David Kolbe, CEO of Kolbe Corp and co-author of 'Do More, More Naturally', reveals the power of understanding conation—our instinctive ways of taking action. He discusses how embracing individual productivity styles can prevent burnout and enhance teamwork. The conversation highlights the importance of working authentically rather than adhering to rigid productivity models. Kolbe also shares practical steps to realign with natural working rhythms and the role of diverse strengths within teams, fueling a more harmonious approach to success.
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insights INSIGHT
Unnatural Productivity
People often follow productivity advice that works for others, not themselves.
This leads to wasted energy and unnatural work habits, hindering true productivity.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Embrace Nuance
Understand yourself and your natural tendencies first.
Be a discerning consumer of advice, choosing what works for you, not just others.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Organizational Openness
Organizations should create space for employees to work naturally, without compromising results.
Start small, build trust, and showcase successes to encourage broader adoption.
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Do More, More Naturally: Empowering Effortless Success and the Freedom to Be Yourself
Do More, More Naturally: Empowering Effortless Success and the Freedom to Be Yourself
David Kolbe
Amy Kolbe
When I first heard the term conative, I was surprised I hadn’t come across it before. After all, I live in the productivity space. But after my conversation with David Kolbe, it became clear just how crucial it is to understand this third part of the mind—especially if we want to work more naturally and avoid burnout.
David is the CEO of Kolbe Corp and co-author of the book Do More, More Naturally: Empowering Effortless Success and the Freedom to Be Yourself. In this episode, we dive into how understanding your instinctive strengths—the way you naturally take action—can dramatically shift your productivity, your teamwork, and your overall approach to work and time.
Six Discussion Points
What “conative” means and why it’s a vital (and often overlooked) aspect of how we get things done
The three parts of the mind—cognitive, affective, and conative—and how each plays a role in productivity
How to stop following one-size-fits-all productivity advice and instead lean into your natural strengths
What organizations can do to allow employees to operate more naturally without sacrificing excellence
Why balance isn’t about 50/50—it’s about harmony and nuance
Practical steps for realigning with your natural way of working when feeling stuck or exhausted
David’s insights are a refreshing reminder that productivity isn’t just about what we do—it’s about how we instinctively do it. I walked away from this conversation with a new appreciation for nuance, individuality, and the value of building systems that work with our natural tendencies rather than against them. If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but still not in flow, this episode might be just what you need.
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A Productive Conversation