80/20 Productivity

Ever wondered what really drives procrastination? This episode delves into Dr. Pierce Steele's fascinating procrastination equation, revealing how variables like expectancy, utility, value, and impulsiveness shape our ability to tackle tasks.Learn to manipulate these factors to your advantage and discover transformative strategies to boost productivity and minimize procrastination.Listen to this episode to unlock the secrets behind your work habits and take control of your productivity!You might also like:Get an extra 20% off a 30-day supply of Magic Mind productivity shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/8020productivity and use CODE: PRD20The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps: 00:00:00 The Procrastination Equation Revealed00:00:22 - Introduction to the Procrastination Equation00:01:06 - Breaking Down the Equation00:01:35 - Understanding Procrastination00:02:16 - The Real Cost of Procrastination00:03:34 - Defining Functional Procrastination00:04:10 - Deep Dive: Components of the Procrastination Equation00:05:29 - Utility Explored00:06:12 - Expectancy and Task Success00:07:09 - Value and Its Influence on Action00:08:05 - Dealing with Delay00:09:14 - Impulsiveness and Procrastination00:10:16 - Practical Strategies to Overcome Procrastination00:11:38 - Feedback and Its Timing00:12:45 - Application of the Procrastination Equation00:16:09 - Adjusting Variables for Optimal Productivity00:17:14 - In-Depth Analysis and SolutionsGet an extra 20% off a 30-day supply of Magic Mind productivity shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/8020productivity and use CODE: PRD20 My favourite digital productivity tool (get double the trial period for free! No credit card required: https://try.sunsama.com/anthony Notes and ReferencesThe nature of procrastination: a meta-analytic and theoretical review of quintessential self-regulatory failure.P Steel. Psychological bulletin 133 (1), 65-94Procrastination and personality, performance, and mood P Steel, T Brothen, C Wambach. Personality and individual differences 30 (1), 95-106Piers Steel (2011) The Procrastination Equation: How to Stop Putting Things Off and Start Getting Stuff Done.Proximal versus distal goal setting and intrinsic motivation. Manderlink, George,Harackiewicz, Judith M.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol 47(4), Oct 1984, 918-928 (https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/1985-11390-001 )Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode SummaryTiming is everything! In this episode of the 80/20 Productivity Podcast, we delve deep into the science and art of aligning your activities with your body's natural rhythms to amplify your productivity, health, and overall well-being. Discover how timing isn't just a concept but a fundamental aspect of enhancing your life's quality and efficiency.Get an extra 20% off a 30-day supply of Magic Mind productivity shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/8020productivity and use CODE: PRD20 So, let's get into the details:The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps: [00:00:00] - The Power of TimingExplore why timing is critical in maximizing the benefits and performance of your actions. A brief overview of what's to come in the episode.[00:00:40] - Working With Your Natural RhythmsUnveil the secrets to boosting your activity performance by syncing with your body's rhythms.[00:01:40] - Biological Rhythms ExplainedDive into what biological rhythms are, why they exist, and how they impact our daily lives.[00:02:27] - The Best Times for Daily ActivitiesA caveat about finding the perfect time for activities that matter and how it's more important to just do them.[00:03:30] - Timing, Chronos, and KairosUnderstanding the difference between Chronos (quantitative time) and Kairos (opportune time) in the context of productivity.[00:05:12] - Evolution and Our Biological ClocksHow evolution on Earth influenced the development of our internal clocks.[00:07:38] - Different Types of RhythmsIntroduction to circadian, diurnal, ultradian, and circa-annual rhythms.[00:12:14] - Circadian, Diurnal, and Ultradian Rhythms in Daily LifeHow these rhythms specifically influence our day-to-day activities and productivity.[00:18:29] - The Impact of Light and TemperatureThe role of light and temperature as key factors in syncing with our natural rhythms.[00:22:32] - Crafting an Ideal Daily RoutineStep-by-step guide through an optimal daily routine from morning till night based on scientific insights.[00:38:02] - Time-Restricted Eating and Its BenefitsDiscussion on how aligning eating times with your body's clock can enhance health and productivity.[00:47:18] - Evening Routines and Preparing for SleepTips for winding down effectively, aligning evening activities with natural rhythms for better sleep quality.[01:08:50] - Conclusion and Key TakeawaysWrapping up the insights shared in the episode and encouraging listeners to experiment with aligning their routines with their biological rhythms.Get an extra 20% off a 30-day supply of Magic Mind productivity shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/8020productivity and use CODE: PRD20 My favourite digital productivity tool (get double the trial period for free! No credit card required: https://try.sunsama.com/anthony Notes and References Biological Rhythms, Clock, Zeitgebers and Light's Influence on Biological Clocks: Merrow M (2023) Circadian clocks: It’s time for chronobiology. PLoS Biol 21(11): e3002426. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002426Circadian Rhythms Affect Metabolism: Circadian rhythms significantly impact human metabolism, suggesting optimal meal timing can improve health.Brown Adipose Tissue Activity: Maaike E. Straat, Rick Hogenboom, Mariëtte R. Boon, Patrick C.N. Rensen, Sander Kooijman, Circadian control of brown adipose tissue, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Volume 1866, Issue 8, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.158961 Benefits of Early Time-Restricted Eating: L.S. Chow, E.N.C. Manoogian, A. Alvear, J.G. Fleischer, H. Thor, K. Dietsche, et al.Time-restricted eating effects on body composition and metabolic measures in humans who are overweight: a feasibility studyObesity (Silver Spring), 28 (5) (2020), pp. 860-869Optimal Exercise Timing for Performance: Exercise performance can vary by time of day, influenced by body temperature and hormone levels.Caffeine Consumption Timing for better sleep: Carissa Gardiner, Jonathon Weakley, Louise M. Burke, Gregory D. Roach, Charli Sargent, Nirav Maniar, Andrew Townshend, Shona L. Halson, The effect of caffeine on subsequent sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Sleep Medicine Reviews, Volume 69, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2023.101764 .Mental Performance Varies Throughout the Day: Schmidt C, Collette F, Cajochen C, Peigneux P. A time to think: circadian rhythms in human cognition. Cogn Neuropsychol. 2007 Oct;24(7):755-89. doi: 10.1080/02643290701754158. PMID: 18066734.L-Theanine and Caffeine cognitive effects: Anas Sohail A, Ortiz F, Varghese T, Fabara SP, Batth AS, Sandesara DP, Sabir A, Khurana M, Datta S, Patel UK. The Cognitive-Enhancing Outcomes of Caffeine and L-theanine: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2021 Dec 30;13(12):e20828. doi: 10.7759/cureus.20828. PMID: 35111479; PMCID: PMC8794723Work/Break Ratio for Productivity: This is an updated article. But it still maintains the benefits of working in cycles of work and rest. https://desktime.com/blog/52-17-updated-people-are-now-working-and-breaking-longer-than-before Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode SummaryListen to the episode for a comprehensive understanding of why you procrastinate and practical steps to overcome it, especially if you're striving for 80 20 productivity. Say goodbye to the guilt of "laziness" and hello to a more productive and fulfilling approach to your tasks! Get an extra 20% off a 30-day supply of Magic Mind productivity shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/8020productivity and use CODE: PRD20 So, let's get into the details:The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps: Introduction: Debunking the Laziness Myth [00:00:00]Kick off with a fresh perspective on procrastination, challenging the common notion that it equates to laziness. Uncover the real reasons behind procrastination and how it ties into 80 20 living.Understanding Procrastination: More Than Just Delay [00:01:00]Delve into the essence of procrastination. Is it just about delaying tasks, or is there more to this behavior? A deeper look into how procrastination is wired into our nature.Reason #1: Being Oversubscribed [00:15:00]Discover how having too much on your plate leads to procrastination and the power of doing less to regain control and focus.Reason #2: Low Energy Levels [00:20:00]Explore the impact of physical and mental energy on your productivity. Learn about surprising energy boosters that can help you overcome procrastination.Reason #3: Lack of Skill [00:29:00]Unveil how the gap in skills can be a major driver for procrastination and the journey from incompetence to proficiency.Reason #4: Unclarity of Tasks—and a framework for tackling it [00:35:00]Understand how unclear tasks fuel procrastination and the framework to gain clarity, drive action, and reduce task aversiveness.Reason #5: Disorganization [00:43:00]Tackle procrastination by addressing disorganization. Closing Thoughts and Takeaways [00:46:00]Wrap up with key insights and actionable tips to transform your approach to tasks and productivity.Get an extra 20% off a 30-day supply of Magic Mind productivity shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/8020productivity and use CODE: PRD20 My favourite digital productivity tool (get double the trial period for free! No credit card required: https://try.sunsama.com/anthony Notes and References Steel P. The nature of procrastination: a meta-analytic and theoretical review of quintessential self-regulatory failure. Psychol Bull. 2007 Jan;133(1):65-94. doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.133.1.65. PMID: 17201571.Chen, B.-B., & Chang, L. (2016). Procrastination as a Fast Life History Strategy. Evolutionary Psychology, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/1474704916630314van Eerde, W. (2015). Time management and procrastination. In M. D. Mumford, & M. Frese(Eds.), The psychology of planning in organizations: research and applications (pp. 312-333). (Series in organization and management). RoutledgeKongkeaw C, Dilokthornsakul P, Thanarangsarit P, Limpeanchob N, Norman Scholfield C. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;151(1):528-35. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.008. Epub 2013 Nov 16. PMID: 24252493.Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I tackle some major roadblocks we often stumble upon when setting goals. I talk about how personal values, clear visions, and a solid execution strategy are the perfect combo to make your goals a reality. Drawing from personal stories and backed by science, we explore how to up our goal-setting game. So, let's get into the details:The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps: [00:02:38] Why Putting Your Goals Into Words MattersFirst, let's talk about the importance of giving voice to your dreams. You'd be amazed at how essential it is to articulate those goals out loud. It's all about getting clear and specific....[00:05:20] Filling in The Values GapNext, I venture into what I call the 'values gap’—the discrepancy between what we want and what truly matters to our core. Here's a hint: when your goals align with your personal values, you're setting yourself up for real success....[00:08:14] Picture This: Your Vision MattersDiving deeper, I chat about how translating your values into a tangible vision of the future can be a powerful motivator. It's all about bridging the gap between our aspirations and reality, making us feel more connected to what we want to achieve....[00:10:50] Let's Get Practical: Planning and Pencil It inNow, let's put that motivation into action with a bit of solid planning. You'll see how crucial it is to turn your process to achieve your goals into tangible tasks and then make space for them on your calendar. Because trust me, a goal without a plan is just a wish....[00:14:31] Ignorance Isn’t Bliss: The Knowledge GapLastly, I touch on the knowledge gap. Often, we're held back because we don't have enough information or know-how to get from where we are to where we want to be. Here's where a little wisdom goes a long way in helping us progress towards our goals. So, are you ready to embark on this goal-setting journey with me? Listen to the episode and consider leaving your comments and feedback. Thanks!Sponsor: Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital FewNotes and ReferencesImplementation Intentions 80/20 Productivity Episode: https://anthonysanni.com/podcast/ep-009-zipfs-law-of-least-and-why-laziness-is-good Additive Bias 80/20 Productivity Episode: https://anthonysanni.com/podcast/ep-018-additive-bias-less-is-more-subtractive-changes You are what you Eat: A Twin experiment Netflix Documentary: https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81133260 Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode SummaryThis episode of the 80 20 Productivity podcast explores the concept of pivotal activities that significantly boost productivity. Doing more with less by focusing on the vital tasks ensures more free time for enjoyment and leisure. Link to get Sunsama for free: https://try.sunsama.com/anthony Some of the main points—The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps: 0:50 Understanding the Concept of Pivotal Activities05:19 The Impact of Pivotal Activities06:24 Characteristics of Pivotal Activities10:28 The Role of Effort in Pivotal Activities15:16 The Multi-dimensionality of Pivotal Activities24:27 The 80/20 Layer of Pivotal Activities27:37 Identifying Your Pivotal Activities28:55 The Impact of Stopping Pivotal Activities30:55 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsNotes and ReferencesVideo on the domino scene in the Robot movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0LNy3au40E Virtuous Laziness 80/20 Productivity Episode: https://anthonysanni.com/podcast/ep-009-zipfs-law-of-least-and-why-laziness-is-good Additive Bias 80/20 Productivity Episode: https://anthonysanni.com/podcast/ep-018-additive-bias-less-is-more-subtractive-changes Multi-faceted benefits of exercie: Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John J. Ratey MD (Author), Eric Hagerman (Contributor)Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode SummaryIs more really more? When it comes to problem-solving, the answer is not so obvious. More often than we might realize, adding things is actually a worse strategy for solving problems than simply taking things away. This episode discusses additive bias and the human tendency to think more is more. Especially, the episode covers why we have this tendency, how it is negatively impacting our problem-solving skills, and importantly, what we might do to overcome it. Link to get Sunsama for free: https://try.sunsama.com/anthonySome of the main points—The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:What is additive bias, problem solving and how additive bias hampers creative problem solving (5:04)Legos and why we have additive bias (17:02)Smart subtractions and Chesterton’s Fence (07:05)Wondering why we tend to think more is more? Evolution, status quo bias and how organizations are rigged against you (24:23)The cost of thinking and acting like more is always more (30:06)Level up your problem-solving—how to beat additive bias and all it’s problems (41:20)Notes and ReferencesMain paper: People Systematically Overlook Subtractive Changes (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03380-y ) Virtuous Laziness 80/20 Productivity Episode: https://anthonysanni.com/podcast/ep-009-zipfs-law-of-least-and-why-laziness-is-good Status Quo Bias Research: https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/rzeckhauser/files/status_quo_bias_in_decision_making.pdf Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode SummaryIn this episode of 2-minute Tuesday, I share one way to do more in less time using the simple but powerful 2 minute rule.Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode SummaryIf you are part of a team—in your job or business—then it might interest you to know about Price’s Law. This law states that 50% of productivity in a group is produced by the square root of the number people in the group. In 80/20 terms, most of the value in a group (or even company or industry) is produced by a relatively small number of people in the group. In this episode, explore Price’s law—what it is, how it plays out and how to apply it to your own life for max results. Some of the main points—The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps: Definition of the law (2:00)History and some nerdy stuff (06:34)Applying Price’s Law—3 key takeaway lessons for Leaders (13:50)Applying Price’s Law—takeaways and strategies for individuals (20:45)TLDL and wrap up (29:44)Notes and ReferencesDerek Price and the origins of Price’s Law:Little Science, Big Science—book by Derek J Pricehttps://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02016632 My content on Parkinson’s Law: Short video: https://anthonysanni.com/productivity-shorts-been-thinking/parkinsons-law-sense-of-urgency Article: https://anthonysanni.com/blog/is-this-the-reason-you-are-missing-deadlines Deep Work book reference: Deep Work, Book by Cal Newport Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode SummaryIn this episode of 2-minute Tuesday, I share why it is a good idea to schedule time for family—especially for very busy people.Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

If you are like me, you also have limited resources at your disposal. But often it feels like you are trying to achieve more than you have resources to assign—perhaps against difficult odds. Force concentration is one of the most central concepts in an 80/20 approach to life, work and doing more by doing less. It is a strategy that armies, naval fleets and even camera companies have used to win impossible battles against bigger, stronger enemies and competitors. In this episode, I unpack the strategy of force concentration and how we can use it in our personal lives. Some of the main points—The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps: The impossible campaign—25 soldiers Vs 100 soldiers Origins of Force Concentration and applying Lanchester’s Laws (02:20) Force Concentration in business—How Canon beat Xerox at their own game (and what we can learn from it) (14:20) The 300 Rule—Lessons from Leonidas and Spartans (15:42) How force concentration puts a twist in the 80/20 story (21:45) Applying force concentration the 80/20 way to your life (24:38) OTAT—One thing at a time and the power of quick wins (25:35) Innovate and Improve along the way (31:05) Leave the big boss for last (34:39) You and what army? (38:50) TLDL and wrap up (39:49)Notes and References Lanchester’s Laws: https://web.williams.edu/Mathematics/sjmiller/public_html/105Sp11/handouts/Lanchester_MathWarfare.pdf Lanchester F.W., Mathematics in Warfare in The World of Mathematics, Vol. 4 (1956) Ed. Newman, J.R., Simon and Schuster, 2138–2157; anthologised from Aircraft in Warfare (1916) ) Force Concentration in The Battle of Trafalgar: https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Trafalgar-European-history The New Lanchester Strategy in Business: New Lanchester Strategy: Sales and Marketing Strategy for the Weak by Shinichi Yano https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1573210048/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i2 Canon Lanchester Strategy: https://customerthink.com/how_canon_used_the_new_lanchester_strategy_to_defeat_xerox/ Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few https://anthonysanni.com/the-vital-few-book