On this episode, I chat with my good friend Charlie Gilkey. He’s the author of the book Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done and is the founder of Productive Flourishing, a company that helps professional creatives, leaders, and changemakers take meaningful action on work that matters. Charlie and I have been friends for years and we see eye to eye and a lot in the world of personal productivity. This book has been a long time coming and we spend time discussing the building of the book, the role of pacing in productivity, the idea of the “thrash” and how it impacts finishing, and much more. There’s a lot to unpack in this episode and I’m really happy to bring to you. Enjoy! Talking Points We talk about the relationship between starting and finishing to the calendar How important is pacing when it comes to productivity? Charlie explains where folks like him and I can get in trouble How does someone keep themselves from getting run over by other projects when they are focusing on other ones? This is something that didn’t make the cut during the editing process of Charlie’s book Charlie says that this is one of the pillars of productivity What is thrashing? What does Charlie think about making all projects…well, projects? How did Charlie deal with thrashing during the writing of his book? Charlie talks about getting past the “hard side of things” Quote “A project in motion stays in motion. A project at rest stays at rest.” Helpful Links Start Finishing Productive Flourishing The Productivityist Podcast: Jon Acuff The Productivityist Podcast: Cal Newport The Productivityist Podcast: James Clear The Productivityist Podcast: Josh Kaufman The Productivityist Podcast: Austin Kleon Finishing is hard. But it can be done as long as you know that you’re going to face this idea of “thrashing” along the way, especially for things that really matter to you. I know I’m going to face that thrashing as I write my book (among other things) and knowing that is going to be there is the first step in seeing it through to the finish. The next step you could (and should) take is picking up Charlie’s book because it will help you with every other step thereafter. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This time around I’m joined by Michael Ventura. Michael is the founder & CEO of Sub Rosa – a strategy and design practice – and the author of Applied Empathy. Michael and I talk about why it’s important to know the distinction between sympathy and empathy, what you can do if you want start applying empathy, and why knowing the differences between the types of empathy is important. I really enjoyed my conversation with Michael and I hope you do as well. Talking Points Michael suggests that finding empathy, let alone applying it, is as elusive as I think it is Michael digs into what empathy is but more importantly… what it isn’t Michael talks about the different types of empathy I ask Michael how someone who is trying to help or advise someone when you’re not able to completely empathize with them because their circumstances are so foreign to you Michael discusses the importance of asking questions and why follow up questions are so critical What is a virtue you need have in your toolkit to help you in applying empathy? When did Michael realize that empathy was something he needed to explore? How important is it for people to learn the language of empathy and apply it regularly? We talk about an easy way to understand the difference between sympathy and empathy How does Michael go about helping organizations foster empathy? How can someone take what Michael teaches and apply it on a personal level? What is a simple step that someone can take to start applying empathy today? Quote “If you go to a doctor and tell them ‘My knee hurts’ they don’t jump into ‘Well, there’s five different surgeries we could do to fix your knee.’ They’re going to do some x-rays, they’re going to some CAT scans, and what they might find is that you’ve got a bum ankle. And your ankle is going to throw off your knee a lot. So the root cause isn’t going to be the knee. The knee’s just where it’s showing up.” Helpful Links Applied Empathy Your Lack of Patience is Killing You Brené Brown: The Call to Courage While understanding and applying empathy may not seem helpful to your personal productivity, once you have a better grasp of empathy it can save you time when looking inward and dealing with others. Understanding and applying empathy can help you stay in touch with your humanity in a world that is driven by getting things done. I’m going to try to more on applying empathy to my work and my life and I encourage you to do the same. And Michael’s book is a great place to start. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode I speak with my friend and returning guest, Mike Rohde. Mike is the author of two bestselling books: The Sketchnote Handbook and The Sketchnote Workbook – and co-creator of the new Kickstarter project, The Sketchnote Ideabook. He presents workshops around the world that encourage people to use visual thinking skills to generate, capture and share ideas more effectively. Mike is also the illustrator of bestselling books REWORK, REMOTE, The $100 Startup, and The Little Book of Talent. He has been commissioned to create live sketchnotes for conferences and events, including SXSW Interactive, An Event Apart, Summit Series, and the World Domination Summit. We touched on a variety of topics during our conversation, including an industry that he is elated to see embracing sketchnotes, his usage (and the evolution) of The Daily Plan Bar, and all about his latest project: The Sketchnote Ideabook. Talking Points Why did Mike decide to create a notebook when there are so many out there now? What does Mike look for in a notebook? What has excited Mike most about the rise in popularity in sketchnoting? Mike talks about the intersection between digital and analog What’s happened with The Daily Plan Bar since the last time we spoke Where does Mike keep the long-term things he needs to work on at some point? Does Mike have plans for more products beyond The Sketchnote Ideabook? These are the things that surprised Mike the most as sketchnoting has spread over the years This is the one language that Mike is surprised that his books has not been translated into Quote “If you looked at everything then you wouldn’t have enough lifetime to look at it all.” Helpful Links The Sketchnote Ideabook The Revenge of Analog The Daily Plan Bar The Sketchnote Font The Sketchnote Mini-Workshop rohdesign The Sketchnote Army Analog isn’t going anywhere. It has evolved and will continue to evolve as it finds new ways to take hold in various aspects of our lives. Sketchnoting is an example of this; it’s been around for a decade and it keeps growing in popularity. I’m getting back into it myself and you’ll be seeing more and more of my work showing that in the weeks and months to come. I encourage you to check out the helpful links to see if sketchnoting will work for you. As far as I’m concerned, the sky is the limit for what Mike has crafted – and continues to craft. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashleigh Hansberger is an award winning brand and business innovator. She was named by Inc Magazine as one of the “Top 30 Under 30” coolest entrepreneurs in America. She is the Co-founder and Chief of Strategy at Motto, a leading branding and digital agency that builds brands for emerging challengers and global brands who want to change the game in their industry. Ashleigh and I spend much of this episode talking about her first book, Rare Breed: A Guide to Success for the Defiant, Dangerous, and Different, which is described as “an unorthodox business book for the rebels, outsiders, and provocateurs — anyone with the ambition to lead, create, inspire and provoke change on your own terms by owning who you are.” Are you a “rare breed” or not? Give this episode a listen and find out the answer to that question…and many more! Talking Points How Ashleigh encourages people to embrace being a rare breed We talk about impostor syndrome Ashleigh mentions one of the things that holds people back How Ashleigh helps companies leverage the rare breeds within their organization What can a “rare breed” do to get into a situation that works better for them? Do support systems exist for the rare breed? How do you find them? When one person who’s a rare breed steps up in an organization, do others that are usually follow suit? I talk about – oddly enough – pro wrestling and how it relates to the concept of being a rare breed and sharing vision We dig into why focusing on purpose, values, and vision is not something that we spend enough time on Do people who embrace their “rare breed-ness” do they have an easier time saying no or yes to certain things? Why do rare breeds have difficulty turning intentions into action? Does Ashleigh think that rare breeds act differently at work than when they are off the clock? Ashleigh reveals if she journals and her thoughts on journaling for rare breeds What’s one thing that Ashleigh feels that rare breeds could use to help them take action and thrive Quote “I call that self-care. To be able to define your vision…and to give yourself time to think ‘Why am I doing this in the first place?’, ‘Why is this important to me?’, ‘What is my purpose?’, ‘What are the values that we have?’ – that’s caring for your business or caring for yourself and your own path.” Relevant Links Rare Breed: A Guide to Success for the Defiant, Dangerous, and Different The Greatest Showman The 5 Second Rule Episode 243: The Art of Noticing with Rob Walker This is Rare Breed Motto Being a rare breed can be tough. But you can make it work. There are support systems – albeit small – that can help. You don’t need to go it alone. If you’re willing to take risks and can find a way to deal with being a rare breed (or even embrace it) then you’ll be able to do great things consciously and consistently. Oh, and Ashleigh’s book can help you with that process. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeffrey Gitomer joins me on this episode of the program. Jeffrey is the author of 15 best-selling books. He’s a creative, on-the-edge, writer and speaker whose expertise on sales, customer loyalty, and personal development is world renowned. Known for presentations, seminars, and keynote addresses that are funny, insightful, in your face, real world, off the wall, and on the money. Given exclusive access to the archives of the Napoleon Hill Foundation, Jeffrey’s most recent book is called Truthful Living: The First Writings of Napoleon Hill. It is the very foundation of Napoleon Hill’s self-help legacy: his long-lost original notes, letters, and lectures—now compiled, edited, and annotated for the modern reader. The focus of our conversation revolves around his book and his vast knowledge and understanding of Hill’s work. Talking Points Jeffrey offers a personal example of how he gets into the right mindset through mindfulness This is what Jeffrey does that most people don’t do to tap into productivity These are the only things that Jeffrey gets notified on…and he reveals how he mitigates the distractions that notifications can occur Jeffrey shares what Napoleon Hill was spending his time on leading up to his later success Listen to a passage from the book discussing “The 5 Point Rule’ What Hill would look at instead of productivity as a measuring stick How does Jeffrey keep himself from spreading himself too thin? This is what shocked Jeffrey when he was putting Truthful Living together Who to look to for timeless personal development advice instead of the latest writings on the subject Jeffrey discusses the sales tactics that don’t work any longer – including qualifying customers How can someone escape the grip of over complicating things? We talk about the concept of work-life balance and the lessons that Hill shares regarding that concept Jeffrey shares his thoughts on the importance of communication and how he’s used communication effectively Quote “Don’t look for the shortcut. Take the ‘longcut.’ The longcut will get you there a hell of a lot faster than the shortcut.” Relevant Links Truthful Living: The First Writings of Napoleon Hill Outliers: The Story of Success Jeffrey Gitomer’s Sales Manifesto The 106 Year Old Problem Self-Help Character Ryan Holiday on Medium Gitomer.com It's clear that much - if not all - of the advice related to time management and productivity has been around for a long time. I've discussed it on my blog and Jeffrey drives that point home through sharing the insights of Napoleon Hill. You don't need to look to articles online or shared posts on Facebook to discover what you can do to better yourself in these areas. The good stuff has been out there for a while now. That stuff is timeless. Spend time looking into the work of the past and you'll find ways to better shape your future. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the podcast, I spend time chatting with Paula Mosher Wallace. We spoke about the emotional component that needs to get considered when you’re trying to manage your time. It’s something that Paula feels gets cast aside in a world driven by the pursuit of productivity at all costs. I met Paula at Jeff Goins’s Tribe Conference and we spent a lunch break learning more about each other, something that led to me asking her to join me on the show. We touch on several of the discussion points we brought up during that lunch break but go deeper into things than we did on that day. Talking Points Paula shares her experience with productivity in business and her personal life Why (and how) Paula challenged me on my methodology and philosophy of TimeCrafting What Paula believes the “missing piece” is to most – if not all – time management systems When and where does the emotional time management piece come into play if one’s day was mapped out We look at strategies that you can use to keep going even when emotional turmoil shows up Why does Paula think people fight off their emotions when it comes to this kind of thing? What Paula recommends people do to get started with taking emotional time management into account The importance of finding whatever you need to use to help you keep your intentions front and center What’s one thing that someone can do right to get started with emotional time management? The things you can do to help you either work through or offset the toll that emotions can have on you Does Paula journal…and what are her thoughts on journaling? Quote “It’s understanding that I have long term and meaningful – kind of what I call ‘eternal’ goals – like my relationship with my children that is not a task.” Relevant Links Bloom In The Dark Tribe Conference Episode 215: Running Down a Dream with Tim Grahl Bloom Forward Journal You’ll find that I thought we’d be wrapping up this episode at about the 30 minute mark but Paula and I kept going. This episode is definitely more of a back-and-forth conversation than I usually deliver. I was so involved in the conversation because I feel the piece Paula is bringing to light is that crucial. Honestly, the big takeaway from this episode is that taking and making time to take emotional time management into account is important. Really important. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by fellow Canadian and author of the book Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition and Accelerate Your Career, Scott H. Young. Scott is a writer, programmer, traveler and avid reader of interesting things. His blog is one of my personal “must reads” and over its lifespan it has asked the compelling question: What’s the best way to learn? On this episode of the podcast, I wanted to talk to Scott about the answers to that question his blog (and writing) has been pondering since its beginnings. I also wanted to explore the idea of “ultra learning,” why striving to be an “ultralearner” is a worthwhile pursuit, and plenty of other productivity-related questions that I’ve wanted to ask him ever since I started following his work years ago. Talking Points What is ultralearning? The differences between “just in time learning” and ultralearning and how they can work together What the first thing Scott “ultralearned” was and how it went for him What you can do to get past the misconception that you don’t have time to spend on ultralearning These are the principles of ultralearning that people tend to “mess up” the most Why Scott had to explain the principles of ultra learning and offer tactics that may work in conjunction with those principles The best principle that offers a springboard to ultralearning The role that focus plays in ultralearning Is there a point when you tend to find it’s time to abandon ultralearning a particular subject or area? How spending time ultralearning can lead towards a pivot Why does this book matter now? Quote “The ultralearner is the person who is going to do that hard thing even if it’s a little bit more uncomfortable and get that result rather than someone who is going to do that easy thing that isn’t going to make much progress.” Relevant Links Get Ultralearning by Scott H. Young Episode 226: How to Build a Company of One with Paul Jarvis The MIT Challenge Episode 211: Hyperfocus with Chris Bailey Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength Episode 201: Willpower Doesn’t Work with Benjamin Hardy Scott Young’s Blog By the time you’re done listening to this episode you’ll have a sense not only what ultra learning is and how it can work for you, but that it’s something you can certainly do if you decide it’s important enough to make happen. That’s the key. (FYI: Scott’s book will help you with that decision.) Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the podcast, I am joined by Joel Heath. Joel is founder & CEO of FluidStance, the world’s first work platform that elicits subtle movement where you are stuck working. His personal purpose is to move the world and FluidStance’s purpose is to help set the world in motion. Talking Points How I’ve been using my FluidStance deck What FluidStance is and why Joel started FluidStance How the FluidStance fits into my office “productivity zones” Joel describes what he calls “The 70-20-10 Model” How Joel approaches the concept of moderation in various areas of his life Joel’s thoughts on walking meetings and recognizing his true role in his company How someone can adopt healthier habits and forge a healthier lifestyle How the words we use can really shift perspective and choice What Joel thinks about the term “work-life balance” We talk a bit about comfort and complacency How important it is the element of beauty and craft in what Joel does Quote “A thousand changes in a positive direction can have a huge impact.” Relevant Links FluidStance Episode 227: Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear How I Built This: Michael Rubin Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport Here’s One Thing You Can Do to Make Your To Do List Better I had a great time chatting with Joel and I’ve been using my FluidStance deck off and on ever since our conversation. I could stand to use it more often (see what I did there?) and revisiting this episode when putting together these notes have inspired me to do so. Why? Because I have been working on my health over the past several months and I know that my FluidStance deck can have a positive impact on that project. And as Joel said…every little bit helps. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, I speak with Mike McDerment, the co-founder and CEO of FreshBooks. FreshBooks is the world’s #1 cloud accounting software for self-employed professionals. Built in 2003 after he accidentally saved over an invoice, Mike spent 3.5 years growing FreshBooks from his parents’ basement. Since then, over 24 million people have used FreshBooks to save time billing, and collect billions of dollars. A lover of the outdoors, Mike has been bitten so many times it’s rumoured he’s the first human to have developed an immunity to mosquitoes. Mike McDerment is also the author of Breaking the Time Barrier – How to Unlock Your True Earning Potential, a book that lets most freelancers and small businesses discover their billing blind spots and determine if they are charging what they are really worth. Small business owners sometimes struggle to assert their worth in a competitive market place. Sometimes, they suffer from imposter syndrome. Other times, they just feel grateful to have clients who pay on time, so they undercharge. And, over time, some simply don’t increase their rates, afraid of having awkward money conversations. But, rest assured, they are not alone. If you run a small business, knowing and charging your worth can be a difficult thing so Mike McDerment and Donald Cowper wrote this book as a guide to value-based pricing and unlocking your true earning potential.   Talking Points The history and background of FreshBooks What has FreshBooks become and where is it at right now?  The equation between time and money and what a “time barrier” is  Quantitative productivity versus qualitative productivity  Billing by the hour versus billing by value  Why did Mike start a secret company to compete with his existing one?  The value of the secret company experiment and the time spent doing the experiment  Spending time with exploration and experimentation  Approaching life on a complementary lens How does Mike McDerment approach his work? Quote “With the time barrier in the book, the premise is around called value based billing. So instead of charging how much time you spent on something instead charge the value you bring. The two don’t always go together. I think that’s the thing that people don’t understand.” Relevant Links: Website Twitter LinkedIn Book: Breaking the Time Barrier – How to Unlock Your True Earning Potential The key takeaway from this episode is that the ability to work so little and produce so much income had a lot to do with how one priced and positioned his or her services, something most small business owners struggle with. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, I spent time with Kris McPeak. Kris is the author of “Elevate Your 8: 21 Days to Prosperous Time Management” and the CEO of SilverPeak Development, an online career coaching community. During the day she also works at the foundation of a community college. Kris loves swimming, knitting, binge-watching TV, and learning new things. Kris McPeak is a self-appointed guru on work-life balance and finding your dream job. Kris worked successfully and happily in higher education, specifically College Housing. She came to a point in her career where the late hours and high touch students are parents started sucking the life out of her. Kris made a claim that she was going to be a housing officer who worked a 40 hour work week and stick to it. According to Kris McPeak’s book, Elevate Your 8: 21 Days to Prosperous Time Management, productivity and time management success comes down to simple math. There are 24 workable hours in every day. Work 8 hours. Sleep 8 hours. What’s left? 8 Hours. How do you be more productive and manage your time? You elevate your 8.   Talking Points What are the “8”?  What can be done with hours after the “8”?  On measuring time spent on doing things  Things that needs to be done now vs. Things that can be done later  Scheduling the weekend  The concept of pairing activities and journaling things  What can one do to help them elevate their 8?  Quote “If we are only working 8 hours a day and we are getting a full 8 hours of sleep at night, what remains is 8 hours. So when I say elevate your 8, that is where you are taking the time to prioritize and utilize those other 8 hours to really ramp up your time management and productivity.”  Relevant Links: Website Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest Book: Elevate Your 8: 21 Days to Prosperous Time Management The key takeaway from this episode is that if one works only 8 hours a day and sleeps 8 hours a day, then time management boils down to that “Other 8” and that’s usually where people get tripped up. People should think of time as money and prioritize their “spending” because there truly are only 24 usable hours every day. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices