Mike Vardy's Blog, page 18

Episode 466: Hamza Khan talks about Leadership, Reinvented

Hamza Khan is a best-selling author, global keynote speaker, and respected thought leader whose TEDx talk “Stop Managing, Start Leading” has garnered nearly two million views. He is trusted by prominent organizations such as Microsoft, LinkedIn, and Salesforce to optimize performance and enhance human potential, and has been featured in notable media outlets like VICE and Business Insider. As the Co-Founder of SkillsCamp, Hamza aims to empower organizations to thrive in the future of work through soft skills training, and regularly shares actionable insights on leadership, resilience, and productivity.

In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics, including ego, productivity, and journaling. We also dive into Hamza’s latest book, “Leadership, Reinvented,” which focuses on fostering empathy, servitude, diversity, and innovation in the workplace. As a co-founder of a leading soft skills training company, Hamza brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this discussion, making it both practical and engaging.

This conversation will leave you feeling motivated and inspired to take your own leadership skills to the next level. Enjoy!

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 Hamza : Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedInBuy Hamza’s book Leadership, Reinvented: How to Foster Empathy, Servitude, Diversity, and Innovation in the WorkplaceWatch Matthew McConaughey Dude’s JournalRelated Conversation: What Great Leaders Possess with Kevin KruseRelated Blog Post: The Benefits of Journaling for Time Management and 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 466: Hamza Khan talks about Leadership, Reinvented appeared first on Productivityist.

Why an “Overly Specific Calendar” Can Hold You Back

On the surface, it seems logical to have an overly specific calendar when it comes to scheduling every minute of our day. After all, we cannot manage what we don’t measure.

However, there are risks associated with being too specific on your calendar. When we try to micromanage every detail of our day, we forget to leave room for the unexpected. We may become so focused on sticking to our plan that we miss opportunities for spontaneity and creativity.

Moreover, being overly specific on our calendars can lead to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. When we look at our schedule and see a long list of tasks, each with a specific time slot, it can be daunting to think about how we’re going to get everything done. And if something unexpected comes up, we may feel like we’ve failed or fallen behind.

That’s where one element of TimeCrafting comes in: Theming your time.

And two types of “time theming” – Daily Themes and Horizontal Themes – can give you the flexibility that you need.

Daily and Horizontal Themes: How They Help

Daily Themes are a way of assigning a theme to each day of the week. For example, Monday could be focused on administrative tasks, Tuesday on marketing, Wednesday on writing, Thursday on client meetings, and Friday on personal development. By assigning a theme to each day – even on weekends – you can focus on a particular area of your work or life, without being overly specific about the tasks you need to complete.

Horizontal Themes are a way of assigning a theme to a block of time, such as a morning or an afternoon. For example, you could have a “deep work” theme for the morning, where you focus on your most important tasks, and a “shallow work” theme for the afternoon, where you handle less important tasks.c (As a might owl myself, I’d flip those.)

By theming your time, you create a more flexible and adaptable approach to time. You can adjust your plans as needed, without feeling like you’ve failed or fallen behind. And most importantly, you’re able to maintain a healthy balance between structure and spontaneity, which is essential for creativity and a sense of productiveness.

But there’s more drawbacks to consider when approaching your calendar in an overly specific way.

The Drawbacks of an Overly Specific Calendar

Furthermore, being overly specific on our calendars can have a negative impact on our mental health. It can lead to feelings of inadequacy, burnout, and a lack of motivation. We may become so fixated on completing every task on our list that we forget to take breaks, relax and enjoy life. Thus, it is crucial to find a balance between structure and flexibility in our daily schedules.

One way to achieve this balance is by prioritizing self-care activities in our calendars. It can include activities like exercise, meditation, or spending time with friends and family. By scheduling self-care activities, we create an opportunity to take a break from our busy schedules and recharge our batteries. (Hint: Horizontal Themes are ideal for this.)

In addition, it is essential to leave room for spontaneity in our daily schedules.

Spontaneous activities can lead to unexpected experiences, opportunities, and creativity. It could be something as simple as taking a walk during your lunch break, trying a new restaurant or spending time with a friend. Allowing for these activities in your schedule can help to reduce stress, promote well-being and enhance your overall quality of life.

Final Thoughts

While having an overly specific calendar can be helpful in certain situations, it’s important to avoid being too rigid with our schedules. By using Daily and Horizontal Themes (or Vertical and Horizontal Themes, if you prefer) for broad categories of tasks, we can create a more flexible and adaptable approach to managing our relationship with time. This allows us to maintain a healthy balance, be more intentional with our time, and avoid feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

So remember: Use your calendar as a tool to manage what matters, not your every minute.

The post Why an “Overly Specific Calendar” Can Hold You Back appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 465: Amber Hawley talks about The Easily Distracted Entrepreneur

Amber Hawley is a licensed therapist and lifestyle strategist who works with entrepreneurial individuals and couples with the emotional side of business. She is the owner of a therapy practice in Silicon Valley, host of The Easily Distracted Entrepreneur and Couples Fix podcasts, wife, mom of three kids, and Marvel movie super fan. 

Amber’s journey from working in the tech industry to becoming a therapist is truly inspiring. Her passion for people and building meaningful relationships was at the center of every decision she made. We delved into topics such as work-life balance, mental health, and personal growth. It’s amazing to see how her passion has translated into not just one, but two successful podcasts that are focused on helping others. Our discussion on work-life balance and mental health was also very relevant, especially given the current pandemic situation. 

This episode was an insightful and engaging conversation that I’m sure you’ll enjoy 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 Exploring

Connect with Amber: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInListen to the The Easily Distracted EntrepreneurSign up and receive the The Shiny Object downloadableRelated Conversation: Alan Henry talks about new work rules for the marginalizedRelated Blog Post: Braving Burnout: How to Go on When it Feels Like There’s Nowhere to Go

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 465: Amber Hawley talks about The Easily Distracted Entrepreneur appeared first on Productivityist.

Your Body Clock and You: When a Miracle Morning Should Be an Amazing Afternoon (or Excellent Evening)

As a society, we’ve been taught to glorify early risers.

We look up to those who are up at the crack of dawn, feeling energized and ready to tackle their day. We associate waking up early with productivity, success, and even morality.

But what if I told you that becoming an early riser might not be the best thing for you? In fact, what if I told you that it could be doing more harm than good?

The Fight Against Your Body Clock

As a night owl who has tried to become an early riser, I can tell you from personal experience that fighting your body clock can be a losing battle. Sure, waking up at 5 AM might give you an extra hour or two of productivity, but at what cost? If you’re not a natural early riser, you might find yourself feeling exhausted and drained throughout the day, struggling to concentrate and be productive.

Our bodies have natural rhythms that dictate when we feel most alert and awake. These rhythms (known as circadian rhythms) are influenced by a variety of factors, including our exposure to sunlight, our eating habits, and our sleep patterns. For some people, these rhythms naturally align with waking up early. For others, they might be more geared towards staying up late and sleeping in.

The problem with trying to become an early riser if it’s not in line with your body’s natural rhythms is that you’re essentially fighting against your biology. When you force yourself to wake up early, you’re disrupting your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, which can have a host of negative effects.

The Negative Effects of Forced Early Rising

For starters, when you disrupt your natural sleep-wake cycle, you’re likely to experience sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation can have a range of negative effects on your health, including reduced cognitive function, increased risk of accidents and injuries, and even increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Additionally, trying to become an early riser when it’s not in line with your natural rhythms can lead to chronic fatigue. When you’re tired all the time, it can be hard to concentrate, be productive, and enjoy your day-to-day activities. It can also lead to mood swings, irritability, and depression.

So, if becoming an early riser isn’t the answer, what is?

Listen to Your Body Clock

The key is to focus on establishing healthy sleep habits that align with your body’s natural rhythms. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day… even on weekends. It also means creating a relaxing bedtime routine that helps you wind down and prepare for sleep. (Here’s one you can adopt and adapt.)

It’s also important to create an environment that’s conducive to sleep. This means keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. It also means avoiding screens and stimulating activities before bed, as these can disrupt your sleep.

Finally, it’s important to listen to your body. If you’re naturally inclined to stay up late and sleep in, don’t fight it. Instead, focus on creating a schedule that allows you to get enough sleep and feel rested and energized throughout the day.

Becoming an early riser might seem like the key to productivity and success, but it’s not worth fighting against your body’s natural rhythms. Instead, focus on establishing healthy sleep habits that work for you, and listen to your body’s needs. By doing so, you’ll be able to feel rested, energized, and productive, no matter what time you wake up.

The post Your Body Clock and You: When a Miracle Morning Should Be an Amazing Afternoon (or Excellent Evening) appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 464: Growing Old and Staying Rad with Steven Kotler

If you’re interested in human performance and personal growth, I highly recommend checking out this episode with Steven Kotler.

He has been studying human performance for over 30 years and has taught hundreds of thousands of people how to achieve peak performance evolved around Steven’s latest book, Gnar Country, which addresses how to stay “rad” as you grow older. As someone who’s pushing 50, I found Steven’s insights on aging and how to maintain a sense of vitality fascinating, and I’m sure many listeners will find them useful as well.

Steven shares his own experiences and struggles as we dive into Gnar Country, which is filled with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to maintain their edge as they grow older. This conversation was a great reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passions and stay “rad” as you age. I hope you find it as engaging and thought-provoking 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 Steven: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInBuy Steven’s book Gnar Country: Growing Old, Staying RadRelated Conversation: Episode 367: Peak Performing Flow with Steven KotlerRelated Blog Post: Why it’s Important to Find Joy in Your 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 464: Growing Old and Staying Rad with Steven Kotler appeared first on Productivityist.

20 Things You Can Do Before Bed to Give You a Jump on Tomorrow

I’ve made no secret about my night owl tendencies. But whether you’re a night owl like me or not, it’s important to begin your day before bed.

Not sure what you can do to make that happen?

Well, these 20 tips are perfect for anyone who wants to start their day feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle whatever comes their way.

The List of Twenty

You don’t need to do all 20 of these things. Just select what works for you now and then either add or modify the list to work for you over time. But I suggest you start with at least one thing that you’re not already doing now.

Plan out your day: Take a few minutes before bed to jot down your schedule and to-do list for the following day. This will help you prioritize your tasks and stay organized.Set out your clothes: Decide what you’re going to wear the next day and lay it out so you don’t have to scramble in the morning.Pack your bags: If you have to leave the house early, pack your bags and prepare any materials you need for the day.Meditate: Take some time to meditate and clear your mind before bed. This will help you sleep better and wake up feeling more relaxed.Read a book: Reading before bed is a great way to unwind and relax. It can also help you fall asleep faster. (Note: Don’t read anything on a tablet or phone or computer. Audio is fine, an e-ink reader is better, paper is best.)Journal: Write down any thoughts or ideas you have before bed. This will help you process your day and reflect on your accomplishments. Never journaled before? This will help.Stretch: Do a few stretches before bed to relieve any tension in your muscles and promote relaxation.Drink tea: Sipping on a cup of tea before bed can help you relax and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.Turn off electronics: Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed. The blue light emitted from screens can disrupt your sleep. (This is why I mentioned not using electronics with blue light earlier in this list.)Listen to calming music: Play some soft music to help you relax and wind down before bed.Take a bath: Soak in a warm bath to help your muscles relax and soothe your mind. (TMI Alert: I do this pretty much every night.)Use aromatherapy: Try using essential oils like lavender or chamomile to help you relax and fall asleep faster.Practice gratitude: Write down a few things you’re grateful for before bed. This will help you go to sleep with a positive mindset. This can be the way you jumpstart the 6th thing on this list.Connect with loved ones: Spend some time talking to your partner or family members before bed. This will help you feel more connected and relaxed.Clean up: Do a quick clean up before bed to ensure you wake up to a tidy home.Set intentions: Decide what you want to achieve the next day and set intentions to help you stay focused. Ryan Holiday wrote about Seneca’s “Evening Examination” and I do a variation of that every night myself.Review your goals: Look over your long-term goals and remind yourself of what you’re working towards. This goes hand in hand with number 16.Practice self-care: Take care of your skin and body by applying moisturizer and taking care of your hygiene.Learn something new: Read an article or watch a video on a new topic to expand your knowledge.Get a good night’s sleep: Finally, the most important thing you can do before bed is to get a good night’s sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed and energized. As a night owl, I shoot for 7 hours in one go and then try to sneak a nap in every weekday.

And there you have it – 20 things you can do before bed to give you a jump on tomorrow. Whether you’re a night owl or an early riser (or land somewhere in between) try incorporating some of these tips into your nightly routine and see how they help you feel more prepared and focused for the day ahead.

The post 20 Things You Can Do Before Bed to Give You a Jump on Tomorrow appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 463: The Bullet Journal Method with Ryder Carroll

I was so happy to have Ryder Carroll back on show. It’s always great to hear from the creator of the Bullet Journal, especially as the approach continues to evolve and gain in popularity. 

In this episode, we cover a lot of ground, diving into the history of Bullet Journaling and exploring how it has developed over the years. It’s always fascinating to hear about the origins of the method and how Ryder’s approach has changed over time. Whether you’re a seasoned Bullet Journal’er or new to the approach, there’s something here for everyone.

We touch on a wide range of topics, from intention setting and goal planning to the role of AI in productivity. Whether you’re looking for tips on how to get more done or simply want to reflect on what really matters in life, this episode is definitely worth a listen. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy the conversation – you won’t be disappointed.

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 Ryder: Website | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedInRead The Bullet Journal MethodRead Ryder’s article: The Imagination EconomyVisit the Bullet Journal website Related Conversation: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David AllenRelated Blog Post: 3 Ways You Can Create An Effective Journaling Habit

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 463: The Bullet Journal Method with Ryder Carroll appeared first on Productivityist.

How to Take a “Time Tour”

Too often, we get caught up in the daily grind of our lives. We forget to take a step back and really examine how we’re spending our time. We go through the motions: ticking things off our to-do lists, taking endless (and sometimes senseless) meetings, and going to appointments. But we don’t stop to ask ourselves if we’re really making the most of the precious hours we have each day.

That’s where taking a “time tour” comes in.

It’s a simple concept but it can have a profound impact on your relationship with time. It’ll also improve your ability to be productive and your overall satisfaction with your life.

How a Time Tour Works

Set aside some time each day (or each week, if that works better for you) to reflect on how you’ve been spending your time. Look back over your schedule and ask yourself some key questions:

What activities have I been spending the most time on?Are those activities aligned with my goals and values?Are there any areas where I’m spending too much time, or not enough?How can I make adjustments to my schedule to better align with my priorities?

By taking this tour of your time, you’ll start to develop a greater awareness of how you’re spending your days. You’ll be able to make more intentional choices about how you allocate your time and improve your relationship with it. You’ll be able to identify areas where you’re wasting time or getting sidetracked, and you’ll be able to make changes. Changes that ensure that you’re focusing on the things that really matter to you.

But here’s the thing: taking a tour of your time isn’t just about being productive. It’s also about living a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

When you’re intentional about how you spend your time, you’ll be more likely to focus on the things that bring you joy and fulfillment. And you’ll be less likely to waste your time on things that don’t matter.

So if you’re feeling stuck in a rut or like you’re just going through the motions, take a step back and take a time tour. It might just be the catalyst you need to start living the life you truly want.

Take a Time Tour More Often

If you’re looking for a powerful tool to help you take time tours regularly, I highly recommend The Journaling Course. This $30 mini-course will guide you through the process of building a sustainable journaling habit. It will help you unlock the many benefits of journaling, including increased clarity, reduced stress, and a deeper understanding of yourself.

If you’re ready to take your productiveness to the next level, check out The Journaling Course today. Your future self will thank you!

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Episode 462: Inbox Done with Yaro Starak

In this episode of A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy – we have special guest Yaro Starak.

Yaro is the co-founder of Inbox Done. He shares his insights on why email management and delegation can be a challenge for some people and how to overcome these obstacles and we delve into the various types of clients that Inbox Done serves.

We both share our thoughts on how Inbox Done has helped our clients streamline their email and become more productive. This discussion is very informative about the ins and outs of email management and the importance of delegation. It is both educational and entertaining, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of email management!

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 Yaro: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedInCheck out what Inbox Done has to offerLegendary Comedian Bill Burr — Fear{less} with Tim Ferriss Related Conversation: Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal NewportRelated Blog Post: 3 Ways to Power Through Your Email Inbox

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 462: Inbox Done with Yaro Starak appeared first on Productivityist.

Introducing a New Take on Valentine’s Day: ValenTime’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a special day dedicated to celebrating love and affection between intimate partners. While we often show our love and appreciation for others through gifts and special gestures, it’s equally important to show love to ourselves and the most precious resource we have: time.

That’s why I propose a new holiday: “ValenTime’s Day”.

The concept of ValenTime’s Day is simple: to make time a priority in our lives and celebrate the love and appreciation we have for it. Our lives are built around time, and it’s something that we can never get back. Whether it’s for work, family, friends, or personal interests, time is always a limited resource. This is why it’s crucial to make the most of it and prioritize the things that are truly important to us.

Many of us often feel like we’re running out of time, trying to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities. It’s easy to fall into the trap of just managing our time instead of truly appreciating and nurturing it. This Valentine’s Day, let’s change that and celebrate the love we have for time.

Here are a few ways you can celebrate ValenTime’s Day:

Reflect on how you use your time and make adjustments where necessary.Spend time with the people you love, and make it quality time.Take care of yourself, and make time for self-care and personal growth.Do something you’ve been putting off, or something that you enjoy.Give yourself the gift of time by decluttering and simplifying your life.

Remember: time is a precious and limited resource so this ValenTime’s Day, make it a priority and show your love and appreciation for it.

Happy ValenTime’s Day!

The post Introducing a New Take on Valentine’s Day: ValenTime’s Day appeared first on Productivityist.