

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

11 snips
Jan 3, 2023 • 1h 4min
168: 2023 Focus Resolutions
The hosts share their personal themes for the year and the power of quarterly resolutions over annual goals. They emphasize the need for intentionality and mindfulness in pursuing personal and professional growth. Techniques like journaling and habit tracking are discussed to enhance focus and creativity. The journey of transforming ideas into content, especially on platforms like YouTube, highlights the importance of community engagement. Ultimately, it's about balancing productivity with personal connections for meaningful impact.

Dec 20, 2022 • 1h 1min
167: 2022 Year in Review
Dive into a year of reflection as the hosts share personal growth and the importance of family. They explore innovative productivity calendars that enhance planning and habit tracking. Embracing change is a key theme, highlighting transitions in family dynamics and careers. The struggle for daily intentionality is discussed alongside tech solutions like a VPN. Discover the balance of productivity tools, from digital to analog, and tune into a conversation about the joys of different keyboard designs that can enhance typing efficiency.

19 snips
Dec 6, 2022 • 1h 12min
166: The Social Dilemma
David and Mike dive into the pitfalls of social media, advocating for its complete avoidance. They share their personal struggles with productivity while reflecting on the hustle culture's negative impact on work-life balance. The conversation revolves around effective planning techniques, such as time blocking and habit tracking with a custom calendar. Emphasizing the importance of energy management, they encourage listeners to prioritize personal well-being and set boundaries amidst constant connectivity.

Nov 22, 2022 • 1h 19min
165: On the River, with Chris Upchurch
Chris Upchurch, a former metropolitan transportation planner turned whitewater rafting guide, shares his inspiring journey of career transformation. He discusses the push and pull of pursuing passion versus financial stability, shaped by a life-changing Grand Canyon trip. Chris dives into the challenges of this new path, from rigorous training to emotional support from friends and family. He also reveals innovative tools like Obsidian to enhance job searches and task management, blending personal growth with a focus on the adventurous life of a river guide.

119 snips
Nov 8, 2022 • 1h 11min
164: Mind Mapping
Discover the transformative power of mind mapping to enhance focus and creativity. The hosts share personal anecdotes and innovative techniques that showcase how visual thinking can replace traditional outlining. They delve into the benefits of using apps like MindNode for better idea generation and project management. Learn how structured reading strategies can optimize book notes with visually connected ideas. It's a deep dive into enhancing productivity through creativity, organization, and the unique advantages of diverse mind mapping tools.

76 snips
Oct 25, 2022 • 1h 2min
163: The Laws of Creativity, with Joey Cofone
Joey Cofone, CEO of Baron Fig and author of 'The Laws of Creativity,' examines the journey of creativity from childhood to adulthood. He delves into how education impacts creative expression and the importance of self-acceptance. The conversation highlights discovering one’s unique creative identity and embracing challenges in the creative process. Cofone also discusses the role of adventure and mindfulness in fostering inspiration and maintaining creativity, advocating for a more explorative approach to life and work.

62 snips
Oct 11, 2022 • 1h 4min
162: Perfectionism
Delve into the nuances of perfectionism and procrastination as the hosts share personal anecdotes and insights. Discover how a joyful workspace can boost creativity and productivity. Explore the psychological effects of striving for perfection and learn to embrace imperfections for enhanced growth. Insightful strategies for overcoming perfection paralysis emphasize the importance of taking action and setting realistic expectations. Get inspired to prioritize progress over ideals and understand the creative freedom that comes from letting go.

16 snips
Sep 27, 2022 • 1h 22min
161: Stolen Focus, with Jean MacDonald
Jean MacDonald, a blogger, podcaster, and founder of App Camp for Girls, dives into the complexities of productivity in the digital age. She discusses her M.E.O.W. productivity system and critiques the distractions posed by social media. MacDonald reflects on the decline of traditional reading and shares personal anecdotes about maintaining focus. The conversation also touches on the benefits of different reading formats and the impact of technology on family interactions. Listeners gain insights into balancing digital engagement and authentic connections.

94 snips
Sep 13, 2022 • 1h 18min
160: Balancing Calendars and Tasks
Dive into the art of time management as David and Mike explore the vital relationship between calendars and task lists. They share personal stories from home renovations, highlighting strategies to boost productivity amidst chaos. Discover how to use constraints to enhance focus and the importance of checklists for organization. They also tackle feelings of overwhelm, advocating for intentional scheduling and the power of saying no. Tune in for insights that can transform your approach to managing tasks and maintaining balance!

321 snips
Aug 30, 2022 • 1h 7min
159: The Art of Note-Taking
Note-taking evolves from a simple skill to a powerful productivity tool. The hosts share how effective note-taking fuels creativity and deeper understanding. They discuss the art of journaling and how it enhances self-reflection. Learn about Tiago Forte's CODE system to Capture, Organize, Distill, and Express information effectively. The conversation emphasizes synthesizing insights from various sources and finding balance in organizing notes to encourage personal growth and decision-making.