The Productivityist Podcast: Ideas And Tools For Personal Productivity | Time Management | Goals | Habits | Working Better

This week on the Productivityist Podcast, I am joined by Benjamin Hardy. Benjamin has been the #1 writer on Medium.com since 2016 and has organically grown his email list from 0-300,000+ subscribers in 2 years through his writings about self-improvement. His new book, Willpower Doesn’t Work came out this March. In this episode, we dived deep into the psychology of willpower. Some topics we discussed include the dangers of relying on willpower, why it seldom works, and a better approach to productivity. We also discussed journaling as a tool for improving yourself and achieving your goals, among many other things. Relevant Links Benjamin P. Hardy | Medium Willpower Doesn’t Work by Benjamin Hardy | Medium What You Need to Know About Willpower: Here’s What Actually Works You Can Never Change Your Life Through Willpower: Here’s What Actually Works Willpower Doesn’t Work: Here’s How to Actually Change Your Life Willpower is a Myth, and Believing in it Can Make Things Worse | CBC Radio Top Change Management

On the 200th(!) episode of The Productivityist Podcast my guest is Will Henshall. Will is the CEO and founder of Focus@Will, a tech music platform that helps 1.5m professionals be up to four times more productive at work. He has had a 30 year notable career as a startup entrepreneur, tech inventor and musician. He founded the platinum-selling 90s British pop soul band Londonbeat (he wrote Billboard #1 hit songs ‘I’ve Been Thinking About You’ and ‘Come Back’). In 1996 he started up San Francisco based Rocket Network, and invented the pro audio media transfer tool ProTools DigiDelivery, used extensively in movie post-production, sold to Avid in 2003. During our nearly hour-long conversation, we talked about the evolution of his entrepreneurial journey, attention and what distractibility has done to our productivity (and what he is doing to help combat that), the relationship between happiness and productivity, and so much more. Relevant Links Focus@Will I’ve Been Thinking About You by London Beat | YouTube

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Craig Kulyk. Craig writes about how to customize your morning to build better habits and be more productive. We spoke about intentionality, how routines set the tone for the day, how you can shift and adapt your rituals over time and more. Here are a few highlights from the show: The power of routines Building constraints (or you find yourself eating too many cookies) Starting points at building a routine The idea of sunk costs The role fear of missing out (FOMO) plays in our decision-making process Establishing breathing room or space into your morning routines Questions to ask that are causing challenges in your morning routine Planning your day The power of small changes Different things Craig has tried in his morning routine such as meditation, fasting, etc. Craig’s experience with the Tribe Conference Relevant Links Five Simple Strategies to Customize Your Morning Routine Start Here – Create Good Mornings What You Can Learn from Mike Vardy Abou

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Austin L Church. Austin is the author of children’s books and a consultant who loves helping people build businesses around the work that doesn’t feel like work to them. We spoke about theming, using physical tools to stay on track, keeping things simple and more. It was a great conversation that I think you’ll enjoy. Here are a few highlights from the show: Why it’s a great idea to give credit to others (a funny story) Using notecards How simplicity is a serious advantage Focusing on the right things at the right time Proactively ignoring certain things Managing complexity The importance of focusing and finishing Omission vs. elimination Why we overestimate what we can do in a day Overestimating urgency Abstractions and exceptions Creating durable plans Assigning weight to specific tasks based on the day and bigger goals Relevant Links Austin’s Website Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World Eat that Frog: 21 Great Ways to Stop

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Marc and Angel Chernoff. Marc and Angel are the authors of the new book Getting Back To Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality and Turn Your Trials Into Triumphs. We spoke about happiness, overcoming adversity and the role rituals play in our happiness. We also did a self-inquiry session which I found very insightful. It was a great conversation, I hope you enjoy it too. Here are a few highlights from the show: We are what we do on a daily basis The importance of rituals as a way to move forward Why rituals are a solid foundation for mindfulness and other tools How Marc and Angel work together The power of self-inquiry by journaling on the most stressful experiences Our thoughts and the way we think are the stories we tell ourselves 98% of the time, the problem is not the problem, it is something deeper Recording your thoughts, then reviewing them to bring awareness Whatever you’re seeing is an interpretation of what you’re thinking Ways to hav

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I speak with Benjamin Spall. Benjamin is the co-author of My Morning Routine: How Successful People Start Every Day Inspired, and the founding editor of the blog of the same name. During our discussion we touch on how morning routines are important to both early risers and night owls alike, what was discovered about routines during the research for the book, what he has taken from some of the routines that are in the book (and from the website as well), and more. The book reads like a solid reference book – a lot like Tim Ferriss’s Tools of Titans – and it’s a worthy addition to any bookshelf. Whether you use it to establish a solid routine or use it to find things to add or subtract to your own routines. Relevant Links Benjamin Spall’s Website My Morning Routine: How Successful People Start Every Day Inspired | Amazon Mike Vardy’s Morning Routine | My Morning Routine My Morning Routine on Facebook My Morning Routine on Twitter Thanks for listening. If y

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Carl Pullein. Carl is a personal productivity specialist, presenter and author of Your Digital Life and Working With Todoist: The Book. We spoke about the term “productivity,” how to get the most out of applications and more. Here are a few highlights from the show: What productivity means Why it’s so important to capture quickly How culture affects perspective and productivity What “hard edges” are and why it’s so important to productivity Using tools for their designed purpose The problem with having too many choices Why it can be great to stick with one app that has a specific purpose Why approach is more important than application We tend to overcomplicate applications Relevant Links Carl Pulein Your Digital Life & Working with Todoist How to Turbo-Charge Your Productivity by Using Hard Edges and Single Apps You Have a Choice and That’s the Problem Why the Front End Work is Essential if You Want to be Productive Thanks for listening. If yo

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Craig Filek. Craig is Executive Director of the Purpose Genome Institute and the creator of Purpose Mapping. He helps high-achievers realize their full potential by clarifying their purpose, aligning with their flow state, and making a meaningful contribution every day. We spoke about Purpose Mapping, how it provides users with valuable insights, and how it aligns with personal productivity. Here are a few highlights from the show: We spoke about the concept of “flow” How boundaries reinforce flow Why it’s important to double down on the things you really do well How Craig’s personal journey lead to the creation of Purpose Mapping How your purpose and mission relates with your day-to-day life Moving past the “Golden Hamster Wheel” Why the areas you struggle with are important to your breakthrough Relevant Links Purpose Mapping: The Dirty Little Secret of Every High-Achiever The Productivityist Podcast: Beyond the E-Myth with Michael E. Gerber | Productiv

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Holly Worton. Holly helps entrepreneurs dissolve their blocks and limiting beliefs around money and success. We discussed how Holly has a “Workcation Weekend” at a hotel once per month and uses this time to write books, rebrand her website and more. Here are a few highlights from the show: How Holly uses what she calls “hyperfocus” by freeing herself from distraction Why she goes to the same hotel for Workcation Weekends and has the same food How to take a Workcation Weekend with kids How Holly prepares for her time away Why it’s helpful to plan ahead for your bookends of the workweek The approach Holly uses to avoid burnout How to set aside time to have your own Workcation Weekend Relevant Links: Holly Worton | Business Mindset Alchemist The Definitive Guide to the Workcation Weekend | Business Mindset Alchemist Books by Holly Worton | Business Mindset Alchemist How I Write | Business Mindset Alchemist Resources | Business Mindset Alchemist Thanks

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Dr. Mark Lavercombe. Mark is a specialist physician and medical educator, who writes on productivity, clinical education and leadership at The Productive Physician. We spoke about how he defines productivity, how he became passionate about productivity, how he sets boundaries and more. Here are a few highlights from the show: Why misdiagnoses are common Know why you are doing something is essential How good assumptions can actually lead to bad habits (such as leaving email open) The balance between being reactive and proactive Identifying what you want to achieve as well as why you want to achieve it Linking motivation with the emotional and intellectual basis for goals helps clarify thinking Making time for yourself Setting boundaries according to rules that you establish Relevant Links: The Productive Physician Why Productivity for Physicians Create a Personal Mission Statement for the LIFE YOU want Do You Want an Extraordinary Life? Choose Deep Wor

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Andy Murphy, the founder of Mindset by Design. Andy has helped world champion athletes, multi-millionaire entrepreneurs, Hollywood producers and actors, and even royalty design their mindsets. We discussed what changing and designing your mindset can do for you, how NLP can help you when it is used for good, why it matters who is in your network, and more. Here are a few highlights from the show: Where most people get stuck regarding mindset What neuro-linguistic programming is Removing confirmation bias Why it is important to train ourselves to in each area of our life Our default setting is whatever is safe When we grow, our network changes as well Relevant Links: Mindset by Design Andy Murphy | Twitter Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing… and start going! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my re

Today’s guest is Anne Bogel. Anne is a podcaster, blogger, and author. She is also known as a tastemaker through her popular book lists and reading guides. Recently, Anne wrote a new book titled Reading People: How Seeing The World Through The Lens of Personality Changes Everything. We spoke about the power of reading, personality frameworks, and why it is important to be self-aware. Here are some highlights of the show: The different kinds of personality tests: Enneagram, Myers Briggs, DISC Why the same activity can be healthy for some people but stressful for others Knowing your motives so you can be really productive Why many introverts can look like extroverts Why circumstances can affect how introverted or extroverted we are in different situations The importance of taking time to step back and reflect Relevant Links: Anne Bogel’s website Reading People: How Seeing the World Through Lens of Personality Changes Everything | Amazon The Power of Moments | Amazon The Road Back to You: An Enneagra

It’s time for another episode of the Productivityist Podcast! Our guest this week is Andrew McDonald. Andrew is a self-made speaker, author, and coach whose passion is to leave the world better than he found it. Tune in as we spoke about imposter syndrome, navigating through negative situations, getting unstuck, and the power of a morning routine. Here are some of the highlights of the show: One simple thing you can do to get unstuck The power of journaling Things that hamper your productivity Boundaries and opportunities cost Making reminders through rules to avoid information overload Using feedback to reflect, learn and grow Handling big life changes Relevant Links: Possess Your Success Stop Worrying About What Other People Think New Opportunity – 3 Considerations Before Saying Yes or No Set Reminders to Elevate Your Productivity Self-Reflection: 7 Questions to Ask Yourself to Keep Moving Forward  Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a si

Today’s guest is Terri Savelle Foy. Terri is a motivational speaker, Youtuber and cheerleader of dreams. Terri is also the author of a new book called Declutter Your Way to Success: the Keys to Organize Your Life. We spoke about how your environment affects your mindset, why it is important to define your definition of organization and how you can maintain a standard of excellence in your life. Here are some highlights of the show: Our homes reflect our inner state Why unfinished tasks can stall deep work The “laundry basket of success” Why changing the world starts with making your bed Building a momentum by using a timer Using the “Don’t Break the Chain” method with a calendar Relevant Links: Terri Savelle Foy Declutter Your Way to Success | Amazon Declutter Your Way to Success Kit Make Your Bed First Terri Savelle Foy | Twitter Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going!

Today’s guest is Marli Williams. Marli is a speaker, activation coach, purpose finder and inspiration generator. Her mission in life is to inspire and empower people to go from stuck to STOKED! In this episode, we spoke about the power of live, in-person events, courage, growth and living a life of fun. Here are some highlights of the show: What made her decide to quit a day job she enjoyed The power of quotes in providing inspiration The value of in-person experiences in a comfortable setting We are more connected than ever before but still long for meaningful connections Doing things whenever you want during the year Making tasks more fun and enjoyable Enjoying the process of creation as well as the goal Asking questions like “How can I make this more fun?” Knowing your strengths and getting help in other areas Relevant Links: Marli Williams Website Marli Williams @marli_williams | Twitter Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episo

Today’s guest is Dr. Mary Lamia – a clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst and the author of the new book What Motivates Getting Things Done. We spoke about why it is important to have ways to create absolute deadlines, the role emotions have in personal productivity, the nature of distraction and more. Some of the topics we discuss include: How specific deadlines combined with accountability can help Task driven people vs. procrastinators Why emotions are what really motivate us A fear of failure is significantly present among those who are successful Why shame anxiety is a powerful motivation too Why distractions are not a bad thing The importance of focusing your stress Relevant Links: Mary Lamia | Website What Motivates Getting Things Done Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csiksszentmihalyi | Amazon How Procrastinators Get Things Done | Psychology Today Mary Lamia @drlamia | Twitter Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a

Our guest this week is Jeff Sanders: a keynote speaker, founder of the Rocking Productivity Academy and the author of the new book The Free Time Formula. In this episode, we spoke about health-centered productivity, being intentional with your time, and much more. Here are a few more topics we covered: Waking up with a plan and jumpstarting your day with intention How the Free-Time Formula Works How free-time is often already set with habits The connection between health and productivity Things Jeff has discovered in having health-first productivity approach Focusing on quick wins over the short-term instead of the long-term Finding a healthy rhythm with pausing Jeff’s new productivity system Relevant Links: JeffSanders.com – Keynote Speaker and Author of the 5 AM Miracle The Free-Time Formula Book by Jeff Sanders The 5 AM Miracle Podcast 7 Essential Elements of Productivity | Jeff Sanders Jeff Sanders @jeffsanderstv | Twitter Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subs

This week on the podcast, Chris Ducker joins me for another value-packed episode! Chris is a serial entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker, and the founder of Youpreneur.com. He just released a new book titled Rise of The Youpreneur which I truly believe will be a bestseller. We had a fantastic conversation. Here are a few specific topics we covered: The rise of the Youpreneur and what that means What it takes to be a Youpreneur The role of hard work or hustle How to course correct The importance of self-awareness What Chris is focusing on right now Why you should wear your heart on your sleeve Relevant Links: Rise of the Youpreneur | Amazon Purchase Rise of the Youpreneur here to get special bonus ChrisDucker.com | Helping Entrepreneurs Become More Productive and Profitable Youpreneur: The Entrepreneurial Community Where Nobody Gets Left Behind How to Launch a Book Guerilla-Style | Page Two Strategies Youpreneur Mike Vardy | Google Search The Productivityist Podcast: Fostering Your Inner Youpr

Tyler Tervooren joins me for a new episode at the Productivityist Podcast! Tyler is a serial entrepreneur, the founder of Riskology, former co-producer of the World Domination Summit – an annual event for free-thinkers and non-conformists, and has completed a marathon on every continent. Join us on this episode as we spoke about being an introvert leader, how culture is shifting, and more. Here are a few highlights from our conversation: Why introverts can, in fact, be leaders How being an introvert is actually an advantage Why you should be introspective about before looking for resources Learning to rely more on your intuition Eliminating self-doubts through small actions Growth mindset and how it applies to the learning process Relevant Links: Riskology The Top 5 Leadership Challenges of Introverts (and How to Beat Them) | Riskology Growth Mindset: The Science of Achieving Your Potential| Riskology Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance | Amazon Tyler Tervooren | Twitter Thanks for list

This week’s episode is with Anthony Metivier, founder of the Magnetic Memory Method, a systematic, 21st Century approach to memorizing foreign language vocabulary, dreams, names, music, poetry and much more in ways that are easy, effective and fun. We spoke about how your memory can affect your personal productivity as well as how to optimize your memory. Here are a few highlights from this episode: Memorizing your entire to-do list vs. memorizing certain items Learning memory techniques for vocabulary, numbers, names, facts, and details about others When you strengthen your memory like a muscle, it also strengthens your mind. The power found in memorizing a deck of cards Using visuals as memory tools and turning numbers into words The Magnetic Memory method and how it works Why intentionality is essential for memorization Memory and information overload Why you should know focus on how you learn Relevant Links: Magnetic Memory Method The Free Memory Improvement Kit What’s Your Learning Style A