

Focused
Relay
David Sparks and Mike Schmitz are not nearly as productive as they’d like to be. Join these fellow travelers (and a bunch of special guests) as they share the best ways to get focused, and talk through their successes and failures along the way. Hosted by David Sparks and Mike Schmitz.
Episodes
Mentioned books

33 snips
Feb 2, 2021 • 1h 42min
118: Tasks and Habits
Delve into the underrated power of habits versus tasks for achieving productivity. Discover the transformative impact of consistent routines on personal growth and identity. Explore exciting discussions around mechanical keyboards and productivity apps like Obsidian. Learn strategies for habit stacking to enhance self-awareness and fulfillment. The importance of self-compassion and patience while navigating setbacks is emphasized, along with effective tactics for integrating new behaviors into daily life. Small changes can lead to significant outcomes!

16 snips
Jan 19, 2021 • 1h 32min
117: Roles & Goals
Discover how defining personal roles can transform productivity. The hosts discuss the synergy between roles and goals as a foundation for fulfillment. They share experiences with new tech, emphasizing clear objectives in boosting efficiency. Balancing life’s diverse roles takes center stage, as they advocate for intentional focus. Explore effective email management strategies to cut through the digital clutter, and dive into the complexities of communication preferences. Plus, they touch on the joys of learning and navigating digital tools for enriching creativity.

Jan 5, 2021 • 1h 33min
116: The Big Reset
The hosts dive into the excitement of fresh starts and the skepticism around New Year's resolutions. They promote a flexible approach to goal-setting, emphasizing reflection and habit-building over rigid resolutions. The conversation highlights the importance of externalizing goals and effective time tracking for productivity. They explore personal growth amid global challenges and discuss strategies for enhancing work efficiency. Finally, the episode delves into self-awareness and transforming priorities for a balanced life, all while nurturing community connections.

Dec 22, 2020 • 1h 2min
115: Solving Interesting Problems, with Ernie Svenson
Ernie Svenson, a small firm coaching consultant and former lawyer, shares his journey from law to consulting driven by a quest for authenticity and fulfillment. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and the art of delegation to enhance productivity. Journaling practices like Morning Pages are discussed as tools for creativity and clarity. The conversation dives into the balance between emotion and logic in decision-making, encouraging self-reflection and personal growth while embracing the imperfections in early drafts of work.

13 snips
Dec 8, 2020 • 1h 28min
114: Inputs and PKM Stacks
Delve into the chaos of managing inputs and discover strategies for effective personal knowledge management. Explore innovative tools like a Bluetooth water bottle to enhance hydration and tech insights on the M1 Apple laptops that boost productivity. Learn how to navigate communication tools and digital distractions while mastering work-life balance in a virtual world. Finally, uncover methods for documenting your thoughts and ideas to streamline your workflow and maintain focus.

Nov 24, 2020 • 1h 21min
113: ADHD and Cognitive Science, with Brittany Smith
Brittany Smith, a cognitive scientist specializing in attention and focus and herself living with ADHD, dives into the intricacies of productivity. She shares powerful strategies for minimizing distractions and the benefits of accountability partnerships. Brittany discusses the unique strengths neurodiversity offers, emphasizing the importance of internal motivation in habit formation. The dual nature of hyperfocus is analyzed, along with practical tools to manage it. Finally, she highlights essential resources for ADHD management, fostering meaningful connections in our tech-driven world.

Nov 10, 2020 • 1h 16min
112: Productivity & Creativity
The hosts dive into how productivity fuels creativity and vice versa, challenging traditional metrics of success. They share personal experiences with knowledge management tools like Roam Research and Obsidian, highlighting their tag systems. Tips for maximizing productivity through daily reviews and the pros of digital note-taking versus traditional methods are discussed. The relationship between systematic workflows and creative output is explored, questioning the nature of creativity itself. Insights into managing task systems effectively round out the conversation.

Oct 27, 2020 • 1h 27min
111: Environmental Focus, with Erik Fisher
Erik Fisher, host of 'Beyond the To-Do List,' shares his productivity expertise. He discusses managing distractions and the importance of a distraction-free environment for focused work. Erik dives into the balance between personal time and family responsibilities, emphasizing structured morning rituals. He also explores strategies for navigating change and maintaining well-being during shifts, alongside insights on teamwork and conservation projects. Mindfulness and flexible time management are key themes, showcasing how they enhance productivity and creativity.

21 snips
Oct 14, 2020 • 1h 18min
110: Focus with Michael Hyatt
Michael Hyatt, a renowned author and video producer known for his book 'Free to Focus,' dives into the nuances of productivity and concentration. He discusses the detrimental impact of social media on our attention spans, advocating for mindful consumption. Hyatt emphasizes the value of remote work in enhancing productivity and suggests that overcoming limiting beliefs can unlock potential. He also touches on the importance of incremental growth, coaching, and setting boundaries in a digitally-driven world to foster a healthier mindset.

8 snips
Sep 29, 2020 • 1h 22min
109: Email Workflows
The hosts dive into their email workflows, sharing insights on processing emails efficiently. They discuss the challenges of digital versus analog task management, highlighting the integration of bullet journaling with digital tools. A lively conversation about custom mechanical keyboards reveals features that enhance productivity. Strategies for mastering email management include time blocking and minimizing distractions. Listeners gain practical tips for organizing inboxes while maintaining focus on important tasks.