The Productivityist Podcast: Ideas And Tools For Personal Productivity | Time Management | Goals | Habits | Working Better

This episode's guest is a long-time friend whom I met at the World Domination Summit. He is the founder of Productive Flourishing, a best-selling author, the host of the Creative Giant podcast, and a productivity expert: Charlie Gilkey. Charlie helps creative people to start finishing stuff that matters. This involves weeding out through the noise of various tasks, priorities, and projects through Project Cagematch, and other productivity concepts up his sleeve. Half an hour is never enough for the two of us as we geeked out and chatted on various subjects. In this week’s episode, we discussed: Charlie’s views on starting the year and how (like me) he decides on starting it in a different month than January. What got him – or necessitated him – to get into productivity, and how being a person of multiple interests had him realize the lack of conversation on productivity in the academe. A brief background/history of the productivity movement and resource people, and how the productivity scene is much more c

Anytime is a good time to establish a "well life", and it just so happened that we’re starting 2017 with a means to help you do just that. On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, my guest is Briana Borten. She is a peace engineer and wellness entrepreneur who owns The Dragontree Spa and co-wrote The Well Life. Backed up with their experiences in alternative healing and a genuine yearning to help their clients to live a more fulfilling life, Briana and her husband Dr. Peter Borten wrote the book The Well Life: How to Use Sweetness, Structure, and Space to Create Balance, Happiness, and Peace, which Briana and I talk about throughout the show. Here's just some of what you'll learn: How Briana and Peter's wellness advocacy started 13 years ago, as they established the Dragontree with their background in acupuncture and Ayurvedic medicine, and what motivated them to write this book. The concept of "sweetness", and how and why it should be constantly present in our lives. The tools, techniques, and habi

This week on The Productivityist Podcast I zero in on Evernote with a guest who knows the ins and outs of the app. Charles Byrd will be talking Evernote with me with the goal of helping anyone get started and familiarize themselves with Evernote. He'll be giving insights, sharing tips, and offering hacks along the way. Charles lives in Northern California and worked in the Silicon Valley for tech companies for a significant time. He is now the founder of Byrd Word and hosts a 3-hour training course on productivity – specifically the uses of Evernote – and how this can save people time and, in effect, impact our lives. We talk about: How long Charles has been using Evernote, his initial reaction to the app, and how it has helped him in his career and, ultimately, his business. Where people should start when trying to adopt Evernote to help them with their productivity practices, and what the three concepts Charles teaches people when they are starting out with Evernote. Charles’s thoughts on the changes mad

On this week’s episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I will be chatting with Wade Foster. Wade is the co-founder and CEO of the automation platform Zapier, which helps people automate their work by allowing connections between various apps. Wade and I will talk about how to get started with automation, and how to work your way through it. Listen up on this episode as we discuss: The correct pronunciation of Zapier, and the mission envisioned by Wade and his co-founder Bryan that pushed them to create Zapier. Instances where automation is more harmful than useful to productivity. How people start with simple tasks when integrating automation into their routines, and whether it starts from the workplace or at home. Keeping your automation efforts aligned amidst trial and errors by revisiting the original intent of doing so, and dealing with noise brought about by automation through Zapier. Wade’s thoughts on automation, or replication and delegation to another individual, to simplify tasks. The process

We’re "broadcasting happiness" on this episode of The Productivityist Podcast with my guest Michelle Gielan, the bestselling author of Broadcasting Happiness. Michelle was a national CBS news anchor turned happiness researcher, founder of the Institute for Applied Positive Research and has a new special airing on PBS called Inspire Happiness with her husband, fellow happiness researcher Shawn Achor. On this episode she talks with me about how our attitudes affect our lives and productivity, and learn about: What the idea was and what happened for "Happy Week" when she was still working as an anchor in CBS. Her insights on the influence of the news on the brain based on research she conducted with Shawn Achor and Ariana Huffington. Transforming your relationship to email, our brains’ negativity bias, and how emailing positivity can change your day – and even make you see the world differently. The problem with Happy Monday emails. How important it is to focus on behaviour instead of the person and what ar

Shawn Blanc is back on The Productivityist Podcast and on this episode we dive into the subject of creative focus. A father of three, Shawn has a passion for creative focus and productivity, regularly writing about these topics on his blog since 2007. In this episode, Shawn and I talk about his upcoming summit, the systems and tools he’s employed in both work and life, his core values, and books that he’s bought but might not have necessarily read. Some other specific subjects we tackled in this episode are: The Systems vs Tools Debate and how Shawn uses both to traverse his life. How his work values and practices relate to his family life. The concept of personal integrity and the future self, plus a simple exercise he does on The Focus Course to establish these concepts. The Blanc Media Core Values, the guidance given to him by Barrett Brooks to articulate these values, and how it ties up with his business direction. The concept of traction and how to apply this in real life...and towards reaching your

Michael E. Gerber, founder of Michael E. Gerber Companies and author of The E-Myth Book Series is my featured guest this week. He discusses the main concepts of his new book, Beyond the E-Myth. Michael is a pillar of business development and coaching going as far back as the 1970s, and his insights on systems, startups and scaling up businesses into enterprises will be central in this episode. You'll hear about decades worth of business acumen and you'll learn about: What is a company of one, and how to build and scale it up? How he started his business, his experience creating the first business development / coaching firm, and how he positioned it. The E-Myth series and its promise to fix broken businesses (which is a difficult thing to do), and how did that play a part on his decision to create Beyond the E-Myth. The concept of Old Co and New Co, the difference and transition between the two. The mindset that Michael wants entrepreneurs to have when conceptualizing their businesses. The definition an

James Sudakow, author of the book Picking the Low Hanging Fruit, is this episode’s guest and we talk about the language people use in the corporate world. Every organization or group got acronyms, buzzwords, or phrases that is used on a daily basis. On this episode, James and I discuss how these can benefit organizations – but sometimes cause disconnect in communication. James also reveals some buzzwords that he thinks people should stop using by the end of the year, and how an individual can shift away from the habit of using such words. Let’s "open the kimono" on this episode and learn about: People’s intentions when they choose to use big words. How to stop this practice in organizations firmly entrenched into such kind of language. James’ list of buzzwords that people should retire from use by the end of 2016, and the most obscure phrases he’s heard. An open letter James wrote on his blog tackling the ridiculous lingo being used in the corporate world. The probability of grandiose language masking la

The guest for this week's podcast episode is my friend Zachary Sexton, formerly of Asian Efficiency. We speak about the science and art of journaling as a productivity practice. He shares his insights on journaling, and expounds on the medium and apps he uses, the structure of his journal, and the purpose it serves him to reflect on his past and plan for the future. This episode includes narratives about: The idea that journaling is a teenage girl thing, the reason why both Zack and Mike are doing this now, and how long has Zack been journaling. How Facebook is basically public journaling and how to translate this into a private and personal log for systems improvement, habit building, and daily planning. The structure Zack and Mike follow with their respective journals. Why Zack decided on using the digital medium for journaling and his hacks to make it faster and more efficient. The practice of reviewing journals by the end of the year, and how Zack maintains accountability to ensure he is moving towar

Brooks Duncan from DocumentSnap (a.k.a. The Paperless Guy) is this week’s guest on The Productivityist Podcast. We talked about many things, but primarily focused on the idea of backing up and going paperless. Brooks sets things straight on the concept of going paperless, which often people think means just not using paper at all. He also recounts how he fell into the paperless lifestyle, and how people can also choose to do the same with theirs. Brooks and I walk through the process of easing into the paperless life, its benefits, as well as recommended apps to help us all transition into this lifestyle. On this episode, we discussed: Brooks’ definition of ‘paperless’ and when did he decide to explore the paperless life. The best way of keeping track of the digital files upon switching to paperless. The framework / system / sample workflow to get it from paper to digital. Brooks’ thoughts the rise of digital-analog hybrid notebooks. What were the benefits of the digital space as well as its disadvantage

On this episode, my guest is Grant Baldwin, who returns to The Productivityist Podcast. Grant is a speaker, blogger, podcaster, and founder of The Speaker Lab – where he helps people (specifically speakers) become more effective in their craft. We spoke about the processes in planning and delivering an effective talk. Grant expounded on the logistical needs prior to a speaking event, the mental process of writing a manuscript, and the importance of rehearsing. This is not just a podcast meant for professional speakers as we discuss points and ideas that may also be used by anyone who might have fear of speaking, or is preparing for a presentation or public speaking of any kind. In this podcast episode, you’ll learn about: The process of building talks as Grant sees it; from logistical preparation, marketing, selling, sourcing speakers, to the talk itself. How Grant constructs a talk and how having a polished template that can be tweaked with slight nuances based on the audience demographic is the most effic

On this episode of the podcast, I speak with "The Sleep Doctor" and author of The Power of When, Dr. Michael Breus. We discuss the ties between chronotypes and productivity, what his chronotype is, how leveraging when you do something can impact how well you do it, and much more. I've long said that fighting your body clock is a bad idea, but I'm no scientist. Dr. Michael Breus is and this is his specialty. (And he seems to agree with me about the whole body clock thing.) I'm excited to bring this episode to you and I hope you enjoy the show! Relevant Links The Sleep Doctor | Michael J. Breus, PhD The Night Owl Action Plan | Productivityist What’s Your Chronotype? (Quiz) The Way of The Productivityist: A Manifesto |Productivityist Dr. Michael Breus (@thesleepdoctor) | Twitter If you enjoy The Productivityist Podcast I'd appreciate a rating and review in iTunes or your podcasting platform of choice. It helps people find the show easier and will help me make improvements on the show by seeing what you h

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast I welcome my good friend Steve Dotto to the show. Steve's made a name for himself on two separate occasions – first as a nationally-recognized television personality in Canada and now as a globally-recognized Internet personality worldwide. Steve and I talk about his early years and how he got into what he is doing now. We talk about what the "old Steve" would have done if the tools and technology we have now were available to him back then. And it wouldn't be a conversation without Steve Dotto if we didn't dive into a little tool talk. Relevant Links Dottotech Dotto Techrospective Dotto's Data Cafe 10-1 (2001) | YouTube Social Media Camp Mari Smith dottotech - YouTube If you enjoy The Productivityist Podcast I'd appreciate a rating and review in iTunes or your podcasting platform of choice. It helps people find the show easier and will help me make improvements on the show by seeing what you have to say. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on th

Note: This episode was recorded before the problems I had with the soft launch of The Productivityist Playbook. In this episode of the podcast I talk about the making of The Productivityist Playbook, diving into the creative and tactical processes I used – as well as mistakes made – during the creation of this product. I dive into the nuts and bolts of my schedule during the creation of The Productivityist Playbook, what mistakes I made along the way, and what you can do to avoid some of those mistakes I made. Relevant Links The Productivityist Playbook Why You Need To Take Personal Productivity Personally | Productivityist Meeting Makeover: Make Better Meetings Today | Productivityist Keep Moving: And Other Tips and Truths About Living Well Longer by Dick Van Dyke | Amazon Duolingo If you enjoy The Productivityist Podcast I'd appreciate a rating and review in iTunes or your podcasting platform of choice. It helps people find the show easier and will help me make improvements on the show by seeing wha

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I speak with my good friend Erik Fisher in the second part of a cross-podcast conversation started on his podcast Beyond the To-Do List. We talk about overwhelm, prioritization, what productivity (and other related terms) means to us, and much more. (Note: The mention of talking to “nobody last week” during the introduction is misplaced as this episode was scheduled to be published after next week’s episode – an episode that has no guest. Last week’s episode featured Marina Darlow and you can listen to it here.) This episode is – at its core – all about process, so sit back and enjoy! Relevant Links Progress: Mike Vardy on Competition, Overwhelm and Priorities | BTTDL153 - Beyond the To Do List Beyond Productivity with Erik Fisher | The Productivityist Podcast Priorities with Erik Fisher and Steve Dotto | The Productivityist Podcast Seasons: Jeff Sieh on Seasons, Rhythms and Change | BTTDL152 - Beyond the To Do List Social Media Success Summit 2016: Larges

On this episode of the podcast, I speak with Marina Darlow. Marina is a systems’ expert, and a productivity geek. She sees her job as helping impact-driven entrepreneurs get 10–20 more productive hours a week, stop leaking money, and prevent stress-fuel breakdowns. We talk about her view and definition of a “system”, effective ways you can master your to do list, how to get out of a creative rut, and much more. (And as a Patreon supporter you’re getting even more content!) Relevant Links Vision Framework About | Vision Framework Goals vs. Systems | Scott Adams’ Blog An excruciating day, or How to wrench yourself out of a Creative Pit of Despair | Vision Framework Four effective ways to master to-do lists and what to do if you don’t like any of them | Vision Framework Marina’s App Guide Marina Darlow (@VisionFramework) | Twitter If you enjoy The Productivityist Podcast I'd appreciate a rating and review in iTunes or your podcasting platform of choice. It helps people find the show easier and will hel

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast I speak with the author of The Coaching Habit, Michael Bungay Stanier. We talk about deep work, simplicity, elegance, the questions you can ask to help you get more out coaching, and much more. Relevant Links The World Domination Summit Experience | Productivityist Box of Crayons Box of Crayons Blog | Inspiration for Teams, Leaders and Organizations Michael Bungay Stanier | Box of Crayons Interview with Matt May, In Pursuit of Elegance | Box of Crayons 9 ways to “Do More Great Work” With Michael Bungay Stanier Do More Great Work: Stop the Busywork. Start the Work That Matters by Michael Bungay Stanier | Amazon Seven questions to condition your inner coach | The Globe and Mail The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier | Amazon Get Unstuck & Get Going…on the stuff that matters by Michael Bungay Stanie | Amazon The Creative Process: Michael Bungay Stanier End Malaria by Michael Bungay Stanier | Am

This episode I'm joined by Craig Ballantyne of Early to Rise. Craig is the creator of The Perfect Day Formula and during our discussion we chat about his thoughts on Stoicism, how the mind is the real gateway (or barrier) to establishing better days, how he handles email, and the rule he crafted that has gotten shared all over the web (and received its share of praise and criticism in the process). I had an absolute blast chatting with Craig on this episode as we dive deep into our thoughts on being an early riser vs. being a night owl. Relevant Links Early to Rise - Health, Wealth, and a Life Well Lived BrettTerpstra.com The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday | Amazon The 3 C’s of the Perfect Day | Early To Rise Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness by Sharon Lebell | Amazon Is the 10–3–2–1–0 method REALLY the secret to a good night’s sleep? | Daily Mail Online Craig Ballantyne’s Morning Routine | My Morning Routi

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I speak with Dai Manuel. Dai is the author of The Whole Life Fitness Manifesto and during this episode we talk about the relationship between health, wellness, and productivity and what his book and work does to promote making the most of this relationship. Relevant Links Going One Year No Beer with Andy Ramage and Ruari Fairbairns | The Productivityist Podcast The Whole Life Fitness Manifesto 10% Happier by Dan Harris | Amazon How to Use The Tough Mudder Pledge to Succeed in Everyday Life | Productivityist Dai Manuel’s Blog about How to Live a Functionally Fit Life The Moose is Loose Weekly Digest | Dai Manuel Dai Manuel (@daimanuel) | Twitter If you enjoy The Productivityist Podcast I'd appreciate a rating and review in iTunes or your podcasting platform of choice. It helps people find the show easier and will help me make improvements on the show by seeing what you have to say. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out S

On this episode of the podcast, I speak with Kim Ades. Kim is the founder of Frame of Mind Coaching and we spend time talking about coaching – her philosophy behind the practice, what she focuses on with her clients, and more. We also dive into mindfulness and focus along the way, as those are aspects of her work that I spends time on in my own work. (Kim is also from Toronto – and it's always a treat for me to chat with a fellow Canadian!) There are plenty of takeaways in this episode so sit back, capture notes along the way, and enjoy! Relevant Links Frame of Mind Kim’s Frame of Mind JournalEngine Kim Ades, M.B.A. « Frame of Mind Kim Ades - Part 1 - PEP 181 | Performance Enhancing Podcast Kim Ades - Part 2 - PEP 182 | Performance Enhancing Podcast Kim Ades (@kimades) | Twitter If you enjoy The Productivityist Podcast I'd appreciate a rating and review in iTunes or your podcasting platform of choice. It helps people find the show easier and will help me make improvements on the show by seeing what