Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

This week I’m excited to revisit a conversation I had with Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt-Miller about their book, Mind Your Mindset: The Science That Shows Success Starts with Your Thinking. Michael is the founder and chairman of Full Focus. Through his coaching program for small business owners, BusinessAccelerator®, and the bestselling Full Focus Planner, Michael has helped hundreds of thousands of achievers reach their biggest goals. Megan Hyatt Miller is the President and Chief Executive Officer at Full Focus and alongside Michael co-hosts the popular Business Accelerator® podcast. In this conversation, we explore how the narratives we tell ourselves influence our decisions and outcomes both personally and professionally. From personal anecdotes about overcoming disempowering stories to actionable techniques for rewriting those internal narratives, this episode is packed with insights on leveraging the neuroplasticity of the brain and the power of intuition. Plus, Michael and Megan discuss practical steps for transforming fear into confidence, backed by performance psychology and neuroscience. Discover the significance of surrounding yourself with trusted counsel, the impact of language and coaching, and the potential for reprogramming your thinking to unlock new pathways to success. Tune in for a deep dive into how shifting your mindset can pave the way for achieving your goals and enriching your life.______________________________________Connect with Michael and Megan:BookPodcastFull Focus______________________________________Connect with Erik:LinkedIn Facebook Instagram ______________________________________This Podcast is Powered By:DescriptDescript 101CastmagicEcammPodpageRodecaster ProTop Productivity Books ListMake sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In part 2 of 2 of this conversation, John Drury shares about the importance of retreats and sacred time for rest and rejuvenation. John shares his personal experiences with different forms of retreats, emphasizing the value of eliminating distractions and under-stimulation to foster deeper self-reflection and mindfulness. He introduces practical techniques such as "desert days," quarterly overnight retreats, and shorter, regular practices to incorporate these into the business and personal life of busy individuals.Erik and John also discuss the distinctions between vacations, visitations, and vocations and how expectation of each affects personal energy and relationships. John offers a variety of suggestions for integrating restful practices into everyday life, such as journaling, spiritual friendship, and practicing an "hour on, hour off" method during retreats. They underscore the importance of approaching these practices with an open mind, ready for unexpected insights and personal growth.Make sure to go back and listen to part 1 of 2 this conversation here. Connect with John:Fresh Text PodcastConnect with Erik: LinkedIn  Facebook  Instagram Threads ______________________________________This Podcast is Powered By: Descript Descript 101 Castmagic Ecamm Podpage Rodecaster Pro Top Productivity Books List Make sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In part 1 of a 2 part conversation I am thrilled to bring my longtime friend of 25 years Dr. John Drury. John and I share an interest in productivity and the Enneagram, particularly the unique insights of Enneagram fives.In this episode, John and I talk about the profound impact the pandemic has had on our routines and spiritual practices, introducing the concept of a "rule of life" as a way to anchor ourselves with orienting values and stabilizing practices. We explore the balance between over stimulation and under stimulation, drawing rich parallels to ancient desert monasticism and how these dynamics influence our modern lives.John also shares his personal Sabbath practices, revealing how a 24-hour period of rest from work illuminates a path to increased productivity and deeper connections with family. We'll discuss the fluid nature of identifying and living by our values, the importance of intentional under stimulation, and the need for holistic time management that integrates both work and life harmoniously.Connect with John:Fresh Text PodcastLinkedInConnect with Erik: LinkedIn  Facebook  Instagram Threads ______________________________________This Podcast is Powered By: Descript Descript 101 Castmagic Ecamm Podpage Rodecaster Pro Top Productivity Books List Make sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Tiago Forte, an expert in productivity and author of "Building a Second Brain," shares insights on personal knowledge management. He introduces the innovative PARA framework—Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives—for organizing digital information. Tiago also discusses the transformative CODE methodology—Capture, Organize, Distill, Express—designed to enhance mental clarity and creativity. He emphasizes the power of externalizing thoughts and offers practical strategies for managing the chaos of daily information overload.

I’m thrilled to welcome Jeff Sieh back to the show for an in-depth discussion about the evolution of AI, particularly focusing on Apple’s recent announcements. Jeff and I dive into the historical context of AI, reminiscing about its portrayal in popular culture and significant milestones like IBM’s Deep Blue and Microsoft’s Clippy. We then transition to exploring the exciting developments unveiled at Apple’s WWDC 2024, particularly the introduction of Apple Intelligence. This new system promises to revolutionize how we interact with our devices by integrating AI with personal context while maintaining a strong emphasis on privacy.Our conversation highlights the practical implications of Apple Intelligence, such as seamless integration across apps, intelligent task automation, and improved personalization. We share our thoughts about features like the new Siri capabilities, which now offer deeper system integration and better language understanding, making it more conversational and useful. Jeff also discusses how these advancements can enhance creative workflows, such as using AI for video editing and content creation. We wrap up by contemplating the future possibilities of AI in everyday life and how these tools can help us focus more on creative and meaningful work while automating routine tasks.Connect with Jeff:PodcastJeff's ToolBox______________________________________Connect with Erik: LinkedIn  Facebook  Instagram  Threads ______________________________________This Podcast is Powered By: Descript Descript 101 Castmagic Ecamm Podpage Rodecaster Pro Top Productivity Books List ______________________________________Make sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I’m happy to welcome fellow podcaster and host of The ProGuide Podcast, Andrew Mason back to the show to discuss current trends and themes within the vast productivity space. Andrew and I discuss how being aware of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can significantly impact our happiness and self-improvement. We explore various factors like chronotype and personality types that contribute to understanding oneself and the importance of seeking feedback from trusted individuals to uncover blind spots.In addition, Andrew and I share some of our struggles with procrastination and self-acceptance, shedding light on how internal conflicts can lead to self-sabotage. Andrew introduces the concept of separating actions from identity to help fulfill aspirational roles through positive behaviors. We also emphasize clearing mental clutter through techniques like "brain dumping" and digital mind mapping to free up mental space before concluding with a discussion on the value of intentional engagement with information and tasks, and the importance of slowing down to process data meaningfully.______________________________________Related Episodes:Andrew’s Previous Appearance Interviewing Erik on the Show______________________________________Connect with Andrew:PodcastTwitter______________________________________Connect with Erik:LinkedIn Facebook Instagram ______________________________________This Podcast is Powered By:DescriptDescript 101CastmagicEcammPodpageRodecaster ProTop Productivity Books List______________________________________Make sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this solo episode, we pay tribute to Dan Miller, the late author of "48 Days to the Work You Love". Dan passed away in January 2024 after a brief battle with cancer. Erik shares personal stories and lessons learned from Dan, emphasizing his profound impact on people through his generosity, approachability, and commitment to lifelong learning. Erik also highlights Dan’s productive habits and daily routines, recounting personal encounters and professional interactions that left a lasting impression on Erik and others.Mentioned in this Episode: Dan Miller Episode of Beyond The To-Do List Dan's Last Podcast Episode Easy Wake up Light TENS Unit Mama Says Namaste What Drives You Connect with Erik: LinkedIn  Facebook  Instagram  ______________________________________This Podcast is Powered By: Descript Descript 101 Castmagic Ecamm Podpage Rodecaster Pro Top Productivity Books List Make sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we are opening up the mailbag once again to answer your questions about productivity, task completion, work preparation, quality time, motivation, and so much more. From managing distractions in a noisy office environment to improving the efficiency of your meetings, I hope this mailbag/Q&A gives listeners practical strategies to help you stay focused and achieve your goals. ______________________________________Connect with Erik:LinkedIn Facebook Instagram ______________________________________This Podcast is Powered By:DescriptDescript 101CastmagicEcammPodpageRodecaster ProTop Productivity Books ListMake sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I was grateful to welcome Mara Glazel to the show for a chat about her new book, Needy: How to Advocate for Your Needs and Claim Your Sovereignty. In our culture, the word "needy" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting weakness or dependency. But Mara is here to challenge that perception and flip it on its head. She argues that recognizing and embracing our needs is not only essential but can actually make us more productive and fulfilled.In this episode Mara and I discuss the limitations of hustle culture and how our routines and beliefs can sometimes trap us in a cycle of neglecting our own well-being. This insightful conversation sheds light on building a nourishing relationship with oneself, understanding the roots of our needs, and finding creative ways to fulfill them. Tune in to learn how small acts of agency can make big differences in our personal empowerment and hear practical advice on creating a life that's genuinely fulfilling. This is an enlightening discussion that's sure to shift your perspective on self-care and productivity.______________________________________Connect with Mara:WebsiteBook PodcastInstagram______________________________________Connect with Erik:LinkedIn Facebook Instagram ______________________________________This Podcast is Powered By:DescriptDescript 101CastmagicEcammPodpageRodecaster ProTop Productivity Books ListMake sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week it was my pleasure to speak with Jorge Arango about his latest book, Duly Noted: Extend Your Mind Through Connected Notes. Jorge is an information architect, author, and educator. For almost three decades, he has architected digital experiences and made the complex clear for organizations ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to nonprofits. He is the author of "Living in Information: Responsible Design for Digital Places" and co-author of "Information Architecture for the Web and Beyond." In addition to his design consulting practice, Jorge hosts "The Informed Life" podcast, writes a blog, and teaches at the California College of the Arts.In this chat, we'll explore how capturing and organizing thoughts extends beyond traditional note-taking into forming a digital "knowledge garden," where ideas can flourish and interconnect. Jorge will delve into the cognitive science behind why notes are not just for memory, but crucial for thinking, emphasizing the role of the environment in processing information. He'll also guide us through various taxonomies for organizing information and discuss practical tools like Obsidian, Notion, and Apple Notes that can help manage our mental landscapes effectively. Get ready to learn about leveraging digital tools for building a lasting knowledge repository, the importance of nurturing our thoughts to foster innovation and clarity, and why developing a system you trust for note-taking can transform the chaos of information overload into a structured haven of insights. ______________________________________Connect With Jorge:WebsiteBook Podcast LinkedIn______________________________________Connect with Erik:LinkedIn Facebook Instagram ______________________________________This Podcast is Powered By:DescriptDescript 101CastmagicEcammPodpageRodecaster ProTop Productivity Books ListMake sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.