Mike Vardy's Blog, page 19

Episode 461: Personal Socrates with Marc Champagne

In this episode, I had the opportunity to speak with fellow Canadian, Marc Champagne. Marc is the author of the book “Personal Socrates“. 

We had a great conversation about how the book was created through Baron Fig’s new book imprint, and the various mental fitness practices and reflective questions that are shaping the lives of some of the most successful and brilliant thinkers in the world, both past, and present. Marc’s book is a best-seller and explores the pointed questions that stimulate our mental fitness and teach us how to direct our internal narrative to work for us, instead of against us. 

During this conversation, we delved into the process of journaling, and the reasons why questioning is an essential aspect of mental fitness. It was a pleasure to have him on the program, and I’m sure listeners will enjoy the insights and wisdom he shared. 

It was a productive and engaging conversation and I hope you 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 Marc: Website | Instagram | LinkedInBuy Marc’s book: Personal SocratesListen to the Behind the Human with Marc Champagne PodcastRelated Conversation: Tailoring Tools for Thinkers with Joey CofoneRelated Blog Post: The Power of Intention is Fleeting

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 461: Personal Socrates with Marc Champagne appeared first on Productivityist.

The Ongoing Battle Between Time and Reason

“Time makes more converts than reason.”

Thomas Paine

This quote has stood the test of time and remains just as relevant today as it was when it was first said. Let’s explore why this quote is so powerful and why it matters just as much in our modern world as it did in Paine’s time.

The essence of this quote is that change, often driven by the passage of time, has a greater impact on people’s beliefs and attitudes than logical arguments and reasoning.

In other words, people are often more likely to be swayed by what they see happening around them than by what someone is telling them should happen. This concept is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced and constantly changing world. A world where people are exposed to a wealth of information and opinions from a variety of sources.

Why This Quote is Timeless

One of the key reasons why this quote is so powerful? It speaks to the human tendency to be influenced by our surroundings and experiences.

For example, consider the impact of technology on our lives. Just a few decades ago, most people could not have imagined a world where we have instant access to information and can connect with others from all over the world at the touch of a button. Yet, today, we take these things for granted and they have fundamentally changed how we live and think.

In this way, time can indeed make more converts than reason. The passage of time and the accumulation of experiences can shape our beliefs and attitudes in ways that logical arguments and reasoning may not. This is why it’s so important to be mindful of the impact that our surroundings and experiences are having on us. Not only that, we need to be intentional about seeking out information and perspectives that challenge our assumptions and beliefs.

The quote “Time makes more converts than reason” is just as relevant today as it was when it was first said. Whether it’s the impact of technology, social changes, or simply the passage of time, our beliefs and attitudes are constantly evolving. By being mindful of this and seeking out diverse perspectives and experiences, we can ensure that we are not just being swayed by the winds of change, but are instead making conscious choices that align with our values and beliefs.

The post The Ongoing Battle Between Time and Reason appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 460: Paul Millerd talks about The Pathless Path

I’m really excited to have this conversation with Paul Millerd because I had the chance to meet him back in June of 2022 at the World Domination Summit. We had a fantastic time connecting and discussing our shared interests in productivity and our modern relationship with work. Paul is an independent writer, creator, and sometimes freelancer, and he writes about these topics in a way that I find truly inspiring.

During this conversation, we dive into his book “The Pathless Path” which is all about how people are imagining new paths beyond the default path that many of us grew up with. We talk about his own path and how he’s found success as a writer, as well as discuss my own journey and the paths that we’re each currently on. It’s a really fascinating conversation and I think anyone who’s interested in productivity and finding their own path in life will really enjoy it.

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 Paul: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedInBuy Paul’s book: The Pathless PathRelated Conversation: Alan Henry talks about new work rules for the marginalizedRelated Blog Post: How To Find Your Way Forward (And Finish)

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 460: Paul Millerd talks about The Pathless Path appeared first on Productivityist.

The Benefits of Journaling for Time Management and Productivity

Journaling has been a popular practice for centuries and for good reason. Not only does it offer a way to reflect and better understand your thoughts and feelings, but it can also improve your relationship with time and increase your overall productivity. Here are some of the benefits of journaling and tips on how to get started.

The Benefits of Journaling

Whether you’re looking to improve your time management skills, reduce stress, or boost your productivity, journaling can offer numerous benefits that can help you reach your goals and live a happier, more fulfilling life.

Here are four specific benefits of journaling that are worth exploring:

Better Time Management

Journaling helps you keep track of your daily activities, so you can see exactly how you spend your time. This helps you identify areas where you can make adjustments and be more productive. By setting specific goals and tracking your progress, journaling can keep you focused and on track. It’s also a great tool to reflect on how much time you spend on tasks, so you can make any necessary changes in the future.

Improved Mental Clarity

Writing down your thoughts and emotions can help clear your mind and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Journaling is a way to process and make sense of your emotions, which can help you feel more in control. This can lead to a clearer and more focused mind, enabling you to be more productive and make better decisions.

Enhanced Creativity

By tapping into your creative side through journaling, you can unlock new ideas and perspectives. The act of writing can help you think more critically and imaginatively, leading to increased creativity. Whether you’re stuck on a project at work or trying to solve a personal problem, journaling can help you come up with new and innovative solutions.

Increased Productivity

By setting goals and making plans, journaling helps you stay accountable and on track. Writing down your tasks and projects helps you prioritize and focus, leading to increased productivity. You can also reflect on your progress and make any necessary adjustments, keeping you motivated and focused on achieving your goals. Additionally, journaling can also help you identify any negative thought patterns or habits that may be holding you back, allowing you to work on making positive changes.

Getting Started with Journaling

Getting started with journaling can seem intimidating, but it can also be one of the most rewarding practices you can adopt. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone who struggles with putting pen to paper, journaling is a simple and accessible way to tap into your thoughts and emotions. By setting aside just a few minutes each day, you can create a safe space for self-expression and start reaping the numerous benefits of journaling.

Here are four things you can do to get started on your journaling journey:

Choose your journal

You can opt for a traditional notebook or a digital journal. Consider the type of journaling you want to do and what’s most comfortable for you. If you’re someone who likes to reflect on your writing, a physical journal might be a good choice. If you’re someone who likes to keep things organized and easily accessible, a digital journal might be a better fit.

Set a schedule

Choose a time of day that works best for you and make it a part of your daily routine. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, right before bed, or during your lunch break, having a consistent time to journal will help make it a habit.

Be honest and authentic

There’s no need to censor or filter your thoughts. Write what’s on your mind and allow yourself to be vulnerable. The more honest and authentic you are, the more meaningful and impactful your journaling will be.

Reflect on your entries

Regular reflection can help you identify patterns and gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts and feelings. Set aside time to read over your entries and reflect on what you’ve written. This can help you see progress and make any necessary changes to your journaling practice.

Remember, the goal of journaling is to be a tool for personal growth and self-reflection. By starting small and staying consistent, you’ll be able to reap the benefits and develop a meaningful journaling practice.

Final Thoughts

Journaling can offer numerous benefits for your relationship with time and overall productivity. From improved mental clarity and increased creativity to better time management and increased productivity, there are many reasons to start journaling today. By finding the right method, setting a regular schedule, being honest and authentic, and reflecting on your entries, you’ll be well on your way to a more productive and fulfilling life.

If you’re looking to take your journaling practice to the next level, consider enrolling in The Journaling Course. This comprehensive course is designed to help you deepen your journaling practice and unlock its full potential. With step-by-step instructions, practical exercises, and helpful tips, The Journaling Course will guide you through the process of starting and maintaining a successful journaling habit. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced journaler, The Journaling Course offers something for everyone. And at just $30, it’s an investment in yourself that will pay dividends for years to come. So why wait? Sign up for The Journaling Course and start unlocking the power of journaling today!

The post The Benefits of Journaling for Time Management and Productivity appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 459: Cameron Herold talks about Unleashing the Power of your COO

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Canadian business growth guru Cameron Herold to discuss the concept of the “second in command.”

Cameron is the mastermind behind hundreds of companies’ exponential growth and has earned his reputation as the business growth guru. He is the author of six books – including The Second in Command – an international speaker, and the founder of the COO Alliance, the World’s Leading Network for Seconds in Command.

He’s the host of the “Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief” podcast where he interviews COO’s and other “second in command” to share their insights. During this conversation, Cameron and I delve into the importance of having a strong second in command and how it relates to the growth of a company, and I also talk about my own journey toward finding my second in command.

I hope you find this episode as valuable 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 Cameron: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInBuy Cameron’s book – The Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COOListen to Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief podcastRelated Conversation: Cameron Herold talks about being The Second in CommandRelated Blog Post: 9 Traits of a Successful Manager that Increases 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 459: Cameron Herold talks about Unleashing the Power of your COO appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 458: Alan Henry talks about new work rules for the marginalized

Alan Henry is a service journalist and editor who writes and commissions stories that help readers make better use of their technology and embrace a healthier relationship with it in their lives. Previously, the Smarter Living editor at The New York Times, the editor-in-chief of the productivity and lifestyle blog Lifehacker, the author of SEEN, HEARD, AND PAID, and is currently senior editor at Wired.

In this episode, we chat about how the book came to be, healthy boundaries in the workplace, the new work rules for the marginalized, and so much 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 Exploring

Connect with Alan: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Buy Alan’s book: SEEN, HEARD, AND PAIDRelated Conversation: Perrine Farque talks about InclusionRelated Blog Post: Getting Things Done in Tough Places

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 458: Alan Henry talks about new work rules for the marginalized appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 457: Chris Bailey talks about How to Calm Your Mind

I am joined yet again by productivity expert and international bestselling author – Chris Bailey. 

Chris has been on the show a handful of times and this one is a rather candid and comfortable conversation where we dive into his latest book, How to Calm your Mind.

This episode was originally released as a live stream for Premium members of TimeCrafting Trust. Want to take partake in future live streams and much more? Sign up here!

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 Chris : Website | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedInBuy Chris’s book  How to Calm Your Mind Listen to The Time & Attention PodcastRelated Conversation: Chris Bailey talks about HyperfocusRelated Blog Post: 3 Things You Can Do To Find Happiness Every 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 457: Chris Bailey talks about How to Calm Your Mind appeared first on Productivityist.

2023: My Year in Preview

I’m cheating a bit with this.

Why?

Because I’ve already started my 2023. In fact, I’m a full three months in as I write this.

You see,  I mirror my year with my kids’ school year. That means that I start in September and end it in August. And I typically slow down for July and August while my kids are off on summer break.

But I recognize I’m in the minority. That’s why putting together this Year in Preview is happening now.

Much like my Year in Review, I’m dividing this piece up into seasons, earmarking some of the highlights that I plan to make happen during each of them.

Winter 2023

Starting off 2023 with a new journalling habit: Morning pages added to the mix to go along with my Evening Examination. Really looking forward to seeing how this new handwritten journalling habit in the morning elevates things for me.

I’m also putting together the last portion of a workshop series on prioritization. I have a feeling it’s going to be converted into something that can be shared more widely later in 2023.

I’ll be launching a Kickstarter campaign during this season. That’s as much as I’m willing to preview that right now. But stay tuned for updates.

Taking time for two trips with my son. One to Seattle and one out East (Philadelphia, Washington DC, New York City). Long overdue and going to be an excellent experience.

Raising my podcast game to a new level in 2023, beginning in early March.

Delivering a few speaking engagements as well. My plan is to do more of these throughout 2023 (and beyond).

Spring 2023

Taking the stage with David Allen – who I credit with getting me into the productivity and time management space — in late April at Running Remote in Lisbon. (Use the promo code productivityist20 for a 20% discount when you use that link.)

Doing another group retreat right before that… this time in California.

My daughter graduates high school this year. So there’s a big focus around that at this time of year.

Attending Craft and Commerce in Boise, Idaho in June. I’m looking forward to that learning opportunity very much.

Really focussing on writing and fostering TimeCrafting Trust during this time of year, especially as we head into the summer season.

Another focus will be partnerships during this portion of the year (and a couple of them are already in the works).

Summer 2023

Admittedly, not a lot planned professionally from July through August. It’s the last year that I know my daughter will be celebrating summer with us at home, so I want to make the most of it.

That said, that focus on community and crafting content will still be happening… just not a lot of public facing stuff. If anything, most of that work would’ve already happened in the previous two seasons.

As I mentioned earlier, I start my new year in September… and September falls into this season. I haven’t really mapped out what that will look like yet but I know that we will hit the ground running in September (as we always do).

Autumn 2023

The full deliverables of the Kickstarter campaign start to roll out no later than this season. I can’t hardly wait.

The culmination of my focus on taking my podcasting to the next level will take place during the season as well.

The first public edition of my virtual retreat process (The READY Retreat) will take place in the later portion of the season, and there’s a possibility of another one happening earlier than that for members of TimeCrafting Trust Premium.

I will be able to reflect back on the previous seasons and recognize how much I have moved ahead with partnerships and I’ll have spent a whole lot more time working on content. Video content, audio content, and written content.

I’m not exactly going to tally the amount of books I’m going to read in 2023, but I am going to commit to reading a lot more. I’ll be able to notice that once 2023 comes to a close.

And as I wrap up this Year in Preview I can see now that when I’m taking time to look back at 2023 that the word “productiveness” best embodies it.

I find this exercise is incredibly useful because it allows me to set the table for the months ahead. I can tell by looking at my wall calendar how much time and space I actually have and can put together a realistic preview of the calendar year because of that. (Want one of my wall calendars? Click here.)

I encourage you to take time to do something like this for yourself. Projecting what’s to come for you can intentionally project your attention in that direction.

Happy New Year.

The post 2023: My Year in Preview appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 456: Marie Poulin talks about Notion

Marie Poulin is the creator of Notion Mastery and co-founder of Oki Doki. Diagnosed with ADHD, she believes that Notion is especially powerful for neurodivergent folks who have long struggled to adhere to traditional or rigid project management processes, and may need a little extra customization and flexibility. Because of this, she is passionate about helping others customize their workflows and workspaces to meet their unique needs and preferences. 

In this episode, Marie suggests how to use Notion to its best potential. We discuss the idea of journaling, the importance of systems, tracking your habits, and so much more. I can’t believe it took me this long to get Marie to be on the show and it was a delightful conversation with a fellow Canadian!

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 Marie: Website | Twitter Visit the Notion Mastery websiteListen to Why You Need Atomic Habits with James ClearRelated Conversation: Tiago Forte talks about Building a Second BrainRelated Blog Post: Taking Journaling to Another Level

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 456: Marie Poulin talks about Notion appeared first on Productivityist.

2022: My “Year” in Review

New Year’s Day hits different for me, not just in 2022. Mainly because it hits me on a different day altogether.

For many years now, I’ve followed the school year that my kids follow as my yearly markers. So September 1st is when I officially start my year, affectionately known as my NOW Year (an acronym for Need to Do, Ought to Do, and Want to do). But that doesn’t mean I don’t acknowledge – and even appreciate – what January 1st is and has to offer. Even The NOW Year wall calendar starts in January.

I also understand that I’m an outlier when it comes to when I make the start of my year, so I still lean in and share how my calendar year went in posts like this.

In terms of how I’m structuring this annual review, I decided that I’ll highlight 6 things from each season: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn. That’ll give me a set of constraints, which is a good thing to have when you’re writing a summary of any sort. I’ll be looking back through my journal entries to make sense of this review as well. I’m an avid journaled (as you may know) and that chronicle will make this process far easier and faster to do.

I also am working on a “Year in Preview” piece that I’ll be publishing on January 1st, so if that’s something you’re interested in checking out then follow me on Twitter so that you can read it when I release it. (Members of TimeCrafting Trust will get a sneak peek at it one day earlier, so if you’re a TimeCrafting Trust member of any sort, then watch for that in the community.)

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s get started.

Winter 2022

I started off 2022 the same way that I’m ending it: feeling grateful. I recognize that I’m a lucky person and that has been something that didn’t just happen – it’s been cultivated over the years.

January was also a month where we moved things around in my business. We initially moved to Teachable with Circle as a community element for our courses and membership, but as 2022 comes to a close we’ve left Teachable and are focused entirely on Circle. Our courses live there and anyone who has bought a course from me is also part of TimeCrafting Trust in Circle as well. (There is, of course, TimeCrafting Trust Premium as well. And right now we’re doing a bit of a membership drive for TimeCrafting Trust that you can explore here.)

The Cincinnati Bengals finally won a playoff game after a long drought. Then they went beyond that and went all the way to the Super Bowl. As a fan of the team since 1981, January was a fun month for me.

There was a recurring theme over the course of the past few years and 2022 saw me do something about it. I spent the better part of the year writing the first draft of my next book, which I’m self-publishing. There’s a lot more to this that I’m going to share in 2023 but I’ll say that I’m excited about the project. It’s been a challenging one – and it’s far from over – but I know it’s going to be a rewarding experience overall.

I cancelled The BIG Ready in February 2022 after running it for two years in two very different ways. I don’t know if I’ll bring it back but I do know that not doing it in 2022 was a good call.

February was also a month where I started taking finances more seriously than I had in ages. Still am. It’s paying off, too. (Pun not intended).

Spring ’22

In March I interviewed Austin Kleon for my podcast again. As I went through my journal I saw that I’d highlighted a quote from him: Validation is for parking. I took notice of that going forward and have been less interested invalidation and more interested in creation and community. It’s also paying off.

It wasn’t until March that I’d made my first YouTube video of 2022. That’ll change in 2023. Not just when I start, but how often I make them.

The book came up again in April. The tentative title. It wound up not being the actual title. I may use that tentative title elsewhere, but not in the title for a book.

New computer in April 2022. Mac Studio. I’m set on that front for a few years.

Saw my first concert in years in May. James Taylor put on a great show. And through him I learned that the secret o’ life is enjoying the passage of time.

In May I saw the George Carlin documentary and parts of it have been on my mind ever since. It’s THAT good.

Summer 2022

I took a personal retreat at the end of June and it was incredibly worthwhile. Plenty of breakthrough just being on my own in a shipping container tiny home for a few days. A process that I have integrated into The READY Retreat, albeit in a much shorter timeframe.

Right after my retreat, I attended the final World Domination Summit. This event ran for 10 years and is the brainchild of Chris Guillebeau. I enjoyed it but also recognized that I’m different than I was when the event debuted nearly 13 years ago (it was paused from 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) so it didn’t land as much with me. But it was great to see friends in person again. Really great.

The book-writing process was in full effect in July 2022. Plenty of words were written.

We had a work retreat at the tail end of July here and it went well. Plans have changed since then, but it was good for me to connect with Elizabeth (my Operations Assistant) to forge some form of plan forward. Having defaults is better than having nothing at all.

A lot of August was a professional write off for two reasons: Family vacation and (finally) getting COVID-19. One of those things was amazing and the other annoying. I’ll let you guess which was which.

I took part in Ship 30 in August. I’m glad I did. I’ll probably do it again in the calendar year of 2023, but in my 2024 NOW Year.

Autumn ’22

I created The TimeCrafting Starter Kit in September. It’s a free guide that’ll help you get the basics of TimeCrafting down. If you haven’t already got it, you can get it here.

I hit the ground running in September in a big way because I didn’t just make the aforementioned kit but I also put together The Procrastination Course.

More work stuff in October 2022, all related to the book and website stuff. And all being unveiled in 2023.

The Astros won the World Series for real this time. And as much as I publicly distanced myself from them after the scandal, I’ve always had a soft spot for them. Seeing them win in legitimate fashion was fun.

After years of meeting online, several of us who mastermind together met up in Tempe, Arizona to retreat together. There’s just something about face-to-face energy that invigorates and inspires. I’m glad I went. (I did the same in March with another group I meet with – this one weekly – and it was a phenomenal experience.)

I’ve been pining for a Qui-Gon Jinn lightsaber for a couple of years now and my hope was that I’d be able to get in when I was at Disneyland in August. But it hadn’t been released yet. But it did get released in December. A good friend of mine picked it up for me and it arrived the same day that I’m writing this piece. It’s a fitting way to end the calendar year… feeling grateful for what I have. And I’m not just talking about a lightsaber. I’m talking about my family, my friends, my work, my life.

Thanks for being part of that.

And thanks for taking time to read this. I encourage you to take time to write your own annual review. There are plenty of ways to do it, but don’t let the friction of finding one keep you from doing it. Just start thinking and writing. That’s how you go from friction to flow.

Take a moment and start right now. Something small. Something simple. You’ll be glad you did.

The post 2022: My “Year” in Review appeared first on Productivityist.