The Voluntary Life

Latest Episodes:

144 Win-Win Negotiation Part 1: Communication Feb 26, 2014

Show notes

Part 1 of a series on win-win negotiation. This episode covers communication as an integral part of negotiation. Jake highlights some useful techniques from psychology to help you communicate productively in negotiations. Show Notes:

Getting to Yes by Fischer and Ury
Active Listening
Games People Play by Eric Berne
I-Messages

143 Breaking From Your Parents: Interview With Daniel Mackler Feb 07, 2014

Show notes

An interview with Daniel Mackler about his new book Breaking From Your Parents. Daniel talks about why he chose to tackle this taboo subject, based on his own personal experience and that of many others. The interview was recorded in January 2014, and the book has since been released.

Show Notes:

Breaking from Your Parents ebook by Daniel Mackler
Psychological Freedom: An Interview With Daniel Mackler
Daniel's website Wild Truth (http://wildtruth.net)
Daniel's videos on confronting your parents Part 1 and part 2

142 Extraordinary Time Feb 01, 2014

Show notes

An interview with Augusto Pinaud about the concept of Extrodinary Time. Augusto is the author of 10 books including 25 Tips for Productivity. In this episode he explains his technique of devoting dedicated time to working on extraordinary challenges. He provides inspiring suggestions for how to push yourself beyond the comfort zone of doing good work and get to truly great work. Show Notes:

Augusto Pinaud Website, Twitter @apinaud and email
25 Tips for Productivity
#iPadOnly. The first real post-PC Book
GTD Virtual Study Group Podcast
Omnifocus
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Do More Great Work by Michael Bungay Stanier

141 No More Waiting For The Epic Fairy Jan 30, 2014

Show notes

"Most people think that they need to be tapped on the shoulder by the Epic Fairy if they ever hope to be epic, or if they're ever going to have the audacity to do something truly epic. But it's not true. Want to be epic? Just do epic s**t. There's nothing else to it." Johnny Truant An episode about ideas to help you make a habit of doing epic things. Show Notes:

The Universe Doesn't Give a Flying F-k About You by Johnny B. Truant
Getting Things Done by David Allen
Why Making My Tasks Emotional Increased My Productivity by Robyn Scott
Do More Great Work: Stop the Busywork. Start the Work That Matters. by Michael Bungay Stanier
Augusto Pinaud
GTD Virtual Study Group Podcast

140 A World Of Entrepreneurs Jan 18, 2014

Show notes

This episode provides some thoughts on common objections to entrepreneurship. Topics covered include:

The myth of an entrepreneur "personality type".
Entrepreneurship as a personal development programme that can benefit anyone
The possibility of a world where everyone is an entrepreneur

139 How To Build Your Network Jan 06, 2014

Show notes

This episode is about how to develop and strengthen your network of business contacts. The ideas discussed are also relevant for friendships. Topic covered include:

Following Through on Commitments
Responding in Time
Making Introductions
Referrals and Recommendations
Acts of Kindness and Helpfulness

Show Notes:

Photo Credit: Paul Watson

136 Your Purpose In Life Dec 15, 2013

Show notes

This episode is about identifying your purpose in life. Topics covered include:

The concept of Horizons of Focus used in David Allen's "Getting Things Done"
How to manifest your life's purpose in every action that you do.
Identifying and addressing gaps in your integrity
Identifying the level of integrity shown by other people in your life.

Show Notes:

Getting Things Done by David Allen
Episode 101: How To Dream Big (about visions and goals)
All previous episodes on productivity

135 How Much Is Enough? Dec 05, 2013

Show notes

This episode is about financial freedom and asking oneself the question "how much is enough?" Show Notes

134 Employee Conditioning Nov 26, 2013

Show notes

The biggest challenge to becoming an entrepreneur is overcoming your conditioning. It's never been a better time to start your own business, yet we are all conditioned to think like worker drones. This episode is about how to break your employee conditioning. Show Notes: