Mike Vardy's Blog, page 9

The Freeing Power of Eliminating Tasks You “Ought to Do”

How many times have you caught yourself sifting through a list of obligations that you feel you “ought to do”? These tasks often linger, unattended, as they wither away in the shadows of our busy lives. But here’s the truth: they don’t deserve the space they occupy on your list. Eliminating tasks like this is one of the simplest ways to be truly productive.

How to Start Eliminating Tasks to Free Up Your Time

Start by identifying those tasks that are mere obligations. These are tasks that you feel obligated to do but don’t truly align with your priorities, values, or goals. Once you’ve identified them, you have three options:

Delegate Them: Find someone else who can handle these tasks. Whether it’s a colleague, a virtual assistant, or a family member, delegating frees you from the burden of tasks that don’t align with your core goals.Delete Them: Simply remove these tasks from your list. If they don’t align with your priorities or add value to your life, let them go. This step requires you to be honest with yourself about what truly matters.Decide Whether They Are Tasks You Genuinely Need or Want to Do: For tasks that linger between obligation and desire, ask yourself if they are something you genuinely need or want to do. Shift your mindset from obligation to choice, from “ought to do” to “want or need to do.”

By delegating or deleting tasks that don’t align with your purpose, you free up valuable time and mental bandwidth to focus on what truly matters to you. Here are some actionable steps to implement this practice:

Conduct a Task Audit: Review your to-do list and categorize each task. Ask yourself if each task aligns with your goals and values. If it doesn’t, delegate or delete it.Set Clear Priorities: Establish clear priorities for your tasks. Focus on high-impact activities that drive you closer to your goals. This will help you identify which tasks are worth your time and which are not.Use the 80/20 Rule: Apply the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) to your task list. Identify the 20% of tasks that contribute to 80% of your results. Focus your energy on these high-value tasks.Create Boundaries: Set boundaries around your time and commitments. Learn to say no to tasks and obligations that do not serve your goals or well-being.Reflect and Adjust: Regularly reflect on your task list and make adjustments as needed. This helps ensure that you stay aligned with your priorities and avoid falling back into the trap of “ought to do” tasks.Shift Your Mindset

The key to effective task management is a shift in mindset. Moving from an obligation-based approach to one of intentionality allows you to reclaim your time and focus on what truly matters. When you shift your perspective from “ought to do” to “want or need to do,” you empower yourself to make choices that align with your goals and values.

By implementing these strategies, you’ll find yourself more focused, productive, and aligned with your true purpose. Take control of your task list today and experience the power of eliminating “ought to do” tasks.

The post The Freeing Power of Eliminating Tasks You “Ought to Do” appeared first on Mike Vardy.

The Freeing Power of Eliminating Tasks You “Ought to Do”

[image error]

How many times have you caught yourself sifting through a list of obligations that you feel you “ought to do”? These tasks often linger, unattended, as they wither away in the shadows of our busy lives. But here’s the truth: they don’t deserve the space they occupy on your list. Eliminating tasks like this is one of the simplest ways to be truly productive.

How to Start Eliminating Tasks to Free Up Your Time

Start by identifying those tasks that are mere obligations. These are tasks that you feel obligated to do but don’t truly align with your priorities, values, or goals. Once you’ve identified them, you have three options:

Delegate Them: Find someone else who can handle these tasks. Whether it’s a colleague, a virtual assistant, or a family member, delegating frees you from the burden of tasks that don’t align with your core goals.Delete Them: Simply remove these tasks from your list. If they don’t align with your priorities or add value to your life, let them go. This step requires you to be honest with yourself about what truly matters.Decide Whether They Are Tasks You Genuinely Need or Want to Do: For tasks that linger between obligation and desire, ask yourself if they are something you genuinely need or want to do. Shift your mindset from obligation to choice, from “ought to do” to “want or need to do.”

By delegating or deleting tasks that don’t align with your purpose, you free up valuable time and mental bandwidth to focus on what truly matters to you. Here are some actionable steps to implement this practice:

Conduct a Task Audit: Review your to-do list and categorize each task. Ask yourself if each task aligns with your goals and values. If it doesn’t, delegate or delete it.Set Clear Priorities: Establish clear priorities for your tasks. Focus on high-impact activities that drive you closer to your goals. This will help you identify which tasks are worth your time and which are not.Use the 80/20 Rule: Apply the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) to your task list. Identify the 20% of tasks that contribute to 80% of your results. Focus your energy on these high-value tasks.Create Boundaries: Set boundaries around your time and commitments. Learn to say no to tasks and obligations that do not serve your goals or well-being.Reflect and Adjust: Regularly reflect on your task list and make adjustments as needed. This helps ensure that you stay aligned with your priorities and avoid falling back into the trap of “ought to do” tasks.Shift Your Mindset

The key to effective task management is a shift in mindset. Moving from an obligation-based approach to one of intentionality allows you to reclaim your time and focus on what truly matters. When you shift your perspective from “ought to do” to “want or need to do,” you empower yourself to make choices that align with your goals and values.

By implementing these strategies, you’ll find yourself more focused, productive, and aligned with your true purpose. Take control of your task list today and experience the power of eliminating “ought to do” tasks.

The post The Freeing Power of Eliminating Tasks You “Ought to Do” appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 532: Laura Mae Martin Talks About Personalized Productivity Systems and Well-being

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Google’s productivity expert, Laura Mae Martin, to explore the nuances of personal and business productivity. With thirteen years at Google under her belt, Laura has experience in sales, product operations, event planning, and executive coaching.

During our conversation, Laura shares her journey to becoming a productivity guru and the insights that led to her latest book, “UPTIME: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing.” Together, we explore how traditional definitions of productivity often miss the mark and how personalized systems can truly enhance effectiveness and well-being.

Join us as we discuss strategies for prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and managing time more effectively. Laura emphasizes the importance of flexibility and realism in setting boundaries and shares her preferred productivity systems and methods, including the innovative “list funnel” approach.

Key Discussion PointsLaura’s Origin Story: How Laura became a productivity expert and authored “Uptime.”Redefining Productivity: Linking intention and attention, rather than focusing solely on efficiency.The 5 C’s of Productivity: What are they and how do they work?Managing Urgent Tasks: The benefits of setting a daily urgent time block versus reactive management.The List Funnel Concept: Laura’s favorite part of her book, offering a systematic approach to task management.Balancing Work and Personal Life: Personal productivity systems and the challenges of maintaining balance.Work Flexibility During the Pandemic: How the shift to remote work has changed productivity dynamics and management approaches.

Laura Mae Martin’s insights offer a refreshing take on productivity, emphasizing the need for personalized systems and realistic boundaries. Her practical advice and strategies provide valuable tools for anyone looking to enhance their productivity and well-being. Be sure to check out her book “Uptime” for a deeper dive into these concepts.

Links Worth ExploringConnect with Laura: Website | LinkedIn | InstagramGet Laura’s Book: UPTIME: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and WellbeingRelated Conversation: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen(Another) Related Conversation: Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal NewportRelated Blog Post: How to Be Productive When You’re Sick and Tired

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 532: Laura Mae Martin Talks About Personalized Productivity Systems and Well-being appeared first on Mike Vardy.

Episode 532: Laura Mae Martin Talks About Personalized Productivity Systems and Well-being

[image error]

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Google’s productivity expert, Laura Mae Martin, to explore the nuances of personal and business productivity. With thirteen years at Google under her belt, Laura has experience in sales, product operations, event planning, and executive coaching.

During our conversation, Laura shares her journey to becoming a productivity guru and the insights that led to her latest book, “UPTIME: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing.” Together, we explore how traditional definitions of productivity often miss the mark and how personalized systems can truly enhance effectiveness and well-being.

Join us as we discuss strategies for prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and managing time more effectively. Laura emphasizes the importance of flexibility and realism in setting boundaries and shares her preferred productivity systems and methods, including the innovative “list funnel” approach.

Key Discussion PointsLaura’s Origin Story: How Laura became a productivity expert and authored “Uptime.”Redefining Productivity: Linking intention and attention, rather than focusing solely on efficiency.The 5 C’s of Productivity: What are they and how do they work?Managing Urgent Tasks: The benefits of setting a daily urgent time block versus reactive management.The List Funnel Concept: Laura’s favorite part of her book, offering a systematic approach to task management.Balancing Work and Personal Life: Personal productivity systems and the challenges of maintaining balance.Work Flexibility During the Pandemic: How the shift to remote work has changed productivity dynamics and management approaches.

Laura Mae Martin’s insights offer a refreshing take on productivity, emphasizing the need for personalized systems and realistic boundaries. Her practical advice and strategies provide valuable tools for anyone looking to enhance their productivity and well-being. Be sure to check out her book “Uptime” for a deeper dive into these concepts.

Links Worth ExploringConnect with Laura: Website | LinkedIn | InstagramGet Laura’s Book: UPTIME: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and WellbeingRelated Conversation: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen(Another) Related Conversation: Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal NewportRelated Blog Post: How to Be Productive When You’re Sick and Tired

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.

[image error]

The post Episode 532: Laura Mae Martin Talks About Personalized Productivity Systems and Well-being appeared first on Productivityist.

The Timeless Wisdom of Water

Bruce Lee’s famous advice, “be like water,” offers a profound lesson in adaptability, flexibility, and an effortless dance with the universe. Being like water means moving in harmony with the world, rather than fighting against it – a philosophy that touched every aspect of his martial arts. It teaches us to flow with life’s challenges and opportunities, embodying a fluid, responsive approach to everything we encounter.

Be Like Water: Bruce Lee’s Philosophy

David Allen’s later interpretation, “mind like water,” adds another layer of complexity to this teaching. Allen encourages us to achieve a state of mind that’s in harmony with our surroundings. It’s about reacting appropriately to each stimulus without becoming overwhelmed, keeping our mental waters calm and our responses measured. This perspective aligns closely with productivity and psychological wellness, advocating for a mental state that can handle anything with calm and clarity.

Want more Bruce Lee? The Marginalia has some great content about him that’s worth reading here. Or if you’re a real fan, you can order this book.

Mind Like Water: David Allen’s Interpretation

Both philosophies embrace the idea of adaptability and reacting to the environment around us. However, while Lee’s philosophy is holistic, encompassing mind, body, and spirit, Allen’s leans more into psychological wellness and productivity. Allen’s approach can be seen as an evolution of Lee’s idea, focusing on the mind’s power to shape our reality. However, it should not obscure the multifaceted depth of Lee’s original intent – a total alignment and fluidity of being.

Check out my conversation with David Allen at Running Remote 2023 here.

Which Quote is For You?

Which of these two quotes – Bruce Lee’s “be like water” or David Allen’s “mind like water” – resonates with you more in the context of managing your relationship with time and cultivating a sense of sustained productivity?

The beauty of Lee’s wisdom is its simplicity and its boundless depth, like water itself. Embrace the adaptable, responsive nature of water in your life – whether through Lee’s martial arts philosophy or Allen’s productivity approach.

By integrating these timeless philosophies, we can navigate life’s complexities with grace and resilience, achieving a harmonious balance that enhances both our productivity and our overall well-being.

The post The Timeless Wisdom of Water appeared first on Mike Vardy.

The Timeless Wisdom of Water

[image error]

Bruce Lee’s famous advice, “be like water,” offers a profound lesson in adaptability, flexibility, and an effortless dance with the universe. Being like water means moving in harmony with the world, rather than fighting against it – a philosophy that touched every aspect of his martial arts. It teaches us to flow with life’s challenges and opportunities, embodying a fluid, responsive approach to everything we encounter.

Be Like Water: Bruce Lee’s Philosophy

David Allen’s later interpretation, “mind like water,” adds another layer of complexity to this teaching. Allen encourages us to achieve a state of mind that’s in harmony with our surroundings. It’s about reacting appropriately to each stimulus without becoming overwhelmed, keeping our mental waters calm and our responses measured. This perspective aligns closely with productivity and psychological wellness, advocating for a mental state that can handle anything with calm and clarity.

Want more Bruce Lee? The Marginalia has some great content about him that’s worth reading here. Or if you’re a real fan, you can order this book.

Mind Like Water: David Allen’s Interpretation

Both philosophies embrace the idea of adaptability and reacting to the environment around us. However, while Lee’s philosophy is holistic, encompassing mind, body, and spirit, Allen’s leans more into psychological wellness and productivity. Allen’s approach can be seen as an evolution of Lee’s idea, focusing on the mind’s power to shape our reality. However, it should not obscure the multifaceted depth of Lee’s original intent – a total alignment and fluidity of being.

Check out my conversation with David Allen at Running Remote 2023 here.

Which Quote is For You?

Which of these two quotes – Bruce Lee’s “be like water” or David Allen’s “mind like water” – resonates with you more in the context of managing your relationship with time and cultivating a sense of sustained productivity?

The beauty of Lee’s wisdom is its simplicity and its boundless depth, like water itself. Embrace the adaptable, responsive nature of water in your life – whether through Lee’s martial arts philosophy or Allen’s productivity approach.

By integrating these timeless philosophies, we can navigate life’s complexities with grace and resilience, achieving a harmonious balance that enhances both our productivity and our overall well-being.

The post The Timeless Wisdom of Water appeared first on Productivityist.

Episode 531: Writing | PM Talks S1:E6

Welcome to the latest episode of PM Talks, our monthly series on A Productive Conversation where I engage in thought-provoking conversations with my good friend Patrick Rhone.

This time around we dive deep into our unique approaches to writing, balancing productivity, and embracing creative freedom. Patrick and I share our experiences with writer’s block and self-doubt, discuss curating blog content into book format, and highlight the value of writing for personal growth.

Key Discussion PointsWe discuss our busy schedules, including Patrick’s circus performances and my NFL Draft viewing.I talk about the reality of multitasking, such as doing admin work while watching the NFL Draft.Patrick prefers quiet or ambient noise for focus, avoiding music with lyrics.We stress getting ideas out of our heads, even if they’re not fully formed.Strategies for capturing ideas include writing them down, using instrumental music, and muting distractions.Differences between blog writing and book writing, and focusing on one or the other.

Patrick and I also reflect on the challenges and rewards of writing. We delve into the importance of intentionality and consistency in our writing practices, sharing practical strategies for overcoming creative blocks and maintaining productivity. Our conversation offers valuable insights for writers and creatives looking to enhance their craft.

Links Worth ExploringPatrick’s WebsiteMy Upcoming Book: The Productivity DietAnnie Mueller’s BlogMicro.blog Platform

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 531: Writing | PM Talks S1:E6 appeared first on Mike Vardy.

Episode 531: Writing | PM Talks S1:E6

[image error]

Welcome to the latest episode of PM Talks, our monthly series on A Productive Conversation where I engage in thought-provoking conversations with my good friend Patrick Rhone.

This time around we dive deep into our unique approaches to writing, balancing productivity, and embracing creative freedom. Patrick and I share our experiences with writer’s block and self-doubt, discuss curating blog content into book format, and highlight the value of writing for personal growth.

Key Discussion PointsWe discuss our busy schedules, including Patrick’s circus performances and my NFL Draft viewing.I talk about the reality of multitasking, such as doing admin work while watching the NFL Draft.Patrick prefers quiet or ambient noise for focus, avoiding music with lyrics.We stress getting ideas out of our heads, even if they’re not fully formed.Strategies for capturing ideas include writing them down, using instrumental music, and muting distractions.Differences between blog writing and book writing, and focusing on one or the other.

Patrick and I also reflect on the challenges and rewards of writing. We delve into the importance of intentionality and consistency in our writing practices, sharing practical strategies for overcoming creative blocks and maintaining productivity. Our conversation offers valuable insights for writers and creatives looking to enhance their craft.

Links Worth ExploringPatrick’s WebsiteMy Upcoming Book: The Productivity DietAnnie Mueller’s BlogMicro.blog Platform

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.

[image error]

The post Episode 531: Writing | PM Talks S1:E6 appeared first on Productivityist.

The Intersection Of Purpose And Pleasure

The intersection of purpose and pleasure is a fascinating crossroad. And I’m trying to tip the balance towards the former.

My conversation with Mark Mears on A Productive Conversation (listen here) stirred a deeper dive into this realm. We often chase quick shots of pleasure, fleeting moments of joy that have the lifespan of a mayfly. But recently, I’ve found myself increasingly drawn towards simple, sustained pleasures, a direct outcome of my purpose-driven life.

When it comes to adopting that mindset it turns out I might be right on schedule.

According to this Psychology Today article, our happiness quotient in life significantly depends on whether we focus on purpose or pleasure. As we age, the scales subtly tip towards purpose. But why does this happen?

The Fleeting Nature of Pleasure

The bursts of pleasure we experience are fleeting, ephemeral, like fireworks that light up the sky for an instant and then fade into the dark. Purpose, on the other hand, offers a different kind of pleasure—a continuous, glowing ember that not only provides warmth but also lights the path ahead. It’s a deeper, richer experience that not only resonates within us but also creates ripples in the world around us.

We’re moving away from the concept of “doing things for the sake of doing them” towards a more rewarding ethos of “doing things that truly matter.” This is where purpose steps in—the ‘why’ that drives our actions, our decisions, and ultimately, our lives. It guides us through challenges and triumphs alike, giving meaning to our endeavors and infusing our days with a sense of fulfillment.

Yet, this doesn’t mean we forsake pleasure. Instead, it means we find pleasure in things that align with our purpose. It means we enjoy the journey as much as the destination. In my own experience, focusing more on purpose has opened up a new world of pleasures, simple yet profound. These are pleasures that aren’t fleeting but enduring—like the satisfaction of a job well done, the joy of meaningful connections, and the peace that comes from living in alignment with one’s values.

Embracing Purpose for Lasting Happiness

Purpose-driven pleasure doesn’t demand constant novelty or excitement. It finds joy in the ordinary, in the routines and rituals that make up our days. It’s the quiet contentment of knowing that our actions are in harmony with our deeper values and aspirations. This kind of pleasure is sustainable and enriching, providing a steady stream of satisfaction that enhances our overall well-being.

So I ask you: Where are you finding pleasure, and what purpose is driving you?

Reflect on the moments that bring you joy and consider how they align with your broader goals and values. Embrace the pleasures that resonate with your sense of purpose, and let them guide you towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

In the end, the intersection of purpose and pleasure isn’t a choice between one or the other. It’s about finding a balance where both can coexist and complement each other. It’s about creating a life where pleasure is not just about momentary highs but about sustained joy and satisfaction derived from living with purpose. By doing so, we can transform our daily experiences into a rich tapestry of meaning and happiness.

The post The Intersection Of Purpose And Pleasure appeared first on Mike Vardy.

The Intersection Of Purpose And Pleasure

[image error]

The intersection of purpose and pleasure is a fascinating crossroad. And I’m trying to tip the balance towards the former.

My conversation with Mark Mears on A Productive Conversation (listen here) stirred a deeper dive into this realm. We often chase quick shots of pleasure, fleeting moments of joy that have the lifespan of a mayfly. But recently, I’ve found myself increasingly drawn towards simple, sustained pleasures, a direct outcome of my purpose-driven life.

When it comes to adopting that mindset it turns out I might be right on schedule.

According to this Psychology Today article, our happiness quotient in life significantly depends on whether we focus on purpose or pleasure. As we age, the scales subtly tip towards purpose. But why does this happen?

The Fleeting Nature of Pleasure

The bursts of pleasure we experience are fleeting, ephemeral, like fireworks that light up the sky for an instant and then fade into the dark. Purpose, on the other hand, offers a different kind of pleasure—a continuous, glowing ember that not only provides warmth but also lights the path ahead. It’s a deeper, richer experience that not only resonates within us but also creates ripples in the world around us.

We’re moving away from the concept of “doing things for the sake of doing them” towards a more rewarding ethos of “doing things that truly matter.” This is where purpose steps in—the ‘why’ that drives our actions, our decisions, and ultimately, our lives. It guides us through challenges and triumphs alike, giving meaning to our endeavors and infusing our days with a sense of fulfillment.

Yet, this doesn’t mean we forsake pleasure. Instead, it means we find pleasure in things that align with our purpose. It means we enjoy the journey as much as the destination. In my own experience, focusing more on purpose has opened up a new world of pleasures, simple yet profound. These are pleasures that aren’t fleeting but enduring—like the satisfaction of a job well done, the joy of meaningful connections, and the peace that comes from living in alignment with one’s values.

Embracing Purpose for Lasting Happiness

Purpose-driven pleasure doesn’t demand constant novelty or excitement. It finds joy in the ordinary, in the routines and rituals that make up our days. It’s the quiet contentment of knowing that our actions are in harmony with our deeper values and aspirations. This kind of pleasure is sustainable and enriching, providing a steady stream of satisfaction that enhances our overall well-being.

So I ask you: Where are you finding pleasure, and what purpose is driving you?

Reflect on the moments that bring you joy and consider how they align with your broader goals and values. Embrace the pleasures that resonate with your sense of purpose, and let them guide you towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

In the end, the intersection of purpose and pleasure isn’t a choice between one or the other. It’s about finding a balance where both can coexist and complement each other. It’s about creating a life where pleasure is not just about momentary highs but about sustained joy and satisfaction derived from living with purpose. By doing so, we can transform our daily experiences into a rich tapestry of meaning and happiness.

The post The Intersection Of Purpose And Pleasure appeared first on Productivityist.