Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life Productivity A-Z 2025 - Part 2: Letters N-Z
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Dec 30, 2025 
Mike Vardy, a productivity writer and podcaster known for his time crafting techniques, dives deep into productivity concepts. He emphasizes the importance of nuance in productivity, moving beyond rigid rules to fit real-life contexts. Vardy discusses sustainable pacing over speed, advocating for smart progress that avoids burnout. He also highlights the necessity of rest as a core part of productivity and introduces the idea of creating rhythm in work to adapt to varying energy levels. Additionally, he explores capturing small ideas and the importance of reflection for strategic insights.
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Productivity Needs Nuance
- Nuance resists the pull of absolutism and lets productivity fit real life.
- Mike Vardy says embracing shades of gray keeps productivity human and practical.
Schedule True Reset Days
- Intentionally schedule null days to stop producing work and reset your system.
- Erik Fisher warns that resting is productive even when you produce nothing.
Switch Work Modes Deliberately
- Oscillate between work modes (deep, light, admin) rather than treating all work equally.
- Mike Vardy says switching modes sustains progress without constant speed.
