138: Hyper-Scheduling Revisited

In 'Courage Is Calling', Ryan Holiday explores the virtue of courage through engaging stories about historic and contemporary leaders such as Florence Nightingale, Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The book breaks down the elements of fear, cowardice, bravery, and heroism, and shows how to conquer fear and practice courage in daily life. Holiday also shares personal anecdotes, including his own experiences with courage and cowardice, to emphasize the importance of choosing to act courageously despite the presence of fear.

In 'Make Time', Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky offer a framework to help individuals manage their time more effectively. The book introduces the concept of the 'Busy Bandwagon' and 'Infinity Pools' (endless digital content) that consume our time. It proposes a four-step daily process: Highlight (identify the most important task), Laser (focus on that task), Energize (maintain energy levels), and Reflect (evaluate and improve the process). The authors provide over 80 actionable tips to help readers implement these steps and make meaningful time for what truly matters.

Rory Vaden's "Procrastinate on Purpose" challenges conventional productivity wisdom. Instead of fighting procrastination, Vaden suggests strategically delaying tasks to maximize efficiency and focus. The book introduces the concept of the "Focus Funnel," a five-step process for prioritizing tasks based on their importance and the individual's unique strengths. Readers learn to eliminate, automate, delegate, procrastinate (purposefully), and concentrate on high-impact activities. The book emphasizes the importance of working in one's signature strength area and avoiding distractions.