The Less Doing Podcast

# **Summary:** In Episode #164 Ari invites PhD and author of [Two Awesome Hours](http://www.twoawesomehours.com/), Josh Davis, on the Less Doing podcast. During this week’s interview, Ari and Josh go in-depth on the subject of brains, neural programming and why working for great lengths of time is far from being the _right _way to tackle a busy schedule. **Special Announcements:** ## Fuel the Fire Come watch Ari light-up the Drake Hotel in Chicago on Wednesday, August 5th as he delivers a rousing keynote speech for IPPA Business Excellence Conference: _Fuel the Fire_. This will be a great opportunity to watch Ari translate the lessons of Less Doing into terms business leaders can take to the bank. ## [Rockefeller Roundtable](http://helmsociety.com/ari-meisel-ceo-roundtable-nc/) Come watch Ari regale a roundtable of avid [Helm Society](http://helmsociety.com/) listeners with the lessons of Less Doing on September 9th from 10AM to 2PM in New York City. ## Subscribe to the Podcast or Leave Us a Review! Hey Less Doing Podcast Listeners, we want to hear from YOU! Visit us on iTunes and leave a review or subscribe to the podcast if you’re not already a dedicated follower. **Time Stamped Show Notes:** - 30:46 – Introduction of Josh Davis of [Two Awesome Hours](http://amzn.to/1HnFnX9) - 31:05 – Josh defines the [NeuroLeadership Institute](http://www.neuroleadership.com) - 32:47 – Josh’s background is varied but he eventually fell into psychology and research - 34:15 – The genesis for Two Awesome Hours - 34:30 – More and more—people are being _overwhelmed _with work and the natural response is to work harder, longer and more frequently—this is a terrible solution for a human being - 35:15 – What we _can _do, is be very effective for short bursts of time—we’re sprinters - 36:23 – You don’t need to be “ON” all day long - 37:12 – People who brag about how much work they do or how little they sleep are (for lack of a better word) foolish - 38:52 – The strategies Josh recommends - 38:58 – There really are only a handful of moments throughout the day where we can make decisions about what task to do next - 39:39 – Most of the time we’re rolling on auto pilot so recognize those few moments when you’re fully aware and present - 40:39 – Do what’s important, not what’s urgent - 41:12 – Time isn’t wasted during those moments we’re “in-between” tasks…time is wasted when we get started on the wrong task - 41:30 – Josh’s routine - 43:46 – Exercise has incredible short-term benefits - 46:00 – Things that we need to do “well” are things where we need to be _fully present_ - 48:04 – The importance of environment and how we can improve _any _workspace - 49:03 – ADD isn’t a problem—that’s how your brain, your attention system, is supposed to work - 51:59 – Josh’s _Top 2 Tips to be More Effective_: - 52:07 – Learn some self-compassion - 52:48 – Understand that mind-wandering is completely healthy - 53:30 – Check out the [NeuroLeadership Institute](https://www.neuroleadership.com) and [http://www.twoawesomehours.com/](http://www.twoawesomehours.com/) **7 Key Points:** 1. Enjoy the moments when your mind decides to wander—let it happen. 2. Your brain is naturally wired to have what essentially amounts to ADD—it’s not a problem. 3. Obtain self-compassion. 4. You can’t be “ON all day and, more importantly, you don’t need to be. 5. We can be incredibly effective for short periods of time. 6. Time isn’t wasted in-between tasks, it’s wasted when the wrong task is started. 7. Exercise has amazing and oft-overlooked short-term benefits. **Resources Mentioned:** - [Warrant.ly](http://warrant.ly/?ref=producthunt) – Paper warranties are no more! Scan or snap a picture of your warranty and upload it to the app - [Ultradox](http://www.ultradox.com/?ref=producthunt) – Like IFTTT or Zapier but for documents - [Build Fire](http://buildfire.com/product-hunt/?ref=producthunt) –

# Episode 163 **Summary:** In Episode #163 Ari interviews his much-appreciated meditation teacher Mary Meckley of [Sip and Om](https://www.sipandom.com/). During the interview, Mary explains how her time working in corporate Japan led to her discovery of meditation, how that discovery led to a newfound love, and how that newfound love ultimately led to the birth of _Sip and Om_. **Special Announcements:** ## [Fuel the Fire](http://www.ippa.net/content/index.php?view=details&id=6%3A2015+IPPA+Business+Excellence+Conference&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=54) Come watch Ari light-up the Drake Hotel in Chicago on Wednesday, August 5th as he delivers a rousing keynote speech for IPPA Business Excellence Conference: _Fuel the Fire_. This will be a great opportunity to watch Ari translate the lessons of Less Doing into terms business leaders can take to the bank. ## [Subscribe to the Podcast or Leave Us a Review!](https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewContentsUserReviews?id=605938952&type=Podcast&ls=1&mt=1) Hey Less Doing Podcast Listeners, we want to hear from YOU! Visit us on iTunes and leave a review or subscribe to the podcast if you’re not already a dedicated follower. **Time Stamped Show Notes:** - 10:25 – Introduction of Mary Meckley of [Sip and Om](https://www.sipandom.com/meditation-for-productivity/) - 11:19 – Mary explains how she got into meditation - 14:19 – Meditation creates new neural pathways in the brain - 15:01 – Mary does not focus on one specific type of meditation - 15:40 – Use whatever techniques you need to get there – there being a place of calm and mindfulness - 16:17 – Have something to look forward to every day - 16:40 – Meditation is about slowing downs and becoming self-aware - 18:15 – How Mary lays out the weekly meditation schedule - 19:00 – Get outside and connect with the world…with nature…with your environment - 20:26 – When one faces the elements everyday they become more capable of handling stress, anxiety, etc. - 22:45 – The most important thing in meditation is to allow yourself to _transition_…you can’t just sit down and turn it on - 25:20 – For most people, conducting a daily podcast would be a challenge but Mary enjoys it - 25:28 – Make your meditation rough around the edges - 26:23 – Consistency is important in meditative success - 26:55 – The people that become the _best _meditators – that get the most out of mediation – are those with high-energy - 28:16 – Mary’s sources of inspiration - 30:14 – The more you learn, the more you’re obligated to do something with that knowledge - 31:48 – [www.SimAndOm.com](www.SimAndOm.com) **7 Key Points:** 1. Find something to look forward to every single day. 2. People need to adapt themselves to the seasons – to the outside world – rather than just create a false level of “comfort” all the time. 3. Meditation needs to be rough around the edges. 4. Become a master of transition. 5. Consistent meditation has been proven to create new neural pathways in the brain. 6. Everyone needs a source of inspiration, but that source need not be grandiose. 7. Exposure to the natural world helps us better understand (and ultimately control) things like anxiety and stress. **Resources Mentioned:** - [Sound Hound](http://www.soundhound.com/hound) – Actually it’s called Houndify but it’s awesome nonetheless—this is Siri on every PED imaginable - [AnalyzeCorp](http://analyzecorp.com/data-science-outsourcing) – An outsourcing service for data science - [IBS Test](http://www.medicaldaily.com/blood-test-certain-forms-irritable-bowel-syndrome-may-have-just-been-discovered-334596) – Medical daily article highlighting a _new _test designed to definitively identify the cause of IBS - [Diff Bot](https://www.diffbot.com/?ref=producthunt) – Automated website scraping complete with an API and other elegant features - [Slack’s Secret Sauce](https://medium.com/@awilkinson/slack-s-2-8-billi

# Episode 162 **Summary:** In Episode #162 Ari interviews [Jeff Spencer of The Champion’s Blueprint](http://drjeffspencer.com/). During the episode, Ari and Jeff discuss the secrets to success in all aspects of life and highlight the unheralded importance of a good cornerman. **Special Announcements:** ## [Fuel the Fire](http://www.ippa.net/content/index.php?view=details&id=6%3A2015+IPPA+Business+Excellence+Conference&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=54) Come watch Ari light-up the Drake Hotel in Chicago on Wednesday, August 5th as he delivers a rousing keynote speech for IPPA Business Excellence Conference: _Fuel the Fire_. This will be a great opportunity to watch Ari translate the lessons of Less Doing into terms business leaders can take to the bank. **Time Stamped Show Notes:** - 11:39 – Introduction of [Dr. Jeff Spencer](http://drjeffspencer.com/) of _The Champion’s Blueprint_ - 13:27 – The less assuming tend to win in life - 14:49 – In life or in sports, everyone needs a body that can _perform_ - 15:42 – Everyone needs a cornerman - 16:37 – There are 9 areas of life - 16:55 – The person with the most technical skill is not the champion—the champ is the person who’s ready for the 3-5 pivotal moments - 18:26 – Identify the real obstacles standing in your way - 19:14 – The punch you need to fear is the one you never see coming - 20:29 – History does not lie—it’s an amazing reference point and predictor of the future - 20:44 – Most people fail to prepare - 21:49 – How a cornerman is different from a coach - 23:00 – One good cornerman is better than 10 coaches - 25:40 – Jeff’s original cornerman - 27:13 – “My mentors saved my life” - 27:28 – “You can’t win alone, it’s impossible” - 30:00 – Sports are a great metaphor for life - 31:20 – Success has less to do with the small details and more to do with having all the elements in the equation moving harmoniously - 32:13 – Jeff’s _Top 3 Tips to be More Effective_ - 32:24 – Will and talent cannot save you - 33:11 – Find a cornerman and hold on to him - 33:42 – No one wins alone - 34:28 --- [www.DrJeffSpencer.com](http://www.DrJeffSpencer.com) **7 Key Points:** 1. Having a high-performance body is not just important for athletes, it’s important for everyone. 2. Everyone needs a cornerman. 3. Don’t go it alone—in life, business, sports, anywhere. 4. Always prepare for the 3-5 pivotal moments that determine success. 5. Know thy history, love thy history. 6. Understand that sports are a wonderful metaphor for life. 7. If you want to be successful, building a blueprint isn’t just a good idea, it’s a necessity. **Resources Mentioned:** - [The Human Charger](http://www.humancharger.com/r/lessdoing) – A device designed to help people defeat the adverse effects of jet-lag (promotion code: LESS10HC) - [Pycnogenol](http://www.pycnogenol.com/) – French maritime pine bark extract…one of the richest sources of antioxidants - [Movement and Circadian Rhythms](http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/05/20/lack-of-exercise-can-disrupt-the-bodys-rhythms/) – An NYT Blog discussing the role movement plays on circadian rhythms - [WordZen](http://www.wordzen.com/) – Gmail plug-in that allows for more effective emailing - [Front App](https://frontapp.com/home) – Shared email and SMS inbox for teams. - [Ikea Hack](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/09/ikea-standing-desk-hack_n_7033432.html) – A standing desk that can be built from $22 worth of supplies available at Ikea - [Thync](http://www.thync.com/) – A “thinking” headband designed to directly improve moods and energy - [Doorman](http://www.doorman.co/?utm_content=buffer179b3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer) – A service-based app designed for people without a doorman **Credits:** - Audio Engineering provided by [Chris Mottram](https://christophermottramaudio.wordpress.com/) - Original Music provided by [Felix Bird](http://2014.felixbird.c

# Episode 161 **Summary:** In Episode #161 Ari interviews Steve Sims of [The Blue Fish](http://thebluefish.com/), the world’s leading provider of luxury concierge services. During their brief but powerful conversation, Steve outlines the method to his astoundingly successful customer-retention madness and explains why The Blue Fish is truly a concierge service unlike any other. **Special Announcements:** ## EO Vancouver On June 18th, join Ari at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in b-e-a-utiful Vancouver, B.C. as he takes the microphone for _EO Vancouver_. Enjoy this unique opportunity to watch Ari candidly discuss life as an Author, Speaker, Teacher and – most importantly – Achievement Architect. ## [EO Victoria](https://m.facebook.com/EOVictoriaChapter) Join Ari at one of the Entrepreneur Organization’s high-impact learning events in Victoria, B.C. Like EO Vancouver, this will undoubtedly be a unique opportunity to watch Ari candidly discuss life as an Author, Speaker, Teacher and – most importantly – Achievement Architect. ## [Fuel the Fire](http://www.ippa.net/content/index.php?view=details&id=6%3A2015+IPPA+Business+Excellence+Conference&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=54) Come watch Ari light-up the Drake Hotel in Chicago on Wednesday, August 5th as he delivers a rousing keynote speech for IPPA Business Excellence Conference: _Fuel the Fire_. This will be a great opportunity to watch Ari translate the lessons of Less Doing into terms business leaders can take to the bank. **Time Stamped Show Notes:** - 10:56 – Introduction of Steve Sims, founder of [The Blue Fish](http://thebluefish.com/) - 11:39 – The Blue Fish is a real-life wizard of Oz - 12:12 – An unforgettable private dining experience in Florence… - 17:18 – The “envelope in the hotel” tactic - 19:24 – Only 7-12% of emails actually get through to and read by their intended recipient - 20:15 – If you want an open rate that’s 100% you have to stand out, you have to be different, you have to be distinct—and you cannot use email - 21:00 – Don’t send personal letters, notes, etc. just to friends and personal acquaintances—send them to people you’re trying to entice - 21:35 – Show you care, show you have that personal touch - 22:30 – The Blue Fish has just under 4,000 clients - 22:48 – If you don’t like talking to clients, you had better like watching your bank account disappear - 23:20 – Be hyper-observant when it comes to what your client ISN’T saying - 24:16 – Find a way of connecting - 25:00 – Don’t keep it in your head, write it down - 25:33 – When you’re writing notes, personalize them and keep it short - 26:24 – Try the snail mail, note-based system and _watch _your conversion rates skyrocket - 27:22 – Steve’s _Top 3 Tips to be More Effective_ - 27:31 – Be YOU - 27:52 – Dumb it down—avoid airs and graces - 28:25 – Be humble and respect other people - 28:56 – The Blue Fish membership requires a $5K a year fee, an interview _and _an application - 29:38 – [UglySims.com](http://www.uglysims.com/) **7 Key Points:** 1. Handwritten notes are the _only _way to leave a lasting impression on your clients. 2. Find a way of connecting with your clients on a personal level—if you do, you’ll resonate. 3. Don’t keep an idea, thought, or notion in your head. WRITE IT DOWN! 4. Most people read less than 15% of their email and they respond to even less of it. 5. Letters aren’t just for personal friends—they’re for business partners and customers you’re trying to court. 6. Do more than just get to know your clients as their profession—get to know them as people. 7. Master the art of personal touch and personal flair. **Resources Mentioned:** - [How to Stop Worrying](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2015/05/how-to-stop-worrying/) – From Barking Up the Wrong Tree, an article highlighting ways people can stop worrying - [Join Send](https://www.joinsend.com/#pricing) – A company that will provide pick-up and drop

# Episode 160 **Summary:** This week features a leaner, meaner Less Doing Podcast—no links, no special announcements, just a dynamite interview with Ric Thompson of [Done For You Solutions](http://doneforyousolutions.com/)—a game-changer of an organization within the virtual assistant space. **Special Announcements:** ## EO Vancouver On June 18th, join Ari at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in b-e-a-utiful Vancouver, B.C. as he takes the microphone for _EO Vancouver_. Enjoy this unique opportunity to watch Ari candidly discuss life as an Author, Speaker, Teacher and – most importantly – Achievement Architect. ## [EO Victoria](https://m.facebook.com/EOVictoriaChapter) Join Ari at one of the Entrepreneur Organization’s high-impact learning events in Victoria, B.C. Like EO Vancouver, this will undoubtedly be a unique opportunity to watch Ari candidly discuss life as an Author, Speaker, Teacher and – most importantly – Achievement Architect. ## [Fuel the Fire](http://www.ippa.net/content/index.php?view=details&id=6%3A2015+IPPA+Business+Excellence+Conference&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=54) Come watch Ari light-up the Drake Hotel in Chicago on Wednesday, August 5th as he delivers a rousing keynote speech for IPPA Business Excellence Conference: _Fuel the Fire_. This will be a great opportunity to watch Ari translate the lessons of Less Doing into terms business leaders can take to the bank. **Time Stamped Show Notes:** - 01:21 – Introduction of Ric Thompson, the founder of [Done For You Solutions](http://doneforyousolutions.com/) - 02:02 – Ric defines Done For You Solutions as a _team_ of VA’s rather than an individual VA - 03:10 – Ric has always surrounded himself with an excellent team, people always (jokingly) asked about hiring his team—an idea is born! - 03:35 – More frequently than not, Ric’s team is hired to do web development because “that’s the stuff no one wants to do or learn” - 04:01 – They’re also asked to do a lot of admin work—why?—because admin work is a time suck - 04:20 – Content for your business _needs _to come from a professional writer - 05:19 – If you’re an expert on something, outsource _everything _else - 06:08 – Ric’s team follows the distributed model (his team is all over the world) and leverages modern technology - 07:19 – The key to defeating outsourcing objections according to Ric?—clear communication - 08:17 – Delegation is not something you can just wake up and do—like anything else, it’s a skill that needs development - 08:20 – [Stephen Covey](https://www.stephencovey.com/) – The 5 Levels of Delegation - 08:45 – Most people want to start at level 4 or 5 of delegation - 08:57 – Delegation is a relationship - 10:48 – Steve’s Top 3 Tech Tools for successful outsourcing - 10:51 – Skype - 11:06 – Basecamp and Trello - 12:09 – DropBox - 12:30 – Entrepreneurs and small business owners want to get stuff DONE, but they tend to skip thinking things through - 13:30 – Ric is always focused on sales and hiring because he has outsourced all of his other tasks - 14:22 – Ric’s _Top 3 Tips to be More Effective_ - 14:28 – Own the proper mindset - 15:32 – You are NOT your business—to your business, time is a scalable resource but YOU are limited to 24 hours in a day - 15:52 – Keep dialing in your effective communication skills - 16:21 – [DoneForYouSolutions.com](http://doneforyousolutions.com/) **7 Key Points:** 1. Effective communication is 100% critical to the success of any outsourcing effort. 2. Surround yourself with a quality team and a quality business will quickly emerge. 3. Leverage modern technology to make your life easier. 4. Delegation is a skill that requires an investment of time and effort to master. 5. Never forget that you are NOT your business. 6. Content for your business needs to come from a professional writer. 7. If you are an expert at something, outsource everything else so you can focus on what you

# Episode 159 **Summary:** In Episode #159 Ari is joined by productivity man, myth and legend [Tim Ferriss](http://fourhourworkweek.com/about/) of [The 4 Hour Work Week](http://amzn.to/1BTY4tK) fame. During this hour-plus interview, Ari asks Tim about the origins of his success, the keys to his continued habits of excellence and what makes “The Four Hour X” approach to life so radically helpful. **Special Announcements:** # [Less Doing Does Europe!](https://www.gazelles.com/summits/EGS-2015/Barcelona/index.html) Watch Ari bring the lessons of Less Doing to some of Europe’s most famous cities including Barcelona, Munich, Amsterdam and Budapest for the 2015 European Growth Summit. Ari will be joined by fellow masters of entrepreneurship Steve Martin, Director of _Influence at Work_ in the UK, and Verne Harnish, founder and CEO of Gazelles. For the most up-to-date information on the Growth Summit, check out [Twitter](https://twitter.com/iesebs/status/604286965366853632), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Iesebusinessschool/posts/10153314517974326), [Google+](https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/106615251332390702570/+iesebusinessschool/posts/4s7cFAMJa7B) or [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/164299/comments?topic=6010042301072625664&type=U&scope=164299&stype=C&a=AEGq&goback=%2Ebzo_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_iese*5business*5school)! ## EO Vancouver On June 18th, join Ari at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in b-e-a-utiful Vancouver, B.C. as he takes the microphone for _EO Vancouver_. Enjoy this unique opportunity to watch Ari candidly discuss life as an Author, Speaker, Teacher and – most importantly – Achievement Architect. ## [EO Victoria](https://m.facebook.com/EOVictoriaChapter) Join Ari at one of the Entrepreneur Organization’s high-impact learning events in Victoria, B.C. Like EO Vancouver, this will undoubtedly be a unique opportunity to watch Ari candidly discuss life as an Author, Speaker, Teacher and – most importantly – Achievement Architect. ## [Fuel the Fire](http://www.ippa.net/content/index.php?view=details&id=6%3A2015+IPPA+Business+Excellence+Conference&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=54) Come watch Ari light-up the Drake Hotel in Chicago on Wednesday, August 5th as he delivers a rousing keynote speech for IPPA Business Excellence Conference: _Fuel the Fire_. This will be a great opportunity to watch Ari translate the lessons of Less Doing into terms business leaders can take to the bank. **Time Stamped Show Notes:** - 25:59 – Introduction of [Tim Ferriss](http://fourhourworkweek.com/about/) of [The 4 Hour Work Week](http://amzn.to/1BTY4tK) - 26:52 – Talking about the [Tim Ferriss Experiment](https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/the-tim-ferriss-experiment/id984734983) - 29:08 – Tim has “failed” at TV twice - 31:14 – It’s not enough to be a positive thinker—you need the “feet on the ground” strategies - 32:00 – Mastery comes through teaching - 32:38 – Tim didn’t learn how to swim until he was in his 30s - 33:12 – When you suddenly overcome an “impossible” other impossibles in your life start to fall - 37:30 – Tim’s next “skill” to develop? - 39:03 – Tim’s to-do list - 41:14 – Becoming proficient in any activity creates far-reaching transferrable skill - 42:38 – [The Checklist Manifesto](http://amzn.to/1F3YyNS) - 42:45 – No matter how dexterous of mind and body you are, checklists (processes) will make you better - 43:40 – Is there blowback from people who are offended by the notion that Tim can “learn” a task in one-week? - 46:12 – Be unorthodox and challenge the “best-practices” of your given skill - 46:29 – “This takes a lifetime to learn” is something people say when they’re trying to defend their fiefdom - 46:44 – More often than not, it is said to deter people from trying - 48:31 – Tim’s key tools for automation - 48:47 – Boomerang as a Gmail extension - 50:14 – Delegate anything that consumes attention rather than time - 53:32 – Ari

# Episode 158 **Summary:** In Episode #158 Ari brings “part business strategist, part marketing maven and part spiritual ass-kicker”, Marie Forleo of [MarieTV](http://www.marieforleo.com/) on to the Less Doing Podcast. During this energetic interview, Marie talks about her Jersey roots, Italian heritage and building a multimillion dollar brand from scratch. **Special Announcements:** # [Less Doing Does Europe!](https://www.gazelles.com/summits/EGS-2015/Barcelona/index.html) Watch Ari bring the lessons of Less Doing to some of Europe’s most famous cities including Barcelona, Munich, Amsterdam and Budapest for the 2015 European Growth Summit. Ari will be joined by fellow masters of entrepreneurship Steve Martin, Director of _Influence at Work_ in the UK, and Verne Harnish, founder and CEO of Gazelles. For the most up-to-date information on the Growth Summit, check out [Twitter](https://twitter.com/iesebs/status/604286965366853632), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Iesebusinessschool/posts/10153314517974326), [Google+](https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/106615251332390702570/+iesebusinessschool/posts/4s7cFAMJa7B) or [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/164299/comments?topic=6010042301072625664&type=U&scope=164299&stype=C&a=AEGq&goback=%2Ebzo_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_iese*5business*5school)! ## EO Vancouver On June 18th, join Ari at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in b-e-a-utiful Vancouver, B.C. as he takes the microphone for _EO Vancouver_. Enjoy this unique opportunity to watch Ari candidly discuss life as an Author, Speaker, Teacher and – most importantly – Achievement Architect. ## [EO Victoria](https://m.facebook.com/EOVictoriaChapter) Join Ari at one of the Entrepreneur Organization’s high-impact learning events in Victoria, B.C. Like EO Vancouver, this will undoubtedly be a unique opportunity to watch Ari candidly discuss life as an Author, Speaker, Teacher and – most importantly – Achievement Architect. ## [Fuel the Fire](http://www.ippa.net/content/index.php?view=details&id=6%3A2015+IPPA+Business+Excellence+Conference&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=54) Come watch Ari light-up the Drake Hotel in Chicago on Wednesday, August 5th as he delivers a rousing keynote speech for IPPA Business Excellence Conference: _Fuel the Fire_. This will be a great opportunity to watch Ari translate the lessons of Less Doing into terms business leaders can take to the bank. **Time Stamped Show Notes:** - 08:59 – Introduction of Marie Forleo, creator of [Marie TV](http://www.marieforleo.com/) - 09:23 – Marie got her start as a 23 year-old life coach and fitness video instructor - 10:20 – The conventional wisdom that you have to choose one thing to “be” as an adult is wrong - 13:30 – Ari used to teach a cardio class at his wife’s yoga studio - 14:00 – If you don’t know how to laugh…learn how - 15:05 – Many of us can be our own worst enemy - 16:41 – The process of creation is NOT easy - 17:05 – The act of creation is fun - 17:43 – Make sure you’re doing at least a portion of your work for YOU - 18:30 – When starting a business, profitability takes time to achieve - 20:45 – There’s traditionally a lack of soulfulness in business training/teaching - 22:38 – At her core, Marie is a natural teacher _and _student - 23:55 – The more we can get into our bodies and avoid living from the neck up, the more creative and successful we can be - 24:33 – Marie’s daily routine - 25:05 – 10 minutes of meditation in the morning is a MUST - 25:48 – Schedules and routines are great, but they need to be flexible - 26:17 – Ride the rhythm of life - 27:14 – Marie writes every single day, but not in a ritualistic way - 29:55 – Learn how to shut out the distractions and just get your work DONE - 30:33 – Marie’s dietary direction?—lots of water and lots of plants with dustings of dairy, carbs and alcohol - 34:00 – Marie’s _Top 3 Tips to be More Effective_ - 34:12 – Recognize that priorities equate to pros

# Episode 157 **Summary:** In Episode #157 of the Less Doing podcast, Ari is joined by [Dan Peña](http://www.danpena.com/) of [Ask the 50 Billion Dollar Man](http://askthe50billiondollarman.com/). Follow along as Dan outlines his dos and don’ts of business, from the importance of long hours at the office to having the right attitude to achieve success. **_Listeners beware_** —Dan loves himself an expletive or two so those with sensitive ears may want to skip this episode. **Special Announcements:** # [Less Doing Does Europe!](https://www.evernote.com/OutboundRedirect.action?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gazelles.com%2Fsummits%2FEGS-2015%2FBarcelona%2Findex.html) Watch Ari bring the lessons of Less Doing to some of Europe’s most famous cities including Barcelona, Munich, Amsterdam and Budapest for the 2015 European Growth Summit. Ari will be joined by fellow masters of entrepreneurship Steve Martin, Director of _Influence at Work_ in the UK, and Verne Harnish, founder and CEO of Gazelles. For the most up-to-date information on the Growth Summit, check out [Twitter](https://www.evernote.com/OutboundRedirect.action?dest=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fiesebs%2Fstatus%2F604286965366853632), [Facebook](https://www.evernote.com/OutboundRedirect.action?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FIesebusinessschool%2Fposts%2F10153314517974326), [Google+](https://www.evernote.com/OutboundRedirect.action?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fplus.google.com%2Fu%2F0%2Fb%2F106615251332390702570%2F%2Biesebusinessschool%2Fposts%2F4s7cFAMJa7B) or [LinkedIn](https://www.evernote.com/OutboundRedirect.action?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F164299%2Fcomments%3Ftopic%3D6010042301072625664%26type%3DU%26scope%3D164299%26stype%3DC%26a%3DAEGq%26goback%3D%252Ebzo_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_iese*5business*5school)! ## EO Vancouver On June 18th, join Ari at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in b-e-a-utiful Vancouver, B.C. as he takes the microphone for _EO Vancouver_. Enjoy this unique opportunity to watch Ari candidly discuss life as an Author, Speaker, Teacher and – most importantly – Achievement Architect. ## [EO Victoria](https://www.evernote.com/OutboundRedirect.action?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com%2FEOVictoriaChapter) Join Ari at one of the Entrepreneur Organization’s high-impact learning events in Victoria, B.C. Like EO Vancouver, this will undoubtedly be a unique opportunity to watch Ari candidly discuss life as an Author, Speaker, Teacher and – most importantly – Achievement Architect. ## [Fuel the Fire](http://www.ippa.net/content/index.php?view=details&id=6%3A2015+IPPA+Business+Excellence+Conference&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=54) Come watch Ari light-up the Drake Hotel in Chicago on Wednesday, August 5th as he delivers a rousing keynote speech for IPPA Business Excellence Conference: _Fuel the Fire_. This will be a great opportunity to watch Ari translate the lessons of Less Doing into terms business leaders can take to the bank. **Time Stamped Show Notes:** - 11:25 – Introduction of Dan Peña of [Ask the 50 Billion Dollar Man](http://askthe50billiondollarman.com/) - 12:00 – Explaining the origins of “_The 50 Billion Dollar Man_” - 13:30 -- $50 billion is the value/money Dan has created for others - 14:10 – Dan’s model is to pull as many people across the goal line as possible - 14:30 – Everybody wants wealth, but not everybody wants notoriety - 15:32 – Quantum Leap Advantage: QLA - 18:00 – Dan does between 2 and 6 retreats per year - 18:40 – Homework is an important part of improvement and success - 18:50 – Nothing will drain your energy like negative emotion - 19:37 – Dan started with no money…$820 dollars - 20:30 – High-performance people have a lot of energy - 20:39 – _Motivation gets you started, good habits keep you going_ - 21:00 – “You may not like Donald Trump but he is a high-performance guy…he doesn’t go to the Super Bowl, he doesn’t hang out at sports bars” - 22:22 – It’s easier now tha

# Episode 156 **Summary:** In Episode #156 Ari invites [Gretchen Rubin](http://www.gretchenrubin.com/), a happiness hero and author of [The Happiness Project](http://amzn.to/1FVndJz) and [Better Then Before](http://amzn.to/1FMI6oU) to the Less Doing podcast. Listen in as Gretchen and Ari talk about their tips and tricks surrounding happiness, habits and all-around better living. **Special Announcements:** # [Less Doing Does Europe!](https://www.gazelles.com/summits/EGS-2015/Barcelona/index.html) Watch Ari bring the lessons of Less Doing to some of Europe’s most famous cities including Barcelona, Munich, Amsterdam and Budapest for the 2015 European Growth Summit. Ari will be joined by fellow masters of entrepreneurship Steve Martin, Director of _Influence at Work_ in the UK, and Verne Harnish, founder and CEO of Gazelles. For the most up-to-date information on the Growth Summit, check out [Twitter](https://twitter.com/iesebs/status/604286965366853632), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Iesebusinessschool/posts/10153314517974326), [Google+](https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/106615251332390702570/+iesebusinessschool/posts/4s7cFAMJa7B) or [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/164299/comments?topic=6010042301072625664&type=U&scope=164299&stype=C&a=AEGq&goback=%2Ebzo_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_iese*5business*5school)! ## EO Vancouver On June 18th, join Ari at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in b-e-a-utiful Vancouver, B.C. as he takes the microphone for _EO Vancouver_. Enjoy this unique opportunity to watch Ari candidly discuss life as an Author, Speaker, Teacher and – most importantly – Achievement Architect. ## [EO Victoria](https://m.facebook.com/EOVictoriaChapter) Join Ari at one of the Entrepreneur Organization’s high-impact learning events in Victoria, B.C. Like EO Vancouver, this will undoubtedly be a unique opportunity to watch Ari candidly discuss life as an Author, Speaker, Teacher and – most importantly – Achievement Architect. ## [Fuel the Fire](http://www.ippa.net/content/index.php?view=details&id=6%3A2015+IPPA+Business+Excellence+Conference&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=54) Come watch Ari light-up the Drake Hotel in Chicago on Wednesday, August 5th as he delivers a rousing keynote speech for IPPA Business Excellence Conference: _Fuel the Fire_. This will be a great opportunity to watch Ari translate the lessons of Less Doing into terms business leaders can take to the bank. **Time Stamped Show Notes:** - 11:20 – Introduction of [Gretchen Rubin](http://www.gretchenrubin.com/), author of [The Happiness Project](http://amzn.to/1FVndJz) and [Better Then Before](http://amzn.to/1FMI6oU) - 11:55 – How the Happiness Project came to pass - 12:15 – We often don’t spend enough time thinking about happiness - 13:08 – Gretchen shares some of the things she found immediately improved her happiness - 13:30 – Your physical experience always colors your emotional experience - 14:30 – [The Japanese Art of Decluttering](http://amzn.to/1FVoi48) - 16:00 – Testing the big theories of happiness - 16:55 – [www.GretchenRubin.com](http://www.GretchenRubin.com) - 17:08 – [Happier with Gretchen Rubin](http://gretchenrubin.com/podcast/) - 17:45 – Sometimes you have to accept a negative period in order to get the benefits that ultimately lead to happiness - 19:05 – Sometimes you just have to trust yourself—You’re doing the right thing, just be patient - 20:15 – Even if you don’t see the change right away, stick with it!—As long as you know what you’re doing is right for you - 21:10 – Research suggests that 40% of our day is shaped by habit - 22:50 – The Four Tendencies - 25:25 – Keeping the “streak” is incredibly important in keeping your habits up - 26:04 – Ari’s 5 daily habits that he MUST keep up - 28:52 – Ari’s habits are about staying balanced and maintaining self-control - 29:45 – Some people assume that if they load themselves with guilt and shame they can better practice th

# Episode 155 **Summary:** In Episode #155 Ari speaks with Christian Bjelland of [Club Alfred](https://www.helloalfred.com/), the new task take-down service that’s revolutionizing the way people approach getting chores, errands and other odd jobs done. During the interview, Christian explains how Alfred got started and why he feels it will change the way people run their homes. **Special Announcements:** # [Less Doing Does Europe!](https://www.gazelles.com/summits/EGS-2015/Barcelona/index.html) Watch Ari bring the lessons of Less Doing to some of Europe’s most famous cities including Barcelona, Munich, Amsterdam and Budapest for the 2015 European Growth Summit. Ari will be joined by fellow masters of entrepreneurship Steve Martin, Director of _Influence at Work_ in the UK, and Verne Harnish, founder and CEO of Gazelles. ## EO Vancouver On June 18th, join Ari at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in b-e-a-utiful Vancouver, B.C. as he takes the microphone for _EO Vancouver_. Enjoy this unique opportunity to watch Ari candidly discuss life as an Author, Speaker, Teacher and – most importantly – Achievement Architect. **Time Stamped Show Notes:** - 19:41 – Introduction of Christian Bjelland of [Club Alfred](https://www.helloalfred.com/) - 19:55 – Christian defines [Alfred](https://www.helloalfred.com/) as a single-point to create and manage daily/weekly routines - 20:08 – The service costs $25 a week - 20:21 – The essential goal of the service is to allow users to improve their time and energy usage by eliminating tasks from “to-do” lists (like buying groceries) - 20:50 – Think of Alfred as a home or project manager - 21:50 – Unlike other on-demand services, Alfred employs automation and a white-glove approach - 23:18 – Are there any issues with trust? Security? - 24:18 – Many people refer to Alfred as “hotel service in your own home” - 24:50 – Client managers come from a variety of backgrounds and are required to have a college degree or relevant experience - 25:35 – Client managers have ownership of their clients and are encouraged to go above and beyond - 26:55 – For $25 you receive a primary visit and a complementary return day if necessary - 27:30 – Thus far, the service is only available in NYC and Boston - 28:29 – Does Alfred conduct any data-capture? - 29:55 – The primary method of communication when using Alfred is text message base - 30:22 – There is an app under development - 30:35 – Quick, conversational communication is important to success - 31:15 – Christian is originally from Norway and his background is in investment banking - 32:40 – The success of Alfred is heavily dependent upon the client managers, for this reason all client managers are W-2 employees, not contractors - 33:22 – Christian’s _Top 3 Tips to be More Effective_ - 33:33 – Start using Alfred - 34:15 – Spend a little time every week to plan things out - 34:52 – Find a place where you can be in complete isolation - 35:58 – [www.helloalfred.com](http://www.helloalfred.com) **7 Key Points:** 1. Don’t feel professionally limited by your background. 2. Keep communication concise and clear. 3. Know how to not only price your product but price it well. 4. The new UX is no UX. 5. Take the time to plan out your day, week, month and year. 6. When you need to work, isolate yourself and eliminate distractions. 7. Treat your employees well, and they’ll treat your customers well. **Resources Mentioned:** - [Vit](http://www.vit.fitness/) – A new meal-replacement service - [Hello](https://hello.is/) – Makers of Sense, the smart alarm clock that helps you improve your sleep - [Women and Chemicals](http://abcnews.go.com/Health/women-put-average-168-chemicals-bodies-day-consumer/story?id=30615324) – The average woman puts 168 chemicals into her body every day - [Text Hotel](https://www.texthotel.co/?ref=producthunt&utm_content=bufferd5653&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_