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. (more…)

This is a follow on episode from last week- Two Sorts of Thinking – Part 1. Last week I discussed what is thought, why and how thought arise, free will, consciousness and the constructionist thoery of the brain as it relates to how we operate.

This week I will talk more on why it is beneficial to develop a mindfulness practice. When we become more mindful and aware we can seperate ourselves from the random thoughts that fire off rather then being dragged along with them. (more…)

Summary

In this interview, I chat with Dorie Clark. Dorie is an adjunct professor at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and a professional speaker. She teaches people how to reinvent themselves and cut through the noise of information and ideas out there so their messages can be heard. In this episode, she shares insight and techniques to do just that.

The New York Times has described her as an “expert at self-reinvention and helping others make changes in their lives.” (more…)

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

“Essentialism is not about how to get more things done; it’s about how to get the right things done. It doesn’t mean just doing less for the sake of less either. It is about making the wisest possible investment of your time and energy in order to operate at our highest point of contribution by doing only what is essential.” Greg McKeown

Essentialism is the journey of life with purpose. I believe that life which is without purpose grows busy, cluttered, chaotic, stressful, overwhelming and results in less fulfillment and meaning. (more…)

“Everything you do takes you closer to or further away from your goals” Craig Ballantyne

Have you ever had a day where everything goes smooth? You get to the end of the day, and while laying in bed, you just feel awesome!

Those are the days we wish for more of, right? But how often do they occur?

I remember the past not so long ago when I was stuck. Every day seemed like a significant drag. It felt like every day I tried so hard. I felt challenged. I was stressed. I thought I was doing everything right, but I felt like I was getting nowhere.

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Summary

This is a replay interivew that I did with Jenny Santi. You can review the full show notes here at episode 31.

Jenny Sanit is the best-selling author of The Giving Way to Happiness in which she shares stories and the science behind the life-changing power of giving.

It’s a wonderful conversation about giving, not only the benefits but also the tecnhiques. How to get more involved in a way that has meaning and also without not feeling guilty. (more…)

In this episode, I first take a look at “what are thoughts?” I do this from the stance of introspection and studies of neuroscience and psychology. If thoughts become our reality than in understanding them and how we can influence them perhaps we will be better equipped to change undesirable realities that we live.

We are conscious beings and without consciousness, what then are we? Do we exist? What role does our consciousness play in directing our thoughts and our lives? (more…)

Summary

“Progress in thought is the assertion of individualism against authority.” Oscar Wilde

Rutger Bregman is the author of Utopia for Realists: How We Can Build the Ideal World. He is a historian and writes on philosophy, economics, and history.

Encouraged by his father to ask the bigger questions of life, Rutger believes we have stopped this practice. To ask bigger questions about life and about what’s wrong with society. Contemplating and discussing the key issues that will lead to ideas, innovation followed by action that can progress humanity to a higher level of utopia.  (more…)

Funded!: How I Leveraged My Passion to Live A Fulfilling Life and How You Can Too by Lucy Gent Foma

“For anything you dream about doing, there is a high likelihood that there will be a grant of fundraising money available to do it.” Lucy Gent Foma

I picked up this book with the purpose of learning more about how to reach my funding goal for my up and coming book launch campaign. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting, however, I did pick up a few bits of advice. For those of you who are looking to get funding for scholarships, fellowships or grants this book is a practical step by step guide through that process. (more…)

“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.” Joel A. Barker

What is your future vision? If you cannot answer this question, then it is my thought that you must make it a priority so that you can respond to this question.

Our future vision becomes the underlying guide of our lives. It sets the motion of the paths we pursue. It is like the blueprint for which we can map out our existence.

Without it, we will ineffectively navigate ourselves and traverse this life with less purpose, meaning, and happiness. I believe such lives will result in greater suffering and regret. (more…)