Summary

“Marry your intention with the right amount of attention.” Mike Vardy

If you’re tired of “doing” productive and want to start being productive, you’re in the right place. In this episode, Mike Vardy, founder of Productivityist will show you how to define your days, funnel your focus, and make every moment matter.

A productivityist is a productivity enthusiast. They love to delve deep into the study of productivity, including all the tool and habitual behaviors there is to know. Exploring new ideas, processes, and ways to get things done. Personally, for me, it all boils down to the best use of my time.

Mike Vardy is a writer, productivity strategist, and the founder of Productivityist. He has served as the Managing Editor at Lifehack and contributed articles on productivity to 99u, Lifehacker, The Next Web, SUCCESS Magazine, and The Huffington Post.

Mike is also the author of several books and is the creator of The NOW Year™ Method, a simple, durable, and flexible personal productivity approach. He has delivered talks on the topic of task and time management at events like New Media Expo, TEDx Victoria, South by Southwest, and creativeLIVE. He lives in Victoria, BC, Canada with his incredible wife, daughter, and son.

Coaching

Key Take Outs

• Productivity Explained – Time crafting with purpose.
• Benefits of productivity skill are for everyone. It’s about lifestyle design.
• What is patience, why it’s important, and how to reduce impatience?
• Shipping vs delivery. Now vs Longevity. Passion and joy for the practice of your art.
• Mike’s daily CT scan. Check in with the calendar. Cross check with your to-do-lists. And create themes.
• Mike shares his themes.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Theming my days plus having a solid morning and evening routine.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Be smarter with your money.

What is the meaning of success?

Do what you love and love what you do.

What is your number one productivity advice?

Keep a journal.

What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make a change?

Don’t make the goal radical – keep it simple and realistic and then expand.

Favourite Food

Pasta.

Favourite Leisure Activity

Kayaking and watching wrestling.

Favourite Book

Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff

The Go-Giver, Expanded Edition: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea by Bob Burg

Any books by Steven Pressfield –

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield

The Front Nine: How to Start the Year You Want Anytime You Want by Mike Vardy

Favourite Quote

“Time is a man-made thing, saying I don’t have is saying I don’t want to.” Lau Tsu

Do we all have a why?

Yes! It’s subjective and it’s important we don’t judge others and their “why.” Importantly don’t keep your why hidden from yourself.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

Marrying your intention with the right amount of attention.

Connect with Mike Vardy + Free Gifts

Visit his website – Productivtyist

Free Gifts here exclusively for The Hidden Why listeners.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.

Coaching