hint: It’s not lack of ability.) Seriously, this is one of the most exciting episodes we’ve produced. We hope it’ll inspire you to dig deep, think back, and recover the big ambition you’ve been too afraid to voice. We know you can do it! Here’s Something that Would Really Help Are you a Lead to Win subscriber? If not, you’re missing a major opportunity to get practical, actionable advice delivered straight to your device every week. Don’t miss a single episode! Subscribe on iTunes or wherever you listen. If you need help, click here for simple instructions. And if you’re really loving the show, we’d be super-grateful if you’d also leave a review on iTunes. That’ll help others find this program so they can benefit too. We read every single review. Good, bad, or indifferent, we’d love to hear what you think. Click here to rate the podcast and leave your own review. Resources Mentioned in This Episode The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale https://www.amazon.com/Power-Positive-Thinking-Norman-Vincent/dp/0743234804 The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Thinking-Big-David-Schwartz/dp/0671646788 Write It Down, Make It Happen by Henriette Anne Klauser https://www.amazon.com/Write-Down-Make-Happen-Knowing/dp/0684850028/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How to Simplify Systems for Business Growth Apr 30, 2019

Show notes

Do you know why Steve Jobs insisted that the original iPhone have only one button? Because nothing succeeds like simplicity. Take out your iPhone, if you have one, and compare it to a Comcast remote. See the difference? Sleek simplicity versus mind-boggling complexity. We all know that simplicity increases speed and fuels business growth. But we seem to be stuck with clunky, cumbersome business systems. And they multiply like rabbits! Hiring, project approval, communication tools, and even expense reporting can be numbingly complex and tedious. We feel that too, which is why we recently simplified one of the main aspects of our business, our software solutions. We now use a combination of only four products to run our business: G-suite, Slack, Spark, and Asana. Are they the best tools out there? We don’t know, but they’re the simplest ones that meet our needs. We’re collaborating faster and better than ever before. And our team loves it. Simplicity always wins. In this episode, we show you how to simplify your business systems. Not just tech, but everything you do. Our chief content officer, Joel Miller, joins us to explain why complexity is such a huge problem for many businesses, and how you can eradicate it with four deliberate actions. Here’s an overview of this episode— Joel explains why complexity multiply so quickly in a business. We talk about the subtle clues that complex systems, not true business needs, are creating the need for more staff. We offer tips to help you recognize complexity creep. Michael opens up about the a-ha moment when he realized the need to simplify our product line. We give real-world advice for eradicating complex systems from your business. One more thing. After you listen to this episode, don’t be afraid to take the plunge and start eliminating tools, processes, or even products that are slowing you down. Sometimes it’s hard to let go, but you will never regret making your business simpler and more responsive. You can do this! Resources Mentioned in This Episode The Founder's Mentality: How to Overcome the Predictable Crises of Growth by Chris Zook and James Allen Insanely Simple: The Obsession That Drives Apple's Success by Ken Segall “On Style” by Arthur Quiller-Couch (see paragraph 6) Business Health Assessment Here’s One Thing That Will Really Help If you’re really loving the show, would you leave a review on iTunes. That’ll help others find this program so they can benefit too. And it really helps us make the podcast better. Good, bad, or indifferent, we’d love to hear what you think. We read every single review, and we’re grateful for your feedback. Click here to rate the podcast and leave your own review. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hire This Role Immediately! Apr 23, 2019

Show notes

If you could make a single hire that would revolutionize your productivity, would you do it? Of course we all would say yes. But we’ve found that most leaders procrastinate when it comes to hiring an executive assistant. That’s right, an EA is the most important hire you’ll ever make. Having a good assistant makes you incredibly productive by taking on your low-leverage tasks and helping you channel your time and energy where you can be most effective. That creates an instant boost in productivity! But lots of us put off hiring an EA out of fear. We’re afraid we can’t afford it, or we’ll lose control of important tasks, or there won’t be enough for them to do. We’re here to tell you that simply isn’t true! In fact, we’re so convinced that hiring an EA will skyrocket your productivity that we’re devoting the entire episode to showing you how and why to do it. Plus? We have a visit from Jim Kelly and Jamie Hess, our executive assistants, who give a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work with us. Here’s happening in this episode— We give you our top three reasons why you should hire an EA right now. We promise, you won’t regret it. We each reveal the top tasks we depend on our assistants to accomplish—because we’re really not good at them! You’ll discover the ways having an EA boosts margin and improves family time. Jim and Jamie will tell you the number one task you need to hand off (and probably don’t know it). We outline the first steps to hiring an EA, which are much easier than you’d think. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Belay Solutions “The 10 Characteristics of a Rockstar Executive Assistant” by Michael Hyatt “The Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make With Executive Assistants” by Michael Hyatt Business Health Assessment Michael’s New Book Is Red Hot! We just learned that Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less his spiked to #2 on the USA Today best-sellers list for business books. Claim your copy today at freetofocusbook.com. Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you a Lead to Win subscriber? If not, you’re missing a major opportunity to get practical, actionable advice delivered straight to your device every week. Don’t miss a single episode! Subscribe on iTunes or wherever you listen. If you need help, click here for simple instructions. And if you’re really loving the show, we’d be super-grateful if you’d also leave a review on iTunes. That’ll help others find this program so they can benefit too. We read every single review too. Good, bad, or indifferent, we’d love to hear what you think. Click here to rate the podcast and leave your own review. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Destroy Distractions with These 9 Focus-Boosting Strategies Apr 16, 2019

Show notes

As business owners, we’ve learned that we can’t do our best work sandwiched between meetings and phone calls. We need focused time for strategizing, writing, and working out difficult problems. You probably do too. But how many times do you get distracted in a typical day? Ten? Fifty? A hundred? Research indicates that the average worker is distracted once every three minutes. We’re swimming upstream against a flood of emails, notifications, texts, and drop-in visitors. You just can’t be productive in that environment. The good news is that regaining your focus is easier than you think. Just a few simple practices can slam the door on distractions and interruptions and give you the focused time you need for high-leverage work. I’m talking about things you can start doing right now, today. Here’s happening in this episode— You’ll get practical tips for getting in the “alone zone” so you’re not interrupted. You’ll learn about “meeting free Thursdays” and how that’s boosted our business. You’ll learn how to fight fire with fire, using technology to block distractions. You’ll learn what types of food are scientifically proven to increase mental acuity. You’ll see the connection between listening to music and problem solving, backed by solid research. You’ll hear the best method for ensuring that you take frequent breaks to keep your mind fresh. You’ll learn how the one tool you use every single day can become your firewall against unwanted meetings and visitors. Plus, our producers surprised us a pop quiz about our own favorite productivity hacks. It was a ton of fun! After you listen, we hope you’ll choose at least one or two of these simple hacks and start using them today. You’ll be amazed at how it will boost your productivity. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Books Rework by Jason Fried and David Hannson When by Daniel Pink Deep Work by Cal Newport Platform by Michael Hyatt Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport Digital Resources Gail Hyatt’s Spotify Playlists to Improve Focus Classical Music for Studying, Writing and ConcentrationWriting and Concentration Film Scores for Studying, Writing and Concentration Soundtracks, Film Scores, for Studying, Writing and Concentration Freedom app Focus at Will site Focus Booster Pomodoro app Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you a Lead to Win subscriber? If not, you’re missing a major opportunity to get practical, actionable advice delivered straight to your device every week. Don’t miss a single episode! Subscribe on iTunes or wherever you listen. If you need help, click here now for simple instructions. And if you’re really loving the show, we’d be super-grateful if you’d also leave a review on iTunes. That’ll help others find this program so they can benefit too. We read every single review too. Good, bad, or indifferent, we’d love to hear what you think. Click here to rate the podcast and leave your own review. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A (Virtual) Book Launch Party for Free to Focus Apr 09, 2019

Show notes

We are so excited to announce the release of my (Michael’s) latest book, Free to Focus: A Total PRoductivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less! In fact, we’re having a party! You can read the first chapter of Free to Focus here. Here’s what’s happening inside the episode— We outline the 3-part system of productivity: Stop, Cut, Act. We tell what makes this system different from the many other task- and time-management approaches. You’ll hear from actual users of the Free to Focus method, who talk about the transformation it made in their lives and businesses. We show you the surprising power of getting more done by focusing on just three tasks per day. You’ll hear how to claim up to $798-worth of free bonuses by ordering the book this week. We announce the winners of our free giveaway of all Michael’s books from among those who shared this podcast on social media last week. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Free to Focus: A Total PRoductivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less Free bonuses for buying Free to Focus by April 13. Read a chapter of Free to Focus Michael’s Instagram Megan’s Instagram Subscribe & Review in iTunes If haven’t yet subscribed to our podcast in iTunes, do it today. You’ll get practical, actionable advice delivered straight to your device every week. Don’t miss a single episode! Click here now to subscribe in iTunes. We’d be super-grateful if you’d also leave a review on iTunes. That’ll help others find this program so they can benefit too. We read every single review too. Good, bad, or indifferent, we’d love to hear what you think. Click here to rate the podcast and leave your own review. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bonus Episode: Free Chapter from Free to Focus Apr 04, 2019

Show notes

We're so excited that Michael's new book is coming out on Tuesday! It's called Free To Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less and today you're getting to listen to the first chapter here on this bonus episode of Lead to Win.

Also, as a special extra bonus for our listeners, we’re giving away five bundles of Michael's best-selling books, Your Best Year Ever, Living Forward, Platform, No Fail Meetings, and Free to Focus. For your chance to win, share this podcast episode on social media with the hashtag #FREETOFOCUSBOOK. We’ll announce our five winners on the podcast on April 9th. So tune in next week to see if you’re one of our five winners.

This episode is brought to you by the new book Free to Focus. To pre-order and receive $498 dollars in free bonus content, visit www.freetofocusbook.com.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

3 Actions to Beat Your Biggest Distractions Apr 02, 2019

Show notes

What’s your biggest distraction? Be honest! For us, there’s no question about it—our biggest distraction is ourselves. Too often, we find ourselves responding to text messages or jumping from low-priority task to another instead of tackling more demanding work. Well today, we’re going to show you how to beat distractions and make yourself more productive than ever! Research shows that the typical worker is interrupted about every three minutes! Worse, we often distract ourselves by checking social media or surfing the web. All those “little” breaks undermine your productivity. Today, we’ll tell you how to— Silence the noise (literally) that interrupts your focus. Gently but firmly discourage drop-in visitors from breaking your concentration. Use technology to fight technology, which so often interrupts your work. Increase your frustration tolerance so resist the temptation to bail on a task. Heighten your focus with music scientifically proven to help you concentrate. Use social cues to signal your unavailability for a “quick question.” Wean yourself off of dopamine, brain chemical that produces a momentary high when checking messages. This episode is sponsored by my (Michael’s) new book, Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less. This proven system has helped thousands of people end the overwhelm and regain their margin at work and at home. You can pre-order the book now and claim a ton of exclusive bonuses. The bonuses are for a limited time, so order now. Subscribe & Review in iTunes If haven’t yet subscribed to our podcast in iTunes, do it today. You’ll get practical, actionable advice delivered straight to your device every week. Don’t miss a single episode! Click here now to subscribe in iTunes. We’d be super-grateful if you’d also leave a review on iTunes. That’ll help others find this program so they can benefit too. We read every single review too. Good, bad, or indifferent, we’d love to hear what you think. Click here to rate the podcast and leave your own review. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Freedom app Google Voice Focusatwill.com “4 Ways to Turn Off Annoying Notifications on Your Android Phone or iPhone” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How Healthy Is Your Business? Mar 26, 2019

Show notes

What’s the true state of your business? We’re convinced most leaders don’t have a good grasp on that question. But you can! In this episode, we conduct a live coaching call with Andy Bond, a business owner from Chattanooga, Tenn. Andy recently took our Business Health Assessment, and we walked through his results and gave some pointers on Vision, Focus, Team, and Self-Leadership. This was a blast! We had a great conversation and dug into some of the key areas where nearly every business needs to grow. By the way, you can take the Business Health Assessment for yourself right now. It’s free and only takes a few minutes. We guarantee you’ll gain greater clarity on the state of your business. In this episode, we offered some practical next steps in these areas: How to align your business with your vision for your personal and family life. How to align your team around your vision for the company. How to regain focus after a busy season in your business. Why it’s vital to prune your business, even when it’s growing. How to attract and keep A-level players. How to scale your own effectiveness. How to delegate effectively. Andy reported that he gained a lot of clarity from this call, and we know you will too. This episode is sponsored by my (Michael’s) new book, Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less. This proven system has helped thousands of people end the overwhelm and regain their margin at work and at home. You can pre-order the book now and claim a ton of exclusive bonuses. The bonuses are for a limited time, so order now. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Andy Bond on LinkedIn Andy’s business, the Lea Team. Business Accelerator Business Health Assessment Free to Focus, Michael’s latest book “Vision Leaks” article by Andy Stanley “How Steve Jobs Saved Apple,” on the need for pruning a business Tell Michael & Megan What You Think There’s still time to take our brand-new listener survey. We want your feedback to keep making this show practical and enjoyable for you. You can take the survey right now. It’ll just take a few minutes and it’s totally anonymous. Don’t wait, because we’re going to close the survey in a few days. Give Your Feedback Now See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Answers to 10 Questions You’ve Been Dying to Ask Us Mar 19, 2019

Show notes

What’s the best way to recover from a whirlwind of a day? How do you get the leaders you manage to take more responsibility? What’s the right number of goals to set in one year? Michael and Megan answer these and more questions from our listeners. You will: Learn how to set expectations for your team members. Understand why setting too few goals is as bad as having too many. Get helpful tips for keeping work discussions from invading family time. Find out how to gain joy in a position that doesn’t totally suit you. See how the Full Focus Planner compares to the Getting Things Done methodology. Make sure to visit http://leadto.win for complete show notes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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