

119: Productivity & Meditation, with Chris Bailey
In this discussion, Chris Bailey, a productivity expert and author of "The Productivity Project," shares deep insights from his journey into productivity. He highlights how meditation can revolutionize focus and combat procrastination. The conversation explores the path of least regret, emphasizing living authentically and aligning actions with intentions. Chris also discusses overcoming the productivity paradox and the significance of mindfulness, advocating for a balance between productivity and enjoying the present moment.
01:33:26
A Year of Productivity
- Chris Bailey declined job offers to study productivity, a decision his family didn't understand.
- His girlfriend, now wife, supported him, and he viewed it as the path of least regret.
Productivity Paradox
- Studying productivity can seem counterintuitive, like studying money to make money.
- It's about aligning actions with intentions, regardless of the topic's perceived value.
Regret as Risk
- Regret is a long-term risk, often overlooked in decision-making.
- Reframing regret as a risk allows for a holistic perspective, considering potential future regrets.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
The Path of Least Regret
02:23 • 20min
The Productivity Paradox
22:07 • 7min
The Journey of Productivity: Mindfulness and Gratitude
28:56 • 11min
Finding Engagement in Challenging Times
39:48 • 3min
Understanding the Here and Now Circuit: Presence vs. Productivity
43:10 • 4min
Unlocking Time Through Meditation: A Productivity Perspective
47:21 • 5min
The Power of Meditation for Productivity
51:51 • 7min
Embracing Meditation Motions and App Guidance
59:11 • 2min
Demystifying Meditation: Beyond Spirituality
01:01:23 • 5min
Exploring Mindfulness: From App-Based to Unguided Meditation
01:06:24 • 4min
Embracing the Journey of Meditation: Overcoming Discomfort and Curiosity
01:10:42 • 3min
Embracing Humor in Meditation Practice
01:13:25 • 3min
Conquering Procrastination with a Resistance List
01:16:14 • 13min
Finding Calm in an Anxious World for Enhanced Productivity
01:28:56 • 4min

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Daniel Z. Lieberman


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The Molecule of More delves into the role of dopamine in human behavior, revealing how this neurotransmitter drives our desires, fuels creativity, and influences various aspects of life including love, business, addiction, and politics.
The authors argue that dopamine is not just a 'pleasure molecule' but a chemical of anticipation and possibility, which explains why we often crave what we don’t have and why we are driven to pursue new and unexpected things.
The book uses insights from psychology, neuroscience, and social studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of dopamine’s impact on the human condition.

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Instead, Shawn Achor presents evidence-based strategies showing that happiness is the precursor to success.
Drawing on original research, including one of the largest studies of happiness ever conducted, Achor outlines seven practical principles such as the Tetris Effect, the Zorro Circle, and Social Investment.
These principles help readers rewire their brains for positivity and optimism, leading to improved performance, creativity, and overall well-being in both personal and professional life.

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Henepola Gunaratana
This book is a detailed introduction to mindfulness and meditation, particularly focusing on the Vipassana (insight) meditation practice from the Theravada Buddhist tradition.
It addresses common misconceptions about meditation, provides practical advice on developing a meditation practice, and includes chapters on loving-kindness and concentration.
The book is designed for both beginners and established students, offering guidance on overcoming challenges during meditation and integrating mindfulness into everyday life.

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How to Train Your Mind
Exploring the Productivity Benefits of Meditation


Chris Bailey
In 'How to Train Your Mind', Chris Bailey explores the practical and tactical benefits of a meditation practice, focusing on how meditation can enhance productivity.
The book argues that meditation can help individuals think more clearly, reduce procrastination, and become more effective in their work and personal lives.
Bailey provides strategies for starting and maintaining a meditation practice, including guided meditations, and discusses how meditation can 'de-stimulate' the mind to improve focus and efficiency.
He also suggests that for every minute spent meditating, one can gain around nine minutes of productivity back.

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Eat That Frog


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Hyperfocus
How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction

Chris Bailey
In 'Hyperfocus', Chris Bailey explores the science of attention and provides practical strategies for managing distractions.
The book introduces two key mental modes: hyperfocus, which is intense and deliberate attention for high productivity, and scatterfocus, a creative mode that allows for novel connections and insights.
Bailey offers advice on setting intentions, modifying environments to reduce distractions, controlling motivation, and strategically using both hyperfocus and scatterfocus to enhance productivity and creativity.

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It weaves together personal recollections and hard-won advice from these 'wisest Americans,' providing practical and inspirational guidance for readers.
The lessons are categorized into areas such as happy marriages, successful careers, effective parenting, and aging fearlessly, offering a comprehensive guide to living well.

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The Productivity Project
Accomplishing More by Managing Your Time, Attention, and Energy


Chris Bailey
In 'The Productivity Project', Chris Bailey shares the results of his year-long deep dive into the science of personal productivity.
The book includes 25 powerful productivity tactics, derived from hundreds of experiments and interviews with experts like David Allen and Charles Duhigg.
Bailey discusses counterintuitive insights such as slowing down to work more deliberately, shrinking or eliminating the unimportant, and the concept of productive procrastination.
The book is designed to be practical and entertaining, offering actionable advice and exercises to help readers improve their productivity and overall well-being.
Author Chris Bailey joins us to talk about the productivity benefits of meditation, conquering resistance, and the path of least regret.
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