Mike Vardy's Blog, page 2

Episode 590: Courtney Carver Talks About Gentle Living and Project 333

Fifteen years into her journey of simplicity, Courtney Carver continues to inspire people to do more with less. In this special Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, we revisit a past conversation from March 2020 about Project 333, her minimalist fashion challenge that has helped thousands streamline their wardrobes and their lives. But before that, we catch up on her latest book, Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want.

Courtney and I discuss the natural evolution of her work, moving from simplifying physical spaces to creating mental and emotional spaciousness. She shares the origin story of Gentle, which began with a 3 AM epiphany, and why she believes we need to rethink our relationship with time and space. Then, we dive into the practicalities of Project 333, its impact beyond decluttering closets, and how it can lead to greater peace and clarity in everyday life.

Key Discussion PointsHow Gentle came to life and why simplicity isn’t just about stuff—it’s about creating space.The evolution of Courtney’s work from Soulful Simplicity to Project 333 to Gentle.The hidden emotional weight of clutter and how removing physical items can lighten mental loads.Why spaciousness—physical, mental, and emotional—is something we rarely talk about but deeply need.The common misconception that Project 333 is only for women and how anyone can benefit from a curated wardrobe.Decision fatigue, the power of limiting choices, and how a minimalist wardrobe can reduce daily stress.Practical tips for starting Project 333, dealing with sentimental items, and handling gifts that don’t align with a simpler lifestyle.

Courtney’s approach to simplicity is thoughtful, actionable, and, above all, gentle. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by too much—whether it’s in your schedule, your home, or your mind—this conversation will give you both practical steps and fresh perspectives on what truly matters. (Originally released March 2020)

Links Worth ExploringConnect with Courtney: Website | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestGet Courtney’s book: Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually WantGet Courtney’s book: Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much MoreWeed Out the Clothes You Don’t Wear with a Simple Hanger TrickEverything You Need to Know About Project 333Related Conversation: Episode 75: Soulful Simplicity with Courtney CarverRelated Blog Post: Do You Want Fast Or Do You Want Forever?

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

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

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

The post Episode 590: Courtney Carver Talks About Gentle Living and Project 333 appeared first on Mike Vardy.

Episode 589: Alignment | PM Talks S2E2

The latest episode of PM Talks is here, and this month, Patrick Rhone and I dive into alignment—a concept that is critical for making meaningful progress in both work and life. As we move beyond the fresh-start energy of January, February is often when things begin to fray. That’s why now is the perfect time to step back and examine whether our actions are truly aligned with our intentions.

Alignment isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about ensuring that what we do actually moves us in the right direction. In this conversation, Patrick and I explore how alignment impacts productivity, why asking “why” is just as important as asking “what’s next?”, and how attunement plays a role in adapting to life’s ever-changing landscape.

Key Discussion PointsWhy alignment is more than just checking things off a to-do list—it’s about meaningful action.The missing piece in traditional productivity systems: aligning actions with deeper intentions.The difference between alignment (structured precision) and attunement (adaptive responsiveness).Why Making It All Work by David Allen is an underrated book on the “why” of productivity.How regularly questioning “why” can dramatically reduce overwhelm and improve decision-making.The tension between who we are, who we want to be, and what we actually do each day.The role of curiosity in navigating misalignment and adjusting course when needed.

As we wrap up, we lay the groundwork for next month’s PM Talks on curiosity—a natural follow-up to this discussion. If you’ve ever felt out of sync with your goals or struggled to balance structure with flexibility, this episode will help you find clarity.

Links Worth ExploringPatrick’s book, “For You”Patrick’s WebsiteAn underrated David Allen book: Making It All WorkFish: A Tap EssayWe didn’t talk about this, but it does have to do with “why”Check out ALL of the PM Talks episodes

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

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

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

The post Episode 589: Alignment | PM Talks S2E2 appeared first on Mike Vardy.

Guard Your Velocity: Holding Onto Belief When the World Slows You Down

You start fast. Fuelled by a clear idea, a goal, or a version of yourself you can almost touch. The early days don’t feel like effort—they feel like flight. You move with the speed of belief, and everything around you seems to support that momentum. But if you don’t guard your velocity, resistance slowly sets in – and time and friction will eventually wear your guard down.

Now this doesn’t happen all at once. Just enough to make movement feel less automatic.

Maybe it’s the first unexpected obstacle, or the first time someone questions what you’re doing. Maybe it’s just the wear of routine—the shift from the rush of possibility to the weight of repetition.

That’s when velocity is hardest to maintain. Not when things collapse dramatically, but when they grind you down in increments.

Why Velocity Slows

Movement fades when friction outweighs force. It happens when enthusiasm gets met with bureaucracy. When excitement turns into obligation. When success brings expectations that start to feel heavier than the work itself.

This isn’t about motivation. Motivation is unreliable. It’s a short burst… and bursts burn out. Velocity is different. It’s what happens when momentum meets direction. It’s not just speed, but sustained movement toward something that matters.

The reason many people slow down – sometimes without realizing it – isn’t that they stop caring. It’s that they stop protecting what got them moving in the first place.

How to Guard Your Velocity

If you want to keep moving, you have to defend what fuels your motion. Here are some steps you can take to keep moving forward in the right way:

Remember Why You Started, But Don’t Cling to the Starting Point: Holding onto the original spark is important, but things shift. You don’t have to work from the exact same starting point to stay in motion. What matters is that you keep something from that early energy – some part of the belief that made movement feel inevitable.Recognize Drag Before It Becomes a Stop: The biggest slowdowns happen gradually. If you only notice them once you’re stuck, getting moving again is twice as hard. Pay attention when momentum dips. Ask whether the way you’re working now still supports the direction you meant to go. Resistance isn’t always external. Sometimes, it’s internal—doubt, hesitation, or mental friction that keeps you from moving forward. Dr. Henry Cloud discusses this idea in this piece, breaking down the ways we unknowingly slow ourselves down and what we can do to course-correct before we come to a stop.Surround Yourself With People Who Are Still Moving: Nothing slows progress like standing next to people who have given up on their own. This doesn’t mean cutting off anyone who isn’t sprinting – it means making sure you have enough people around you who believe movement is possible.Build in Reminders of Progress: Sustained effort can make forward motion feel invisible. If you don’t stop to mark how far you’ve come, it’s easy to assume you’re standing still. Track something – anything – that reminds you movement is happening. It doesn’t have to be public. It just has to be real.Keep a Part of Your Work Free From External Pressure: The fastest way to lose momentum is to let every part of what you do get shaped by outside forces. Deadlines, metrics, feedback – all of it can be useful, but not if it takes over entirely. Keep one thing for yourself. One part of your work untouched by expectation. That piece will remind you why you move in the first place.
The Risk of Losing Motion

Once velocity is lost, restarting takes more than just effort. It takes friction in reverse. You have to push against the weight of inertia. The longer you’ve been still, the harder it is to believe you can move at all.

That’s why this matters. Not just for the sake of movement itself, but because staying in motion makes returning to belief easier.

If you’re already feeling slowed down, start small. A shift in pace is still movement. The key is to not let stillness become the default.

Guard your velocity. Because keeping it alive is easier than bringing it back from zero.

The post Guard Your Velocity: Holding Onto Belief When the World Slows You Down appeared first on Mike Vardy.

Episode 588: Joshua Becker Talks About Distractions, Meaning, and What Really Matters

In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Joshua Becker to discuss his book Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life. Joshua is known for his work on minimalism, but this book goes beyond decluttering physical possessions—it’s about eliminating the distractions that keep us from focusing on what truly matters.

Our conversation explores the distractions that pull us away from meaning and purpose, including fear, technology, and the constant pursuit of more. We also discuss how intentionality and regular reflection can help us stay aligned with what matters most. If you’ve ever felt like you’re losing time to things that don’t truly fulfill you, this episode is for you.

Key Discussion PointsThe biggest distractions that keep us from focusing on what truly matters.Why fear is one of the most powerful distractions—and how to overcome it.The role of technology in pulling our attention away from meaningful pursuits.Why the pursuit of more (money, possessions, status) often leads us further from fulfillment.How intentional reflection can keep us aligned with our values and priorities.The importance of capturing ideas without letting them overwhelm us.Why time feels like it moves faster as we age—and how to make the most of it.

This conversation is packed with insights that will help you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters. (Originally released April 2022)

Links Worth ExploringConnect with Joshua: Website | YouTube | Facebook | InstagramJoshua’s Book: Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful LifeCheck out Simplify Magazine: Click here for 50% off (Already a subscriber? Read my essay here.)Read Joshua’s blog post: A New Day at Becoming MinimalistCheck out The Hope Effect: Click hereRelated Conversation: Episode 91: The More of Less with Joshua BeckerRelated Blog Post: I Think Ivy Lee Was Right

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

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

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

The post Episode 588: Joshua Becker Talks About Distractions, Meaning, and What Really Matters appeared first on Mike Vardy.

Episode 587: Nathan J. Murphy Talks About The Ideas That Rule Us

Ideas shape our lives—sometimes without us even realizing it. In this episode, I sit down with Nathan J. Murphy, founder of Prepolitica and author of The Ideas That Rule Us, to explore how the ideas we inherit, adopt, and hold onto influence our decisions, beliefs, and behaviors.

Nathan brings a deep, research-driven approach to understanding the power of ideas, questioning why we cling to certain concepts while rejecting others. We discuss how ideologies form, how words and terms evolve (and sometimes get corrupted), and how to critically assess which ideas serve us—and which ones hold us back. If you’ve ever wondered how to break free from ingrained thought patterns or how societal narratives shape your thinking, this conversation is for you.

Key Discussion PointsThe origins of ideas and why they shape our decisions more than we realizeHow ideologies form—and why breaking free from them is so difficultThe emotional ties we have to ideas and how they influence our choicesHow words and terms get co-opted and corrupted over timeWhy abstract concepts can create deep emotional reactionsThe role of cultural ideas in shaping identity, behavior, and even political systemsPractical ways to question inherited ideas and redefine personal values

Ideas don’t just exist in the abstract—they rule our lives in ways we often overlook. Nathan offers insightful strategies for identifying the ideas that no longer serve us and how to replace them with ones that align with who we want to become.

Links Worth ExploringConnect with Nathan: Website | YouTube | InstagramGet the book we discuss: The Ideas That Rule Us: How Others’ Ideology, Political Thought and Societal Norms Rule Our Lives… and How to Change ItCheck out Prepolitica: Click hereRelated Conversation: Episode 235: Big Ideas with John LamertonRelated Blog Post: Killing Ideas

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

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

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

The post Episode 587: Nathan J. Murphy Talks About The Ideas That Rule Us appeared first on Mike Vardy.

The “Productivity Revolution” Has Lost Its Way

In 1991, Peter Drucker wrote in Harvard Business Review that the greatest management challenge of the coming decades wouldn’t be improving manual labor productivity—we had already optimized that. Instead, the real challenge would be the productivity of knowledge work. He warned that while manual work followed a clear process and had visible outputs, knowledge work was murkier, less defined, and often mismanaged.

Two years later, in Post Capitalist Society, he went even further, stating that the productivity revolution had become a victim of its own success. He saw that work had shifted—not from doing more, but from knowing how to apply knowledge effectively. He called this shift the management revolution, believing it would define the future of work.

More than 30 years later, it’s hard to argue that we got it right.

The explosion of technology and information hasn’t necessarily made work better. Instead, many knowledge workers feel buried—under endless meetings, notifications, and the sheer volume of information. Rather than applying knowledge effectively, we spend much of our time managing it. Instead of making progress, we are stuck in cycles of endless work about work.

If Drucker were writing today, would he say the management revolution succeeded? Or would he argue that we misunderstood the challenge? More importantly, if we have drifted off course, how do we get back?

Reassessing the Management Revolution

Drucker’s concept of the management revolution was built on a fundamental truth: knowledge work is different from manual labor. In a factory, output is straightforward—how many units were produced, how fast a task was completed. In contrast, knowledge work lacks such clear, tangible metrics.

Drucker argued that the best knowledge workers weren’t those who completed the most tasks, but those who worked on the right tasks. He believed management’s role wasn’t just about oversight but about ensuring that knowledge was applied effectively.

Yet, three decades later, many organizations are still stuck in productivity models designed for manual labor. Employees are expected to log hours, attend meetings, and check off tasks—often without regard for whether those efforts lead to meaningful progress.

The tools and systems meant to empower knowledge workers have, in many cases, done the opposite:

Meetings that were intended to encourage collaboration now consume entire workdays.Productivity software designed to streamline workflows often creates more work in the form of notifications, updates, and tracking.Instead of making strategic, intentional decisions, knowledge workers are trapped in reactive cycles, putting out fires rather than doing meaningful work.

Drucker warned that this would happen if we didn’t define knowledge work properly. He argued that, unlike manual work, knowledge work required a clearer understanding of what constituted results and what didn’t.

While Drucker didn’t use the term explicitly, his emphasis on defining knowledge work and ensuring clear objectives suggests that a modern interpretation could involve a better way forward: Expectation management.

The Role of Expectation Management

One of Drucker’s most valuable insights was that knowledge work lacks built-in structure. Without clear expectations, knowledge workers either:

Try to do everything (leading to burnout), orFocus on tasks that make them look busy rather than tasks that create meaningful results.

Expectation management is about clarity. It means setting clear definitions for what needs to be done, why it matters, and how success will be measured. When organizations fail at expectation management, they unintentionally encourage inefficiency:

Employees feel pressure to respond quickly rather than think deeply.Meetings expand to fill the time available, often without clear action items.Work becomes more about managing the system than achieving meaningful results.

Drucker believed expectation management should be at the heart of managing knowledge workers. That meant:

Defining success clearly: What does a good outcome actually look like?Eliminating unnecessary work: If something doesn’t contribute to the bigger picture, why are we doing it?Providing autonomy: Once expectations are set, give people the space to do their best work.

Expectation management bridges the gap between productivity and productiveness.

From Productivity to Productiveness

For too long, productivity has been measured by how much gets done. But as Drucker pointed out, knowledge work isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things.

That’s why productiveness matters. It’s not about output alone but about meaningful progress. It prioritizes depth over speed, results over busyness, and quality over sheer volume. This table illustrates the difference:

ProductivityProductivenessMaximizing outputMaximizing impactChecking off tasksEnsuring tasks are worthwhileMeasuring work by time spentMeasuring work by progress madeDoing moreDoing what matters

Drucker believed that the best workers—and the best leaders—focused on effectiveness rather than raw efficiency. That means:

Choosing what not to do. The most effective people aren’t the ones who do the most, but the ones who are most selective about where they put their effort.Measuring the right things. If success is defined by how many emails were answered or meetings attended, employees will prioritize those tasks—even if they don’t create meaningful results.Creating space for deep work. Knowledge work requires thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. If every moment is filled with busywork, there’s no room for real breakthroughs.
How We Get Back on Track

Drucker’s management revolution wasn’t a failure—it was an unfinished project. The shift to knowledge work happened, but our ways of measuring and managing work haven’t caught up. If we want to fix this, we need to rethink how we define success.

Here’s a set of starting points:

Clarify expectations. Define what good work actually looks like so people know what to prioritize.Stop rewarding busyness. Replace outdated productivity metrics with measures that focus on meaningful outcomes.Eliminate unnecessary work. If a task doesn’t contribute to a meaningful result, cut it.Create space for thinking. Block time for strategic work, not just reactive tasks.Encourage autonomy. Once expectations are set, trust people to figure out how to meet them.

We don’t need more productivity hacks. We don’t need more apps. We need a return to what Drucker was trying to teach all along: work should be measured by effectiveness, not just activity.

The productivity revolution lost its way. But we still have time to course correct. The question is, will we?

The post The “Productivity Revolution” Has Lost Its Way appeared first on Mike Vardy.

Episode 586: Nir Eyal Talks About Becoming Indistractable and Managing Distractions

In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I talk with Nir Eyal, the bestselling author of Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. Nir offers actionable strategies for avoiding distractions and making time for what matters most.

We discuss the difference between traction and distraction, how internal triggers influence our actions, and the power of identity in shaping habits. Nir’s insights are as practical as they are profound, offering listeners tools to become truly indistractable.

Key Discussion PointsWhy the opposite of distraction is traction—not focus.How internal triggers are the root cause of distractions.The importance of forethought and planning in productivity.Why identity plays a crucial role in habit formation.The difference between pseudo-work and meaningful work.How to balance technology use without letting it control you.

If you’re struggling to manage distractions or want to learn how to focus better, this episode is a must-listen. (Originally released October 2019)

Links Worth ExploringConnect with Nir: Website | X/TwitterGet the book: Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your LifeCheck out Nir’s podcast: Nir and FarNir would like you to check this out: Schedule MakerRelated Conversation: Episode 201: Willpower Doesn’t Work with Benjamin HardyRelated Blog Post: The 106 Year Old Problem

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

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

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

The post Episode 586: Nir Eyal Talks About Becoming Indistractable and Managing Distractions appeared first on Mike Vardy.

Episode 585: Shawn Lemon Talks About Digital Peace and Organization

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I chat with Shawn Lemon, digital organizer and founder of The Digital Organizer. Shawn has helped countless individuals and organizations regain control of their digital lives, offering practical solutions to manage clutter, streamline workflows, and achieve “digital peace.”

We explore the hidden challenges of digital organization, why redundancy and backups are crucial, and how to get started on the path to a clutter-free digital life. Shawn’s approach is practical, insightful, and perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their digital environment.

Key Discussion PointsWhat “digital peace” means and why it’s so important.Common mistakes people make with digital organization.How to deal with folder structures and document redundancy.Practical strategies for creating effective backups.When and where to start tackling digital clutter.How AI can play a role in organizing your digital life.

This episode is ideal for anyone looking to take control of their digital world and create a more organized, peaceful workflow.

Links Worth ExploringConnect with Shawn: Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | FacebookGet Shawn’s guide: Click hereTake Shawn’s quiz: Click hereCheck out HazelWant to leverage Hazel in the best way possible? MacSparky has you covered.Check out ClickUpCheck out AmplenoteRelated Conversation: Episode 448: Tiago Forte talks about Building a Second BrainRelated Blog Post: The Freeing Power of Eliminating Tasks You “Ought to Do”

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

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

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

The post Episode 585: Shawn Lemon Talks About Digital Peace and Organization appeared first on Mike Vardy.

Reason Over Emotion and Logic: A Lesson from Virginia Woolf’s Underestimation

Virginia Woolf’s journal entry from January 26, 1930, offers a fascinating glimpse into the interplay of emotion, logic, and reason. In reflecting on her financial earnings and predicting the sales of her upcoming novel, The Waves, Woolf demonstrates a peculiar mix of modesty, anxiety, and calculation. She assumed the book would sell no more than 2,000 copies – a prediction grounded in logic based on her previous experience but tinged with the emotion of self-doubt. Her prediction, however, was wildly inaccurate. The Waves went on to sell over 10,000 copies within six months, garnering both critical acclaim and enduring literary significance.

This episode in Woolf’s life illustrates a broader truth about human behaviour: unchecked emotion and cold logic can lead us astray, while reason – a balance between the two – offers the best path forward.

The Havoc of Emotion

Woolf’s self-doubt as an artist likely played a role in her underestimation. Artists, by nature, are deeply connected to their work, making it challenging to separate creative output from personal worth. Woolf’s journal entry reveals the emotional weight she carried, a sense of humility perhaps rooted in fear of failure. While this humility may have kept her grounded, it also caused her to set expectations far below reality.

Emotion, when unchecked, can warp our perspective. It can cause us to undervalue ourselves or overinflate the importance of perceived obstacles. Woolf’s self-doubt reflects how emotion, while human and inevitable, can lead to decisions or predictions that fail to align with reality. In this case, her emotional modesty clouded her ability to see the potential success of her work.

The Rigidity of Logic

On the other hand, Woolf’s logical approach also failed her. Predicting sales based on past experience or market data might seem rational, but it ignored the unique qualities of The Waves. Logic, when applied in isolation, can lead to overly narrow or conservative conclusions. By adhering to previous patterns and data, Woolf discounted the possibility that her experimental novel could break through as a masterpiece. Logic can be an effective tool, but it becomes brittle and shortsighted when it dismisses the unpredictability of human creativity, cultural shifts, and the evolving marketplace of ideas.

The Power of Reason

Reason lies at the intersection of emotion and logic, balancing the two to create a clearer path forward. If Woolf had embraced reason, she might have acknowledged her emotional connection to the book – her fears, her hopes – while also recognizing the limitations of her logical assumptions. Reason would have encouraged her to weigh the evidence of her literary growth, her critical reputation, and the innovative nature of her work alongside her emotional modesty.

Reason allows for nuance, adaptability, and curiosity. It accounts for the unpredictability of life while tethering decisions to reality. Woolf’s experience underscores the importance of reasoning as a middle ground. It’s neither paralyzed by fear nor constrained by rigid calculation; instead, it offers flexibility and optimism, grounded in thoughtful assessment.

Lessons for Today

Woolf’s story holds a valuable lesson for modern life, where the tension between emotion and logic often wreaks havoc on our decisions. Emotion-driven choices, such as avoiding risks due to fear, can lead to stagnation. Conversely, purely logical decisions, devoid of human context, can result in missed opportunities or mechanical outcomes that fail to inspire or connect. The solution lies in reason: the art of blending emotional insight with rational thought to arrive at a decision that is both grounded and visionary.

This principle is especially relevant in an era dominated by data and technology. As we increasingly rely on algorithms and metrics to guide decisions, we risk losing sight of the human elements – our emotions, aspirations, and intuition – that make life meaningful. Reason reminds us to integrate these elements, ensuring our choices reflect both the head and the heart.

We’re All Virginia

Virginia Woolf’s underestimation of The Waves is a testament to the pitfalls of leaning too heavily on emotion or logic in isolation. We can all fall into that trap, just like she did.

Her modest prediction, shaped by both self-doubt and past experience, failed to account for the enduring brilliance of her work. Yet in this failure lies an opportunity to reflect on the value of reason: the balanced interplay of emotion and logic. By embracing reason, we can navigate life’s uncertainties with clarity, confidence, and humanity – charting a path that honours both our aspirations and our realities.

The post Reason Over Emotion and Logic: A Lesson from Virginia Woolf’s Underestimation appeared first on Mike Vardy.

Episode 584: Robin Hills Talks About Emotional Resilience and Leadership

In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Robin Hills, author of The Authority Guide to Emotional Resilience in Business. Robin is an expert in emotional intelligence and resilience, with over 35 years of experience in business and personal development. His work is rooted in helping individuals and organizations thrive through emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and positive psychology.

During our conversation, Robin unpacks the nuances of resilience, debunking common myths and exploring how leaders can foster resilience within their teams. We also discuss the fine line between coping and resilience, and why emotional awareness is critical in navigating adversity.

Key Discussion PointsThe paradox of resilience: how adversity strengthens us.Why “bouncing back” isn’t true resilience—and what is.Coping versus resilience: the critical distinctions.How leaders can foster emotional resilience in their organizations.The role of emotional intelligence in building resilience.Why resilience is often misunderstood and overused in business contexts.

This conversation is packed with actionable insights and strategies for anyone looking to develop a deeper understanding of resilience in the workplace and beyond. (Originally released October 2022)

Links Worth ExploringConnect with Robin: Website | LinkedInCheck out his book: The Authority Guide to Emotional Resilience in BusinessRegister for Robin’s EI4Change courses hereRelated Conversation: Episode 489: Constance Dierickx Talks About Meta-Leadership Insights And Decision MasteryRelated Blog Post: Why Reading Leadership Books will Boost Your Productivity

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

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

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

The post Episode 584: Robin Hills Talks About Emotional Resilience and Leadership appeared first on Mike Vardy.