Mike Vardy's Blog, page 10

Episode 530: Scott Rusnak Talks About Integrating EOS for Maximum Impact

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Rusnak to explore the powerful integration of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) into both personal and professional lives. Scott and I talk about the importance of prioritizing and designing one’s life intentionally, providing actionable insights and tools for personal growth and maximum impact.

We also highlight the significance of journaling for personal and professional development, emphasizing the roles of non-negotiables, reflection, and self-awareness in achieving long-term goals. Additionally, Scott shares his thoughts on gratitude and the importance of maintaining a gratitude journal to recognize and appreciate those who have helped us along our journey.

Key Discussion PointsThe need to prioritize and design life rather than letting it unfold by default.The role of journaling in personal and professional development.Emphasizing non-negotiables and self-awareness in making progress towards goals.The value of gratitude and keeping a gratitude journal.Finding focus and balance through setting values and priorities.Surrounding oneself with the right people and having an accountability plan.The importance of taking breaks and resting to recharge.

This episode with Scott Rusnak is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to integrate the principles of EOS into their life. From journaling and gratitude to prioritizing and designing a life of impact, Scott provides practical advice and tools to help you achieve your goals. Be sure to take action on the insights shared and continue your journey towards personal and professional growth.

Links Worth ExploringConnect with Scott: Website | LinkedInGet Scott’s Book: The Entrepreneurs Field Guide – Design Your Life Before Someone Else Does It For You!What is EOS? Read this book: Traction: Get a Grip on Your BusinessRelated Conversation: A Very Special Episode: Austin Kleon Returns!Related Blog Post: Gap Days

Want to support the show? Then take a look at our podcast sponsors page.
There you will find a variety of products and services designed to help you lead a more productive life.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

The post Episode 530: Scott Rusnak Talks About Integrating EOS for Maximum Impact appeared first on Mike Vardy.

Episode 530: Scott Rusnak Talks About Integrating EOS for Maximum Impact

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In this episode, I sit down with Scott Rusnak to explore the powerful integration of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) into both personal and professional lives. Scott and I talk about the importance of prioritizing and designing one’s life intentionally, providing actionable insights and tools for personal growth and maximum impact.

We also highlight the significance of journaling for personal and professional development, emphasizing the roles of non-negotiables, reflection, and self-awareness in achieving long-term goals. Additionally, Scott shares his thoughts on gratitude and the importance of maintaining a gratitude journal to recognize and appreciate those who have helped us along our journey.

Key Discussion PointsThe need to prioritize and design life rather than letting it unfold by default.The role of journaling in personal and professional development.Emphasizing non-negotiables and self-awareness in making progress towards goals.The value of gratitude and keeping a gratitude journal.Finding focus and balance through setting values and priorities.Surrounding oneself with the right people and having an accountability plan.The importance of taking breaks and resting to recharge.

This episode with Scott Rusnak is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to integrate the principles of EOS into their life. From journaling and gratitude to prioritizing and designing a life of impact, Scott provides practical advice and tools to help you achieve your goals. Be sure to take action on the insights shared and continue your journey towards personal and professional growth.

Links Worth ExploringConnect with Scott: Website | LinkedInGet Scott’s Book: The Entrepreneurs Field Guide – Design Your Life Before Someone Else Does It For You!What is EOS? Read this book: Traction: Get a Grip on Your BusinessRelated Conversation: A Very Special Episode: Austin Kleon Returns!Related Blog Post: Gap Days

Want to support the show? Then take a look at our podcast sponsors page.
There you will find a variety of products and services designed to help you lead a more productive life.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

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The post Episode 530: Scott Rusnak Talks About Integrating EOS for Maximum Impact appeared first on Productivityist.

Why Habit Tracking Apps Outshine To-Do Lists for Building Better Habits

To-do list apps have long been a staple of personal productivity, but are they the best solution for tracking our habits?

I don’t think so.

While to-do lists are incredibly useful for managing our tasks, they lack the features necessary to support the formation and maintenance of habits.

And that’s where dedicated habit tracking apps come in.

These apps are specifically designed to help us establish new habits and stick to them over time. They do this by providing a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to track our progress, set reminders, and celebrate our successes.

When you have the combined effort of both a to-do list and a dedicated habit tracker, we can create a comprehensive system for managing both our tasks and our habits. This not only leads to productiveness, but also helps us establish new habits/practices and make them a permanent part of our daily routine.

Consider using both a to-do list and a dedicated habit tracker. It’s going to give you the best combo to get the right things done and forge the right habits better.

Need help finding the ideal habit tracking app? I’ve got you covered.

The post Why Habit Tracking Apps Outshine To-Do Lists for Building Better Habits appeared first on Mike Vardy.

Why Habit Tracking Apps Outshine To-Do Lists for Building Better Habits

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To-do list apps have long been a staple of personal productivity, but are they the best solution for tracking our habits?

I don’t think so.

While to-do lists are incredibly useful for managing our tasks, they lack the features necessary to support the formation and maintenance of habits.

And that’s where dedicated habit tracking apps come in.

These apps are specifically designed to help us establish new habits and stick to them over time. They do this by providing a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to track our progress, set reminders, and celebrate our successes.

When you have the combined effort of both a to-do list and a dedicated habit tracker, we can create a comprehensive system for managing both our tasks and our habits. This not only leads to productiveness, but also helps us establish new habits/practices and make them a permanent part of our daily routine.

Consider using both a to-do list and a dedicated habit tracker. It’s going to give you the best combo to get the right things done and forge the right habits better.

Need help finding the ideal habit tracking app? I’ve got you covered.

The post Why Habit Tracking Apps Outshine To-Do Lists for Building Better Habits appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 529: Scott H. Young Talks About Getting Better at Anything

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In this captivating episode of the podcast, I sit down with the renowned author and self-directed learning enthusiast, Scott H. Young, to dive into the intricacies of mastering new skills and the science of learning. Scott, known for his groundbreaking work on rapid skill acquisition, shares his unique insights into writing, learning, and the critical role of research in personal development.

Throughout our discussion, Scott and I explore a variety of topics from the practical to the philosophical, all centered around how we can better understand and improve our ability to learn and perform. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply a lifelong learner, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and actionable advice.

Key Discussion PointsResearch and Writing Nonfiction: How Scott structures his work and breaks down complex subjects into understandable segments.Cultural Misunderstandings: Dealing with geographical misconceptions and the importance of accurate cultural representation.Principles of Learning and Memory: Insights into the cognitive science that enhances our learning capabilities.Role of AI in Education: A discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping learning environments and educational methods.Importance of Repetition and Variability: Scott emphasizes how these factors influence skill improvement and adaptability.Mental Models and Dynamic Skills: The significance of mental frameworks in mastering new skills and solving problems.Research Depth: Balancing between extensive research and the practicality of writing.

As we wrapped up our conversation, it became clear that understanding the process of learning itself is as crucial as the knowledge we seek to gain. Scott’s perspectives not only enrich our approach to learning but also challenge us to rethink how we teach and acquire new skills in an ever-evolving world. Don’t forget to check out Scott’s book, “Get Better at Anything,” and explore more of his profound insights on his website.

Links Worth ExploringConnect with Scott: Website | X/Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTubeGet Scott’s Book: Get Better at AnythingThat Jim Gaffigan Special: Learn more about it hereWhy Are Humans Suddenly Getting Better at Tetris?What is The Great Mental Models Project? Check it out.Another book to check out: Noise: A Flaw in Human JudgmentRelated Conversation: Episode 256: Understanding Ultralearning with Scott H. YoungRelated Blog Post: More Better

Want to support the show? Then take a look at our podcast sponsors page.
There you will find a variety of products and services designed to help you lead a more productive life.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

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The post Episode 529: Scott H. Young Talks About Getting Better at Anything appeared first on Productivityist.

Nuanced Time Management: Embracing Complexity for Productivity

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We live in a world that often demands quick fixes and one-size-fits-all solutions. Yet acknowledging and respecting nuance in our approach to time management is like discovering a hidden treasure. It’s the recognition that not all tasks are created equal, that priorities can shift, and that flexibility is key to sustainable productivity.

Embracing nuanced time management means understanding that our schedules are not always predictable, our energy levels fluctuate, and our focus ebbs and flows. (I can speak to this all to well this week as I’ve been fighting off a nasty bug.)

It’s about recognizing the subtle nuances in how we work best, when we are most productive, and what truly matters in the grand scheme of things.

While it may seem frustrating at times to navigate the complexities of time management, embracing nuance can be a game-changer. It allows us to tailor our schedules to suit our unique rhythms, to prioritize tasks based on their true importance, and to find a balance between efficiency and well-being.

Nuance was the primary focus of an episode of my podcast, A Productive Conversation as part of a series of conversations with my good friend Patrick Rhone. You can give this episode a listen here.

I believe it’s important to make a conscious effort to integrate nuance into our approach to time management. We need to embrace the fluidity of time, the variability of our attention spans, and the power of adaptability. Let’s move away from rigid schedules and embrace a more holistic view of productivity that takes into account the nuances of our lives.

Better still, let’s manage our relationship with time better instead of trying to manage time itself.

Remember that nuance is not a hindrance but a catalyst for growth. It challenges us to think beyond conventional wisdom, to explore new ways of working smarter, not just harder, and to find harmony in the complexity of our daily routines.

The post Nuanced Time Management: Embracing Complexity for Productivity appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 528: John Diggs Talks About Unlocking Potential with Mind Mapping

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Welcome to this episode where we dive deep into the world of mind mapping with John Diggs, a former NFL player turned coach – but not a coach of the football variety.

John brings a unique perspective on how mind mapping has not only transformed his personal life but also how he coaches others to achieve their fullest potential. We explore the broad applications of this powerful tool, from personal development to academic and professional success.

John shares his journey from the football field to becoming a mind mapping mentor, emphasizing how this technique has helped him and many others visualize goals and navigate life’s complexities. We discuss the versatility of mind maps in enhancing creativity, memory, and productivity, and how they serve as a foundational tool for successful life planning.

Key Discussion PointsTransition from NFL to Mind Mapping: John ecounts his transition from professional sports to becoming a life coach, using mind mapping to guide his and others’ life choices.Mind Mapping for College Students: We discuss the significant benefits for students, such as improved decision-making, enhanced memory, and better organization of thoughts.Practical Applications of Mind Maps: From helping athletes prepare for games to aiding students and professionals in project management, mind maps prove to be invaluable.Integration with Task Management Tools: Both John and I highlight the integration of mind maps with tools like MindMeister and Meistertask to streamline task execution and project management.Vision Boards vs. Mind Maps: We compare the dynamic nature of mind maps with static vision boards, emphasizing how mind maps offer a more profound, evolving approach to goal setting.Mind Mapping for Personal Growth: John shares his personal story of how mind mapping helped him rediscover himself and rebuild his life after significant setbacks.Promoting Mind Mapping as a Life Skill: We advocate for the adoption of mind mapping as a routine practice for personal development and clarity in life goals.

This conversation with John Diggs has been incredibly enlightening, showcasing the transformative power of mind mapping in various aspects of life. Whether you’re an athlete, student, or professional, mind mapping can be a game-changer in how you organize your thoughts, set your goals, and achieve success. Be sure to check out John’s resources and start incorporating mind mapping into your daily routine for a more organized and purposeful life.

Links Worth ExploringConnect with John: Website | X/Twitter | LinkedInCheck out John’s TEDx talk: Watch it hereWhat is “Big Play Power” anyway?: Find outJohn’s Books: Get them hereCheck out the “Meister” suite of tools: MindMeister | MeisterTaskWant to go to “Mappineerville?: Visit (and join) nowRelated Conversation: Episode 335: Mind Map Your Writing with Daphne Gray-GrantRelated Blog Post: How to Map Out One Year in One Hour

Want to support the show? Then take a look at our podcast sponsors page.
There you will find a variety of products and services designed to help you lead a more productive life.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

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The post Episode 528: John Diggs Talks About Unlocking Potential with Mind Mapping appeared first on Productivityist.

A Simple Strategy for Short Weeks

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This might be a week that feels shorter to you. Depending on when you’re reading this, it might actually be a short week where you live thanks to a holiday.

It’s common to feel a bit behind after such interruptions. But fear not — I’ve got a straightforward and effective strategy to share that can help you catch up or stay on track during these compressed weeks.

When time is tight choose  one  significant task that, if completed, will make the biggest difference to your week.

This might sound overly simplistic, but the impact of completing just one major task can be profound. It creates momentum, brings a sense of accomplishment, and often clears mental space for other tasks to be approached more efficiently.

The post A Simple Strategy for Short Weeks appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 527: Steven Bertrand Talks About Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Meditation

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In this episode, I’m joined by Steven Bertrand, who shares his inspiring transition from blogging and web design to becoming a public speaker and a meditation advocate.

In this episode, we explore how Steven has overcome significant personal challenges and how meditation has played a pivotal role in his life From tackling physical disabilities to changing career paths, Steven’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of mindfulness in achieving balance and inner peace.

Key Discussion PointsJourney from Blogging to Public Speaking: Steven reflects on his evolution from a blogger to a sought-after public speaker, emphasizing the role of meditation in gaining deeper insights and confidence.Overcoming Disability: Steven discusses the challenges he faced due to his disability and how meditation helped him overcome these obstacles and pursue his passions.Importance of Accessibility: A significant part of our conversation was dedicated to the necessity for accessibility in business and public spaces, with Steven sharing personal experiences and actionable advice for organizations.The Impact of Meditation: Both guests discuss how meditation has been instrumental in reducing their anxiety and enhancing their mental health, with yours truly highlighting its benefits in improving my focus and productivity.Mindfulness for Everyday Life: The conversation also touches on how meditation is not just a practice but a lifestyle that enhances the quality of everyday life, helping individuals stay grounded in stressful situations.Encouraging Meditation Practice: Both of us advocate for making meditation a priority, sharing tips and strategies for integrating it into busy schedules.

This episode has been an enlightening journey through the life of someone who has used meditation not just as a tool for personal growth but as a way to face life’s challenges head-on. Whether you are dealing with personal hurdles or looking to improve your productivity and mental health, the insights offered valuable lessons on the benefits of embracing mindfulness. Remember to check out Steve’s meditation classes and more resources to start your own journey in meditation.

Links Worth ExploringConnect with Steven: Website | X/Twitter | Facebook | YouTubeSteven’s Zoom meditation classes: Check them outRelated Conversation: Episode 515: Haemin Sunim Talks About Zen Wisdom for Life’s ChallengesRelated Blog Post: How to Wake Up a Sleepwalking Mind

Want to support the show? Then take a look at our podcast sponsors page.
There you will find a variety of products and services designed to help you lead a more productive life.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

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The post Episode 527: Steven Bertrand Talks About Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Meditation appeared first on Productivityist.

The Role of Reason and Refinement in Productivity

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In the pursuit of being truly productive, aligning one’s cognitive strategies and habits with the natural rhythm of the body clock isn’t just wise; it’s a necessity. This alignment requires a blend of two often overlooked and yet pivotal elements in the productivity equation: Reason and Refinement.

The Power of Reason in Guiding Productivity

Reason, in its purest form, is the ability to apply logical and critical thinking to our actions and decisions. The Greek philosopher Aristotle famously stated, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” This sentiment underscores the importance of reasoned decision-making in forming productive habits.

In the context of time management, reason becomes the compass that guides us to discern when we are most mentally alert and physically active. By understanding and respecting these peaks and troughs in our energy levels we can schedule tasks in harmony with our circadian rhythms, leading to increased efficiency and reduced fatigue.

Research in chronobiology, the science of natural physiological rhythms, supports this approach. Studies have shown that aligning work tasks with one’s internal clock can enhance cognitive function and productivity (Foster & Kreitzman, 2004). By using reason to recognize and respect these biological rhythms, individuals can optimize their schedule for peak productivity.

A Quick Exercise on Reason ( Inspired by Ben Kirk ): The ‘Three Why’s’ Approach

Objective: To deepen understanding and reasoning behind each task.Implementation: Before starting a task, ask yourself “Why” three times to get to the core purpose of the task.Example:Task: Prepare a presentation.Why #1: To inform my team about the project’s progress.Why #2: To ensure everyone understands their role and next steps.Why #3: To enhance team collaboration and project success.Impact: This exercise, inspired by Ben Kirk’s focus on overcoming obstacles, helps clarify the purpose behind tasks, ensuring they align with larger goals.Refinement: The Art of Continuous Improvement

Refinement, or the process of making small adjustments to improve efficiency and effectiveness, is akin to the Japanese concept of ‘Kaizen,’ which translates to ‘continuous improvement.’ This practice, deeply rooted in Japanese business culture, emphasizes the value of iterative, incremental changes in processes, reflecting a commitment to refinement in pursuit of excellence.

Applying refinement to productivity involves a constant reevaluation and optimization of how one manages time and tasks. It’s a process of trial and error, requiring patience and persistence. As Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” His relentless pursuit of refinement led to groundbreaking inventions that reshaped the world.

A Quick Exercise on Refinement ( Guided by Francesco D’Alessio’s Insights ): App Efficiency Audit

Objective: To refine the use of productivity tools.Implementation: Review the apps and tools you use for work.Steps:List all productivity apps you currently use.For each app, note how it contributes to your productivity.Identify any overlaps or redundancies.Decide which apps to keep, replace, or remove.Impact: Francesco D’Alessio’s expertise in productivity apps emphasizes the importance of using the right tools. This exercise helps streamline your toolkit, enhancing overall efficiency.Aligning Body Clock and Work Habits

The concept of aligning one’s body clock with work habits is a vivid example of the interplay between reason and refinement. By using reason to understand one’s natural rhythms and then refining work schedules and habits accordingly, individuals can work with (rather than against) their physiological makeup.

Recent research in sleep science and chronobiology suggests that working against one’s natural body clock can lead to reduced cognitive function and even health issues (Walker, 2017). On the contrary, aligning work habits with the body clock can lead to more efficient, meaningful, and enjoyable work.

A Quick Exercise on Alignment: The ‘Best Time’ Experiment

Objective: To find the optimal time for different types of tasks.Implementation: Experiment with scheduling various tasks at different times.Steps:Identify tasks that require high focus and those that are less demanding.Schedule high-focus tasks during your identified high-energy times (from the Energy Tracking exercise).Schedule less demanding tasks during your lower energy periods.Adjust based on your observations over a week.Impact: This exercise encourages aligning tasks with your natural energy cycles, optimizing productivity and well-being.The Long-Term Payoff of Reason and Refinement

The integration of reason and refinement in managing one’s relationship with time is a powerful approach to achieving sustained productivity. It’s not about working more hours, but working smarter within the hours that are most conducive to one’s internal clock.

By embracing the wisdom of reason and the art of refinement individuals can transform their productivity, aligning it with the natural rhythms of their bodies and minds. This approach not only enhances immediate output but also ensures long-term well-being and success.

The post The Role of Reason and Refinement in Productivity appeared first on Productivityist.