Mike Vardy's Blog, page 16

The S.O.S. Score: Your Guide to Perfecting Productivity Tool Selection

In our quest for productivity, choosing the right tools can make or break our success. However, the search for the perfect tool is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour.

That’s why The S.O.S. Score is here – to guide you towards making the best choice possible.

The S.O.S. Score is a scoring system that assesses tools based on Simplicity, Obviousness, and Scalability. In this article, I’ll explore each section in detail, using examples like paper, bullet journaling, Evernote, ClickUp, and Notion to illustrate the nuances of scoring.

Tool Finder: The Best Place to Find Productivity Tools

Tool Finder is the ideal place to find productivity tools, curated by experts at Keep Productive to assist you in discovering the perfect productivity tool for both work and personal life.

Find productivity tools now

You’ll need to gain a better understanding of each element of The S.O.S. Score before you can come up with you final tally. So let’s get into those elements to start.

The First Element: Simplicity

In the realm of productivity and user experience, simplicity holds immense power. It acts as the core foundation for a user-friendly environment, and its influence can be discerned through numerous everyday examples. Our focus here is to navigate through the nuances of this often-underappreciated concept, using familiar instances to punctuate our exploration.

Take for instance the traditional tool of paper. Its charm lies in its remarkable simplicity, effortlessly lending itself to a multitude of tasks without being daunting to the user. However, while paper embodies simplicity, its utility is predominantly centered around the individual. Its scalability is, thus, somewhat limited. Despite its intuitive appeal for personal endeavours, paper begins to falter when tasked with the demands of group collaborations or large-scale projects.

Transitioning from the physical to the cognitive realm, let’s explore another intriguing example – bullet journaling. At first glance, it’s the epitome of simplicity: a streamlined method for organization that many productivity enthusiasts swear by. But, like the illusion of a calm sea surface, its depths can be deceptive. As users begin to add layers of complexity, such as diverse trackers, unique collections, and detailed spreads, the apparent simplicity can slowly fade into the background. This necessitates a delicate balancing act, a constant vigilance to ensure the essence of simplicity is retained, even as enhancements are made to bolster its value to your productivity workflow.

The Second Element: Obviousness

Delving into the realm of productivity tools, there exists an intriguing concept: Obviousness. Obviousness, while admittedly a “clunky” word, is a lens through which we examine tools that are purposefully designed to cater to specific needs and deliver lucid benefits. Through the examples of habit tracking and journaling, we’ll dissect this idea to fully appreciate its significance.

The crux of obviousness is deeply intertwined with purpose and value. Habit tracking or journaling tools exemplify this point with perfection. Their single-minded design and functionality empower them with clear-cut advantages, aligning seamlessly with their intended purpose. When you select a tool carved out for a specific task, such as a habit tracker or journal, you’ve likely made an ‘obvious’ choice. Its advantages in terms of usefulness and applicability to the task at hand are immediate and, well, obvious.

Let’s extend this concept to broader, multi-purpose tools. Evernote, for instance, is a robust and versatile tool which can be effectively utilized for journaling. However, when it comes to tasks like habit tracking or task management, it might not prove as beneficial. The ‘obviousness’ of a tool like Evernote hinges on how well it aligns with your unique use case and how seamlessly it integrates into your comprehensive productivity workflow. The right tool is the one that melds into your routine, augmenting your productivity rather than acting as a hindrance. It’s all about finding the ‘obvious’ choice for you – the tool that does less, but does it better.

The Third Element: Scalability

When we talk about productivity tools, scalability stands tall as a pivotal aspect. This characteristic delves into a tool’s aptitude to grow and evolve, mirroring your expanding requirements, whether you’re charting your course alone or collaborating within a team. To illustrate this concept, let’s juxtapose the capabilities of familiar tools like paper, ClickUp, and Notion.

For the solitary user, the charm of paper remains unbeatable, with its simplicity and intuitive nature. However, when viewed through the lens of scalability, it’s limitations become evident. Its inability to stretch beyond the needs of the individual makes it a less ideal choice when expansion is on the horizon. This is where digital tools like ClickUp and Notion outshine. Armed with powerful features, they facilitate growth, fluidity, and adaptability, making them a more suitable choice for expanding projects, ambitions, and teams.

But scalability is not just about growth. It’s also about adaptability. Digital platforms like ClickUp and Notion reign supreme in this arena, offering a wealth of features and customization possibilities to cater to diverse needs. Yet, this versatility can come at the cost of simplicity. The complexity of these tools may necessitate users to invest substantial time in understanding, learning, and tailoring the tools to align with their unique needs. It’s a balancing act, between the demands of scalability and the comfort of simplicity. But when maneuvered with skill, these tools can indeed become a sturdy ladder, empowering you to reach new heights in productivity.

How Scoring Works

Before we get to your overall score, it’s important to assess each of the three elements properly. By assigning straightforward definitions to each element, you can swiftly score each criterion and obtain a more precise assessment of the tool’s suitability for your productivity needs.

You can use the following guidelines to help you score each element of The S.O.S. Score:

Simplicity:Score of 1 – Complex: The tool is complicated, difficult to navigate, and requires significant effort to understand and use effectively.Score of 2 – Moderate: The tool has some complexity, but can be navigated with reasonable effort and provides a moderate level of user-friendliness.Score of 3 – Simple: The tool is intuitive, easy to use, and requires minimal effort to understand and navigate effectively.Obviousness:Score of 1 – Unclear: The tool’s purpose and benefits are unclear, and its functionality may be confusing or hard to grasp.Score of 2 – Partially Clear: The tool has some apparent benefits and functionality, but there may be areas where its purpose or usage is not immediately obvious.Score of 3 – Clear: The tool’s purpose, benefits, and functionality are evident, making it easy to understand and integrate into your workflow.Scalability:Score of 1 – Limited: The tool lacks flexibility and struggles to accommodate growth, with limitations on handling expanding projects, teams, or goals.Score of 2 – Moderate: The tool offers some scalability, but there may be restrictions or challenges when it comes to scaling up or adapting to changing needs.Score of 3 – Highly Scalable: The tool is designed to easily accommodate growth, providing seamless scalability for expanding projects, teams, and ambitions.

With each element now graded, you’re equipped to calculate the overall S.O.S. Score for your productivity tool. This composite score provides a holistic understanding of the tool’s strengths and weaknesses, and a better sense of its alignment with your specific needs. The end goal is a comprehensive, objective evaluation that steers you towards the tools best suited to bolster your productivity, whether working alone or in a team.

Calculating The S.O.S. Score

Now that you’ve assessed each of the three elements of The S.O.S. Score, it’s time to calculate your final score for the tool you’re evaluating. Here’s how you do that and what each scoring range means.

To calculate The S.O.S. Score, follow these steps:

Begin by scoring each element – Simplicity, Obviousness, Scalability – on a scale of 1 to 3, based on the guidelines provided.Once you’ve assigned scores for each of these categories, simply add them up. The sum of these three scores forms The S.O.S. Score for the tool in question.

Now that you’ve calculated your S.O.S. Score, it’s time to understand what it signifies:

A score of 3 to 5: This score suggests that the tool has significant areas of improvement. It might be complicated to use, its purpose may not be clear, and it may not scale well with your needs. You might want to reconsider using this tool or prepare for an uphill battle to get it working optimally for you.A score of 6 to 7: This score indicates a tool that is moderately effective. While it may have some complexities, its benefits are reasonably apparent, and it offers some level of scalability. With some effort and time, you could mould it into a useful part of your workflow.A score of 8 to 9: A tool with this score is likely a good fit for your needs. It offers an intuitive user experience, its purpose and benefits are clear, and it adapts fairly well to your evolving needs.A perfect score of 9: This is a stellar tool, offering simplicity, clarity, and excellent scalability. It should be easy to use, its benefits should be evident, and it should accommodate growth and changing needs seamlessly. (Note: I’ve NEVER gotten this score with any tool I’ve tested. Maybe I’m a tough grader… or maybe there’s no such thing as the “perfect” tool. I’m leaning towards the latter.)

The S.O.S. Score is designed to help you make an informed decision about the tools you employ. It provides an objective, measurable approach to evaluating a tool’s potential fit within your productivity system. Always remember, the ultimate aim is to find a tool that supports your productivity, not one that becomes a hindrance. Use The S.O.S. Score as a guide, not an absolute measure. Your specific needs, preferences, and context should always play a vital role in your final decision.

Tool Finder: The Best Place to Find Productivity Tools

Tool Finder is the ideal place to find productivity tools, curated by experts at Keep Productive to assist you in discovering the perfect productivity tool for both work and personal life.

Find productivity tools nowConclusion

The S.O.S. Score empowers you to select tools that perfect your processes rather than hinder them. By assessing Simplicity, Obviousness, and Scalability, you can evaluate tools in a nuanced manner. Remember, no tool is perfect, but with the S.O.S. Score, you can identify the best fit for your unique needs.

Embrace the power of the S.O.S. Score and approach tool selection with confidence. As you navigate the vast landscape of productivity tools, consider their simplicity, focus on tools that align with your specific needs, and evaluate their scalability. By doing so, you will unlock the full potential of your productivity journey.

The post The S.O.S. Score: Your Guide to Perfecting Productivity Tool Selection appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 480: Thanh Pham talks about His Productivity Journey (Part 2)

In the second part of my podcast conversation with Asian Efficiency’s Thanh Pham, we explore various aspects of productivity, time management, and the impact of AI. The conversation covers breaking past time barriers, the utility value of money at different life stages, prioritization and trade-offs, the challenges with to-do lists, and the potential of AI to enhance productivity. Additionally, the importance of clarity in writing, understanding human behaviour, preferred mediums for content creation, and staying updated with industry trends are also discussed.

We also share insights into their preferred mediums for content creation and offer advice on how to stay updated with industry trends. There was a lot of ground to cover in our first conversation for this podcast, so dividing it up into two parts was a wise move. I trust you’ll get a lot out of it.

Key Discussion PointsBreaking past the barrier of time is crucial for productivityThe utility value of money at different stages of life is exploredPrioritization is a practice that requires trade-offsThe challenges people face with their to-do lists are addressedThe potential of AI to make more valuable things is highlightedClarity of thought is emphasized for good writingUnderstanding human behaviour remains significant despite technological advancementsInsights into preferred mediums for content creation and staying updated with trends are shared

You can expect an engaging and informative discussion on productivity, time management, and the role of AI. The episode provides valuable insights and practical tips that can help you enhance your productivity and make better use of your time. From understanding the value of money to mastering prioritization and embracing AI’s potential, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge to apply in daily life. Enjoy this finale to a very productive conversation!

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.

Links Worth ExploringConnect with Thanh: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YoutubeThanh’s podcast: The Productivity ShowRecommended by Thanh: Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your LifeRecommended by Thanh (and me): Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for MortalsRelated Conversation: Episode 479: Thanh Pham talks about His Productivity Journey (Part 1)Related Blog Post: Why You Need A Clarity Day (And How To Make It Happen)

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

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

The post Episode 480: Thanh Pham talks about His Productivity Journey (Part 2) appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 479: Thanh Pham talks about His Productivity Journey (Part 1)

In the first part of my podcast conversation with Thanh Pham, founder of Asian Efficiency, we explored our shared experiences in the productivity space. We discussed the evolution of productivity advice and systems, emphasizing the importance of choosing one system and adapting it to your needs. Thanh highlighted the shift from being reactive to proactive, underscoring the value of planning for the next day and week to stay on top of tasks.

Thanh also shared his personal journey of focusing on building deeper relationships and community, which led to increased happiness and productivity. This served as a powerful reminder that productivity isn’t just about getting more done—it’s also about enhancing our overall well-being.

Key Discussion PointsThe landscape of productivity has changed over the years, and there’s no one right way to do something. The rise of the cult of getting things done has shown that there are multiple ways to approach productivity.Small changes can lead to significant results. You don’t have to make drastic changes to get the results you’re looking for. A single tweak a week can lead to major improvements.Sustainability is a challenging aspect of learning. Trying to get everything done in a single day can lead to burnout. It’s important to recognize that you have more time than you think.Reflective practice, such as journaling, can help improve productivity. It’s important to take time to reflect on what you’re doing and why.The importance of a weekly review and being aware of the cadence and pace of life can help manage productivity.Happiness and productivity are linked. Happy people tend to be more productive.The concept of productivity has evolved over the last decade. It’s not just about time and money, but also about health.

Our conversation concluded with a discussion on the changing perception of productivity, shifting from efficiency to optimizing for happiness. This perspective has been a game-changer for Thanh, and he believes it can be for others as well. Stay tuned for the second part of our conversation next week, where we’ll delve deeper into these themes and more.

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.

Links Worth ExploringConnect with Thanh: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YoutubeThanh’s podcast: The Productivity ShowRecommended by Thanh: Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your LifeRecommended by Thanh (and me): Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for MortalsRelated Conversation: Episode 83: Overnight Success with Aaron MahnkeRelated Blog Post: Why You Need To Take Personal Productivity Personally

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

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

The post Episode 479: Thanh Pham talks about His Productivity Journey (Part 1) appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 478: Marshall Goldsmith talks about The Earned Life

In this episode, I dive into an enriching conversation with the renowned Marshall Goldsmith, a giant in the field of productivity and leadership. It was only a little over a year ago that I first engaged with Marshall, but his words were so inspiring and informative that I felt compelled to revisit the conversation. Marshall’s groundbreaking book, “Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts — Becoming the Person You Want to Be,” has been profoundly influential in shaping my understanding of productivity.

Marshall’s stature in the field is simply unparalleled. As a two-time winner of the Thinkers 50 Award for the #1 Leadership Thinker in the World, the #1 Executive Coach, and a Top Ten Business Thinker for eight years running, his insights carry incredible weight. Marshall’s books, including “The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment,” are highly esteemed in the leadership space. His work has been translated into 32 languages, sold over 2.5 million copies, and recognized by Amazon as among the Top 100 Leadership & Success Books Ever Written.

Key Discussion PointsOur identity is largely shaped by our daily habits and rituals.Rituals act as the foundation for mindfulness and personal growth.Journaling is a powerful tool for self-inquiry, especially during stressful experiences.The stories we tell ourselves influence our perception of reality.98% of the time, the problem we think we’re facing is not the actual problem; it’s something deeper.Recording and reviewing our thoughts can bring clarity and awareness.Visual reminders and an accountability system are practical strategies to implement these principles.Self-accountability can be enhanced by formulating questions about our experiences and having someone read them back to us.

During our conversation, Marshall shared his insights on what it means to live an “earned life” and the concept of the “satisfied” mind. We delved into the role willpower plays in our lives and how it contributes to achieving this coveted “earned life”. As always, speaking with Marshall was an absolute delight, his words resonating with profound wisdom and practical advice. I trust you’ll enjoy and benefit from this conversation just as much as I did.

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.

Links Worth ExploringConnect with Marshall: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YoutubeMarshall’s Book: The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose FulfillmentRecommended by Marshall: The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things RightWatch this film: American UnderdogRelated Conversation: Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David AllenRelated Blog Post: The Power of Bit by Bit Productivity

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

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

The post Episode 478: Marshall Goldsmith talks about The Earned Life appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 477: Marc and Angel Chernoff talk about Getting Back to Happy

On this episode of the podcast originally released in May 2018, I spoke with Marc and Angel Chernoff. Marc and Angel are the authors of the book Getting Back To Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality and Turn Your Trials Into Triumphs and this episode is being re-released to celebrate their latest effort, The Good Morning Journal: Powerful Prompts and Reflections to Start Every Day.

In this insightful episode, we delve into the importance of daily habits and rituals in shaping our identity and driving personal growth. “We are what we do on a daily basis,” emphasizes the importance of daily practices and their cumulative effect on our lives.

A central theme throughout our discussion is the narrative we create with our thoughts. According to Marc and Angel, these stories we tell ourselves significantly influence our perception of reality. A striking revelation from the discussion is that “98% of the time, the problem is not the problem, it’s something deeper.”

This episode also explores the process of recording thoughts and the importance of reviewing them to bring awareness and clarity. This practice is underscored as a way of understanding that what we perceive is an interpretation of our thoughts, rather than objective reality.

In addition to these reflections, practical strategies for gaining lasting benefits from these concepts are shared. Techniques such as the use of visual reminders and creating an accountability system provide tangible ways to implement these principles in daily life. Marc and Angel further illustrate this by discussing the concept of self-accountability through questioning and sharing those questions with a confidante for a read-back.

Key Discussion PointsOur identity is largely shaped by our daily habits and rituals.Rituals act as the foundation for mindfulness and personal growth.Journaling is a powerful tool for self-inquiry, especially during stressful experiences.The stories we tell ourselves influence our perception of reality.98% of the time, the problem we think we’re facing is not the actual problem; it’s something deeper.Recording and reviewing our thoughts can bring clarity and awareness.Visual reminders and an accountability system are practical strategies to implement these principles.Self-accountability can be enhanced by formulating questions about our experiences and having someone read them back to us.

Marc and Angel shed light on how they’ve worked together in developing effective daily rituals, reinforcing the belief that rituals are not just routines, but the solid foundation for mindfulness and other personal growth tools. I’m glad I had the chance to revisit this episode from over 5 years ago and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the opportunity to either revisit it or give it a listen for the first time.

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.

Links Worth ExploringConnect with Marc and Angel: Website | Facebook | InstagramMarc and Angel’s Latest Book: The Good Morning Journal: Powerful Prompts and Reflections to Start Every DayCheck out the book discussed on this episode: Getting Back To Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality and Turn Your Trials Into TriumphsRelated Conversation: Episode 245: What Happy Successful People Do Differently with Marc and Angel ChernoffRelated Blog Post: Why You Shouldn’t Spend Time Journaling In The Morning (And What You Should Do Instead)

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

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

The post Episode 477: Marc and Angel Chernoff talk about Getting Back to Happy appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 476: Shannon McLay talks about Why Money Matters

On this episode, I’m joined by an exceptional guest, Shannon McClay. Shannon is the CEO and founder of the Financial Gym, a revolutionary financial services company breaking barriers in the realm of financial wellness. Throughout our conversation, we deep-dive into the motivating factors behind the inception of her company, exploring the challenges, prejudices, and anxieties that individuals often grapple with when handling their personal finances.

We also take a journey through the origin story of the Financial Gym and uncover the secrets behind its success. Prepare for an insightful discussion filled with stories, wisdom, and actionable advice.

Key Discussion Points

We discuss the aphorism “time is money” and what holds true from that concept (and what doesn’t)My own personal and somewhat rocky relationship with money.How someone can break through some of their biases associated with moneyThe approach that Shannon takes people through when trying to help them become more financially fitShannon shares her thoughts and insights on conventional financial advice/theory that doesn’t really fly with her

Shannon’s wisdom, drawn from her extensive experience as the founder of the Financial Gym, truly emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and its impact on all areas of our lives. As we conclude this podcast, remember Shannon’s key message: managing your money should be empowering, not intimidating.

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.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Shannon: Twitter | LinkedIn | InstagramCheck out: The Financial GymListen to Shannon’s podcast: Martinis and Your MoneyRelated Conversation: Episode 374: How to Be Time Smart with Ashley WhillansRelated Blog Post: Money and Time

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

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

The post Episode 476: Shannon McLay talks about Why Money Matters appeared first on Productivityist.

The Productivity Diet: Balancing Quality and Quantity for Lasting Productivity

I want to introduce you to a transformative concept that has revolutionized my approach to productivity. It’s called “The Productivity Diet,” and it’s all about striking the delicate balance between quality and quantity in our daily lives. Just like any diet, it’s not a quick fix, but a sustainable lifestyle that fuels our productivity over time.

In a world that values constant busyness and the pressure to do more, we often overlook the importance of quality in our work. We become obsessed with ticking off tasks on our to-do lists, without considering the impact on our well-being and the long-term sustainability of our productivity. But what if I told you there’s a way to achieve both quality and quantity?

The Productivity Diet is about nourishing our productivity with a mindful focus on both quality and quantity. It’s about finding the sweet spot where our work is meaningful, impactful, and sustainable. By embracing this approach, we can optimize our productivity for the long haul, leading to greater fulfillment and success.

So, how can we implement The Productivity Diet in our lives? Here are some key principles to consider:

The 5 Key Principles of The Productivity DietDefine Your Priorities: Begin by setting clear and meaningful priorities that align with your values and aspirations. When your goals are rooted in purpose, you can focus on producing high-quality work that truly matters, rather than getting lost in the pursuit of quantity.Embrace Deep Work: Dedicate uninterrupted, focused time to important tasks. Deep work allows you to tap into your creative flow and produce work of exceptional quality. It’s not about how much you accomplish in a day, but rather the depth and impact of your work.Cultivate Mindful Time Management: The Productivity Diet encourages a mindful approach to time management. Strike a balance between structured routines and flexibility. Create schedules that allow for focused work, breaks, and rejuvenation. Mindfully allocate your time to ensure a healthy blend of productivity, self-care, and leisure.Prioritize Rest and Renewal: Just as a healthy diet includes moments of rest and nourishment, The Productivity Diet acknowledges the importance of downtime. Give yourself permission to rest and recharge regularly. Taking breaks, engaging in hobbies, and spending quality time with loved ones replenishes your energy and enhances overall productivity.Reflect and Adapt: The Productivity Diet is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a personal journey of self-discovery and continual improvement. Regularly assess your approach, reflect on what’s working and what needs adjustment, and make necessary adaptations to sustain your productivity lifestyle.

By embracing The Productivity Diet, you’ll find yourself operating in a state of balance–achieving high-quality work while maintaining a healthy work-life integration. It’s a shift from the mindset of “doing it all” to one of “doing what matters most.” This balanced approach ensures that you can sustain your productivity levels over the long term without burning out.

Bringing The Productivity Diet to Life

Now, before I wrap up, I have an exciting announcement to share with you. On May 23rd, I launched a Kickstarter campaign for my new book, “The Productivity Diet.” This book expands on the principles I’ve shared today, offering practical strategies, insightful stories, and actionable steps to help you transform your productivity and live a more fulfilling life.

I’m reaching out to you to ask for your support. By backing this campaign, you not only gain access to exclusive rewards but also join a community of like-minded individuals on a shared journey towards productivity excellence. Together, we can unlock the full potential of The Productivity Diet and empower others to live a more balanced and productive life.

To learn more and back the campaign, visit this link to the Kickstarter campaign. The campaign runs until June 20th, and every contribution makes a significant difference.

The post The Productivity Diet: Balancing Quality and Quantity for Lasting Productivity appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 475: Megan Hyatt Miller talks about Minding Your Mindset

In this episode, I’m joined by special guest Megan Hyatt Miller, co-author of “Mind Your Mindset: The Science that Shows Success Starts with Your Thinking.” Megan is the President and CEO of Full Focus and co-host of the popular Business Accelerator podcast. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, Megan shares her insights on how to improve our relationship with time, cultivate productivity, and achieve balance in our lives.

Key Discussion Points

Megan Hyatt Miller’s background, her role at Full Focus, and her experience as a co-host on Lead to WinAn introduction to “Mind Your Mindset” and the importance of mindset in personal and professional successThe three “I’s” and their impact on our mindset and approach to lifeExploring the West Wing and its relevance to our conversation on mindsetThe role of reason and intuition in shaping our mindset and decision-making process

Join me for this fascinating conversation with Megan Hyatt Miller as we delve into the concept of minding our mindset and discuss practical strategies to improve balance and productivity in our lives. From the three “I’s” to reason and intuition, you’ll find valuable insights and inspiration to help you succeed in both work and life.

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.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Megan: Website | LinkedIn | InstagramBuy Megan’s book: Mind Your Mindset: The Science That Shows Success Starts with Your ThinkingListen to Michael Hyatt’s appearances on the show: Episode 239 | Episode 289Related Conversation: Episode 220: The Serving Mindset with Farnoosh BrockRelated Blog Post: When (And How) The “Time Theming” Mindset Doesn’t Work

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

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

The post Episode 475: Megan Hyatt Miller talks about Minding Your Mindset appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 474: Donna McGeorge talks about The 1-Day Refund

In this episode, I’m thrilled to have Donna McGeorge, author of “The 1-Day Refund” and a renowned productivity coach, join me for an insightful conversation about making the most of our time and working smarter. With her innovative approach, Donna challenges traditional thinking around leadership, productivity, and workplace efficacy.

Key Discussion Points

Donna McGeorge’s background and her journey to becoming a productivity coachThe concept behind “The 1-Day Refund” and how it can transform our approach to time managementThe importance of capacity and energy in achieving productivity and work-life balanceThe power of stopping and making time for things that truly matterMutual admiration: how our views on time management and productivity align

Don’t miss this engaging conversation with Donna McGeorge as we dive deep into the elements of her book, discuss our shared perspectives on productivity, and explore ways to make your work work for you. Tune in to learn how to take back time and spend it wisely, so you can maximize your potential and enjoy a more balanced life.

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.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Donna: Website | LinkedIn | InstagramBuy Donna’s book: The 1 Day Refund: Take Back Time, Spend it WiselyRelated Conversation: Episode 374: How to Be Time Smart with Ashley WhillansRelated Blog Post: The Power of Bit by Bit Productivity

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

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

The post Episode 474: Donna McGeorge talks about The 1-Day Refund appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 473: Oscar Trimboli talks about Deep Listening

In this episode we dive into an engaging discussion with Oscar Trimboli.

Oscar is an author, the host of the award-winning podcast Deep Listening, and a keynote speaker dedicated to promoting positive change through listening. As a marketing and technology veteran, he has worked with major organizations, including Microsoft, Google, and HSBC, to transform leadership through effective listening.

We cover topics such as the importance of eye contact, the nuances of communication, and even touch on my own “hometown” messaging. Oscar provides valuable insights throughout, and we’re excited for you to learn from this enriching conversation. Enjoy the episode!

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.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Oscar: Website | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTubeBuy Oscar’s book: How to Listen: Discover the Hidden Key to Better CommunicationRelated Conversation: Crafting Conscious Communications with Mary ShoresRelated Blog Post: 2 Quotes That Will Help You Be (Truly) Productive

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

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The post Episode 473: Oscar Trimboli talks about Deep Listening appeared first on Productivityist.