Mike Vardy's Blog, page 17

Episode 472: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen

Welcome back to another vault episode! This week I am excited to feature my conversation with David Allen, the creator of the Getting Things Done methodology.

David joins us to delve deeper into the GTD methodology and how it has evolved since its inception in 2001. While there were some technical difficulties during our conversation, this episode is still a must-listen for anyone looking to streamline their productivity.

Throughout the episode, David shares some insightful thoughts on GTD, including his involvement in writing the new book, Getting Things Done for Teens, and why he believes teenagers need GTD more now than ever before. We also discussed the challenges of adapting the GTD methodology for teens and how he’s changed his approach when teaching GTD over the years. David even revealed his thoughts on the most challenging aspect of GTD, which surprisingly hasn’t changed since its introduction.

One of the most interesting parts of our conversation was when we discussed the renaissance of analog tools and why they’ve made a comeback. David’s insights on this topic were thought-provoking and added a new perspective on the benefits of analog tools in today’s digital age. Overall, this episode provided a wealth of knowledge on the evolution of the GTD methodology and why it continues to be relevant today.

Thanks for listening and be sure to tune in next time for more great conversations!

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 David: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedInRead David’s book Getting Things Done for TeensGetting Things Done | The David Allen CompanyRelated Conversation: Getting Things Done for Teens with Mike WilliamsRelated Blog Post: The Evolution of Contexts

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 472: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 471 – Richard Medcalf talks about XQuadrant

In this episode, I had a fantastic conversation with Richard Medcalf, the author of the book “Making Time for Strategy“. He’s a unique blend of a McKinsey consultant, an unorthodox pastor, and an entrepreneur, and he’s the founder of X Quadrant. Richard is also a trusted advisor to exceptional CEOs and entrepreneurs, and their leadership teams.

During our chat, we talked about his book, where we covered a lot of interesting topics. We started by exploring the idea of firefighting, and how it can prevent us from making time for strategy. We also delved into the phrasing we use when trying to free ourselves from obligations and the difference between obligations and commitments. It’s a paradoxical situation that many of us can find ourselves in, and we had an enlightening discussion on how to navigate it.

Richard’s book is packed with essential insights and strategies that can help you make time for what’s truly important in your life, whether that’s personal or professional. We only scratched the surface during our conversation, but I encourage you to read the book for more in-depth advice.

Overall, it was a great conversation, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I could have talked to Richard for hours, but we distilled the essential elements from the book for our listeners. However, don’t just take my word for it; listen to 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 Richard: Website | Twitter | LinkedInBuy Richard’s book Making Time for StrategyVisit XQuadrant.com for more resourcesRelated Conversation: The Bullet Journal Method with Ryder CarrollRelated Blog Post: Yes Before No

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 471 – Richard Medcalf talks about XQuadrant appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 470 – Mike Rucker talks about The Fun Habit

Welcome to another episode of A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy!

I’m excited to have Mike Rucker joining me today, who’s a fellow World Domination Summit attendee. It’s funny how we haven’t met in person yet, but that’s just how life goes sometimes. Mike is a behavioral scientist, organizational psychologist, and a charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association. He’s also been published in prestigious academic journals like the International Journal of Workplace Health Management and Nutrition Research.

Mike’s work has been featured in many well-known publications like The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Psychology Today, and Fast Company. He currently serves as a senior leader at Active Wellness. Today, we’ll be discussing his latest book, The Fun Habit, which is a wonderful read. I love the two words in the title: fun and habit. In our conversation, we explore how pursuing joy and wonder can change your life, and how these words are interchangeable.

The book’s message is powerful: find delight, fix unhappy. I hope you feel the same about this 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 Mike: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedInBuy Mike’s book The Fun HabitRelated Conversation: Off the Clock with Laura VanderkamRelated Blog Post: How to Blog Funny

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 470 – Mike Rucker talks about The Fun Habit appeared first on Productivityist.

Balancing Commitments: The Secret to Prioritizing Internal Goals over External Demands

Every week I have a daily theme where I give my overarching focus to planning. The key to planning isn’t just making sure you have your external commitments locked down and taken care of in the days ahead. It’s also to make sure that you’ve got your internal commitments locked down. You need to make sure you’re balancing commitments.

But, strangely, we often do this in reverse order. That means we are forsaking our internal goals for external demands.

It’s challenging to break the habit of dealing with and ensuring that your external commitments are taken care of before your internal ones are. There’s an inclination to try to match the amount of internal commitments. You have to your extra commitments when planning things out. When that doesn’t work, then the next thing that can happen is trying to fit in your internal commitments where you can amongst your external commitments with no plan in place.

That won’t work in the long run either.

What Does Work

I’ve worked with hundreds of clients in a coaching scenario and sharing my work with thousands over the years. And I’ve discovered there’s really only one way to get started with ensuring that your internal commitments – or at least on the same level as your external ones. And ideally, you want them to supersede your external ones.

You need to start small. You need to pick something that you’re going to do consistently and sustainably.

But I’m not even going to suggest you start small because that’s where another bias can creep in. Why?Because you don’t think small enough.

Get more granular. Start super-small.

And do it with just one thing.

One super-small thing.

But frame it out. Ensure that it gets the time and space it needs to be dealt with consistently and sustainably — and then keep doing that super-small thing until it becomes habitual.

Then add another. Repeat the process. And then add another.

That’s it.

That’s how those internal commitments get the attention that they deserve.

And that’s how you get what you deserve.

The post Balancing Commitments: The Secret to Prioritizing Internal Goals over External Demands appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 469 – Erik Qualman talks about The Focus Project

On this episode of A Productive Conversation, we had the pleasure of speaking with Erik Qualman, a best-selling author and keynote speaker who has reached over 50 million people in over 55 countries! We dive into his latest book, The Focus Project, and explore the topic of focus and how it can impact your life.

We discuss the importance of focus, what you can do if you lose focus, and how fear and focus are interconnected. Did you know that Erik was voted the second most likable author in the world, just behind Harry Potter’s JK Rowling? We explore the idea of likability and how it can impact your success.

And that’s not all, folks! We’ll even get into the nitty-gritty details of Erik’s iconic green glasses, the power of willpower, and even touch on the topic of Green Lantern. So, sit back, relax, and join us for an exciting conversation with Erik Qualman!

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 Erik: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedInBuy Erik’s latest book The Focus ProjectRelated Conversation: The Four Tendencies with Gretchen RubinRelated Blog Post: Being Green

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 469 – Erik Qualman talks about The Focus Project appeared first on Productivityist.

How to Conquer the Day

Years ago, I scribbled this quote down on a sticky note and I’ve shared it multiple times:

“Cope with what you can’t control. Command what you can control. That’s how you conquer the day.”

This simple yet profound idea invites us to reflect on the nature of control, how it affects our well-being, and how we can better manage our emotions and decisions in a world filled with uncertainties. By understanding the distinction between what we can and cannot control, we can truly conquer each day with grace and purpose.

Coping with What You Can’t Control

Life is unpredictable, and we are often faced with situations that are beyond our control. From unexpected traffic to changes in weather, to the loss of a loved one, these circumstances can cause stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness. However, recognizing that certain aspects of life are simply out of our hands can be liberating.

To cope with what you can’t control, consider the following strategies:

Acceptance: Embrace the reality of the situation and acknowledge that not everything is within your power to change. This acceptance can alleviate stress and help you move forward.Adaptability: Learn to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. Develop a growth mindset, which allows you to view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.Emotional regulation: Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, to manage your emotions effectively. By recognizing and acknowledging your feelings, you can make better decisions and maintain a balanced perspective. (Journaling can also help with this.)Commanding What You Can Control

While certain aspects of life may be beyond our control, there are many areas where we have the power to shape our reality. By focusing on these areas, we can command our lives and create positive change. Some ways to command what you can control include:

Goalsetting: Establish clear, specific, and realistic goals for yourself. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps and work towards them consistently.Time management: Prioritize your tasks and allocate your time wisely. Learn to say no to distractions and delegate responsibilities when possible.Personal growth: Invest in yourself through continuous learning, skill development, and self-care. Embrace new experiences and challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone.Relationships: Nurture and maintain healthy relationships with others (as well as your relationship with time). Communicate effectively, set boundaries, and practice empathy and understanding.Conclusion

By learning to cope with what you can’t control and commanding what you can, you’ll be better equipped to conquer each day. This balance allows you to focus on what truly matters and make the most of your time, energy, and attention. Remember: it’s not about controlling every aspect of your life but rather mastering the art of control to lead a happier, more fulfilling life. Embrace the wisdom of this quote, and you’ll find yourself conquering each day with a newfound sense of purpose and determination.

The post How to Conquer the Day appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 468 – The Four Tendencies with Gretchen Rubin

In this vault episode, I chat with Gretchen Rubin, a renowned author of multiple bestsellers including The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, and The Happiness Project. Her books have been widely read and translated into over thirty languages, selling almost three million copies worldwide. Gretchen co-hosts the award-winning podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin alongside her sister Elizabeth Craft, where they discuss happiness and good habits. She has been recognized as one of the Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company and is a member of Oprah’s SuperSoul 100.

Our conversation centers around The Four Tendencies, delving into which tendency I may align with (and even my wife’s), how to fully embrace your own tendency to thrive, and more. I hope you enjoy listening to our discussion 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 Exploring

Connect with Gretchen: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedInBuy Gretchen’s latest book: Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the WorldThe Surprising Truth About Why Your To-Do List May Be Failing You | Gretchen RubinThe 4 Tendencies That Explain Why You Struggle To Get Stuff Done (and What to Do About It) | Inc.Signing Up for “NaNoWriMo” – National Novel Writing Month? Here’s Why It Works | Gretchen RubinExciting: Scientific Research and Experiments Underway to Understand the Four Tendencies Better | Gretchen RubinTake Gretchen Rubin’s Quiz: The Four TendenciesRelated Conversation: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David AllenRelated Blog Post: 3 Steps to Building Productivity Habits That Stick

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 468 – The Four Tendencies with Gretchen Rubin appeared first on Productivityist.

Beyond Work-Life Balance: The Pursuit of Wholeness in a Fragmented World

I’ve spent years advocating for productivity and efficient time management. I’ve seen countless articles and discussions about the elusive concept of “work-life balance.” I want to challenge that paradigm and propose a new way of thinking: we should stop striving for work-life balance and simply shoot for balance instead.

The Myth of Work-Life Balance

The term “work-life balance” is inherently flawed. It creates an artificial dichotomy between work and life, as if the two are mutually exclusive. We compartmentalize our existence into two opposing forces, one pulling us towards our professional obligations and the other towards our personal pursuits. This tug-of-war perpetuates a cycle of guilt and dissatisfaction, as we constantly feel that we’re not giving enough to one side or the other.

A Different Approach: Balance as a Whole

Instead of dissecting our lives into work and life, let’s reframe the conversation. Let’s talk about balance as a whole. Balance should encompass every aspect of our lives, including our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It’s about being in harmony with ourselves and our environment, allowing all the pieces of our lives to coexist and thrive.

By aiming for balance rather than work-life balance, we acknowledge that every aspect of our lives is interconnected. We accept that our well-being at work is intrinsically linked to our well-being at home and vice versa. The pursuit of balance requires us to prioritize what truly matters and make conscious choices about how we allocate our time and energy.

A Holistic Approach to Balance

To achieve balance, we must first identify the key elements that contribute to our overall well-being. These might include our relationships, health, hobbies, career, personal development, and spiritual growth. Once we have a clear understanding of what’s important to us, we can take a holistic approach to nurturing each aspect.

Relationships: Invest time in building and maintaining strong connections with family, friends, and colleagues. Cultivate empathy, understanding, and support for one another.Health: Prioritize physical and mental health by engaging in regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and practicing self-care. Seek professional help if needed.Hobbies: Pursue activities and interests outside of work that bring joy, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment.Career: Develop your professional skills and strive for growth and fulfillment in your chosen field. Establish boundaries to prevent work from consuming your life.Personal Development: Engage in continuous learning and self-improvement. Expand your knowledge and explore new perspectives.Spiritual Growth: Reflect on your core beliefs and values, and find ways to nurture your inner self through mindfulness, meditation, or other spiritual practices.Taking the First Steps

Adopting a balanced lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight. It requires intentionality and ongoing commitment. Start by setting realistic goals and gradually incorporating these changes into your daily life. Be patient with yourself, and remember that balance is a journey, not a destination.

So let’s abandon the pursuit of “work-life” balance and strive for balance in its entirety. It’s time to embrace a holistic approach that recognizes the interdependence of all aspects of our lives, fostering well-being, happiness, and fulfillment. Only then can we truly achieve balance and experience the wholeness that we so deeply desire.

The post Beyond Work-Life Balance: The Pursuit of Wholeness in a Fragmented World appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 467 – Optimize Yourself with Zack Arnold

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Zack Arnold, an award-winning editor, director, and founder of Optimize Yourself. He’s also a father of two and a two-time American Ninja Warrior, which is pretty cool if you ask me. We had a productive conversation about how to pursue fulfilling careers without sacrificing our health, relationships, or sanity. Zack’s work has been featured in various publications, and he’s known for his expertise in productivity and entrepreneurship.

One thing that stood out to me was how Zack optimized his podcast process, which he shared with us. He also talked about how he’s learned to prioritize his health and relationships while pursuing his career goals. 

Overall, it was a fantastic conversation, and I highly recommend giving it a listen. If you’re new to the podcast, this is a great episode to start with. I feel like I found a kindred spirit in Zack, and I hope you will too.

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 Zack: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedInListen to Optimize Yourself with Mike VardyLaura Vanderkam talks about Tranquility by TuesdayAre you Productive or Just Busy? Take the quiz!Related Conversation: Off the Clock with Laura VanderkamRelated Blog Post: 4 Tips to Make the Most of Your Working Day

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 467 – Optimize Yourself with Zack Arnold appeared first on Productivityist.

Why Improving Your Relationship with Time is the Key to Mastering It

I’ve spent years exploring the intricacies of time management. I’ve tried and tested countless techniques and strategies to help people make the most of their days. And what I’ve discovered is that we need to shift our mindset from “managing” time to “mastering” it. The secret lies in improving our relationship with time itself.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that time is our enemy. We constantly feel like we’re racing against the clock, desperately trying to squeeze more productivity out of every minute. But treating time like an adversary only serves to increase stress and make us less effective overall.

Instead, let’s think of time as our partner in productivity.

When we view it this way, we can work with time rather than against it. Just like in any healthy relationship, it starts with understanding and empathy. By understanding the nature of time, we can begin to adapt our actions and behaviors to better align with its rhythms and flow. This shift in perspective empowers us to tap into our full potential and harness the power of time to our advantage.

To improve our relationship with time, we need to focus on three key aspects: intention, attention, and reflection.

Intention, Attention, Reflection

Intention means setting clear goals and priorities to guide our actions. Attention involves remaining present and focused on the task at hand, without getting lost in distractions or multitasking. Reflection, the final piece of the puzzle, is taking the time to review our progress and learn from our experiences.

By cultivating these three elements, we can develop a deeper connection with time and begin to work in harmony with it. As we strengthen this relationship, we find that our productivity naturally increases. We no longer need to fight against the clock, as we have harnessed the power of time itself.

And that’s where the TimeCrafting Mastery group coaching program comes in.

This comprehensive program is designed to help you transform your relationship with time and unlock your true productivity potential. Through a combination of expert guidance, practical exercises, and group support, you’ll learn how to apply the principles of intention, attention, and reflection to your daily life. You’ll gain the skills and insights needed to master time and achieve your goals, without the stress and burnout that often come with traditional time management techniques.

If you’re ready to shift your perspective and embrace time as your ally in productivity, join the TimeCrafting Mastery group coaching program. Our next cohort starts on March 28th, so click on the link below to secure your spot today.

Let’s work together to create a more fulfilling and effective approach to time, so you can live the life you’ve always envisioned.

Sign up for the next cohort of TimeCrafting Mastery

The post Why Improving Your Relationship with Time is the Key to Mastering It appeared first on Productivityist.