Productive Flourishing Podcast

This is our first Q & A episode and I’m excited about it. In today’s episode I discuss: 1) creative ways to use the results from your productivity heat map, 2) how I suggest people approach heat mapping when their schedule is largely determined by somebody else, and 3) what tools I use for blogging. At the end of the episode I’ll let you know a few of the other questions I’m going to be answering in the next Q & A so keep your ears open for that. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[0:56] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #90.[2:00] What’s going on with the format of the show?[6:11] Question #1 from Jennifer - What are some creative ways to use the results from your productivity heat map?[7:59] Think about the 4 different types of blocks you might have throughout your day - Creative, Social or Service, Admin, and Recovery.[9:05] What’s the schedule sorting game and when should you play it? [10:35] Basically, you plan your day based upon the different blocks & you use those blocks very seriously.[16:30] Question #2 from Laura - How does Charlie suggest to approach heat mapping when your schedule is largely determined by somebody else?[18:32] Charlie's first tip is to un-schedule a day from your schedule.[20:22] Charlie’s second tip is to separate what’s on your schedule with how you actually feel.[22:25] Bottom line on what to do when you don’t have autonomy over your schedule? Listen in for the communication piece you can steal and use with your workplace.[25:23] Question #3 from Patricia - What tools does Charlie use for blogging?[26:22] Writing tools: TextMate or Lightroom, then copied them into WordPress.[28:17] Charlie uses an Idea Garden to capture blog post ideas.[29:05] Another tool is the Blog Post Calendar which you can download for free.[30:04] Charlie uses Jetpack by WordPress and Google Analytics to keep track of stats.[31:21] Charlie catalogs posts mostly by memory.[32:05] Social media tools: The native platforms like Twitter, Facebook, then Buffer and now Edgar. [33:25] What about refreshing and recycling social media content?[37:36] A recap of the tools: Google Docs, Jetpack for WordPress Stats or Google Analytics, Blog Post Calendar, Edgar, and Rainmaker.[38:11] Big thanks to Jennifer Layton, Laura Hackle and Patricia Bravo for their great questions.[38:21] Coming up on the next Q & A: Examples of triggers & why they matter, how Charlie worked through with what needed to happen with the Live Your Legend transition, and maybe one of your questions which you can email to charlie@prductiveflourishing.com.[38:39] If you liked this episode or the show in general, please leave a review or rating on iTunes to help us reach more people. Go to bit.ly/creativegiantshowfaq for a walkthrough on how to do this!     Mentioned in This Episode:SaneBox.com/Giant@CharlieGilkey on TwitterEpisode 47: The Future of the Creative Giant ShowGet more done in less time by heat mapping your productivityIdea GardenThe Blog Post Planner and CalendarTextMateLightroomWordPressMarkdownJetpack for WordPressGoogle DocsWordPress StatsGoogle AnalyticsEdgarRainmaker This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Think about what comes to mind when I ask you to think about a marketer or sales person. Be honest! Did you think of a smart, soft spoken, insightful woman? If not, I hope today’s episode changes that for you. Sonia Simone is a marketing trend setter and founding partner of Rainmaker Digital, formerly Copyblogger Media. Throughout our conversation, she reveals how a risk averse, introverted and insanely curious writer became one of the leading voices in digital marketing today. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[1:03] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #89.[2:17] Charlie introduces Sonia and her line of work.[4:22] What is it about marketing that got Sonia involved?[6:34] There is an invisible aspect of digital marketing. Sonia explains.[8:01] Sonia has always approached marketing from the content marketing perspective, even before there was a word for it.[10:25] Marketing and selling are learnable skill sets; you don’t need to be born with them.[12:29] Every human being on this planet has a certain set of assets and a certain set of constraints.[15:28] Barriers are a lot easier to step over in digital platforms.[18:39] Sonia walks us through her journey from corporate to Copyblogger.[25:22] Sonia speaks on folks out there that sell business advice based on the fast outliers.[28:58] Sonia likes Chris Gilbo’s flavor of entrepreneur teaching because it includes a big minimalist component. [32:06] Sonia talks on Clay Collins’ vision of being a business owner.[34:10] “What’s the shortest line between me and a cheque?” - Naomi Dunford[36:40] Internet Marketing for Smart People vs. Nice People!![39:49] Sonia has been highly focused on values lately.[44:10] Naomi writes 85% of the things she says in her podcast Confessions of a Pink-Haired Marketer, which she has been her primary focus lately.[48:34] What’s the most unanticipated challenge Sonia is currently facing?[52:05] Sonia’s final words of advice: “Be honest about your own set of Legos and don’t try to build somebody else’s thing.” Mentioned in This Episode:SaneBox.com/Giantwww.copyblogger.comRainmaker DigitalRemarkable CommunicationClay CollinsNaomi DunfordInternet Marketing for Smart PeopleConfessions of a Pink-Haired Marketer Podcast This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

This is a jam between Angel and I on what happens when you go against your daily rhythms and having awareness and synchronicity with your natural biorhythms. We also chat about creative energy, adapting to schedule shifts, peak creative times, “screen sucking”, schedule optimization, and more. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[0:32] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #88.[1:40] What’s been going on since Angela and Charlie’s last podcast?[3:33] What are biorhythms?[5:03] Spring is in the air and there is a lot of shift in people’s creative energy.[6:11] Charlie has shifted his native biorhythm to meeting in the mornings and creating in the afternoons. How is this new schedule change working for him?[7:40] What are Angela’s peak creative times?[8:32] This industrial biorhythms a lot of us are on is actually not natural in some ways.[11:11] If Charlie already knew what his creative peak times were, why did he change it?[14:15] The difference between theory and practice is that in theory there’s no difference between theory and practice![19:46] Angela weighs in on how technology and modernity has changed our natural biorhythms. How does this relate to habit changes?[21:56] Charlie goes on a social media rant as it relates to “screen sucking”.[25:24] Charlie knows when he’s “screen sucking” but he stops and asks if what he is doing is nourishing.[27:34] Charlie’s new schedule has resulted in him getting a lot more done in the last couple of weeks but it’s not sustainable.[30:38] When did Charlie know his schedule change was not going to be sustainable in the long term.[36:20] The point Charlie wants to drive home is to pay attention to what parts of your schedule are working for you and what aren’t.[36:34] Angela and Charlie discuss the challenges women face with regards to their biorhythms and how they internalize set expectations.[40:11] What’s your natural biorhythm? Lean in to that![40:44] How can you plan and negotiate your day so that you’re really tapping into the energy when it’s best for you, and not doing things at the wrong time.[40:59] What are the signals that you use to gauge whether you’re energetically on point?[41:27] What permission will you give yourself to explore creating a schedule that’s more nourishing for you?[42:07] Angela’s gentle reminder: practice compassion with yourself while you’re going through these changes. Mentioned in This Episode:SaneBox.com/GiantHeat Mapping Your Productivity Charlie GilkeyThe Night Owl Manifesto by Mike Vardy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

As uncomfortable as it is to make big changes in life no matter what those changes are, fear kicks into overdrive when you’re changing great careers and great jobs. Michelle Bushneff joins me today to share her purpose-filled pioneering journey from software companies to Athleta to her own consultancy and now back to more full-time positions. We explore the difference between passion and purpose, second acts and the changing realities of being a woman in today’s business world. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[1:03] Charlie tells us a little bit about Michelle Bushneff.[3:52] Which two common threads have bound all of Michelle’s different projects?[6:13] Michelle has played an important role in using emerging media & technologies to give women a voice, but also to serve women better.[7:00] Being a part of helping to shift dynamics in the business world in terms of women & leadership roles.[8:03] What are some of the biggest shifts Michelle has seen in terms of new and emerging opportunities for women?[11:56] Social media as a personal publishing platform has had such a huge impact for women.[13:31] The distinction between passion and purpose.[17:14] What is Michelle passionate about and what is the purpose behind it for her?[18:37] How did she know it was fear that was holding her back in her career? How does the fear come into play for her?[21:38] Michelle is not a fan of her awful commute but it’s OK because where she’s going serves her purpose.[24:55] What elements in Michelle’s work have been out of her passion or purpose box?[27:48] Michelle talks on her journey of taking a leap from Athleta to consulting to now working full-time.[32:55] There are always tradeoffs in life! [33:52] Figuring out how there was a better way to go about fulfilling her purpose.[36:52] Michelle shares advice on staying real.[40:49] Michelle shares how all the inspiration out there has infused her with inspiration.[43:08] Having humility and a lifelong learner mindset and embracing it.[45:46] The more diversity you can bring into an environment the more potential there is for something exceptional to happen.[46:31] What is the most unanticipated challenge Michelle is currently facing?[48:29] Michelle wants people to stay purpose-focused and not be afraid to take some leaps.   Mentioned in This Episode:AthletaMichelle Bushneff on LinkedIn@BIGthinkster on Twitterwww.bigthinkster.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

A lot of our decisions revolve around enhancing our own freedom. The challenge is that there are two distinct kinds of freedom that are often in tension and lead us to making decisions that keep us from flourishing and being our best selves in the world. In today’s solo riff, I’m going to explore the two concepts of freedom and how they lead to different outcomes. Key Takeaways:[0:49] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #86.[1:50] Have you ever made a choice to increase your freedom only to figure out you were no happier afterwards?[1:56] Or have you ever found you’ve been the most happy during times in which you were the least free?[2:02] If so, you’ve experienced the reality of there being two kinds of freedom: Negative freedom and positive freedom.[2:54] The two concepts of freedom often hang in tension with one another experientially.[3:14] The distinction between the two concepts of freedom becomes even more tense for those of us who are service-focused & enjoy working in groups. But how?[4:58] Entrepreneurship and having a small business gives you the option to choose which interferences and inconveniences you want to face.[6:45] The distinction between positive and negative freedom is not new. In 1958, Isaiah Berlinshared a philosophical lecture called Two concepts of Liberty.[9:22] What constraints will give you the most positive freedom? What do positive freedom and negative freedom each gives us?[9:56] Freedom shares the same relationships with constraints as creativity does with structure.[11:10] Picking a business strategy or model and sticking with it enables more positive freedom for your business.[11:32] A better question than “How can I be free?” is “What conditions enable me to thrive and what do I need to do to get them in place?” Mentioned in This Episode:www.sanebox.com/GiantTwo Concepts of Liberty by Isaiah Berlin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Each of us wears a different mask every day, whether that mask is being a mother, a creative person, a brother or a manger. Knowing when we’re wearing the right one and which ones not to reveal, is key to our success and happiness. Dr. Atira Charles joins me today to jam about how the mask we wear relates to authenticity, vulnerability, productivity and stress. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[0:54] Charlie tells us a little bit about Dr. Atira Charles.[2:19] Dr. Charles speaks on wearing many different masks in life and how that relates to our sense of identity.[4:23] There are different ways to wear a mask and we can be or not be aware of whether we’re wearing one or which one we’re wearing.[5:01] Dr. Charles gives an example to explain what she means by “a mask” and how that can set different expectations.[6:41] People are so reactive that we’re not pro-active.[7:46] We’re either self-defined or auto-defined. Dr. Charles explains the difference.[9:54] Identity can be a source of affirmation and pride or it can be a source of threat. But different identities can exist at the same time.[14:14] How can we analyze the mask we are wearing and determine if it’s the right one for us at a given time?[19:06] There is a fine balance between transparency and vulnerability.[23:48] What are the most valuable and emotionally charged masks we can wear?[28:47] Masks are not something to hide and conceal. It’s about when to wear which ones.[29:52] What are the emotional and psychological consequences of having a creative thirst that’s never quenched?[33:31] Charlie and Dr. Charles discuss instant gratification and how it relates to self-identity.[37:26] In any situation certain identities we have, no matter what space we’re in, are who we are. What are your unwavering self-identities?[39:20] How can a manufactured urgency for insatiability come from external pressures?[41:05] Have peace about where your stage is because all comparisons are not equal.[44:40] What’s the most unanticipated challenge Dr. Charles is currently facing?[46:41] The one thing Dr. Charles wants everyone to take away from this episode. Mentioned in This Episode:@DrAtiraCharles on Twitterwww.ourmasks.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Something we don’t talk about enough is that many entrepreneurs and small business owners realize being in that space isn’t necessarily right for them. Sometimes it’s about business models and market trends, and yet other times it has nothing to do with those external conditions. But given that being an entrepreneur or small business owner is a core way of understanding their place in the world, it can be hard to take the next right step for them without feeling shame, grief, frustration or anger. Laura Neff joins me today to share what she has learned as someone who stepped away from one small business she started and grew; and is potentially stepping away from her current one into something bigger and better. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[1:09] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #84.[2:13] Charlie tells us a little bit about Laura Neff.[4:46] How did Laura get to the point of realizing she may not be going down the road that’s going to flourish her the best?[7:58] Charlie loves teams and achieving goals in a team format.[9:45] One of the #1 core values Laura has noticed people have in common is freedom.[11:46] Charlie’s #1 rule for insight: whenever you come up with an ‘either/or’, realize that it’s a false dichotomy.[13:57] What has Laura realized is so appealing about going back to a corporate structure?[17:29] Why is it not so simple to know what you want to do? Laura explains.[22:44] Laura believes in the next couple of years we’re going to see a bit of an ‘exitist’ from the solopreneur/entrepreneur online business space. Charlie agrees![26:21] Laura embraces the organic unfolding of what’s to come and not knowing what is next.[31:51] Laura describes a mental image of the organic unfolding she speaks of.[34:03] What is the one main message Laura wants listeners to take away?[34:36] Laura’s challenge for listeners is to get real. Mentioned in This Episode:SaneBoxwww.lifeleadershipcentral.comTwo Concepts of Freedom by Charlie Gilkey This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Every one of us has our own unique set of challenges and negative beliefs that keep us from living life to the fullest. To thrive, we have to develop rituals, practices and methods that help us root out the negative thoughts and beliefs that are hurting our productivity, goals, health and relationships. Marc and Angel join me today to share the practices, tools and insights that helped them in their journey from newlyweds and trying circumstances to being recognized by Forbes as the creators of one of the most popular personal development blogs in the world. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[1:02] Charlie tells us a little bit about Marc and Angel Chernoff.[3:24] Marc tells us about the early days in his and Angel’s journey.[6:01] How did their blog, marcandangel.com, evolve?[9:15] Marc talks on the shift in expectations in relation to the ‘hockey stick’ effect.[10:48] What were some of the mindsets and limiting beliefs Marc and Angel struggled with?[14:33] When you’re faced with two opportunities, always go with the one that scares you the most because that’s the one that you’re going to be able to grow with the most.[18:27] A huge part about being grounded is simply, gratitude.[19:14] Implementing very small rituals can help you make positive changes.[20:31] You have to have a contingency plan. Always ask what’s the worst and best thing that can happen and be prepared for it.[24:22] Back in 2006, Angel and Marc were faced with lots of tragedies. Angels talks on how they overcame some of those challenges.[27:45] Marc speaks on some of the relationship challenges they faced.[29:18] How do Angel and Marc keep things healthy and warm given the nature of their professional relationship?[31:39] Journaling and self-enquiry are two major tools that Marc uses to work through his perfectionistic tendencies.[35:14] Distractions and working on multiple things at once is something Angel has to work through.[37:03] What’s the most powerful story they have told themselves and how was it created?[41:30] Parenting has turned out to be the most unanticipated challenge for Angel and Marc.[45:29] Don’t doubt yourself. You’re the most important person in your life. Mentioned in This Episode:www.marcandangel.com1,000+ Little Things Happy Successful People Do Differently by Marc and Angel Chernoff   This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

All too often, exercise and movement are put in a different bucket of activities than those that count towards being productive. Unfortunately, that’s backwards. Exercise is a foundation for success, so focusing on our health and fitness is one of the most productive things we can do. Mike Goncalves joins me today to talk about the relationship between creativity, confidence, priorities, and exercise. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[0:56] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode 82 of The Creative Giant Show.[2:00] Charlie tells us a little bit about Mike Goncalves.[3:23] Mike believes exercising helps us to become more creative.  [5:25] When you’re at your best, everything else benefits, but we tend to prioritize ourselves last, rather than first.[7:22] If you want to excel at any part of your life, you have to take up exercise, fitness, and healthy eating.  [9:30] How do we get past that feeling of not wanting to get up and start exercising?[11:29] What can you do when you have ‘zero’ time for exercise?[12:41] Email Mike to respond to his challenge. He answers all his emails personally.[13:37] What 5 exercises can you do in 5 minutes? Try doing each one for a minute and shoot Mike an email to let him know how it felt.[15:19] How does focusing on your own health and happiness inspire others?[18:52] Motion Effects Emotion! Studies show over and over again that even a simple 15-20 min walk changes your confidence level and energy.  [20:54] What are some of Mike’s areas for self-improvement and growth?[22:16] How does Mike work through all the "I have to’s"?[23:28] What’s Mike’s biggest challenge right now and how is exercise helping him move through it?[25:38] Mike identifies himself as the ‘fitness guy’ and that helps him do what needs to get done.[27:45] Exercise is the foundation for success.[30:26] A study found that one of the top reasons health resolutions don’t last is because we come out of the gate too fast, swinging too aggressively, so it’s not sustainable.[31:37] Try doing these 5 exercises: jumping jacks, burpees, pushups, abdominal/bicycle, abdominal/plank.[34:05] You have to focus on where you are and not where you think you should be.[36:22] The one message Mike wants to leave us with. Mentioned in This Episode:SaneBoxMike’s Email: mike@thewellnessbucket.comMike Goncalves (@WellnessBucket) on Twitterwww.thewellnessbucket.comUncertainty by Jonathan Fields This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Jasmine Burton, an inspirational 24-year-old running a startup in Africa, hopes to improve women’s health via redesign of water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure - sparking the foundation of Wish for Wash. In this episode, you’ll learn how a variety of waste management gaps exist despite how far the western world has advanced the human experience. This creates an odd disparity between knowing that billions of people defecate in buckets and bags, yet are using smartphones to WhatsApp message each other. Jasmine speaks on the challenges of making the cost per unit to be under $20, and how to make it affordable to the low-income communities that need the product most. Key Takeaways:[00:10] According to the UN, 6 billion people have access to mobile phones. Yet, only 4.5 billion have access to working toilets.[01:15] Jasmine’s senior design team won the InVenture competition for their design of an inexpensive mobile toilet.[02:55] Jasmine explains her journey from Georgia to Zambia, and how her company is inspired by how access to toilets hinders women’s advancement worldwide.[04:30] Her team was the first all-female team to win the Georgia Tech InVenture competition.[05:00] At the end of 2014, she founded Wish for Wash and moved to Zambia to join a global health initiative, and now self-identifies as a “toilet designer”.[07:45] The need for healthy food is much easier to communicate than the need for good sanitation, making it difficult to convince people to change their behavior.[11:21] There’s nothing “wrong” with the way western civilization deals with sanitation and waste. However, there are opportunities to recycle waste rather than just moving it away from people.[13:15] The “sanitation value chain” explains the aspirational sanitation experience - capture, contain, transport, and repurpose.[14:15] Wish for Wash is looking at the other end of the value chain. Rather than thinking of how to profit from waste, they are focusing on capture and containment.[15:00] Their toilet design is modular, allowing for both sitting and squatting. They are also prototyping a manual bidet for communities who practice washing rather than wiping.[17:25] Access to affordable manufacturing is the current barrier to entry, especially allowing them to make quick and frequent iterations.[24:30] One of the biggest lessons learned in this venture is to practice patience.[26:00] There’s a challenge in selling both a product and a behavioral change at the same time.[27:15] They are exploring military applications, among other contexts for using the toilet.[28:12] Jasmine speaks to her big goal this year for Wish for Wash.[30:00] In the future, they would like to find a less invasive way to collect data, such as a mobile app.[32:39] Supporting the cause can be as simple as having a conversation with Jasmine and her team.[33:20] Charlie shares his final thoughts on the 3 ways he wants you to consider this episode. Mentioned in This Episode:InVentureWish for WashWater and Sanitation for the Urban Poor This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe