The Productivity Show

Self Management over Time Management

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Have you ever set aside a whole day for an important task, only to find yourself spiraling down a rabbit hole of distractions?

In this episode, we dive into the essence of self-management, a skill often overshadowed but incredibly vital. Find out how you can make the essential adjustments in your daily life to achieve more with less stress.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Links:

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25X Productivity Coaching

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Pathways to Progress: The Essentials of Investing in Yourself (TPS502)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Have you ever noticed that some people thrive in their careers and personal lives, and others just kind of… survive?

In this episode, we dive into the power and necessity of investing in yourself. We explore three pivotal areas: advancing your career through skill development, the importance of building a robust network, and the transformative impact of personalized coaching.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:36]
How to build skills and learn [7:34]
How to build your personal and professional network [21:17]
A huge learning and development shortcut [32:36]

Uncover Time Traps: A Guide to Effective Time Audits

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Does time feel like it is slipping away? Do you get to the end of the day and feel like you were busy but didn’t accomplish anything? It might be time for a time audit.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to identify those sneaky time-wasters and gain back precious hours for the things that truly matter.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Rise Rituals Revisited: Build a Morning Routine That Sticks (TPS501)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Are you ready to start your day with a routine that actually sticks?

In this episode, we dive deep into the secrets of crafting a morning routine — or “Rise Ritual” as we call it — that’s effective, enjoyable, and tailored just for you.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:52]
How to make time for your Rise Ritual [4:51]
How to personalize your routine [14:51]
How do you handle it when things start to fall apart? [21:17]

Beyond the Alarm Clock: Build a Rise Ritual That Works for You

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Does success rely on joining the 5 am club? We say no!

In this episode, you’ll discover how breaking free from the one-size-fits-all approach to starting your day can revolutionize your productivity and well-being. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, this episode offers practical tips to tailor your rise ritual to fit your unique lifestyle and goals.

This episode isn’t just about productivity; it’s about setting a positive tone for your entire day.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

The TPS Eras Tour: Episode 500 (TPS500)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

It is Episode 500 of The Productivity Show!

In this episode, Thanh and Brooks will take you on a tour of the five eras of The Productivity Show. You’ll discover productivity lessons and action items from the past ten years of the show.

We don’t just play the hits, though: we share some under-the-radar deep-cut episodes that we think will help even today (no costume changes or moss-covered pianos required).

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/TPS.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Thanks Notion! Try Notion AI for free when you go to Notion.com/tps.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes at https://theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:09]
Some of Thanh’s most impactful guests [12:50]
The Episode 1-99 Era Picks and Lessons [17:40]
The Episode 100-199 Era Picks and Lessons [28:00]
The Episode 200-299 Era Picks and Lessons [38:23]
The Episode 300-399 Era Picks and Lessons [45:42]
The Episode 400-499 Era Picks and Lessons [53:00]

Setting the Stage: How Daily Planning Fuels Success

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Ever feel like you’re just putting out fires at work, getting nowhere fast? That was Thanh until he discovered the magic of daily planning.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to start your day knowing exactly what needs to get done and focus on what really moves the needle.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

The Most Overrated Productivity Hacks and More (TPS499)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Is the Pomodoro Technique overrated? How about the Eisenhower matrix? Which productivity technique does Brooks and Thanh disagree about?

In this episode of the podcast, we discuss overrated productivity techniques, Type-A relaxation, and the results of a country-wide 4-Day Workweek experiment that we shared in a previous episode.

Get a free 2-week trial at 1password.com/tps.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:50]
Is Type-A relaxation a problem? [5:06]
Which productivity techniques are completely overrated? [16:19]
Whatever happened with that 4-Day Workweek study? [44:21]

Checklists: The Secret to Stress-Free Productivity

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

For something so simple, a checklist can be surprisingly transformative.

In this episode, you’ll discover how checklists can streamline your routine, declutter your workspace, and enhance your project management, all while freeing up mental space for creativity and deep thinking.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Stuck to Streamlined: 5 Ways To Get Unstuck and Finally Beat Procrastination (TPS498)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Feeling stuck can happen to anyone. You might know what you need to do, but getting started never seems to happen.

In this episode, you’ll discover easy-to-use tips to help you break through the procrastination wall. Whether it’s a big project or just daily tasks, you’ll get moving and stay on track.

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:50]
How to schedule your habits to make sure they happen [5:56]
How to give yourself an onramp to make things happen [12:29]
Not enough of us do this, but we should. [20:03]
This almost always works when nothing else does [25:59]
How to design your environment for success [31:43]

Priorities Evolve, and So Can You

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

As our lives evolve, so do our priorities. The strategies that work in one situation may not serve you when your priorities shift, and so do your methods for managing your time, energy, and attention.

In this episode, we share strategies for staying adaptable and learning to thrive with the passage of time.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Fridge Magnets That Save 2 Hours a Day, Achieve Goals with AI, and Beat Time Poverty (TPS497)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Can you save 2 hours a day with a… fridge magnet? Can an AI tool help you achieve your big audacious goal?

In this episode, we’ll answer these questions, and you’ll discover 5 ways to break out of time poverty.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/TPS.

Thanks Notion! Try Notion AI for free when you go to Notion.com/tps.

Get an additional 15% off an annual membership at MASTERCLASS.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:15]
Five ways to escape time poverty [4:21]
A new AI tool to help you achieve your goals [21:28]
A fridge magnet that can save you 2 hours a day [33:42]

Master Your Day with the Focus Filter: Pinpoint What Really Matters

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 15:01:00 +0000

Have you ever found yourself staring at your to-do list, wondering, “Where on earth do I start?”

Some days, it’s super clear what needs to be done, but then there are those times when everything looks important or due soon, and we just end up ticking off the easy stuff to avoid feeling buried.

In this episode, we’re going to talk about the Focus Filter. It’s all about figuring out what really matters today and what’s going to make the biggest difference.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Batching: The Productivity Tactic That Works (TPS496)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

When you start researching productivity tactics, there is one big one that always comes up: batching like tasks together.

It’s popular for a reason: it works!

In this episode, we share the power of batching, and how we use it to be productive. We also share the results of a batching experiment. Is it really more productive?

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:18]
The 3 levels of batching [10:09]
How to find batching opportunities [13:37]
An email batching tip for busy corporates [20:33]
Our reading schedules [22:46]
Brooks’ batching experiment [23:42]

What’s on your Anti-Todo List?

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Normally, on The Productivity Show, we recommend productive actions you should take to achieve your goals. Not this time. In this episode, we want you to stop doing something.

Discover how to create your own Anti-todo-list to make time and space for what really matters.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Health and Wellness for Longevity w/ Bert Massey (TPS495)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

A major productivity trend we’ve identified for 2024 is health and wellness. If you don’t have the energy to do what you need to do, you can’t be productive no matter which task manager or framework you use.

One of our most popular episodes on this topic is Thanh’s chat with his strength and conditioning coach Bert Massey, so we are happy to provide it again as an encore presentation.

In this episode, we talk about exercise, working out for longevity, functional strength, and what to do when you are sitting all day.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com/.

Thanks Notion! Try Notion AI for free when you go to Notion.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

How rigidity and chaos impacts your fitness [8:29]
Bodyweight benchmarks to measure fitness [18:35]
Fitness routines that have stood the test of time [26:45]
How to get results from just 30 minutes of exercise [41:26]
How to train for longevity, not just fitness [46:55]
Why it is so important to focus on your feet [47:28]
Bert’s fitness routine [1:13:56]

Go From Stuck to Unstoppable with this Motivation Tip

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Are you in a slump? Lack motivation? Feeling overwhelmed? If you said yes to any of these, then you must listen to this episode. Thanh shares two quick tips to get you back fully motivated and in momentum. Download this episode now and tune in!

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Professional Athlete Bud Norris Shares His High Performance Habits (TPS494)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Former MLB pitcher Bud Norris shares his insights on resilience, performing under extreme pressure, and the secrets to sustaining peak performance – both on the baseball diamond and in the boardroom. From nail-biting moments in games to hilarious locker room tales, Bud’s got stories that’ll keep you hooked and entertained. But there’s more – he’s also breaking down how the lessons from his MLB days can supercharge your own work life.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/TPS.

Get an additional 15% off an annual membership at MASTERCLASS.com/tps.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Who was Bud Norris before professional baseball? [1:57]
How does an athlete stay motivated, especially in the early days? [7:00]
How did Bud train and prepare himself for top performance? [15:54]
What are some ways to rebound from setbacks when the pressure is on? [48:09]
Some tips and tools for physical recovery [56:17]

Is AI Hype or Real? My Quick Take On It

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Artificial Intelligence. Is it hype or here to stay? I’ve experimented with dozens of AI tools, spent over 100+ hours learning about it, and here’s what I’ve concluded.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

2024 Productivity Trends You Need to Know About (TPS493)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

We held an exclusive webinar for Asian Efficiency clients on the 2024 Productivity Trends coming up. In this episode, we’ll share some highlights and insights from this webinar. You’ll also discover new productivity apps that we’re currently liking and other tools you have never heard of (and we like a lot). Tune in now to find out more.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:52]
Some apps Thanh is loving these days [15:59]
AI tools you need to know about [19:04]
Some health and wellness tips [25:57]

Rethinking Productivity Through the Lens of Shoshin

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Unlock the secret of Shoshin, the Japanese concept of a ‘beginner’s mind,’ and how it can revolutionize your approach to productivity.

Join us in this episode as we explore how embracing curiosity and openness can lead to innovative solutions and a more fulfilling work experience.

Discover actionable steps to integrate Shoshin into your daily routine and see your tasks in a whole new light!

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Your Career in 2024, ‘BS’ Jobs, and Flip Phone Experiments (TPS492)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

What trends will shape our careers in 2024? Would you be willing to switch to a flip phone for a month? And how performative productivity creates “BS” jobs.

In this episode, we talk about these topics and more (example: will AI be telling US what to do instead of vice-versa?)

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Thanks Notion! Try Notion AI for free when you go to Notion.com/tps.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Get an additional 15% off an annual membership at MASTERCLASS.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:17]
Six Trends That Will Shape Our Careers in 2024 [4:30]
Lessons learned from a month-long flip-phone experiment [22:30]
It’s all “BS”: performing productivity at tech companies [40:41]

Get better sleep, more energy and focus with this one device

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Wearables are a new wave of productivity tools that are underrated. Thanh shares which wearable technology he uses to improve his sleep, have more energy, and focus in his life.

This episode is packed with valuable insights on harnessing technology for a healthier, more efficient life. Tune in to learn how small changes in your routine, guided by health metrics, can lead to big improvements in both your personal and professional worlds.

Get the OURA Ring here.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

6 Books You Should Read This Year (TPS491)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Books are a productivity “cheat code.” In a few hours or days, you can learn something the author took a lifetime to figure out.

The books you read don’t have to be life-changing — a good book can just be a good book, and sometimes, you never know when the dots will connect, even years later.

In this episode, we share six books that resonated with us and we think you should read this year.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:14]
Our recommended books: Round 1 [8:00]
Our recommended books: Round 2 [21:48]
Our recommended books: Round 3 [31:24]

This One Trait Will Make You Confident and Productive

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

A daily check-in can be a game changer in how you manage your work, your day and ultimately your life.

In this episode, we’ll walk you through this simple but profound ritual. Be proactive and in control of your day, and set yourself up for success by focusing on the right things every single day.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Discover How The DISC Personality Test Will Transform Your Productivity w/ Gloria-Jean Brown (TPS490)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Discover the power of the DISC personality test and how this renowned tool goes beyond mere personality assessment to become a key to unlocking your productivity potential. Gloria-Jean Brown, an expert in DISC, guides us through tailoring productivity strategies to your personal style, boosting team dynamics, and mastering communication.

Dive into an engaging discussion filled with practical tips and real-life applications. Whether you’re new to DISC or looking for deeper insights, this episode promises to transform your approach to productivity and work.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Thanks Notion! Try Notion AI for free when you go to Notion.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:15]
How did Gloria go from the Air Force to being a productivity coach? [4:50]
How has the field of time management changed since the 90’s? [11:00]
What is a DISC assessment? [24:05]
The results of Thanh’s DISC assessment [25:41]
How does Gloria-Jean use DISC with clients? [39:19]
Where can you learn more about Gloria-Jean and DISC? [44:46]

Your Support System Makes All The Difference

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

When we set goals, especially at the start of a new year, we often focus on individual effort. But there’s a secret ingredient to sustained success that often goes overlooked: the people around us.

The reality is that no matter how self-reliant we are, we all need support. In this episode, we share how to build your own support system.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

3 Tips to Stay Motivated in 2024 (TPS489)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Do you find it hard to stay motivated? Then this episode is a must-listen! Here are three quick tips you can use to keep yourself motivated and on top of your goals.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/TPS.

Learn more at https://www.asianefficiency.com.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes at https://theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:12]
How to keep your goals front and center throughout the year [3:53]
Why it is so important to celebrate your wins (and how to do it) [11:25]
How to make sure progress doesn’t stall [18:05]
How to make YouTube work for you [23:58]

Thank you and what’s next in 2024 for us!

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Thanh Pham, founder of Asian Efficiency, has something important to share with you. Please tune in and listen to what will be happening next.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Evernote Strikes Again, Productivity Myths, and Sucking at Things (TPS488)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

What are some of the biggest productivity myths that we wish more people knew were false? Is it OK to suck at things sometimes? Why is Evernote upsetting both paid AND free users?

In this episode, we cover these topics and more (awesome Apple TV updates!)

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/TPS.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:50]
Awesome new Apple TV features [5:08]
What are some productivity myths we with everyone knew were false? [9:57]
Does your productivity change when you have kids? (Spoiler: yes) [19:37]
Is it OK to suck at some things? [22:29]
Evernote is just upsetting everyone these days [34:35]

Your Goals Are Missing This Simple Question

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Making goals is easy, so why is it so hard to make them stick?

There’s a simple exercise you can do to connect with your goals, and it doesn’t involve any extra work, apps, or tools. In this episode, we take you through it in less than 10 minutes.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

How To Set Your 2024 Goals and Achieve Them With Confidence (TPS487)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Do you struggle with setting goals and accomplishing them? Then this episode is for you. We’ll share with you the Personal Strategic Planning method to set goals and achieve them without losing motivation along the way.

Thanks Notion! Try Notion AI for free when you go to Notion.com/tps.

Right now you can get Two Memberships for the Price of One at MASTERCLASS.com/TPS.

One-of-a-kind financing program at NetSuite.com/TPS.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:16]
How Thanh developed his personal strategic planning method [4:53]
The 3 key parts of personal strategic planning [14:59]
How to get clarity on your goals [15:53]
The missing middle part of goal planning [18:54]
How to actually create your plan [26:35]

Mastering the Daily Check-in: Your Key to Thriving in Chaos

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Ever felt like you’re lost in your to-do list app, especially in a high-speed work environment? Discover how a simple yet powerful routine can transform your chaotic days into focused productivity and reduce stress. Dive into this episode to learn how just ten minutes a day can bring order to your hectic schedule and keep you ahead of the game. If you’re ready to turn the tide on overwhelming to-do lists, this episode is your first step to mastering your daily tasks.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

25X Productivity Coaching

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favourite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

The Productive Holiday Gift Guide (TPS486)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Looking for a gift that will make your special someone – or yourself – more productive?

In this episode, we’re excited to present our listener-favorite Holiday Productivity Gift Guide.

Whether you’re shopping for a busy professional, a creative thinker, or someone just starting their productivity journey, we’ve got you covered.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/TPS.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:40]
Why do we do these gift guide episodes? [4:39]
Thanh’s gift philosophy [7:02]
Thanh’s first gift suggestion [7:28]
Brooks’ first gift suggestion [9:25]
How to buy a subscription for someone [32:14]

One Tip to Manage an Overwhelming Todo List

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Feeling paralyzed by the chaos of your growing to-do list? You’re not alone. Discover a compassionate approach to breaking through the paralysis and actionable steps to transform your daunting list into a manageable plan.

If you’ve been avoiding your tasks, this episode is your first step towards not just confronting but mastering your to-do list. Tune in and turn your overwhelm into action.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

How to Set Goals for 2024 (TPS485)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

New Year’s Resolutions never work… UNLESS you do them the right way. In this episode, we will take you through a 3 step process to look back at the last year, set focused resolutions for the upcoming year, and actually achieve them this time.

One-of-a-kind financing program at NetSuite.com/TPS.

Learn more at https://www.asianefficiency.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:59]
How we review the last year [4:53]
Questions to ask yourself at the end of each year [9:31]
How to set your New Years Resolutions [11:58]
How do you keep momentum as you go through the year? [17:29]

Embracing Gratitude and Positivity into December and Beyond

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

We dive deeper into how the simple act of gratitude can be a game-changer for your daily life and productivity.

Discover how this often-overlooked practice can transform not just your December but your entire approach to life and work.

Are you ready to unlock the secret to happiness and productivity that lasts all year long? Tune in and change the way you view productivity forever.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Mastering the Art of Effective Breaks for Sustainable Productivity (TPS484)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Are you constantly pushing through work without taking a break, only to find yourself burnt out and less productive?

Discover how strategically timed pauses can dramatically transform your focus, creativity, and overall productivity.

Thanh shares his personal insights and practical tips on integrating breaks into your daily routine, challenging the myth that non-stop work equals higher productivity.

Tune in to learn how the right kind of break can actually be your secret weapon for sustainable success.

Thanks Notion! Try Notion AI for free when you go to Notion.com/tps.

Right now you can get Two Memberships for the Price of One at MASTERCLASS.com/TPS.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Learn more at https://www.asianefficiency.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:03]
How to use this month to recharge [17:52]
How to build up to taking breaks [23:16]
Ways to expand breaks to more areas of your life [27:44]

From Burnout to Balance: Reviving Your Energy and Focus

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Discover the often-missed signs and learn practical strategies to not just prevent burnout, but turn it around. If you’ve been feeling perpetually drained and stuck in a rut, this episode is your first step toward reigniting your passion and productivity.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Sleep Smarter, Live Better: Sleep Tracking For Productivity (TPS483)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Happy people are productive people, and a good night of sleep on a regular basis is a key part of that happiness.

Get cozy, and in this encore episode, let’s explore how you can use sleep tracking to tune into your body’s needs and transform your sleep into the ultimate productivity tool.

One-of-a-kind financing program at NetSuite.com/TPS.

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:24]
What does Thanh use sleep tracking for, and how does it benefit him? [10:39]
What is tip number 1 for successful sleep tracking? [13:38]
What is tip number 2 for successful sleep tracking? [20:42]
What is tip number 3 for successful sleep tracking? [28:48]

The Art of Concentration: Mastering Mindfulness for Peak Performance

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Mastering the art of attention is more crucial than ever. But what if there’s a hidden dimension to focus, an untapped potential that could elevate your productivity to heights you’ve never imagined? We dive into the science and practical tips to master your focus. Tune in to discover the secrets of turning focus into your most powerful ally and learn how to master the moment in a way that propels you toward your goals.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

How Many Hours of Focus Time Are Enough? How To Break Phone Addiction? & More (TPS482)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

How many hours a day of focus time is considered good? How do you overcome the addiction to social media? How do you turn a bad day around into productive day?

In this episode, we cover these popular productivity topics and more.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:07]
How many “real” working hours do you work on average at your office/knowledge-based job? [6:53]
How can I break free of phone and social media addiction? [16:31]
How to avoid a “my day is ruined” kind of day? [27:56]
How Brooks compartmentalizes his day [30:20]
Why “zooming out” is such a powerful technique [34:20]

From Setbacks to Success: Reclaiming Productivity in the Face of Adversity

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

How can you stay productive when life throws you curveballs? Discover practical tips to build resilience and regain your productivity, no matter what obstacles life presents. Tune in for inspiration, actionable advice, and a roadmap to turn adversity into a catalyst for success. Don’t miss this episode – your path to productivity begins here.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

The Productivity Apps & Tools of Brooks Duncan (TPS481)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Discover all the apps, tools, services and workflows of The Productivity Show Co-host Brooks Duncan.

In this episode, he dives deep into everything he uses to be productive. There may be some surprises!

One-of-a-kind financing program at NetSuite.com/TPS.

Learn more at https://www.asianefficiency.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:50]
Brooks’ apps [5:26]
Key Chrome plugins [12:23]
Hardware and tools [28:30]
The service that Brooks wakes up at 5am for [36:46]

The Productivity Apps & Tools of Thanh Pham (TPS480)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Discover all the apps, tools, services and workflows of the founder of Asian Efficiency. Thanh dives deep into everything he uses to be productive. You don’t want to miss this!

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/TPS.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:12]
Thanh’s apps [5:36]
Key Chrome plugins [13:21]
Hardware and tools [26:39]
Health, wellness, and longevity tools [31:52]
Services that Thanh replies on [45:35]

Unlocking the 80% Rule: The Japanese Secret to Balanced Productivity

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Ever heard of the phrase “less is more”? Dive into this episode as we uncover the ancient Japanese principle of Hara Hachi Bu and its surprising connection to peak productivity. Discover why stopping at 80% might be the game-changer you never knew you needed.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

How to Buy Back Time: From Time-Starved To Time-Rich (TPS479)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Here’s the problem with time – we have that clock sitting there as a constant companion but also a silent competitor. We always feel like we are racing against the clock and always feel like we just never have time.

But what if we could change the rules of the game? What if we could turn money into time – and it doesn’t HAVE to be a lot of money.

Sounds great, of course, but how do you do it?

In this encore episode of The Productivity Show, we answer that exact question: How do you buy back time?

One-of-a-kind financing program at NetSuite.com/TPS.

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:28]
What’s Brooks’ first tip for buying back time? [4:42]
What technology does Thanh use to remove time squanders from his life? [8:15]
What’s tip #2 for buying back time? [12:20]
What are some of the ways that Thanh outsources and delegates tasks? [16:31]
What is Tip #3 for buying back time? [29:21]
What sorts of things does Thanh have his Executive Assistant do for him? [31:54]
How does Thanh feel about using a service versus a person to help with tasks? [40:38]

Dealing With A Stressful Life? Listen to this now!

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

When life is stressful, we let go of ourselves. We lose motivation and our routines, and it can feel impossible to get anything done. If you’re in that situation, then this episode is for you. We’ll show you how to get back on track in less than 10 minutes.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Proactive vs. Reactive: Stop Living on Autopilot (TPS478)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Do you often find yourself reacting to circumstances rather than being in control of your life and productivity?

In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial difference between being reactive and proactive and how mastering this distinction can supercharge your productivity and build permanent momentum.

Go to Bambee.com and type in productivity show under PODCAST when you sign up.

Learn more at https://www.asianefficiency.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:08]
How an ultrasound appointment changed Brooks’ life [4:45]
The surprise benefit of tracking anything [9:45]
How Thanh turned around his reactive habuts [12:13]
Can being reactive be a good thing? [21:34]
What are some tactical things you can do to be proactive? [24:19]
The relationship between proactivity and a growth mindset [27:50]
How to build a proactive routine for personal growth [32:35]

Optimize For Happiness And Watch Your Productivity Skyrocket

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode has a simple suggestion: whatever you do, optimize for happiness. Thanh Pham, founder of AE, shares a simple practice and habit you do to optimize for happiness.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Processing vs. Fixing Depression, Best iPhone Features, Spying Wearables, & More (TPS477)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

What do you do if you have lost all motivation and are feeling depressed? Would you buy a wearable that records everything? Is this the first significant iPhone feature in years?

In this episode, we cover these topics and much more.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/TPS.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:48]
Would we switch to a third-party mobile web browser? [5:39]
Would we pay for an ad-free search engine? [8:27]
Spotify releases audiobooks! [15:52]
What to do if you are unmotivated, depressed, and can’t get started [24:25]
A wearable that records everything? [38:02]
Is this the most useful iPhone feature in years? (Has there been a new feature in years?) [44:35]

Master The Q4 Sprint and Crush Your Goals In Less Time

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Celebrate the end of the year with a productivity boost! Thanh Pham shares his Q4 Sprint strategy – a game-changer for finishing the year strong. Discover how to turn Q4 into turbocharged months.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Make Your Morning Routine a Rise Ritual To Win The Day (TPS476)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Want to be consistent and have a great day almost every day? Create an easy-to-follow routine that you follow after you wake up.

Some people call it a “morning routine,” but we like “Rise Ritual” because you can do it anytime, not just in the morning.

In this encore episode, we’ll share how you can build your own Rise Ritual and how to be consistent with it.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

One-of-a-kind financing program at NetSuite.com/TPS.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:03]
What is the first step to creating a rise ritual? [5:53]
What is tip no. 2 for creating a rise ritual? [17:51]
What are some of the categories for improving the beginning of your day? [19:34]
How long does Thanh’s rise ritual usually take? [21:43]
What is tip number 3 for creating a rise ritual? [24:17]

Automation: Become Super Efficient and Effective With The Right Tools

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000

If you’re currently not automating anything, you’re wasting your time. Find out how you can get started with automation and win back multiple hours a week!

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

The Energy Protocol For More Energy, Focus and Productivity (TPS475)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Want to have more energy in your daily life? Thanh, the founder of AE, shares his secret for doubling your energy and having more capacity to be productive.

FACTORMEALS.com/tps50 and use code tps50 to get 50% off.

Apply for the Rocket Visa Card today at rocketcard.com/TPS and get up to 5% cash back on every purchase toward a new loan with Rocket Mortgage.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:48]
Why some people say Energy is the most important part of the TEA Framework [6:53]
Thanh takes us through his energy protocol [13:12]
Why Thanh has changed to physical books instead of his Kindle [18:34]
Why saunas and cold plunges are such a productive combo [21:31]

Mastering the Power of ‘Focus Filter’: From Overcommitted to Focused Mastery

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Feeling overcommitted and scattered? This short episode is for you. We delve deep into one of the most potent skills in the 25X productivity system – the ‘Focus Filter’ so you become focused, intentional and more productive.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Happy People are Productive People (TPS474)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered why some people effortlessly churn out tasks with a smile while others struggle despite all the hacks they know?

Discover what’s possibly been holding you back and the surprisingly simple tweaks to unlock not just efficiency but joy in your daily routine.

If there’s one episode you shouldn’t miss, it’s this one. Uncover the secret mantra: “Happy people are productive people.”

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/TPS.

One-of-a-kind financing program at NetSuite.com/TPS.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:18]
An exercise to see if you are out of alignment [6:49]
What is taking away from your happiness? [12:37]
What are some practical things you can do to increase your happiness? [27:23]
Thanh’s digital detox routine [35:56]

Stop Reacting, Start Acting: How 30 Minutes Can Transform Your Productivity

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Feel like you’re always in “go mode” but never really getting ahead?

In today’s episode, we introduce a game-changing skill that’s often overlooked: “Thinking Time.”

We’ll share the transformative journey of Francesca, a mom and business owner, who went from feeling overwhelmed to feeling in control and organized. Tune in to discover how dedicating just 30 minutes to structured thinking can propel your productivity and life to new heights.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Q&A: How AE got started, best apps, and life hacks (TPS473)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Want to know our biggest successes — and biggest mistakes? Want to know what the deal is with the Asian Efficiency name? Curious about how Thanh structures his day and favorite apps and tools?

And is it really possible to be productive with kids?

In this episode, we turn the tables and do a Q&A episode with The Productivity Show host and Asian Efficiency founder Thanh Pham about these and many other topics.

Go to Bambee.com and type in productivity show under PODCAST when you sign up.

FACTORMEALS.com/tps50 and use code tps50 to get 50% off.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:29]
What’s the deal with the Asian Efficiency name? [7:42]
Why did Asian Efficiency start hiring so early? [12:52]
The story behind the Asian Efficiency founders breaking up [17:24]
What’s a typical day in the life of Thanh? [23:39]
What are some of the pros and cons of living in different areas of the world? [28:38]
Does productivity advice work if you have kids? [33:40]
How long did it take to start the podcast, and what has the impact been on AE? [40:50]
What have been the most rewarding moments at AE? And what have some of the biggest mistakes been? [44:39]
What apps and tools has Thanh been swearing by lately? [52:43]
What should someone do if they are feeling overwhelmed? [57:18]

Why Prioritization is the Skill You Need This Fall: Your Guide to Surviving the Busy Season

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Do you find the fall season overwhelming? So did I! Tune in to learn why Prioritization is your golden ticket to navigating a busy life, especially as you scale your career or business. Learn actionable steps to align your focus with your goals and how to go from overwhelmed to overjoyed. Don’t miss this episode; your future self will thank you.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

When You Can’t Get Out of Bed, Useless Note Apps, & More (TPS472)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000

We all have those days when we don’t feel like getting out of bed in the morning, but what do you do if that happens ALL THE TIME?

Also, are most note taking apps useless at the end of the day? What are some cheap things that don’t suck?

In this episode, we cover these topics and more.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:49]
Alert: new Google Docs feature! [6:30]
Google + AI + notes [9:21]
DoorDash launches AI phone answering for restaurants [15:34]
Are most note-taking apps useless, even with AI? [23:26]
Help this person get out of bed every morning [33:07]
Cheap stuff that doesn’t suck! [43:15]

Find Your Rhythm and Watch What Happens With Your Productivity – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 18:42:51 +0000

Juggling a demanding job, family, and pets? This episode of The Productivity Show demonstrates that Peak Positioning isn’t just for athletes or CEOs – it’s for everyone.

Discover how aligning tasks with your energy can change the game, and how you can start applying it today.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

The Energetic Advisor: How Nancy Fechnay Harmonizes Hectic Schedules & Hobbies (TPS471)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered how a top-tier venture capitalist transitions to advising world-changing ventures, all while fostering a love for pickleball and kite surfing?

Dive into this episode of The Productivity Show, where Nancy Fechnay reveals her productivity secrets that fuel both her professional excellence and personal passions.

Discover how longevity practices can skyrocket your daily output and the underrated tools that keep her at the peak of her game. An episode not to miss for anyone looking to expand their horizons in business and life!

One-of-a-kind financing program at NetSuite.com/TPS.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:21]
Nancy’s story: entrepreneur to VC to advisory [3:18]
How the National Outdoor Leadership School had such a big impact [6:01]
How Nancy manages her calendar and day-to-day [12:20]
How and when to say no to other’s requests gracefully [17:16]
Longevity and biohacking tips that Nancy does [22:23]
Why you shouldn’t buy food or supplements from Amazon [30:25]
Pickleball Corner [32:04]

Clone Yourself, Win Back Time and Reclaim Your Sanity – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Stuck in a never-ending cycle of chores and errands?

This episode tells the tale of AE client Jasmine, a physician who worked 60-hour weeks and had no time for herself.

Thanh shares how she transformed her life using the concept of Personal Outsourcing from our 25X Productivity System. Discover how you can also invest in outsourcing to free up time, reduce stress, and live a more balanced, enjoyable life. Dive in and start creating more time today.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Work Smarter, Not Harder: 5 Strategies To Be More Effective (TPS470)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000

You’ve heard that phrase before: “Work smarter, not harder.” Sounds great, but how do you do that?

In this rare solo episode, Asian Efficiency CEO Thanh Pham shares five strategies that he uses with coaching clients so that you can be efficient AND effective.

One-of-a-kind financing program at NetSuite.com/TPS.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes at https://theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:36]
How to set up “Weekly Wins” [5:06]
Why outcomes are better than tasks [8:21]
Think “who,” not “how”! [12:22]
How to do less work (yes, you read that right) [18:22]
Why delegation and outsourcing aren’t just about making more money [21:52]
A simple formula to figure out when it is worth it to delegate [22:39]
The power of the “domino decision” [23:47]
How Thanh created a capsule wardrobe [27:41]
When it is time to stop putting up with things and take action [30:50]

Life Leverages: The Productivity Intersection – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Have you ever felt like you’re spinning the wheels of your day, stuck in tasks that drain the life out of you?

Today, we’re going to be talking about a game-changer concept called Life Leverages, which is a corner piece of the 25X productivity system.

It’s all about pinpointing the intersection between your unique skills and activities you love. And then pouring your time and energy there.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

The Art of Being UnmessableWith: Achieve Your Dreams Now, Not Someday w/ Josselyne Herman-Saccio (TPS469)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Ready to become ‘unmessablewith’? We sit down with Josselyne Herman-Saccio, a woman who’s mastered everything from the Billboard charts to Hollywood, and now, she’s here to help you conquer your world.

Dive in as we explore her journey and how she uses her unique approach to productivity to create dreams NOW. Discover what being ‘unmessablewith’ truly means and how you can apply it to your life. Get ready to be inspired and, most importantly, to become ‘unmessablewith’!”

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

FACTORMEALS.com/tps50 and use code tps50 to get 50% off.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:07]
How did Josselyne become a pop star and turn that into being a master coach? [3:38]
How Thanh realized a decision he made at 6 years old was holding him back to this day [6:28]
What does “unmessablewith” mean (and not mean)? [9:20]
Is “being busy” even a real thing? [24:17]
How to reframe “impostor syndrome” [32:39]

Four Thousand Weeks: How to Live a Meaningful Life with Limited Time (TPS468)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list or you’re simply looking for ways to live a more fulfilling life, this podcast is for you. NYT bestselling author Oliver Burkeman shares his tips and insights on time management, productivity, and mindfulness.

We’ll help you understand the nature of time, how to set priorities, and how to let go of the things that are not important to you. We’ll also explore the importance of living in the present moment and of finding meaning in your life.

So if you’re ready to learn how to make the most of your time and live a more meaningful life, join us for The Productivity Show.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/TPS.

Go to Bambee.com and type in productivity show under PODCAST when you sign up

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:53]
What inspired Oliver to write Four Thousand Weeks? [3:49]
What got him started on his productivity journey? [5:49]
What does it mean to be “attached to time”? [15:02]
The problem with the common “rocks and sand in a jar” example [25:57]
Is work-life balance even a thing? [34:20]
The thing European countries figured out a long time ago [39:41]

Rethinking Morning Routines with the Rise Ritual – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Tune in to learn how a Rise Ritual is an empowering routine that can set the tone for your entire day, irrespective of when you wake up. Embrace a new approach to starting your day, and experience the productivity surge for yourself.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

How We Organize Reading, Vision Pro, Money Wastes & More (TPS467)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

There is SO much to read — how can you keep on top of it all? What apps are good, and what doesn’t stick?

In this episode, we’ll talk about reading workflows, whether we will be lining up for the Vision Pro, what we consider massive wastes of money, and a lot more.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:52]
Why our favorite apps have stopped working all of a sudden [5:41]
Would you use Windows if it ran in the cloud? [12:26]
Will Thanh & Brooks be lining up for the Vision Pro? [15:56]
Our reading apps & workflows [23:03]
Natural ways to repel bugs [33:05]
What do we think is a massive waste of money? [37:21]

Level Up Your Productivity Game with Monthly Planning – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

A daily check-in can be a game changer in how you manage your work, your day and ultimately your life.

In this episode, we’ll walk you through this simple but profound ritual. Be proactive and in control of your day, and set yourself up for success by focusing on the right things every single day.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Business, Balance, and Bliss w/ Amy Vetter (TPS466)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Do you keep trying for “work-life balance,” and it never quite works out? A better strategy is to focus on achieving work-life harmony instead.

In this episode, we’re joined by Amy Vetter, a CPA who is the CEO of the B3 Method Institute. You’ll discover powerful leadership and mindfulness practices and how to re-center yourself when it all gets to be too much.

We also discuss career pivots and get tactical about creating team alignment.

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

How Amy became a CPA and a Yogi [2:13]
How to do a career pivot [8:55]
What is the B3 Method and how does it help? [15:37]
What to do when “work-life balance” doesn’t happen [23:52]
How to solve the problem of meetings [27:50]
What does “mindfulness” even mean, and how can we work it into our lives? [32:06]
How to keep a team aligned and working together [41:08]

The Reflection Ritual That Guides You to Your True North Star – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Learn how taking a weekly pause to reflect can align your actions with your goals, spark creativity, and lead to better decision-making. The Reflection Ritual is the compass that ensures you’re not just hustling but moving purposefully in the right direction. Discover how to turn this ritual into your secret weapon for success.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Maximize Efficiency in the Workplace w/ Nick Sonnenberg (TPS465)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Discover proven strategies that can help you gain an extra full day per week in productivity and achieve your goals.

Productivity expert Nick Sonnenberg, author of “Come Up for Air” shares his CPR Business Efficiency Framework for optimizing productivity and reducing overwhelm. Tune in now to discover how to work smarter, not harder, and create a more stable work environment for maximum efficiency.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:35]
Nick’s background and what his company does [5:46]
What is the CPR framework, and how does it work [11:42]
What do you do if you feel like you’re drowning in work? [20:55]
How to choose the right communication tool for the right situation [22:38]
The difference between project management, process management, and work management tools [25:39]
If a business is starting with zero documentation, where should they start? [28:54]
How doing a role rotation helps the company and helps you [31:00]

Focus Engine: Turn Your Brain Into an F1 Car – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Have you ever been in the middle of an important task and suddenly your mind just drifts away?

This isn’t a discipline problem, it’s a focus problem — and we all have it.

Fortunately, there’s a way you can tune your brain and turbocharge it using a technique we call the Focus Engine. In this episode, we’ll break down what it is and how you can get started.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Make Better Decisions With The Decision Doctor Constance Dierickx (TPS464)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Being a better leader means making better decisions. In this episode, we are joined by Constance Dierickx, a high-level consultant who helps leaders make decisions when the stakes are high.

We discuss her new book Meta-Leadership: How To See What Others Don’t and Make Great Decisions, and she demonstrates — on Brooks! — how easy it is to fall into the cognitive trap of dichotomous thinking.

Go to Bambee.com and type in productivity show under PODCAST when you sign up.

One-of-a-kind financing program at NetSuite.com/TPS.

FACTORMEALS.com/tps50 and use code tps50 to get 50% off your first box.

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Constance’s background and how she became The Decision Doctor [2:12]
How do you overcome high performers who don’t think they need help? [5:23]
How do you solve the HIPPO problem? [19:58]
Brooks falls into the “dichotomous thinking” trap [21:42]
How can you say “I don’t know” without portraying yourself as weak or non-decisive? [24:14]
A great strategy for those of us whose emotional dial is turned up a little too high sometimes [34:41]
How can a junior person be confident and speak up in meetings or similar situations? [42:54]
Is it possible to be both analytical AND creative? [46:28]
How to “be an explorer in your own territory” [55:50]

Master Your Day: The Power of Daily Planning – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Unlock the power of your day with Daily Planning! Discover how planning your day can skyrocket your productivity, reduce stress, and free up your mental energy. Don’t let your day run you. Claim your day, and maximize your productivity with Daily Planning. Listen now, and take the first step towards mastering your day!

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Productivity Paradox: How Collaboration Tools Can Hurt More Than Help w/ Jennifer Smith (TPS463)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Are you drowning in endless emails, constantly interrupted by Slack notifications, and suffering from Zoom fatigue? In this episode, Jennifer Smith, CEO of Scribe, will help you break free from collaboration overload and reclaim your work-life balance.

Discover the hidden dangers of remote collaboration, the surprising reasons why productivity tools may be working against you, and actionable strategies to streamline communication and boost efficiency. Don’t let collaboration overload sabotage your success – listen in and unlock your full potential today!

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Tips [2:16]
What is “collaboration overload” and how do we solve it? [11:26]
How does Scribe work and how do people use it? [16:16]
How can teams improve their communication workflows? [23:38]
How Jennifer thinks of time management (and how it’s not really about time management) [32:24]
What’s a way to both get and stay focused? [36:51]
What’s the future of knowledge work and collaboration in an AI world? [39:42]

The Key to Fulfillment and Motivation – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Looking for motivation, fulfillment, and a clear direction in life? Dive into the power of discovering your ‘why’ in this riveting episode.

Learn how knowing your ‘why’ can fuel your motivation, guide your decisions, and bring deeper fulfillment. Don’t just do, know why you’re doing. Start your journey of self-discovery today. Tune in now!

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

ADHD Productivity Strategies w/ ADHD Coach Skye Rapson (TPS462)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Have you been diagnosed with ADHD, or suspect you may be in the future? Or do you have a colleague or family member who has been diagnosed? You MAY have found that the “usual productivity advice” doesn’t always work.

In this episode, ADHD coach and founder of Unconventional Organisation Skye Rapson shares how ADHD can impact productivity, strategies to thrive in the workplace, and tips that can help anyone.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/TPS.

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:32]
Skye’s diagnosis and path to becoming an ADHD coach [4:04]
Is it common for people to be diagnosed while being checked for something else? [6:13]
What is the “right way” to talk about ADHD? [10:44]
How do you make your communications ADHD-friendly? [22:08]
What are some ways ADHD impacts productivity? [24:09]
ADHD strategies to help with motivation [25:38]
How do you talk to your boss about ADHD? [30:50]
The best task apps and tools for ADHD [39:36]
What are some ways ADHD HELPS productivity? [43:35]

The Secret to Achieving Your Goals – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Have goals that feel like they’re forever out of reach? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’ll share the secret to turning dreams into reality: the Goal Getting concept of the 25X Productivity System. Stop wishing, start planning, and turn those distant dreams into your everyday reality. Tune in now because your goals are waiting!

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

From Zero to $100 Million: Productivity Power Moves for Amazon FBA Entrepreneurs (TPS461)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Discover the productivity secrets behind one of the most successful Amazon FBA entrepreneurs, Neil Twa from Voltage, as he shares his insider tips, tricks, and strategies for e-commerce domination. In this eye-opening episode, Neil takes you on a journey through his meteoric rise to success, revealing the productivity hacks that have fueled his multi-million-dollar achievements. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from the best – download now and start turbocharging your productivity today!

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

One-of-a-kind financing program at NetSuite.com/TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Neil’s background and story [1:22]
How to figure out what you are and aren’t good at [8:30]
The different ways to structure your day [10:55]
The 3-by-3 method to taking action [16:02]
Neil’s 3-tier principle to structuring his life [22:03]
Insights from visiting a sleep scientist [23:14]
The importance of energy matching with other people [26:46]

Move to Improve Your Productivity – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Feeling lethargic, unfocused, or just generally ‘blah’? The solution might be as simple as getting up and moving. Boost your mood and enhance your brain power by adding this one simple concept into your daily routine. We’ll show you how in this episode. Tune in, and get ready to move your way to a more productive day!

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Bookend Your Workday With Routines & Notion w/ Caroline Guntur (TPS460)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000

You’ve heard of morning routines and evening routines, but did you know that there are even more powerful routines you can implement to have a more productive day?

Today’s guest Caroline Guntur (aka The Swedish Organizer) calls it “bookending your day”, and in this episode, we will share how to create your own routines and how Caroline uses Notion to — in her words — get her (and her clients) digital ducks in a row.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Go to Bambee.com and type in productivity show under PODCAST when you sign up.

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:49]
Why “The Swedish Organizer”? [5:03]
Tips to make being a digital nomad work for you [6:52]
Routines you can use to “bookend your day” [9:37]
How to transition between “work” and “home” when working from home [13:05]
Should exercise be in a bookend routine? [16:51]
Does bookending work with an irregular schedule? [18:05]
What are the benefits of bookending? [23:01]
How much time does this take? [28:40]
A great mental reframe when starting a habit over [33:40]
How Caroline uses Notion [37:41]

Upgrade Your Brain’s OS: The Crucial Role of Mindsets in Productivity – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Ever feel like you’re working incredibly hard but not seeing the results you want? The problem might not be with your strategies or tactics but with your mindsets.

You’ll discover how to identify and challenge the mindsets that might be holding you back, empowering you to take control of your productivity like never before. This is an episode you can’t afford to miss. Tune in and get ready to shift your thinking!

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

From Burnout to Breakthrough: How This Engineer Achieved Career Success w/ Zach White (TPS459)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Are you an engineer feeling overworked, undervalued, and unsure of how to advance in your career? We speak to former engineer Zach White, who overcame burnout and personal struggles to achieve career success and personal fulfillment. Tune in to learn from his journey and discover actionable strategies for achieving career success and work-life balance.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:02]
Zach’s personal story [4:22]
What is productivity, and why is it so important? [12:30]
The Power Laws of Productivty [20:56]
The formula you NEED to know [24:19]
The workflows that Zach personally uses [25:43]
A week-to-10-year planning ritual [29:35]

Find Your Flow: Boost Your Productivity and Creativity – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 31 May 2023 23:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered how high achievers seem to accomplish so much effortlessly? The answer is your ability to get into a flow state. Discover how you can tap into this powerful state to supercharge your productivity, enhance your creativity, and find more enjoyment in your work. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unlock your highest potential. Listen now, and get ready to flow!

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

How To Manage Stress: Unconventional Ideas for Busy Professionals (TPS458)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 29 May 2023 11:00:00 +0000

When was the last time you felt stressed out? Stress is such a productivity killer, and while there are lots of common ways to manage your stress — we promise we aren’t going to tell you to exercise — we’re going to give you some surprising ways you might not have tried before.

In this episode, we’ll explore three unconventional ways to manage stress that can help you to feel more relaxed, centered, and balanced.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Get started with Issuu today for FREE or if you sign up for a premium account you will get 50% off when you go to ISSUU.com/podcast and use promo code TPS.

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [5:14]
Thanh’s go-to stress management techniques [9:04]
How engaging in creative activities helps with stress [13:07]
The types of books that can be helpful [22:20]
Do other people make stress better or worse? [24:22]
A key question to ask when someone shares their problems with you [29:58]
How to find the sensory experience that will help you [32:01]
Thanh’s float tank experience [35:03]

Weekly Planning: Your Blueprint For Success – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 24 May 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Are you feeling like you’re constantly playing catch up with your tasks and your goals?

Ever wish you just had a crystal ball to show you exactly what your week should look like?

In this episode, we share something even better than a crystal ball: Our weekly planning process. Approach each week with a clear plan and a calm mind, knowing that you have a blueprint for success.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

The Power of Nonverbal Communication: Boosting Productivity and Success w/ Blake Eastman (TPS457)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 22 May 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Unleash the power of nonverbal communication to boost your productivity and success with Blake Eastman, a distinguished behavioral scientist and founder of The Nonverbal Group. Discover how to decode body language, manage stress and anxiety, and enhance your communication and collaboration skills in any environment. Get ready to master the art of nonverbal communication and take your personal and professional life to the next level.

Thanks RocketMoney.com/tps. It could save you hundreds a year.

One-of-a-kind financing program at NetSuite.com/TPS.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

How Blake became interested in behavioral science [2:39]
Learnings from thousands of hours of study [4:45]
What has Blake learned from studying poker players? [6:03]
How can you improve your confidence? [10:16]
How can a leader use behavioral observation? [18:57]
How can you identify your own blind spots? [27:47]
Why using ChatGPT puts you ahead of everyone else [43:39]
The importance of psychological safety, and how to create it [51:36]
Blake’s book recommendations [59:50]
Rockefeller’s “tar” story that you can implement in your business [1:13:11]

The Power of the Daily Check-In – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 17 May 2023 11:00:00 +0000

A daily check-in can be a game changer in how you manage your work, your day and ultimately your life.

In this episode, we’ll walk you through this simple but profound ritual. Be proactive and in control of your day, and set yourself up for success by focusing on the right things every single day.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

10 Tricks and Hacks to Turn Your Phone Into a Productivity Tool (TPS456)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 15 May 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Unlock your hidden potential in just minutes! We dive into ten secret phone settings that will revolutionize your daily routine. Don’t let your phone control you; take charge and make every moment count.

Miss out on this episode, and you’ll miss out on invaluable time-saving tricks that could change your life forever. Say goodbye to distractions and procrastination and hello to a streamlined, efficient workflow. Tune in now and level up your productivity game!

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:46]
Set up your emergency information [8:57]
Make your phone greyscale [11:38]
Use the App Library [14:46]
Merge & find duplicate photos [20:42]
Interactive weather map [23:15]
Turn off unnecessary badges [25:52]
Copy wifi passwords [27:46]
Use keyboard shortcuts [29:49]
Pin & group browser tabs [32:58]
Close all browser tabs [35:46]

Achieving Financial Freedom Without Sacrificing Your Family Life w/ Steve Chou (TPS455)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 08 May 2023 11:00:00 +0000

If you’re looking to achieve financial freedom while still prioritizing your family and health, this episode is a must-listen!

We sat down with Steve Chou, founder of MyWifeQuitHerJob.com and author of “The Family First Entrepreneur.” Steve shares his personal story and practical advice for building a successful business without sacrificing your personal life or family time so you can do the same.

Go to Bambee.com and type in productivity show under PODCAST when you sign up.

Get started with Issuu today for FREE, or if you sign up for a premium account, you will get 50% off when you go to ISSUU.com/podcast and use promo code TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:13]
Steve’s story [4:18]
The challenges of starting up an e-commerce store [6:28]
The Four Burners Theory [9:05]
Steve’s rules for balancing work and family [11:14]
Advice for starting a side-hustle with a full-time job [23:34]
Should you have a written “Book of Values”? [29:05]
How do you impart your wisdom on your kids? [30:58]

Master the Daily Target for Unstoppable Success – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 03 May 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Are you ready to transform your productivity game and make every day count?

We reveal the power of the Daily Target concept from our 25X Productivity System. Learn how to determine what makes a day truly productive, and never again end your workday feeling unaccomplished.

Don’t miss this game-changing episode that will help you zero in on your priorities and maximize your success. Hit “download” now and experience the magic of mastering the Daily Target!

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

New Alternative to Notion, 6 Bad Habits to Break, & Weekly Review Tips (TPS454)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 01 May 2023 11:00:00 +0000

We discuss the app that will crush Notion, six non-obvious habits that make you miserable, how to choose the best productivity apps, and how to conduct a weekly review.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Thanks RocketMoney.com/tps. It could save you hundreds a year.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:46]
Will this app really be a “Notion killer”? [5:56]
Why Microsoft Co-Pilot will be a gamechanger [8:12]
An Evernote rumor from a conference Thanh spoke at [12:55]
Would you use a keyboard with the reMarkable2? [13:18]
Fake AI images are going viral [17:07]
A ChatGPT job application strategy [21:08]
6 habits that are making you miserable [26:33]
The difference between not being able to say no and liking to say yes [30:13]
Why you need an app-selection process [32:58]
Why Thanh is a big fan of subscription apps [38:36]
Why is it so hard to be consistent with a weekly review (and what to do about it) [40:22]

The Focus Filter: Identify Your Key Tasks Every Day – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Have you ever looked at your to-do list for the day and thought to yourself, “I have NO idea where to start”?

Sometimes it is very clear, but other days everything has flags or due dates, or we just start checking off easy tasks because anything else is overwhelming.

In this episode, we unpack the concept of the Focus Filter to help you figure out what you should be doing today that will truly make a difference.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Find Your Unique Ability and Ikigai w/ Ali Nasser (TPS453)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Discover your unique abilities, skills and passions with entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and author Ali Nasser.

By the end of this episode, you will be able to identify your Ikigai and know the intersection of your passion, what you can get paid to do, and your contribution to the world.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps.

One-of-a-kind financing program at NetSuite.com/TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Ali’s entrepreneurial journey and story [2:11]
What exactly does “life experience” mean? [6:03]
Ali gives Thanh an impromptu coaching session [7:42]
What is “unique ability”, and how do we use it to maximize our life experience? [12:47]
What is Ali’s unique ability and how does he put it into practice day-to-day? [21:16]
How does Ali’s unique ability impact his time management? [22:15]
A life-changing hack for those with families [37:54]

Unleash the Power of the Shutdown Ritual – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Discover the transformative power of the Shutdown Ritual, a game-changing evening routine designed to optimize your productivity and sleep quality. In this episode, we reveal the secret to waking up refreshed, focused, and ready to tackle your day like never before. Don’t miss out on unlocking your true potential with these three simple yet effective steps that will revolutionize your life.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

Free Up Time In Your Business Using ClickUp w/ Kaci Ackerman (TPS452)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Every business owner knows they should spend more time working ON their business than IN their business, but how do you do that?

In this episode, Certified Business Manager Kaci Ackerman shares how to create white space in your life to focus on what really moves the needle, and how ClickUp is a productivity tool that can help you do that.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Thanks Cozy Earth. Go to CozyEarth.com and get up to 35% off when you use the code TPS.

Get started with Issuu today for FREE, or if you sign up for a premium account, you will
get 50% off when you go to ISSUU.com/podcast and use promo code TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:27]
How Kaci’s business came out of COVID [3:30]
What a Certified Business Manager and Online Business Manager do [5:21]
Can physical businesses benefit from a OBM or virtual assistant? [9:40]
What’s the difference between an OBM and a virtual assistant? [10:50]
How long does it take to get up to speed with a business manager? [15:54]
What are Kaci’s go-to tech tools? [18:08]
What is ClickUp and what is it used for? [19:25]
Kaci’s week-planning process [27:19]
Can ClickUp be used for personal productivity, or just businesses? [30:12]
What can a business owner do when time is freed up? [35:01]
What should we think about for emergency preparedness? [39:53]

3 Must-Have Productivity Apps – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Do you have these 3 productivity apps? If not, you’re not as productive as you could be. Tune in and discover what they are.

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Invest In Yourself: 3 Ways To Accelerate Progress And Get Unstuck (TPS451)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Have you ever felt like your career or your life is stuck or not progressing as quickly as you think it should? Forward momentum doesn’t just happen on its own – YOU have to make it happen and to do that, you need to invest in yourself.

And that is EXACTLY what we are going to be talking about in this episode. We’ll share 3 ways that you can invest in yourself, and some of them don’t cost you anything but time.

Thanks RocketMoney.com/tps. It could save you hundreds a year.

Go to Bambee.com and type in productivity show under PODCAST when you sign up.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:28]
Why skill development & learning is so key [7:26]
How to avoid a stagnating career [9:36]
The deep vs. wide skill framework [10:59]
How to build a strong network [22:49]
How to build a strong internal network [28:52]
A quote Brooks tries to live by [32:02]
The best strategy to accelerate your career [34:08]
How to get around your own blind spots [38:09]

Ask The Right Questions To Make The Best Decisions – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0000

We all know people who are great at making decisions. How do they know the right thing to do?

Sometimes it is instinct, but more often than not, it is because they know the right questions to ask.

In this episode, we unpack the concept of Thinking Time, and more specifically, we share a framework for finding the right questions to get you to the best possible outcome.

We also share a powerful tool that will help you come up with questions you would never have come up with on your own.

Learn more at theproductivityshow.com

Do Your Apps Cause Procrastination? Plus The Quiet Weekend Trend & More (TPS450)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Are your favorite apps wasting your time with “sophisticated procrastination”? What would you buy if your company gave you a WFH budget? How can you have a “Quiet Weekend”?

In this episode, we talk about these topics, Thanh’s new favorite app, and more.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:55]
Important things happening in the productivity space [6:13]
Are PKM apps wasting your time? [12:52]
The case FOR sophisticated procrastination [17:06]
What would you buy with a WFH budget? [25:57]
The Quiet Weekend trend [31:53]
A sample front-loaded week schedule [36:04]

How To Find Your Peak Productivity Times – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

How productive would you be if you could time things, so you got the right things done at the PERFECT time to do them?

In this episode, we’ll cover a 3-part framework for finding your peak productivity times: the best times of the day when you are the most productive (and no, you don’t need to keep a Journal if you don’t want to.)

Learn more at theproductivityshow.com/

Doctor Reveals Top Productivity Tips and Workflows for Medical Professionals (TPS449)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

If you’re a medical professional looking to boost your productivity and reduce burnout, you won’t want to miss this insightful conversation. Tune in as Dr. Don Pelto discusses actionable ways to streamline your workflow and maximize your time, all while maintaining high-quality patient care.

Thanks Cozy Earth. Go to CozyEarth.com and get up to 35% off when you use the code TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

How Dr. Pelto creates margin [4:45]
How we can learn about time blocking from surgeons [8:17]
The surprising way he records his podcasts [8:52]
The concept of the “self-milking cow” [12:22]
Dr. Pelto’s intermittent fasting process [12:53]
How a virtual assistant scribe has changed his business [19:34]
Dr. Pelto’s productivity strategies [31:49]
The importance of feet and ankles for longevity health [36:28]
What the future looks like for doctors [44:08]

Unlock Productivity and Save Hours a Day – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Discover how checking your email only twice a day can significantly increase your productivity and save you hours of valuable time.

With practical tips and insights, you’ll learn how to avoid distractions, prioritize tasks, and achieve more in less time.

Whether you’re a student, professional, or entrepreneur, this podcast will help you take control of your inbox and reclaim your day. Don’t miss out on this game-changing productivity hack!

Take Better Notes: Our Favorite Note-Taking Apps Right Now (TPS448)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Are you tired of messy, disorganized notes scattered across different platforms? Are you overwhelmed by the number of note-taking apps out there?

It seems like there is a new “hot” app every week, but in this episode, you’ll discover the best note-taking apps right now and learn how to use them without getting overwhelmed.

Every app is cross-platform, and we’ll also share what to look for in a note app, and how you can avoid the dreaded Shiny Object Syndrome.

One-of-a-kind financing program at NetSuite.com/TPS.

Thanks Cozy Earth. Go to CozyEarth.com and get up to 35% off when you use the code TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:05]
What features are critical in a note app? [7:33]
How Thanh uses Apple Notes [10:11]
What app should you use if you miss the “old” Evernote? [12:24]
The one pretty big downside of Notion [20:57]
Why Brooks recommends Obsidian, even though it hasn’t stuck for him [25:10]

How To Build Renewal Into Your Day – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Imagine how productive you’d be if you had as much energy at the end of your day as you do at the start.

We’ve all heard “you need to take breaks!” and “downtime makes you more productive!”, but how do you actually do that when you’re so busy?

In this episode, we’ll talk about ways to build renewal into your day, even if you can barely keep up with your email or get the kids out the door on time.

Find The Right Productivity Tool For You w/ Francesco D’Alessio (TPS447)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

There are so many productivity tools out there; how do you know which tool is the right one for you? How do you avoid “Shiny Object Syndrome”? What are the latest trends in productivity?

In this episode, we are joined by Francesco D’Alessio from Keep Productive and Toolfinder.xyz to talk about productivity tools, cutting-edge trends, and building your own backyard office.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps.

Go to Bambee.com and type in productivity show under PODCAST when you sign up.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:06]
Why ToolFinder is the “Wikipedia for productivity” [9:11]
The 3-part process to implement a new productivity tool [12:23]
At what point does it make sense to switch to a new tool? [15:51]
How many days should you test out a new tool to know if it will stick? [17:31]
How long should you use a productivity tool before looking for others? [18:56]
How AI will change productivity tools forever [31:25]
How does Francesco feel about the Evernote buyout? [41:25]
His experience building a backyard office [44:57]
Why he still likes working from coffee shops [47:46]

How To Stay Consistent With Your Weekly Review – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Being consistent with your weekly review is, for most people, the hardest part of productivity systems like David Allen’s Getting Things Done.

Doing it once or twice is easy. Doing it every single week? Not so much.

In this episode, you’ll discover ways to be consistent with your weekly review and learn how to implement the “One Tweak A Week” rule in your own life.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

The Year Of Efficiency, Micromanaging Apps & AI Wars (TPS446)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

How can your career thrive in “The Year of Efficiency”? Would you use an app that records EVERYTHING on your computer? Are productivity apps even worth it?

In this episode we talk about these topics, the coming AI wars, and more.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:59]
The AI wars are here [6:28]
Some recent Evernote updates [12:30]
Do you want to record EVERYTHING on your computer? [16:11]
Is micromanaging your life with an app a good idea? [26:06]
The skills you need to master productivity [32:11]
What should you do about the “Year of Efficiency” [34:36]

Productivity Insurance: How To Predict Productivity Problems – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Want to avoid productivity problems before they even happen? The unexpected will come up of course, but let’s face it — if we had thought about it, a lot of our issues could have been avoided or at least minimized.

That’s where productivity insurance comes in; preventing productivity problems before they happen.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to spot issues ahead of time and have a plan to deal with them.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

Travel Hacking and Remote Working Tips w/ Nomadic Matt (TPS445)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

You can travel the world and work productively at the same time. Our guest is a NYT bestselling author, traveled to over 100 countries and built a successful business at the same time. Matt Kepnes, also known as Nomadic Matt, shares his best tips for travel hacking and how to be productive while traveling.

Thanks RocketMoney.com/tps. It could save you hundreds a year.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:30]
How Matt’s travel journey started [7:45]
How much money did he have saved up the first time? [8:58]
Tips to be productive while traveling (or should you?) [10:49]
How Matt structures his week [18:01]
A super-helpful travel resource most people don’t use [20:57]
The benefits of solo travel [26:36]
How to travel as an introvert [29:22]

Mind The Gap: Make Your Quarterly Plan A Success – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Goals aren’t enough! You need to know where you are now, where you want to get to, and what you need to do to get there. We call that Minding The Gap.

In this episode, we’ll show you how to figure out how to do your own gap analysis, and create an action plan to get where you want to go.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

The Best Calendar Apps for iOS and Android (TPS444)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Tired of constantly double-checking your schedule and missing important appointments?

In this episode, we’ll dive into the world of calendar apps for iOS and Android. From the best apps for managing multiple calendars to the top features for increasing productivity, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to calendar chaos and hello to a stress-free schedule.

Get $15 off at Nutrafol.com when you got to Nutrafol.com/men and use promocode TPS.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:20]
What do you look for in a calendar app? [7:30]
Why Brooks loves Sunsama [10:54]
Is Brooks going to switch to Sunsama? [13:10]
Thanh’s favorite calendar app [22:12]
Why Thanh thinks subscriptions are the way to go for apps [25:51]
A Google Calendar alternative for Android [28:46]

Personal Outsourcing – Save Time, Energy, and Attention – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Want a next-level productivity hack? Focus as much of your time, energy, and attention as possible on things that bring you joy and move you closer to your goals.

For everything else, eliminate what you can, and for much of the rest of it, you can outsource it to someone more suited.

In this episode, we will give examples of personal outsourcing and how to adopt the delegation mindset.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

Chris Bailey Teaches You To Calm Your Mind (TPS443)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

The world is filled with stress and anxiety, but that doesn’t mean you need to be. It might sound surprising, but the way to true productivity is through.. calm.

Hustling, grinding, and imbalance will happen from time to time, but eventually, we all realize there is more to life and that we are being productive for a reason beyond prioritizing our to-do list.

In this episode, author, speaker, and productivity experimenter Chris Bailey shares how we can calm our minds, and use that ability to lead the life we want.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Go to Bambee.com and type in productivity show under PODCAST when you sign up.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:08]
Is writing about “Calm” a departure from Chris’ earlier books? [6:34]
How do you know if you have burnout vs. just tired? [11:49]
The 6 dimensions of burnout [15:12]
What does Chris think about going to therapy? [18:04]
How can you implement these strategies when you have limited control over your work? [21:32]
The inciting incident that got Chris interested in Calm [29:12]
The 10 fundamental human values [36:33]
The results of Chris’ stimulation fast (and how to do one) [41:29]
When is it best to use analog vs. digital tools? [51:04]

Life Leverages – One Skill To Master Your Attention – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Have more time and feel less overwhelmed by creating leverage. We’ll show you how to do this in less than 10 minutes.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

Was Your Password Manager Hacked? Is Clutter A Good Thing? & More (TPS442)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

There is starting to be a pushback against decluttering in articles and social media trends. Can clutter actually be a good thing? Also, quiet quitters are getting quiet fired, and a popular password manager has been hacked yet again.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps

Thanks RocketMoney.com/tps. It could save you hundreds a year.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:36]
The latest productivity news you should know [6:11]
Thanh’s criteria for switching to a new app [10:11]
Can clutter actually be good for you? [12:25]
The difference between clutter and hoarding [16:59]
What to do if you are a LastPass user [24:49]
Why quiet quitters are getting quiet fired [32:53]

Rise Ritual: Win The First 90 Minutes Of Your Day – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

The first 90 minutes of your day will set the tone for everything that happens after. The best way to have a positive start consistently is with a Rise Ritual, a set of repeatable steps that you do every day.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to create a Rise Ritual that works for you, and some tips to be consistent, even when things fall apart at the start of your day.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

5 AI Tools To Save Time And Be 100X More Efficient (TPS441)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Discover 5 AI tools that will save you multiple hours a week and have you do less mundane tasks. This episode might change your life and the way you work moving forward. Don’t miss out on these new productivity apps and tools.

Like it or not, AI tools are here, and AI features are making their way into the tools we all use, so learn about things you can do right now to be more productive with AI.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:54]
How to use ChatGPT to become insanely productive [5:16]
How to use AI to create legal agreements [9:47]
Why use ChatGPT when you can just Google? [11:54]
How to use AI-powered image tools [13:27]
A crazy Etsy business run using AI [19:03]
Why Thanh likes DoNotPay [22:05]
AI tools are coming to the apps we use every day [24:50]
An up-and-coming mindblowing AI tool [28:13]
Where we see the future of AI going [30:20]

Monthly Planning The Easy Way – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Monthly plans get a bad rap because they can take a long time and often don’t work out. But it doesn’t have to be that way! You can make a helpful monthly plan that is easy to do, and you’ll actually stick with.

By setting aside time each month to plan and organize your upcoming weeks, you’ll be able to stay on top of your goals, responsibilities and deadlines. Monthly planning can also help you identify potential roadblocks, and make necessary adjustments to your schedule before they become problems. By taking a step back and looking at the big picture, you’ll be better able to prioritize your time, energy, and attention.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to create a Monthly Plan the Asian Efficiency way, and some traps to avoid.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

How Ultra Wealthy People Manage Their Money w/ Jim Dew (TPS440)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Get the secrets to managing your money and growing your wealth like billionaires do.

We asked wealth manager Jim Dew, author of Beyond a Million: The Entrepreneur’s Playbook for Expanding Wealth, Freedom and Time, how he manages his time and money.

How does he stay on top of everything in an industry where laws are always changing? Find out here and much more.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps.

Get $15 off at Nutrafol.com when you got to Nutrafol.com/men and use promocode TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

How Jim went from being a math teacher to a wealth manager [2:05]
What does a wealth manager do? [6:39]
What does an ideal financial dream team look like? [16:06]
How to check out the qualifications of your professionals [19:33]
How does Jim stay on top of things and stay productive? [26:30]
How do you calculate the value of your time? [31:43]
Legacy planning and wills vs. trusts [37:26]
How to avoid your kids being ruined by money [43:43]
How to teach your kids investing and giving [49:15]

Reflection Ritual: Learn, Grow, De-Stress, and Clarify – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000

A tool that helps you learn, grow, de-stress, and get clarity: what’s not to like?

A Reflection Ritual is a quick process that helps you learn from the day, get stuff out of your head, and clarify what you are going to focus on.

In this episode, you’ll discover the best tool for a Reflection Ritual, and how to create a process that you will stick with.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Success In A World of Exponential Information w/ Futurist Ross Dawson (TPS439)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000

The amount of information we have to make sense of is staggering and overwhelming. However, it’s possible to not only survive this information overload but thrive!

In this episode, we’re joined by futurist Ross Dawson, author of Thriving On Overload: The 5 Powers for Success in a World of Exponential Information. We talk about thriving on overload, his five powers to succeed in a world of exponential information, and how the key to productivity could be taking an improv class.

Thanks RocketMoney.com/tps. It could save you hundreds a year.

Go to Bambee.com and type in productivity show under PODCAST when you sign up.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Why individual skills of dealing with information are the most important [5:37]
Why Ross doesn’t like the 2×2 matrix for idea generation [7:52]
How does one become a futurist? [8:30]
The 5 powers for success [10:09]
The different types of attention [13:09]
What Ross uses to frame information [15:00]
Why we need to exercise our attention, and how to do that [18:09]
Why Ross is not a big fan of guided meditation apps [21:41]
What living in a Zen Dojo in Japan taught him [26:43]
Ways that we can synthesize information [36:51]
Why improv theatre can help you thrive from information overload [39:06]
How knowledge workers can deal with the coming AI revolution [43:06]

Focus Engine: How To Get Focused Quickly – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Do you have problems getting started when you sit down to get something done?

The secret is not more willpower, it is to have a Focus Engine — a reliable set of tools and techniques to help you get started, no matter what is going on around you.

Your Focus Engine is like a car’s engine. There are many parts that can make up an engine, and the better they work together, the higher the performance.

In less than 10 minutes, I’ll show you how to use the 3 parts of a Focus Engine, and how to construct one that will work for you.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

How You Can Live Longer and Be In Shape In Only 30 Minutes A Day (TPS438)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Live longer, lose weight and exercise for longevity.

In this episode, we have a world-class strength & conditioning coach Bert Massey, who reveals how to exercise to live longer, and use technology to help you exercise more efficiently.

Believe it or not, it is possible to work out in less than 30 minutes and only a few times a week to accomplish your fitness goals. Discover more by listening to today’s episode.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/438.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Bert’s philosophy about exercise and fitness [1:09]
What kind of client has the most success [3:19]
How rigidity and chaos impact your fitness [6:42]
The difference between a healthy person and a fit person [15:20]
Bodyweight benchmarks to measure fitness [16:42]
Can you get results from just 30 minutes of exercise? [22:53]
How fitness culture from the 1900s can be used today [24:53]
How to train for longevity, not just fitness [42:31]
Why it is so important to focus on your feet [43:14]
People Bert follow in the fitness world [1:06:30]
Bert’s fitness routine [1:09:30]

Roll With The Punches: A Productivity Superpower – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

The ability to roll with the punches is a productivity superpower. It separates the people who throw up their hands at any setback from those who are able to get SOMETHING done in any circumstance. After this episode, you’ll be in the latter group.

In this episode, we take you through the mindsets and tactics to roll with the punches and get stuff done, no matter what.

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

Evernote RIP? Should You Cancel All Meetings? & More (TPS437)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000

A company tried to cancel all meetings during the summer. How did it work out? A country is recommending companies move to a 4-Day Work Week Permanently. Also, our thoughts on Evernote being bought out. RIP?

Thanks RocketMoney.com/tps. It could save you hundreds a year.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/437.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:01]
A roundup of the latest productivity news [6:01]
How ChatGPT is saving someone an hour a day [13:04]
Our thoughts about Evernote being sold [14:07]
What happened when a company canceled all meetings for a week [19:48]
Could a 4-Day Work Week be made permanent? [26:01]

1 Tweak to Change Your Life Trajectory – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Accomplish your goals, in less time, and with more consistency by introducing this one tweak to your goal setting.

Most of us are good at writing down goals where we logically connect with a goal, but if you only logically connect with your goal, you’ll eventually lose steam and momentum that won’t motivate you to keep going when times get tough.

The way to fix that is by emotionally connecting with your goal as well. You want to have a logical and emotional connection to your goal.

In less than 10 minutes, I’ll show you how to do this, and how it can change your life trajectory for you to live your best life possible.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

New Year’s Resolutions: How To Make and Keep One This Year (TPS436)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000

New Year’s Resolutions never work… UNLESS you do them the right way.

This is the LAST episode of 2022! So we are going to be looking back at 2022 and share tips with you to set yourself up for a productive 2023.

In this episode, we will take you through a 3 step process to look back at the last year, set focused resolutions for the upcoming year, and actually achieve them this time.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/436.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:26]
How we review the last year [4:31]
What Thanh learned from playing Go [5:23]
Ways you can look back at the past year [7:47]
What to do if you don’t keep a journal [7:58]
Questions to ask yourself at the end of each year [9:09]
How to set your New Years Resolutions [9:59]
Why New Years Resolutions usually fail [10:23]
How Brooks’ Resolution went totally wrong [10:59]
Thanh’s focus for 2023 [15:09]
How do you keep momentum as you go through the year? [17:12]
A prioritization strategy we love [20:47]

Goal Getting: Don’t Just Set Goals, Get Them! – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

What is the point of setting goals if you don’t do the right things to achieve them? That’s why we don’t like goal SETTING, we like goal GETTING.

In this episode, we take you through a 5-step process for goal getting: making sure you actually achieve the things you set out to do.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

Hunting Discomfort w/ Sterling Hawkins (TPS435)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Is discomfort actually a good thing? Many of us do whatever we can to avoid it, but in reality, discomfort can be a feedback system, and can help point us forward.

In this episode, we’re joined by entrepreneur and keynote speaker Sterling Hawkins about the topic of discomfort and how you not only want to embrace discomfort, but seek it out.

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE trial.

Thanks RocketMoney.com/tps. It could save you hundreds a year.

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/435

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:20]
What led Sterling towards the concept of discomfort professionally? [4:09]
How would Sterling define “discomfort?” [9:17]
What is Sterling’s framework of “5 Discomforts?” [16:51]
What is Pike Syndrome? [25:17]
How would Sterling recommend identifying your discomforts? [34:33]
How would Sterling suggest seeking out new challenges? [37:07]
What is the final step to hunting discomfort? [41:20]
Action step you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [43:45]

Connect with Sterling Hawkins

Movement – One Daily Activity To Have More Energy – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Have more energy, concentrate longer, and get more stuff done in the same amount of time. That’s what’s possible when you have daily movement practices in your life.

If you think about it, Energy is one of the most important factors in productivity. It’s like if you have a fast car — it doesn’t matter how powerful the engine is if it is sitting in your garage with no gas in the tank.

In less than 10 minutes, we’ll show you how to have more energy and increase your capacity to focus, do work, and get stuff done.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

Productivity For How You’re Wired w/ Ellen Faye (TPS434)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Want to be more productive, but just can’t figure out how?

There’s so much productivity advice out there that is great… for the person giving it. But is it the right strategy for you?

In this episode, Certified Productivity Leadership Coach Ellen Faye joins us to talk about finding your productivity style, and actionable tips for finding work/life harmony, choosing your priorities, and undoing your negative productivity scripts.

30% OFF EVERYTHING at TommyJohn.com/TPS.

Go to Bambee.com/tps to schedule your FREE conversation

See for yourself why Chime is so loved at chime.com/tps That’s chime.com/tps.

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit cards provided by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the payer. SpotMe eligibility requirements and overdraft limits apply. See chime.com/spotme. Chime was the 2021 #1 most downloaded banking app in the US according to Apptopia®.

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/434

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

What is Ellen’s background, and how did she begin writing her book? [2:49]
How did Ellen find the process of writing a book to be after she actually started? [5:46]
How does Ellen approach coaching? [8:11]
What does Ellen do when dealing with clients trying to integrate specific systems into their workflow? [11:04]
How does Ellen suggest clients with ADHD address their workflow? [15:21]
What does Ellen think can help with determining your productivity style? [19:25]
What are the work styles Ellen talks about in her book? [23:25]
What is Ellen’s advice for meshing with people with different structure preferences than yours? [26:57]
How does Ellen recommend approaching Work-Life Balance? [29:21]
How does Ellen help clients prioritize what they’re working on? [37:21]
How does Ellen advise people on dealing with conflicting requests from the workplace? [41:22]
How does Ellen deal with email? [44:55]
What does Ellen do to help clients with any fears of stepping up or advancing in their careers? [49:57]
What tips does Ellen have on setting up a successful workspace? [53:41]
Action Step [56:32]

Connect with Ellen Faye

How To Have A Productive Mindset – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Productivity is not just about tactics and apps – it is about mindsets. The most productive people you know have a productive mindset, and you can have one too.

Think about the most productive people you know. The ones that always seem to get stuff done and deliver results. Is it because they have an awesome calendar app? Is it because they have killer Obsidian plugins installed? Is it because they say the right affirmations as part of their morning routine?

Probably not! At the end of the day, they are probably so productive because they approach things with a productive mindset, and then figure out how to get things done. It almost becomes unlikely that they WON’T do what they set out to do.

In this episode, we’ll take you through the 6 productive mindsets you need to adopt, and show you how to do it.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

Spaceboxing vs Timeboxing, iPhone Gimmicks, & America’s Productivity Woes (TPS433)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000

You’ve heard of “Timeboxing” to be more productive, but “Spaceboxing” is just as important. We talk about being more productive with your space, iPhone gimmicks, and discuss: why is America so much LESS productive this year?

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE trial.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/433.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:19]
What are the three pieces of productivity news for the week? [6:44]
What are Thanh’s thoughts on the three productivity pieces? [10:14]
According to Thanh, why have US workers become less productive? [12:17]
How does Brooks feel his generation of workers compares to others? [15:04]
What is “spaceboxing?” [20:57]
How does spaceboxing work for Thanh? [23:54]
What is a continuity camera? [27:46]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [32:22]

Links:

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, PocketCast or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

Flow State: Flip 3 Switches to Get Into Flow Anytime – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Get focused, get more stuff done in less time, and finish your projects faster than before. That’s what’s possible when you get into a flow state consistently.

I’m sure you’ve had the experience where you’re working on a task, you’re really into it, time flew by, and before you know it, it’s dark outside.

That’s what it’s like when you’re in flow. You’re so present and in the moment that you forget that time is ticking by.

The opposite is also true. When you’re dreading a task, every minute that goes by feels like hours and like it’s taking you forever to get it done.

In this episode, we’ll show you how to get into flow with 3 flow switches.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

Notion Tips and Career Advice From Wall Street w/ Khe Hy (TPS432)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Be productive with Notion, advance in your career faster, and how to start a side hustle. We cover this with Khe Hy, a former Wall Street banker turned solo entrepreneur, who shares his best notion tips and career advice.

Thanks to RocketMoney. It could save you hundreds a year.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/432.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

What led Khe to quit Wall Street? [1:53]
How did Khe work his way up to management at BlackRock? [5:51]
What is the greatest form of leverage possible? [9:50]
What resources and books did Khe find most valuable in his career? [11:01]
What advice does Khe have for executives that are younger than the people working under them? [14:36]
What is Khe’s philosophy on productivity? [18:53]
What is “10k work?” [21:30]
How can you apply the 10k framework to your own work practices? [27:59]
What is Khe’s 10k mini assignment? [35:58]
What is Khe’s 10k work secret? [38:33]
What does Khe’s “productivity stack” look like? [39:32]
Why does Khe like Notion so much for his business? [45:15]

Connect with Khe Hy

Weekly Planning: Make Time For Your Priorities – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

How do you find time to get everything done during the week? Trick question – you don’t. You MAKE time! And you do that with a Weekly Plan.

Even if you’ve tried planning in the past and it didn’t work for you, you’re going to get a lot of value out of this episode because the goal of planning isn’t to have some perfect schedule that is going to go 100% of the way that you hope.

The value in planning is the planning process ITSELF – it’s about being intentional with your time instead of just going from crisis to crisis or checking off random tasks on your to-do list.

In this episode, we’ll give you tips to make an effective Weekly Plan that is easy to do, and that you’ll actually stick with.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Win Back Time With Systems And How To Build Systems w/ Josh Fonger (TPS431)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Free up time and save yourself from headaches by having the right systems in place. We have systems-expert share examples of systems you can use in your life, for your family, and organization to win back time and save on costs.

See for yourself why Chime is so loved at chime.com/tps.

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit cards provided by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.

Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the payer. SpotMe eligibility requirements and overdraft limits apply. See chime.com/spotme.

Chime was the 2021 #1 most downloaded banking app in the US according to Apptopia®.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/431.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Tips [1:58]
What started Josh’s minimalist journey? [2:47]
What is system thinking/mindset, and how can you apply it? [6:34]
How does Josh feel about incorporating minimalist systems into life outside of the workplace? [10:51]
What are some ways you can implement systems in a fast-paced workplace? [14:31]
How would Josh advise people to build their own systems? [20:01]
Can a business owner or entrepreneur help with teaching the implementation of systems? [23:17]
What has Josh learned from coaching over 1000 people? [26:56]
What are some systems Josh has created with his family over the years that he’d recommend others try? [32:20]

Connect with Josh Fonger

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, PocketCast, or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

Daily Check-In: 5 Minutes To Better and More Productive Days – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

In only 5 minutes, you can make every single day an opportunity for learning and improvement. Improve your day, improve your week, and improve your life.

You can do this with the Daily Check-In, which is exactly what it sounds like: a very short check-in with yourself every day to see how things are going, any lessons learned, and any improvements that come to mind.

We’ll discuss this today as you discover how the Daily Check-In will help you have better and more productive days.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Brain Hacks To Be Productive & Focused w/ Neuroscientist Andrew Hill (TPS430)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

A neuroscientist explains how you can optimize your brain for health and focus. He also covers:

The warning signs to look for that your brain health is in decline
The supplements to consider for optimal brain health
How to alleviate stress in your life

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE trial.

Thanks, Tommy John Get 20% off your 1st order TommyJohn.com/tps. See site for details.

And we cover so much more! You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/430.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Tips [1:49]
What got Andrew into biohacking? [4:06]
What are some current trends in brain activity? [16:25]
What is the process of a biohacking brain scan like? [22:17]
How do you “re-program” your brain after a biohacking scan? [35:37]
What are some things Andrew recommends doing to improve brain health? [42:56]

Connect with Andrew

Daily Target: Have a Productive Day Almost Every Day – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

“Did I Have A Productive Day?” is an important question you’re probably not asking yourself. Or if you are, you’re answering with “vibes” like “I crushed it!” or “Meh, it was OK,” or “I couldn’t get anything done.”

But with productivity, “vibes” can be deceiving. If you spend all day checking off small tasks from your to-do list, it feels great. It feels like you’re getting stuff done, but did you get anything done that moves the needle and helps you achieve whatever your goals or projects are?

Or the flip side: you might only get one or two things “really” done, but those one or 2 things can unlock a lot of progress.

So that loops us back to the question: How Do You Know If You’ve Had A Productive Day?

If you’ve created a Daily Target for yourself, that question is easy to answer! And that’s what we unpack in this episode.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

Email Workflows, Accountability Tips, and Eliminate 40-Hour Work Week (TPS429)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Win back time with a new email app, hit your goals with accountability tips, and the way you’re working might be holding you back. We cover a wide range of topics to boost your productivity in this episode.

We also cover what’s new like the new Amazon Kindle Scribe (a competitor to Remarkable 2), smart water bottles, and more. Stay up to date with what’s going on and hear our best advice on how to navigate these changes.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Go to Bambee.com/tps to schedule your FREE conversation

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/429.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:41]
What’s been going on lately with Amazon? [7:18]
What makes smart water bottles most useful? [10:13]
What is the first industry topic of the day? [14:11]
How does Thanh feel about apps that try to “reinvent the wheel” regarding e-mail systems? [17:37]
What does the Remote Work Prep infographic show? [27:06]
What does Thanh think about asynchronous work schedules? [30:14]
What is the third industry topic for the day? [36:58]
How does Brooks feel about coaching? [40:51]
How does Thanh find coaches? [42:14]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life. [45:42]

Focus Filter – Stop Overwhelm & Get Focused With This Skill – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000

How to prioritize your todo list and find one task that makes the biggest impact on your day.

Let me ask you this. Have you ever looked at your todo list and everything on your list looked equally important?

Do you have a hard time figuring out where to start and how to begin your day?

When everything on your todo list looks equally important, nothing truly is.

We’ll discuss this today as you discover how the skill of Focus Filter will allow you to be more focused and productive.

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

Before You Go Minimalist, Listen To This w/ Courtney Carver (TPS428)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000

We go over the pros and cons of minimalism with Courtney Carver. She’s a thought leader on minimalism and shares her big mistakes and lessons learned from living a minimalist life. We go over:

The mistakes and pitfalls of minimalism you need to be aware of
How to build a minimalist wardrobe with her Project 3/33
The keys to living a simple life without fear of missing out

Do yourself a favor and listen to the whole episode before you decide to go the minimalist path.

Thanks to RocketMoney. It could save you hundreds a year.

Go to Bambee.com/tps to schedule your FREE conversation.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/428.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:15]
How did being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis affects Courtney’s career? [3:35]
What are some forms of stress that Courtney eliminated from her life following her MS diagnosis? [6:53]
When did Courtney start Be More With Less? [11:00]
What is “Project 3/33,” and how did it come about? [12:06]
What results/benefits did Courtney see after implementing Project 3/33? [15:34]
How do men and women differ in the ways they implement 3/33? [22:09]
How does Courtney eliminate things from her life? [25:12]
How does Courtney handle sentimental items? [27:18]
What did Courtney worry about most with the minimalist lifestyle? [30:17]
How does Courtney approach buying things? [32:31]
What led Courtney to start a podcast with her daughter? [35:57]

Connect with Courtney Carver

Shutdown Ritual: Get 8 Hours of Productivity – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Invest 90 minutes to get 8 hours of productivity. That’s what the Shutdown Ritual can do for you.

One of the biggest multipliers for productivity is sleep. When you have a great night of sleep, you feel more energized, focused and productive compared to a poor night of sleep. I think we can all relate to that.

Most of us want to sleep an extra hour a day. Imagine what you could do with an extra hour of sleep, you’d be invincible, right? You’d be so much more productive.

It’s one of the skills we teach as part of the 25X Productivity System. Find out what this is and how you can apply it tonight.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

The Power of Silence in A World of Noise w/ Justin Zorn & Leigh Marz (TPS427)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000

How do you stand out in a world of noise? With silence!

It may sound counterintuitive, but in this episode, leadership coaches Leigh Marz and Justin Zorn from Astrea Strategies share how you can use the power of silence, and how to find moments of peace and clarity in our increasingly busy lives.

They also discuss lessons and actionable strategies from their new book Golden: The Power of Silence in A World of Noise

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Learn more at https://theproductivityshow.com/427

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

What exactly does Leigh do? [3:06]
How did Justin’s career play a role in the book he co-wrote with Leigh? [4:30]
What type of person are Justin’s practices most applicable to? [7:13]
How does Leigh suggest conceptualizing silence? [9:21]
How do people respond when asked what the deepest silence they’ve ever known is? [12:45]
How has loudness progressed over time? [18:02]
How do you reduce internal noise specifically? [20:01]
What are some ways to “temporarily reset” your day? [26:21]
Why is silence scary? [31:01]
What are some strategies Justin and Leigh look at for finding your silence? [37:49]
How can you reduce your intentional and unintentional noise? [40:46]
Action step you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [45:18]
Closing Remarks [50:45]

Connect with Justin Zorn & Leigh Marz

Personal Systems: The 3 Essentials – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

There are SO many different productivity apps and tools out there. How do you know what is important and REALLY helpful?

Three stand above the rest, and we call them the “3 Essentials”. If you have your 3 Essentials set, you’ll know what to work on, when to work on it, and have created the time and space to do it.

If you can become solid at using these 3 and have them working together, you have a very strong productivity foundation that can withstand disruptions, lack of motivation, and other things that inevitably come up.

In less than 10 minutes, we’ll show you how to create your own Personal System using the 3 Essentials, and how to make your system work together/

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

How To Make New Friends and Build Big Relationships w/ Nick Gray (TPS426)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Discover a simple party-hosting formula with step-by-step instructions that help you meet new people, strengthen your relationships, and make you the person everyone wants to know.

We also cover:

How to host your first party and meet new people
The 3 common mistakes you must avoid when you host social gatherings
The word-for-word script of what to text people so they show up to your event

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE trial.

Thanks, RocketMoney.com/tps. It could save you hundreds a year.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/426.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:04]
How does Nick’s upbringing factor into his hospitality? [4:24]
What did Nick spend his time doing in college? [7:42]
How did Nick start Museum Hacks? [10:14]
How did Nick figure out the types of events he puts on in the current day? [14:20]
What makes adult friendship so difficult, according to Nick? [19:12]
What is the “NICK” Framework?” [22:50]
Why does Nick suggest not having a beer at networking events? [25:21]
What is the value of hosting gatherings at home to Nick? [27:38]
What makes for a good hosting space? [30:07]
Why are nametags important to Nick? [32:13]
What is an icebreaker to Nick? [36:43]
What does the final letter in the NICK process stand for? [47:00]
What is the “party runway?” [49:57]
How many guests does Nick suggest aiming for when hosting cocktail parties? [51:49]
What is Nick’s “secret weapon” for building a social life? [54:51]
How does Nick recommend inviting people to events? [56:42]
Does Nick have fun at his own parties? [1:00:06]
What is a big life philosophy Thanh has that relates most to hosting events? [1:04:53]
How much does it cost to host a party? [1:06:43]
Why a cocktail party over a dinner party? [1:08:09]
How does Thanh have no cancellations for events he hosts? [1:12:04]
What is different about how Thanh does parties? [1:15:50]
Why does Nick hesitate to allow people to bring a +1 to his parties? [1:19:29]
How can people with kids successfully host cocktail parties? [1:22:05]
What are some “horror stories” Nick has had hosting parties? [1:24:30]
What did Nick do for his 40th birthday party? [1:27:58]

Connect with Nick Gray

Thinking Time: Make The Right Decisions Using This Framework – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

If you don’t ask the right questions, you won’t have the right information. And without the right information, you can’t make the best decisions.

Thinking Time is essentially making time to think with a clarifying question so you get the right solutions to your problem.

Spending a little bit of time upfront thinking is 20% of the work that will give you 80% of the result. The better you can identify and define the problem, the easier it will be to achieve your goals.

In less than 10 minutes, we’ll show you how to get started with Thinking Time, how to figure out which questions to ask, and a step-by-step guide.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2-day workshop in Austin TX

Financial Independence: The 4% Rule Will Get You There w/ Alan Donegan (TPS425)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Become financially independent, save money and be extremely productive all at once. It’s possible and our guest Alan Donegan shares how you can do it.

We cover:

The 4% Rule for Becoming Financially Independent
How Much Money You Need to Have Saved Up To Be Financially Free
The Daily Routine of Someone Who’s Financially Independent

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:41]
How did Alan get into financial independence? [2:40]
What is the “4% Guideline?” [6:52]
What was Alan’s journey to financial independence like? [8:50]
What is “lifestyle inflation?” [11:13]
What does a day typically look like for Alan, as someone who is financially independent? [14:38]
How often does Alan feel a sense of urgency to do things now? [17:52]
How does Alan help others that don’t immediately grasp the process of achieving financial independence? [20:40]
What is Alan’s system for determining where you are on the path to financial independence? [25:11]
What sorts of tools does Alan use to manage his finances? [29:32]
What does Alan’s tool set look like on a daily basis for getting things done? [33:57]
How does Alan use Microsoft OneNote? [36:26]
How do Alan and his wife stay in-sync with each other’s schedules? [39:25]
How does Alan prioritize free tools versus paid? [41:01]
What is something Alan will not hesitate to buy, regardless of price? [46:01]

Connect with Alan Donegan

Peak Positioning: Give Yourself The Best Chance To Succeed Each Day – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

When you have little to no energy, it’s hard to get started on tasks and be productive. It doesn’t matter how skilled you are in Getting Things Done or some other productivity method — when you have no gas in the tank, things likely won’t go the way you want them to.

The solution? Peak Positioning: a way to align our most important tasks around the times when we feel most energized. When we can map our tasks that require the most energy and focus with the times when we naturally feel most alert, we can get our best and most creative work done.

In less than 10 minutes, we’ll show you how to get started with Peak Positioning and give yourself the best chance to succeed, every single day.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2 day workshop in Austin TX

Reduced Distraction Phones, Killer iOS Features, & Team Personality Tests (TPS424)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000

News you can use from Notion, Apple, Wunderlist’s founders, and more productivity topics…

Can a “Reduced Distractions” phone improve your Attention?
Are iOS16’s Focus Filters feature as awesome as we think?
Why Personality Tests are underrated for teams

Go to EthosLife.com/tps to get your FREE life insurance quote today.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/424.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:01]
What does Team Spaces allow you to do? [8:26]
What is Superlist? [9:23]
What happens at Apple’s Far Out event? [10:28]
What is the first industry topic of the day? [15:48]
How does Thanh feel about distraction-free phones? [18:31]
What are Focus Filters? [24:26]
What does Thanh think about third-party apps using Focus Filters? [26:37]
What is the third topic of the day? [30:02]
Action step you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [36:13]

Time Audit: Get Back More Time Every Week – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Have you ever said I just don’t have time to do everything!” or “I’m SO busy all the time”?

To fix your Time problem, you need to know what you’re doing during the week now. Use a Time Audit to discover how you’re spending time now and how to improve it in the future.

It’s why the “T” is the first part of our TEA Framework – the 3 levers that impact your productivity: Time, Energy, and Attention.

So then the question is: how can you improve your “Time” in the future if you don’t know how you’re spending it now?

It’s one of the 25 skills we teach as part of our 25X Productivity System and it’s so important!

In less than 10 minutes, you’ll discover the 2 Time Audit tools, and we’ll give you a framework to take what you’ve learned and improve your productivity going forward.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2 day workshop in Austin TX

3 Checklists Everyone Needs to Boost Productivity (TPS423)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Become organized and never forget things when you have these 3 checklists in place.

You’d think the better and more experienced you get at something, the more consistent and error-free you are, but that’s often not the case:
When we “know” what to do, we are often less careful
Things get missed, balls get dropped, and sometimes that can be a big problem!

The answer to this is almost ridiculously simple: the humble checklist.

Here are 3 things you’ll get out of this episode:

Checklists that will help you execute your work and personal tasks
How to pack and travel like a pro
Ways to finally be consistent with your habits, routines, and planning

In this episode, we are going to share some checklists we rely on, and you’ll discover some checklists we think YOU should implement to be consistent and productive every time.

Thanks to RocketMoney.com/tps. It could save you hundreds a year.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/423.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:50]
What is the first checklist everyone needs? [3:20]
What does AE do for their checklists? [8:57]
What is checklist no. 2 for? [17:19]
What are some things Brooks puts on his travel checklist? [20:41]
What is the third checklist everyone needs? [22:35]
What sort of ritual/planning templates does Thanh use? [25:20]
Action step you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [28:08]

Renewal Rituals: Your Life Is A Series Of Sprints – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Athletes rely on a structured recovery ritual to get results in their training, and you can do the same thing for your productivity. Create a structured Renewal Ritual and use rest, recovery, and rejuvenation to become even more productive.

It’s one of the 25 skills we teach as part of our 25X Productivity System, it’s counterintuitive: high-achievers always want to “get more done”, but in this episode, we make the case that a Renewal Ritual will help you do just that.

In less than 10 minutes, you’ll discover the 3 levels of a Renewal Ritual and we’ll show you how to get started to improve your energy, focus, and attention.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our upcoming live 2-day workshop in Austin TX.

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

How A Busy Professor Gets Organized and Stuff Done w/ Art Carden (TPS422)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Art Carden is a Professor of Economics who wears many hats and juggles commitments, responsibilities, and organizes and interprets a huge amount of information.

He’s a professor of Economics at Samford University’s Brock School of Business, and his research has appeared in Business Ethics Quarterly, the Journal of Urban Economics, Applied Economics, and Public Choice, among many others. He’s the author of “Leave Me Alone and I’ll Make You Rich: How the Bourgeois Deal Enriched the World”.

In this episode, he shares his workflows, how he gets stuff done, and his best productivity strategies. So whether you’re new to productivity or already advanced, there’s something in it for you.

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.
Thanks Avast.com!
Go to Bambee.com/tps to schedule your FREE conversation

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/422

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:37]
What is Art’s “Productivity Story?” [4:46]
Which productivity strategies have been working best for Art now? [7:54]
How does Art get so much writing done, and how does he organize so much info? [11:44]
Where does Art get his writing done? [14:03]
What rule does Art follow that shrinks his workload significantly? [17:32]
How does Art determine which tasks he can delegate to others, and which tasks he needs to handle himself? [27:25]
What would present-day Art tell his younger self? [29:36]
How does Art structure his day? [32:50]
How do Art and his wife’s productivity styles compare? [36:24]

Connect with Art Carden

Self-Management: Advanced Skill To Master Productivity – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Overcome procrastination, meet your deadlines way before they are due, and become the person who is known to get stuff done. This is possible when you master self-management, an advanced productivity skill.

It’s one of the 25 skills we teach as part of our 25X Productivity System, and one of the least talked about. What is self-management? How can it benefit you? And what’s something you can do today about it?

In less than 10 minutes, we’ll show you how to get started with self-management and become more self-aware so you can unlock your full potential.

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2 day workshop on September 29, 2022 in Austin TX

9 Browser Tips to Save Time (Plus an Epic Lightning Round!) (TPS421)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Your Browser is your most important productivity tool. We share some of our favorite shortcuts, plugins, extensions, and ways you can be a productivity ninja with your browser on Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android.

We usually think of the tools we use IN our browser – the web apps and websites – but not so much about how to best use the web browser itself.

But since we can spend HOURS a day in our browser, there are big productivity gains you can make by using some browser hacks to make things faster and easier. Like we always say: “small changes lead to big results!”

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

Go to EthosLife.com/tps to get your FREE life insurance quote today.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/421.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:02]
What is Brooks’s first tip for browser optimization? [5:19]
What is Thanh’s “browser hack” for Google Chrome? [8:35]
Which browser feature is Thanh surprised people don’t know about? [13:05]
What is “reader mode” within your browser? [16:39]
What does Thanh think of Reader Mode? [18:29]
Which browser does Brooks think is an important alternative to Google Chrome? [24:05]
Which other browsers has Thanh used? [26:43]
What is Thanh’s final web browser tip? [28:31]
What browser hacks do TPS+ members recommend? [32:17]
Action step you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [34:29]

Links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrdwlW1glkc

Weekly Review: How To Be Fast and Consistent – Wisdom Wednesday

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Why is it so hard to be consistent with a Weekly Review?

Many people associate the Weekly Review with David Allen’s Getting Things Done productivity system, but anyone can benefit from it.

Many people also have trouble being consistent with their Weekly Review, so in this episode we’re going to share ways you can solve that once and for all.

A Weekly Review is one of the most effective parts of any productivity system, but there are usually two problems:

It takes too long
It is hard to find a time that works

In this Wisdom Wednesday, we’ll help you create a Weekly Review you can actually stick to in 10-ish minutes!

This episode is brought to you by the 25X Productivity System Live – our live 2 day workshop on September 15 and 29, 2022 in Austin TX

Can Your Kids Get Better Grades With These Tech Tools? (TPS420)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

There are so many tech tools to help kids with schoolwork. Even if you don’t remember anything from school, these apps and services can help your kids with math, languages, reading – almost anything.

In this episode we’ll cover:

1. A math app that helps solve formulas and word problems – with the phone’s camera!
2. Online tutoring and communication platforms so your kids get more help than you can give them
3. Language apps that their teachers use too

Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

Go to PlayBackbone.com/tps to order your Backbone, and for a limited time get FREE access to over 350 console games and perks!

Go to Bambee.com/tps to schedule your FREE conversation

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/420

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:16]
What is the first tech tool for kids Brooks recommends? [5:41]
Which tech tool for kids would Marmel recommend first? [9:45]
What tip no. 3? [20:31]
What has Marmel’s experience with tutoring in the Phillipines been like? [22:41]
What is tech tip no. 4 for kids? [24:32]
How does Marmel utilize Google Spaces with her child? [30:15]
How does Marmel handle offering help to her child? [34:01]
Action step you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [34:56]

25X Live Workshops Are Coming! (TPS419.5)

Asian Efficiency Team — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Introducing live workshops to supercharge your productivity!

We have two workshops coming up for the 25X Productivity System, which is our new productivity method that will help you become more productive at work and in life.

The dates for these workshops are:

September 15-16, 2022
September 29-30, 2022

It’s a two-day workshop where you’ll learn the fundamentals of productivity, and we cover strategies haven’t been publicly shared before. Think of it as a boot camp where you’ll learn, implement, and take action.

Click or tap one of the following links to learn more:

Click here for the September 15-16 workshop

Click here for the September 29-30 workshop

Both take place in Austin, TX, and spots are limited. Each workshop is capped at 15 participants so we can keep it intimate, and Thanh will be personally guiding you throughout the workshop.

How To Thrive In A Stressful Environment w/ Alexis Haselberger (TPS419)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Stress-free productivity: Alexis Haselberger is a time management coach who has worked with Google, Lyft, Workday, Capital One, Upwork, and many more.

Thriving in those stressful environments is the through-line in this episode, but even if you DON’T work in corporate, there’ll be lots of practical and actionable advice for you too.

Thanks Avast.com!

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/419.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:30]
Who is Alexis, and what does she do? [4:15]
How do corporate environments differ from other work environments? [6:56]
What sorts of concerns does Alexis hear from clients in corporate environments, and how does she suggest dealing with them? [8:54]
How does Alexis help her clients feel more on top of things in corporate environments? [10:45]
How does Alexis help her clients get out of corporate time-sucks? [12:27]
How corporate HR departments react to bringing Alexis in to their environments? [14:01]
How does Alexis determine whether clients are getting what they want out of what they do? [17:06]
What does Alexis do to help clients with time-tracking? [21:51]
How does Alexis determine the actual problem when listening to clients’ concerns with corporate life? [24:15]
What are Alexis’s tips for prioritization in the corporate world? [29:13]
Which common themes stand out to Alexis when working with corporate clients? [33:00]
Which task management tool does Alexis recommend most often when working with corporate clients? [35:34]
Action step you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [36:58]

Connect with Alexis Haselberger

Sleep Tracking: Discover How To Use Your Sleep Data To Improve Your Life (TPS418)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0000

You probably don’t get enough sleep, and you’re not alone. The CDC says that 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep, and sleep is a huge part of the “Energy” part of the TEA Framework.

In this episode, we are going to talk about a specific area of helping you with your sleep: Sleep Tracking. It’s an incredibly useful way to uncover your sleep issues and then take action.

Here are 3 things you’ll get out of this episode:

The easiest way to start without having to download, install, or buy anything
The best sleep tracking devices, and how to use them
How to actually USE all this sleep data your devices are collecting

Businesses only pay for quality applications matching the sponsored job description. Visit Indeed.com/TPS to start hiring now.

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

Thanks to Gusto. Go to gusto.com/tps for your first three months free.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/418.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:08]
Why does Thanh think AE’s “Better Sleep” guide was the best way to start for the company? [6:17]
What does Thanh use sleep tracking for, and how does it benefit him? [10:18]
What tip number 1 for successful sleep tracking? [13:20]
What is tip number 2 for a successful sleep tracking? [23:14]
What is tip number 3 for successful sleep tracking? [31:18]
How does Brooks feel about people sleeping separately versus in the same bed? [38:57]
Action step you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [40:47]

Windows Productivity Apps & Must-Use Settings w/ Kimberly Charron (TPS417)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0000

These Windows apps will make you more productive. Even if you can’t install them on your computer, we share our favorite built-in settings and MS 365 tools.

Certified Online Business Manager Kimberly Charron joins us to share her tips, so if you use Windows at work, at home, or have Windows users in your life, this episode will give you some great suggestions.

Go to PlayBackbone.com/tps to order your Backbone, for a limited time, and get FREE access to over 350 console games and perks.

Go to Bambee.com/tps to schedule your FREE conversation.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/417.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:38]
What does a Certified Business Manager do? [5:40]
What are some of Brooks’s favorite built-in features of Windows 11? [7:27]
How does Kimberly use Focus Assist? [8:52]
What does Kimberly think about Clipboard History? [11:15]
What are some of Kimberly’s top tips for getting the most out of Office 365? [17:04]
What is a collection of apps Brooks recommends most? [20:32]
What is Snagit and what does it do? [22:50]
What is the third app Brooks recommends purchasing for Windows? [25:35]
What is Notepad++, and how do you use it? [29:10]
Action step you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [32:39]

Connect with Kimberly Charron

Team Communication: How To Double Your Team’s Output (TPS416)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Improve your team’s time, energy, and attention with this simple tweak. We’ll share how you can build your team’s internal communication strategy, and the things to think about, and we’ll provide a link to ours that has worked well for us for years.

We cover:

1. How to choose the right tool to communicate in the right situation
2. Expected response times, so everyone is aligned
3. A simple way to gently steer people to the right communication method

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps

Businesses only pay for quality applications matching the sponsored job description. Visit Indeed.com/TPS to start hiring now. Terms and conditions apply.

You can find links to everything we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/416.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

What is the first way to strengthen team communication? [7:16]
What are some questions Marmel suggests asking yourself when sorting out systems of team communication? [10:09]
What is Yammer? [11:16]
What is tip no. 2 for successful team communication? [14:18]
What are some questions you can ask yourself to determine which team communication tools are most effective? [20:45]
What is a large change AE made organizationally to improve team communication? [24:58]
What is tip number 3 to improve team communication? [26:11]
What is Marmel’s advice for improving team communication in a remote world, or across an international team? [30:03]
How does Brooks suggest dealing with team communication done the wrong way? [32:39]
Action step you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [34:52]

Escaping the Metaverse, SpaceX Is Changing How We Work, and Hot Productivity Trends (TPS415)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Stay on top of the newest productivity trends like the Metaverse, how SpaceX is changing the way we work, and important Apple software updates.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

What new tech is grabbing Thanh’s attention? [10:40]
What does Brooks think about password managers in 2022? [13:54]
Who does Thanh know that is constantly working on the go? [27:25]
What is the third topic of the day? [30:18]
Action step you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [37:51]

Links:

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Google, or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

Team & Personal Productivity w/ CEO Aye Moah (TPS414)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0000

The CEO of Boomerang talks about productivity, team-building, successful meetings, and creating a “Guiding Principles” book for your team.

Aye Moah, CEO and Co-Founder of Boomerang joins us in this episode. If you’ve ever read any list of “ productivity tools and apps online, someone always mentions Boomerang, for good reason. Aye Moah shares her favorite productivity apps, how she prioritizes, and her morning routine.

Visit Indeed.com/TPS to start hiring now. Terms and conditions apply.

Try Zapier for free today at zapier.com/TPS.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/414.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Who is Aye, what is Boomerang and how did it start? [5:05]
What were some other problems Aye was seeing besides snoozing? [8:42]
How does Boomerang vary from standard booking systems? [13:47]
How does Aye figure out how she should be spending her time throughout the day? [17:13]
How does Aye suggest dealing with conflicting orders from leadership? [23:17]
What is Aye’s planning routine like? [33:39]
What is Aye’s morning routine, and how does it help her get through the day? [37:38]
What are Aye’s tips for raising a toddler? [41:49]
How does Aye think about making meetings more productive? [43:29]
What are Aye’s general tips for getting on top of your e-mails? [48:49]
Action step you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [55:24]

Connect with Aye Moah

Productivity Tools, Apps, Workflows, and Plans We Use And Recommend (TPS413)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Whenever we do a Q&A or a webinar, we always get asked about our workstation, our favorite apps, tools, and workflows we personally use to get stuff done efficiently.

In this episode, we’re going to cover all that and more.

So if you’re looking to redo your setup at home, at the office, and want to try new apps, tools, and workflows to help you get an edge…you’re going to like this episode.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/413

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:35]
What calendar does Brooks use? [5:09]
How does Thanh use his calendar? [9:42]
What is Thanh’s to-do list workflow like? [13:23]
How does Thanh deal with tasks and notes when away from his desk? [17:13]
What does Thanh’s planning workflow look like? [24:39]
How does Thanh layer in long-term planning with his weekly routine? [28:48]
What is Thanh’s “someday” list like? [33:18]
What e-mail apps does Thanh use? [35:38]
What is Thanh’s home office setup like? [40:39]
What is Thanh’s biggest piece of advice for the day? [48:36]
Action step you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [52:05]

Want to Quit Social Media? (TPS412)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Social Media CAN be like productivity kryptonite – distraction and disruption are literally one tap away.

One solution is the Cal Newport route – just get rid of social media altogether.

He’s written books like Deep Work and Digital Minimalism – and was on TPS88 – where he makes the case that whatever benefit we think we get from social media is almost certainly not worth it.

If you want to do that – great! But you also don’t want to be THAT person when someone asks you for your LinkedIn or Instagram, and say that you don’t have one and miss out on opportunities.

How do you do that in a way that won’t destroy your productivity and attention span?

Here are 3 things you’ll get out of this episode:

How to set up “Guardrails” to stop social media from taking over your life
The #1 Rule to protect your Time, Energy, and Attention from social media
How to do a digital detox to disrupt your social media habit and regain focus

Visit Indeed.com/TPS to start hiring now. Terms and conditions apply.

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

Thanks Gusto. Go to gusto.com/tps for your first three months free.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/412.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:19]
What is Tip no. 1 for controlling social media usage? [5:13]
How does Brooks add “friction” to his social media? [9:13]
How does Thanh add “friction” to his social media routine? [19:54]
What rule does Brooks want you to follow 100% of the time with social media? [22:28]
What are Thanh’s views on internet discourse? [26:52]
What is tip number 3 for controlling social media usage? [30:26]
Action step you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [36:45]

Leading With Heart w/ Executive Coach Edward Sullivan (TPS411)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I’m excited to welcome Edward Sullivan, who has been coaching and advising start-up founders, Fortune 10 executives, and heads of state for over 15 years.

His clients include executives from Google, Salesforce, Slack, and dozens of other fast-growth companies. Edward is CEO & President of Velocity, which is an executive coaching consultancy.

Edward is ALSO the co-author with John Baird of a new book called LEADING WITH HEART: 5 Conversations That Unlock Creativity, Purpose, and Results.

We’re going to get into a lot in this episode, but the main theme I want to explore is: How do we help OTHERS get their best results?

So much productivity advice involves “personal productivity”, but let’s face it — so much of what we do relies on other people.

Even if you are not an executive or a “capital-L” Leader, there will be something in this episode for you.

Go to Novo.co/TPS and get your FREE business checking account.

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

Thanks to Truebill. It could save you thousands a year.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/411.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

What led Edward to becoming an executive coach? [3:02]
What differentiates middle-level executives from top-level executives in Edward’s opinion? [4:47]
What is Edward’s advice to rising leaders to reach for that next level? [7:15]
How do heart-led companies and fear-led companies compare? [10:37]
What’s the best way to switch from an answering leadership style to a coaching leadership style? [13:58]
How does Edward coach people who are not naturally inclined to help others? [24:45]
How does Edward help people overcome the fear of change? [27:10]
What are “blind sets” and how can they be de-railing? [29:16]
How does Edward uncover the true gifts and strengths of his clients when coaching? [31:51]
What are Edward’s tips for finding purpose in what you do? [34:46]
Action step you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [37:57]

Connect with Edward Sullivan

The 996 Work Culture, Super-Quick Meetings & A Surprising Report (TPS410)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Let’s catch up on what’s been happening in our industry and new trends that you need to be aware of so you stay ahead of the curve.

Aside from the industry news, we also have 3 important topics to go over:

The weird middle ground between DMs and meetings
The problem with the “996 Work Culture”
How has the pandemic impacted productivity?

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps.

Thanks to Truebill.com/TPS. It could save you thousands a year.

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/410.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:12]
What is Microsoft Loop? [6:37]
What does Brooks mean by something being “between a direct message and a full meeting?” [12:18]
How does Thanh bridge the gap between messages and full-blown meetings? [16:15]
What is AE’s “unlimited vacation” policy like? [28:00]
What does Thanh think of the 40-hour work week? [33:49]
Which year was better for productivity? 2019 or 2020? [35:03]
What is a downside to the current work-from-home landscape? [44:32]

How To Start Over When You Lost Everything (TPS409)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Imagine you lost everything. How do you overcome that?

I was recently traveling in Europe and had… an incident. Long story short, I lost pretty much EVERYTHING except my phone.

As I recovered from this, I found that there are some things I had done well that helped me out, and there were some lessons learned that will make my life easier in the future if something like this ever happens again.

You may never be in a situation where you get robbed on a train in The Netherlands – at least we hope not! But a lot can happen to your important information.

Your laptop can get stolen out of your trunk
You could have a fire or flood
There could be a ransomware attack
Your cloud service could shut down, crash, or get hacked

In this episode, we are going to talk about some ways you can protect your important digital and physical information, so it is there when you need it.

Thanh’s lessons learned from this stressful and productivity-killing event
How to access your important information from anywhere, even if you don’t feel comfortable using cloud services
The 3-2-1 Rule that will make sure your data is safe, no matter what happens.

Free $75 credit to boost your post at Indeed.com/TPS, plus earn up to $500 extra in sponsored job credits with Indeed’s Virtual Interviews. Terms and conditions apply.

Thanks to Avast.com!

Try Zapier for free today at zapier.com/TPS

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/409.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:21]
How exactly did Thanh lose everything but his phone on a trip to Europe? [5:25]
What was Thanh able to get to and do without any documents in Europe? [11:28]
What sort of things did Thanh do to secure his belongings/data before this trip, and what did he change afterward? [13:31]
How would Thanh handle his tech differently if he could re-do his Europe trip? [15:28]
What is the first tech tip to protect from losing important belongings? [17:07]
How did Thanh create and store digital copies of his documents to counteract his backpack theft? [19:46]
What is the 3-2-1 rule? [27:58]
How does Thanh make sure he has copies of important documents in several places? [30:54]
What is tip number 3 for being prepared when traveling abroad? [34:50]
Who does Thanh rely on to help get to important information in a pinch? [37:14]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life. [40:45]

Biohacking, Psychedelics, and More w/ Shawn Wells (TPS408)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Optimize your health following the latest health & wellness supplements.

Today I’m joined by Shawn Wells. He is the world’s leading nutritional biochemist and bestselling author of the book The ENERGY Formula: Six Life-Changing Ingredients to Unleash Your Limitless Potential.

He’s an expert on Health Optimization and has formulated over 700 supplements, food, beverages, and cosmeceuticals and patented over 20 novel ingredients.

He’s also a chief clinical dietitian with over a decade of clinical experience.

Today we’re going to talk about optimizing your health, how to double your energy, and reinventing yourself.

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

Go to PlayBackbone.com/tps to order your Backbone until June 30th, and get FREE access to over 350 console games and perks.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/408.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:04]
What are some things to be aware of when considering mouth-taping? [9:44]
What does Shawn recommend to improve your energy levels? [13:32]
What made Shawn so passionate about biohacking, and how does he keep his workflow healthy? [27:42]
How did everything shift for Shawn after incorporating plant medicine into his life? [30:18]
What was Shawn’s experience like finding Ikigai? [41:20]
According to Shawn, what are some things we can do to live a longer and healthier life? [45:23]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life. [54:44]

Connect with Shawn Wells

From Morning Routine to Rise Ritual: Be Consistent & Have A Great Day (TPS407)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000

One of the most important things you can do to help your productivity is to create an easy-to-follow routine that you follow after you wake up.

We don’t even like the term “morning routine” – we prefer “Rise Ritual” – because you can do it anytime, not just in the morning. Doesn’t matter what time you wake up.

The key is to have a routine of repeatable steps that you can follow to support your productivity when you start the day.

In this episode, we’ll share how you can build your own Rise Ritual, and how to be consistent with it.

Here are 3 things you’ll get out of this episode:

How to find time for your Rise Ritual, even when you’re busy
How to build your routine, and which steps to include – and not include
How to be consistent and roll with the punches when things fall about

Free $75 credit to boost your post at Indeed.com/TPS. Plus earn up to $500 extra in sponsored job credits with Indeed’s Virtual Interviews. Terms and conditions apply.

Thanks to Avast.com!

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/407.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:03]
What is the first step to creating a rise ritual? [4:56]
How did Thanh adapt to setting an earlier sleep schedule for himself? [10:22]
What is tip no. 2 for creating a rise ritual? [18:04]
What are some of the categories for improving the beginning of your day? [20:12]
How long does Thanh’s rise ritual usually take? [21:59]
What is tip number 3 for creating a rise ritual? [24:33]
How does Thanh handle travel “bumps?” [27:37]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life. [29:52]

Protect Your Career Against AI, Single or Multiple Monitors, & More (TPS406)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 30 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Let’s catch up on what’s been happening in our industry and new trends that you need to be aware of so you stay ahead of the curve.

Aside from the industry news, we also have 3 important topics to go over:

Can you get away with the task manager built into your platform? Do you NEED a separate task manager?
Is AI-Generated Writing and speech the future?
Is it more productive to focus on one screen/device, or have multiple screens/devices?

Thanks Truebill.com/TPS. it could save you thousands a year.

Thanks Coda. To get started for free, go to coda.io/TPS.

Go to PlayBackbone.com/tps to order your Backbone, until June 30th, and get FREE access to over 350 console games and perks

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/406.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:19]
What is the first trending news topic within the industry currently? [5:15]
What is the second trending topic of the day? [7:23]
What does Thanh think about Microsoft Edge’s built-in VPN? [9:24]
What is Brooks’ take on built-in task managers versus third-party apps? [12:33]
How does Thanh feel about third-party task manager apps? [16:30]
What is the second AE topic for the day? [25:23]
What are Thanh’s thoughts on AI-generated writing? [27:37]
How can AI writing be used to maximize efficiency? [30:44]
What is the final AE topic for the day? [32:22]
How has Thanh configured his monitor setup? [35:08]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life. [40:00]

The 25 Steps to Productivity Mastery (TPS405.5)

Asian Efficiency Team — Tue, 24 May 2022 11:00:05 +0000

Something we’ve been wondering for quite some time is this question:

“How do you know when you’ve reached mastery of productivity?”

Many people have told us what they like about AE is that we are not system, app, or tool-specific, and we are focused on PRACTICAL productivity, not just theory.

With this in mind, we’ve broken down productivity mastery into 25 steps that we call the 25X Productivity System. It pairs perfectly with the TEA Framework of Time, Energy, and Attention.

In this episode, we go through the 25X Productivity System, how it impacts the rest of AE’s resources, and we announce a special Live Q&A Call taking place on June 2, 2022.

To register or watch the recording, head on over to:

theproductivityshow.com/25X.

Links:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

How To Adapt GTD To YOUR Needs (TPS405)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 23 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Getting Things Done, or GTD, is a productivity system developed by David Allen, and it was introduced to the world in the book “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.”

Here’s the thing about GTD though; a lot of its promoters are very… opinionated about how you follow it. If you don’t follow it to the letter, you aren’t “doing it right.”

We don’t really care about all that – we just want to get our important stuff done! We’ve both used GTD for at least 15 years, but we’ve both adapted it to what works for us.

In this episode, we’ll share how you can adapt GTD to your own needs, while still “Getting Things Done”. Here are 3 things you’ll get out of this episode:

How you can rethink GTD Contexts, and use them for your own purposes – or we’ll share an even better thing to try
How you can make your GTD Weekly review way shorter, so you’ll actually stick with it
How to handle GTD when you work in a team, or with other systems

Free $75 credit to boost your post at Indeed.com/TPS. Terms and conditions apply. The offer is good for a limited time.

Thanks to Avast.com!

Try Zapier for free today at zapier.com/TPS.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/405.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:36]
What’s the first way to adapt GTD to your needs? [5:43]
What is tip no. 2 to adapt GTD to your needs? [13:35]
How does Brooks recommend restructuring planning to adapt GTD? [17:16]
What does Thanh’s weekly review look like? [23:45]
What is tip number 3 to adapt GTD to your needs? [26:53]
What is a question that AE gets a lot? [28:25]
How does Thanh handle working with multiple systems and multiple people simultaneously? [30:14]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life. [33:11]

What’s Your Book, Tool, and Frog? (TPS404)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

The Productivity Show podcast has been around since 2015 or so – this is episode 404 – and at the beginning, whenever we had a guest on, the host would end it by asking the guest three questions:

“What’s your Book, Tool, and Frog”?

Book: What’s a book you’re either loving right now or you would recommend to the audience?

Tool: What’s a “tool” that helps you get your best work done? It could be an app, a physical tool or device, or anything really.

Frog: What is a project or something you are focusing on right now? (Comes from the concept of “Eat Your Frog” – we have a big article about that we will list in the shownotes)

In this episode, we’re going to share OUR current Books, Tools, and Frogs, as well as share some from your fellow TPS listeners and our Productivity Academy members.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/404.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

What does “Frog” mean in the context of this episode? [2:41]
Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:22]
What were Brooks’ Book, Tool, and Frog from his first appearance on episode 7 of TPS? [7:22]
What is Marmel’s book recommendation for the day? [11:07]
What is Brooks’ book recommendation for the day? [15:04]
What shifts has Marmel made in her views on productivity and “getting things done?” [19:09]
What is Marmel’s tool recommendation for the day? [25:15]
What is Brooks’ tool recommendation for the day? [29:00]
What is Marmel’s frog recommendation for the day? [34:27]
What is Brooks’ frog recommendation for the day? [37:44]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life. [42:27]

Former Top 20 Poker Player Turned Productivity Pro Shares All Of His Secrets w/ Chris Sparks (TPS403)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 09 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today I’m joined by Chris Sparks. He’s the founder of Forcing Function where he helps executives achieve peak performance.

As a former top 20 poker player in the world, he takes lessons and frameworks that helped him become one of the best at poker to help others perform at the highest level and make better decisions.

We’ll be diving into Chris’s productivity methodology and strategies so you can use to perform at the highest level.

Welcome to the show Chris!

Free $75 credit to boost your post at Indeed.com/TPS. Terms and conditions apply. Offer good for a limited time.

Go to Novo.co/TPS and get your FREE business checking account

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/403.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:10]
What made Chris realize that poker was truly for him? [8:07]
What’s the difference between the average competitive poker player and the top-ranked players? [11:17]
How did Chris approach losing in poker? [14:14]
What was it like living in a “Poker House” for Chris? [19:15]
How does Chris think he would do if he had started poker now instead of in the late ’00s? [22:49]
What sorts of “waves” does Chris anticipate in his world in the coming years? [26:22]
How did Chris transition from the world of professional poker to business education? [29:13]
What are some concepts from professional poker that Chris applies to coaching and his own personal life? [32:04]
How does Chris apply the concept of “expected value” to everyday life? [37:10]
How would Chris assess and launch a new product? [45:10]
How does Chris coordinate with his wife when planning significant trips or outings? [49:00]
What is a life philosophy that resonates with Chris? [56:29]
How did Chris come up with the company name “Forcing Function?”[59:05]
What is Chris’ goalsetting approach like? [1:03:28]
Where is Chris on his productivity journey currently? [1:08:06]
Where can Chris be reached for services online? [1:11:34]

Connect with Chris Sparks

Conflicting Productivity Advice, Google Suggestions, Notion & More (TPS402)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 02 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Let’s catch up on what’s been happening in our industry and new trends that you need to be aware of so you stay ahead of the curve.

Aside from the industry news, we also have 3 important topics to go over:

Is the 40-hour workweek an outdated concept?
Are Google’s suggestions helpful or annoying?
What do you do when people you admire give conflicting productivity advice?

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

Thanks to Avast.com!

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/402.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:56]
What is Brooks’ first topic for the day? [4:54]
What is something to be aware of if you use Notion for personal use? [10:20]
What is Thanh’s first piece of industry news for the day? [12:48]
How Does Thanh feel about a Four Day Work Week? [18:01]
What does Brooks have to say about Google Suggestions? [24:19]
What makes Google Suggestions and Grammarly different from each other, according to Thanh? [27:39]
How does Brooks handle conflicting advice from productivity content creators? [31:41]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life. [37:56]

3 Ways To Buy Back Time (Anyone Can Do It!) (TPS401)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we’re going to talk about 3 ways you can use your money to buy back time.

We’ll be covering some very inexpensive ways, and some more advanced ways, you can get back more of that precious time.

Because Time is the first part of our TEA Framework – the 3 levers of productivity – Time, Energy, and Attention. Improve any of those 3 areas, and you’ll improve your productivity.

Even better, by using some of the tips in this episode, you’ll improve your Energy and Attention. A TEA Framework trifecta!

Here are 3 things you’ll get out of this episode:

How you can use technology to save a ton of time each year, even if you’re not a tech
The 3 Level Framework for deciding what you should stop doing yourself
How to get started with an executive assistant, and why almost anyone can benefit from one!

Thanks to Truebill.com/TPS – it could save you thousands a year.

Thank you Avast.com!

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com/401.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:31]
What’s Brooks’ first tip for buying back time? [4:46]
What technology does Thanh use to remove time squanders from his life? [8:23]
What’s tip #2 for buying back time? [12:25]
What are some of the ways that Thanh outsources and delegates tasks? [16:32]
What is Tip #3 for buying back time? [31:44]
What sorts of things does Thanh have his Executive Assistant do for him? [35:54]
How does Thanh feel about using a service versus a person to help with tasks? [43:05]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life. [45:38]

The Big 400! Our Favorite Episodes, Books, Stories & More (TPS400)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000

We’ve been helping people become more productive at work and in life since 2011. The podcast has been around since 2016 and we surpassed 11mm downloads which makes us the #1 productivity podcast in the world.

We don’t take this for granted. We’re taking this episode to celebrate this major milestone.

It’s fun to mix it up so we’re going to give each co-host an opportunity to share things with the audience that you might know about them. These could be passion projects they’re working on outside of AE, hobbies, favorite foods, and more.

We’re also going to recommend one podcast episode from the last 399 episodes that we recommend. Not necessarily which one we think is “the best”, but just one we think you should listen to.

Free $75 credit to boost your post at Indeed.com/TPS. Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid through April 30, 2022.

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/400.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:27]
What are some of Brooks’ favorite foods, and why? [7:06]
What are some of Brooks’ favorite books? [9:32]
What does Brooks like to do when not working for AE? [13:03]
How did Brooks end up joining AE? [14:44]
What is a fun story that would define Brooks in a nutshell? [20:32]
How does Marmel see Brooks? [23:18]
Which TPS Episode is Brooks’ favorite so far? [23:53]
How did Marmel feel about Scrum when she applied to AE? [26:33]
What suggestion did Marmel make at the Scrum conference to end their meetings? [28:06]
How does Brooks feel about AE implementing Scrum? [29:36]
What sort of food do Marmel cook and eat regularly? [31:25]
Which book genre does Marmel gravitate towards most? [13:51]
How is Marmel as a person when not working for AE? [39:23]
Which TPS episode would Marmel recommend the most so far? [42:30]
How did Thanh mold AE into what it is today? [44:08]
What are some of Thanh’s favorite foods? [47:41]
What are some books Thanh enjoys reading most? [49:50]
What does Thanh like to do when not working for AE? [52:25]
Which episode of TPS does Thanh think is most underrated? [55:22]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life. [59:13]

Productivity Workflows and Strategies of A Consultant in the Non-Profit Sector w/ Alice Ferris (TPS399)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today I’m joined by Alice Ferris, the founding partner of Goal Busters Consulting where she helps small to medium size organizations in the non-profit sector with fundraising.

She has more than 30 years of professional fundraising experience.

Fun Fact: Alice is the 90th fundraising professional in the world to earn the Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE) credential.

Alice is recognized for her on-air presence on many public television and radio pledge drives, and fundraising national PBS pledge programs, among them Ken Burns: America’s Storyteller, Downton Abbey, The Civil War, and Financial Solutions for You with Suze Orman, among many others.

She’s also an Asian Efficiency client, who is part of the Productivity Academy and has joined many of our other programs.

Welcome, Alice!

Go to Novo.co/TPS and get your FREE business checking account.

Thanks to Coda. To get a $1,000 credit on your first statement, sign up at coda.io/tps.

For a limited time, book a FREE demo at Marpipe.com/TPS and get a FREE $2,000 credit.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/399.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:31]
What got Alice started with AE? How about productivity in general? [5:26]
How much time does Alice spend on e-mail every single day? [9:28]
What tips or strategies can Alice offer to AE listeners about e-mail optimization? [12:52]
What does a typical day look like for Alice? [18:08]
How does Alice use her calendars? [22:37]
How has Alice’s experience been having an executive assistant? [26:44]
What aspects of AE does Alice mention in her Zoom meetings? [41:46]
How did Alice come up with her comprehensive “Food & Travel” list? Any other travel tips from Alice? [48:23]

Connect with Alice Ferris

Productivity Spring Cleaning For Your Schedule, Workflow, & Environment (TPS398)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we’re going to talk about 3 ways you can revamp your productivity by doing a spring cleaning for your schedule, your workflows, and your environment.

Even if it is not Spring where you live, do a little “fall cleaning” along with us.

Here are 3 things you’ll get out of this episode:

How to make sure you schedule things that support your goals as much as possible
How to make sure your productivity workflow is optimized
A way to make sure your work environment is helping you, not getting in your way

For a limited time, get 40% off on a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps.

Free $75 credit to boost your post at Indeed.com/TPS. Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid for a limited time.

Thanks to Avast.com for supporting The Productivity Show!

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/398.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:15]
What is the first tip for productive spring cleaning? [5:18]
What does Thanh do with his schedule for spring cleaning? [8:38]
What’s something you can do to maximize your spring cleaning process? [20:32]
What is tip #3 for a successful spring cleaning? [24:35]
What is Brooks’ spring cleaning process like? [26:52]
How dos Thanh works with his environment during spring cleaning? [27:55]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life. [30:48]

Are GTD Contexts Useless? Is Productivity Hurting Young People? & More (TPS397)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode is a new format we’re experimenting with.

We know many of you like listening to podcasts to learn new things and also to stay on top of what’s happening in the world.

So we thought it would be helpful to also share some industry news on the podcast so you’re always up to date with the latest news around productivity apps, tools, books and everything else in between.

Aside from the industry news, we also have 3 important topics to go over:

-Does it make sense to color-code your calendar a week later after everything happened?

-How capitalism and productivity are hurting young peoples’ well-being.

-With more people WFH, do GTD Contexts still make sense?

Thanks Truebill.com/TPS. It could save you thousands a year.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/397.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:33]
What are the three new pieces of industry news? [5:47]
What are Brooks’ thoughts on the industry news for the day? [8:51]
What are the biggest benefits of cloud storage? [11:39]
What are the “industry happenings” for the day? [13:15]
How does Thanh optimize his calendar? [16:53]
What is the big hurdle with time tracking? [18:52]
What is the basic premise behind Brooks’ viral TikTok video of the day? [21:28]
What is Thanh’s perspective on modern “anti-productivity” culture? [23:30]
What are “contexts” within the GTD Method? [30:41]
What is Brooks’ take on GTD contexts nowadays? [32:14]
What is a big downside to contexts nowadays, according to Thanh? [35:33]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life.[37:37]

How To Have A Good Weekend (TPS396)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we’re going to talk about ways to have a good weekend that leaves you feeling refreshed and ready for whatever comes during the week.

Even if you’re self-employed or an entrepreneur and don’t follow the M-F work week, you can apply these concepts to whatever leisure time you do take.

Here are 3 things you’ll get out of this episode:

How to make sure you have a “good” weekend and know what that means to you.
Something you can do this weekend which studies have shown is worth an extra $115,000 a year in terms of life satisfaction
How to make sure your weekend doesn’t turn into an over-scheduled disaster

Free $75 credit to boost your post at Indeed.com/TPS. Terms and conditions apply. The offer is valid through March 31, 2022.

For a limited time, book a FREE demo at Marpipe.com/TPS and get a FREE $2,000 credit.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/396.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:00]
What’s the first tip for having a good weekend? [4:52]
What is tip #2 for having a good weekend? [7:26]
What is Thanh’s first weekend tip? [14:47]
What is the final tip of the day? [18:44]
What does Thanh’s typical week look like? [22:44]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life. [24:58]

Double The Productivity Of Your Team (TPS395)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Let’s talk about team productivity and how you can double the output of your team without making drastic changes.

We’ve been running AE since 2011 and learned a lot of things about individual productivity and team productivity.

A few years ago we were always behind on schedule for product releases and nowadays we tend to be ahead of schedule, have happy, stress-free team members, and get stuff done more efficiently than ever before.

We want to share 3 strategies to help your team level up.

If you’re a team leader or manage a team, we’ll show you how to double the productivity of the team.

If you’re a team member and want to help your team become more productive, you’ll discover a few strategies you can use today.

If you want to make your existing more productive than it already is, we’ll have some advanced efficiency strategies for you as well.

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

Go to Novo.co/TPS and get your FREE business banking account.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/395.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:39]
What is Thanh’s first strategy to double team productivity? [6:27]
What are Marmel’s thoughts on having daily reminders for teams to focus on? [9:30]
What is “Confluence,” and how does the AE team use it? [11:59]
What are the 3 W’s? [14:57]
What is Thanh’s final tip for doubling productivity? [24:15]
What is the importance of a “scrum master” within AE? [26:42]
How do you cover the duties of a scrum master without a dedicated role? [28:40]
What was something AE team had to deal with at the beginning of their journey? [31:44]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life. [33:19]

Are you a jerk if you use Calendly? Productive TikTok? & More (TPS394)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode is a new format we’re experimenting with. We know many of you like listening to podcasts to learn new things and also to stay on top of what’s happening in the world. So we thought it would be helpful to also share some industry news on the podcast so you’re always up to date with the latest news around productivity apps, tools, books, and everything else in between.

Aside from the industry news, we also have 3 important topics to go over:

Are you a jerk if you send someone your Calendly link?

Do you still have to pay for a text expander type of app anymore?

Is TikTok worthwhile for learning new skills?

Free $75 credit to boost your post at Indeed.com/TPS. Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid through March 31, 2022.

Thanks also to Coda. To get a $1,000 credit on your first statement, sign up at coda.io/tps

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/394.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

What are the topics of the day? [2:06]
Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:56]
What’s trending in the industry right now? [5:13]
What is Brooks’ input on what’s trending? [7:15]
What did Brooks mean by the title “Are you a Jerk for using Calendly?” [11:14]
What are Thanh’s thoughts on the etiquette of Calendly links? [13:26]
What is the biggest Calendly faux pas? [16:37]
What is Brooks’ take on the viability of TextExpander in a world of free alternatives? [19:43]
Who is Miss Excel, and what does she do? [31:12]
What does Thanh think of TikTok? [32:20]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life. [36:31]

Wellness Apps: Our Favorites To Get Focused, Boost Energy, & Find Balance (TPS393)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Today is going to be another App episode, but this time we are going to get specific and talk about Wellness Apps.

We’ll each share 3 apps that we love, broken into the following categories:

FOCUS: How to zero in on what is important to you
ENERGY: How to have the energy to do what you want to do
BALANCE: How to be happier, more grounded, and more mindful

There are a million “wellness apps” out there – how do you know which ones are worth using?

Or maybe you’re feeling unfocused, lack of energy, or out of balance, you want to start taking action.

Or maybe you just like learning about apps!

Thanks to Truebill.com/TPS. It could save you thousands a year.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:50]
What is the first category of our wellness apps? [4:56]
What is Brooks’ first pick for wellness apps? [7:53]
What is Thanh’s recommended app for energy? [10:45]
What is Brooks’ recommended app for energy? [15:30]
How does Thanh work with his trainer? [17:04]
What is the final wellness category, and what is Thanh’s top pick? [19:40]
What is Brooks’ last app recommendation? [22:33]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life. [25:29]

Evernote: Can It Become Your All-In-One Super App? (TPS392)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 12:00:00 +0000

It’s been a while since we talked about Evernote on the podcast, and this episode was triggered by the end of year letter that the CEO makes every year.

In his 2021 recap, he said this “Your subscriptions propelled Evernote to its highest annual revenues in history.

When we read that, we both said “What!!? Really?”

So we thought it would be good to do a little dive into where Evernote is now, what they’re doing feature-wise, and what some new features are that you may not be aware of or using.

You’re an Evernote user, but haven’t looked into any of the new features or changes.

You USED to be an Evernote user, but are curious what is happening with them these days – maybe even thinking of coming back.

You like staying up with the latest productivity tech developments.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/392.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps

Free $75 credit to boost your post at Indeed.com/TPS. Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid through 3/31/22.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/392.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:40]
What are Thanh’s thoughts on the current state of Evernote? [5:27]
What are super apps? [9:47]
What is the first feature in Evernote that could make it a super app? [13:23]
What does Thanh think of the home area within Evernote? [14:23]
What is a filtered widget, and what does it do? [16:25]
How does Evernote integrate with a calendar? [18:23]
Does Thanh foresee himself moving to Evernote for task management in the near future? [27:23]
What are the last few important features in Evernote? [29:55]

Tips For The Productivity Skeptic That Can Make A Big Difference (TPS391)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode was inspired by feedback from a listener:

“My only feedback would be that the barrier to entry might be a little high, particularly for people who are already efficient and motivated but not bought in.”

It made us realize we all know people like that: people who maybe could benefit at least SOME productivity advice, but are generally skeptical of the whole “productivity thing”

So we decided to do an episode on the advice we would give to the “productivity skeptic”

Maybe the person in your life needs a lot of productivity help, but you’ve never been able to breakthrough.

Or maybe they are generally pretty efficient or organized, but you see some opportunities to get even better.

Or maybe that person is YOU – you’re skeptical of most productivity advice, or you’ve tried things over the years but nothing has ever stuck.

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/391.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:01]
What is Brooks’ tip for the productivity skeptic? [11:00]
What should you do if you simply cannot do everything you need to do at any given moment? [14:11]
What is the final tip for the productivity skeptic? [20:06]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [23:24]

Date Night: Ideas and Making Time In Your Busy, Productive World (TPS390)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode is going to be a bit different: we’re going to talk about… Date Nights!

You might be asking yourself … why on earth would a productivity podcast be talking about date nights? Am I listening to the wrong podcast?

We know Valentine’s Day is coming up and that many of you are in a relationship.

You might need last-minute ideas but more importantly, this wouldn’t be a productivity podcast, if we gave you some tips and strategies to keep date night going and ways for you to get ideas on what to do on a regular basis (especially if you’re not that creative or romantic).

Just like any habit, we’ll help you keep them going.

Whether you’re single, dating, or married for decades…we got tips and strategies to help you here today.

Free $75 credit to boost your post at Indeed.com/TPS. Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid through March 31, 2022.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/390.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:04]
What is a “Progressive Dinner?” [5:22]
What is a great date night idea Brooks had recently? [8:15]
What are some things to consider if you don’t want your date nights to get too routine? [16:27]
What is the Triple R Method? [17:57]
How do you apply these dating tips to the rest of your productivity life? [24:08]
How do you keep date night ideas fresh over time? [25:20]
How can some of the negative aspects of social media work in your favorite for date night ideas? [28:22]
What is Thanh’s final date night tip? [31:13]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [32:07]

The 3 P’s of Productivity w/ Brittany Dixon (TPS389)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, we’re going to be talking about the 3 P’s of productivity to use every day to make an impact.

We’ll talk about what the 3 P’s are, and how to make the system work for you.

We’ll talk about some specific tools and techniques you can use to stay on top of everything you need to do in the day and reduce the overwhelm in your life.

You’re not a “goal setting” person, but you want to make sure you follow through with what you start.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/389.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:32]
Who exactly is Brittany, and what is she up to? [2:56]
What are the 3 P’s in Productivity? [4:21]
What is Brittany’s process/system to successfully start her day? [10:01]
How does Brittany deal with unexpected complications to her plans? [11:35]
What was Brittany’s experience with organizing homes? [15:03]
How does Brittany feel the environment impacts productivity? [17:05]
What are Brittany’s work-from-home tips? [18:12]
How does Brittany focus at home with kids? [19:09]
What is the role of a calendar within Brittany’s workflow? [20:35]
How does Brittany “change hats” when allocating time for activities? [22:05]
How does Brittany estimate the amount of time needed to complete tasks? [23:37]
What are some additional tools that contribute towards Brittany’s workflow? [25:51]
What is the productivity coaching world like from a female perspective? [29:05]
What are some productivity tips Brittany wishes more women knew? [31:30]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [32:33]

Connect with Brittany Dixon

3 Ways To Keep Your Momentum Going This Year (TPS388)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:00:33 +0000

This episode is all about how to Keep Momentum Going, no matter what time of year it is.

Maybe you have goals or resolutions, or maybe you haven’t made them yet and are just taking what comes. Either way now is the time when many of us start to lose momentum, no matter how good our intentions were at the end of the year.

Do any of the following apply to you?

You’ve always struggled with accomplishing your goals. You set goals, and then lose momentum by the end of January.
Maybe you get past January and February OK, but by halfway through the year…your goals are still not accomplished.
You’re not a “goal setting” person, but you want to make sure you follow through with what you start.

If so, this is the episode for you.

Free $75 credit to boost your post at Indeed.com/TPS. Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid through March 31, 2022.

Thanks to Truebill.com/TPS. it could save you thousands a year.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/388.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+. Get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else, and the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:01]
How does Brooks like to think of momentum? [5:46]
What is Thanh’s first tip for maintaining momentum? [6:29]
What is tip #2 for maintaining momentum? [13:54]
What is a good question to ask yourself if you’re struggling with your goals right now? [21:09]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [30:54]

Linking Your Thinking: Personal Knowledge Management w/ Nick Milo (TPS387)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, we’re going to be diving into the world of Personal Knowledge Management

This is a topic that is super-hot right now, and linked editing tools like Obsidian, Roam, and others are having an impact in a way that I haven’t seen since the early Evernote days.

There’s definitely something big going on here, and we’ve wanted to do an episode on it for quite some time – and there’s no one better to talk about it than Nick.

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/387.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:52]
What exactly is PKM? [7:32]
What are the differences between standard and linked note-taking? [10:34]
Why are emojis becoming more important in PKM? [16:10]
What sorts of notes would Nick recommend capturing through PKM? [18:17]
What is the most important factor in efficient PKM? [25:40]
What are the common “best practices” for starting a PKM? [29:07]
Which PKM app should people start with? [38:10]
Why is Obsidian so important to the world of PKM? [43:12]
What does Brooks think is important to factor into choosing a PKM app? [46:36]
How does Nick utilize Obsidian on mobile devices? [48:33]
How can a PKM change the way that you think? [50:09]
Why are reps so important in PKM? [1:00:24]
What does Nick think of visual representations of PKM? [1:02:26]
What’s the best approach to PKM if you have pre-existing data to work with? [1:07:52]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [1:10:17]

Connect with Nick Milo

The Year Of The Supply Chain (TPS386)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Today we are going to talk about something that has been in the news a LOT this year and will likely impact most of us in the year ahead: issues with the global and local supply chain.

You might have experienced that prices are going up, packages are delayed, and stuff you want to buy is backlogged by months or even out of stock.

Whether you’re a business owner, employee, academic, or retired – we’ll go over how these supply chain issues impact you and what you can do about it moving forward to have a happy and productive life.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps

Free $75 credit to boost your post at Indeed.com/TPS. Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid through March 31, 2022.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/386.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+. Get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else, and the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:46]
What is happening to the supply chain, and why is AE talking about it? [5:06]
How has The Great Resignation (TPS 380) affected the supply chain? [10:50]
What is the Theory of Constraints? [14:54]
What are some of the other ways the supply chain has affected current events? [19:16]
What is something Thanh would like to normalize that isn’t very common in the world today? [27:19]
What has had the most major impact on Thanh in preparing for a supply chain crisis? [34:45]
What will be the general theme of 2022, according to Brooks? [38:25]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [39:44]

What’s Your Plan? Student Procrastination & Productivity w/ Leslie Josel (TPS385)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, we’re going to be talking about productivity and procrastination, but with a special focus on STUDENTS.

90% of students procrastinate, but the reasons are very different than with adults.

We’re going to dive into that, and we’re going to share some special strategies to help the students in your life manage their time, develop smart study skills, and become FUNCTIONAL procrastinators.

Even if you don’t have kids (student-age or otherwise), there’ll be lots of productivity tips that can help anyone.

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/385.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:51]
Why is an analog clock better than a digital clock for time management? [4:17]
What is Leslie’s background and how did she get into time management? [7:14]
What age range is Leslie’s main focus for Order Out Of Chaos? [9:45]
How do students and adults procrastinate differently from one another? [13:03]
How does Leslie define procrastination? [19:03]
What are some ways parents can help their children break down priorities and structure responsibilities? [26:00]
How does the Order Out Of Chaos system vary across age ranges? [34:23]
What time management-specific advice does Leslie have for parents? [37:35]
How should parents deal with plans from their children that seem unreasonable/unattainable? [42:13]
What does Leslie think about parents creating effective learning environments for their children to thrive within? [46:12]
What is the secret superpower of using music during study? [52:01]
What are some planner “best practices”, according to Leslie? [56:34]
What does Leslie suggest to help with motivating students to improve their time management skills? [1:04:03]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [1:08:27]

Connect with Leslie Josel

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Overcast, PocketCast or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show gain exposure. You can also leave a review! Here’s how.

How To Say No: Set Boundaries and Create Win-Win Situations (TPS384)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, we’re going to share how to set boundaries and SAY NO.

This is the last episode of 2021. If you could set one intention for this upcoming year, a great one is to say NO to more things to prevent yourself from being overcommitted.

It’s hard for a lot of us – me (Brooks) included. Saying no is my productivity kryptonite.

You find yourself overwhelmed with everything you need to do, and you find it hard to find time the work on the things you WANT or NEED to.

You end up missing commitments or dropping the ball because you can’t bring yourself to say no to things that realistically, you aren’t going to be able to do (or do well).

Thanks to Truebill.com/TPS. It could save you thousands a year.

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/384.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:25]
What is the first tip to properly setting boundaries? [7:06]
How has Thanh’s experience been learning how to say no? [9:36]
How do you plan your future commitments based on today’s circumstances? [17:22]
What is tip #3 3 for learning how to set boundaries? [20:17]
How does Thanh use clarifying questions to get out of commitments? [25:17]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [33:05]

How To Get Ready For The New Year (TPS383)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, we’re going to share how to get ready for next year.

In our last episode, TPS382, we talked about how to review the past year, see how you did, and maybe come up with some changes you want to make for the next year.

In THIS episode, we are going to connect that to the upcoming year.

1: What are the things you need to do to wrap up this year?
2: How do you figure out what you’re going to do this upcoming year?
3: How do you set yourself up for success and be ready to start taking action when your winter holidays (if you have any) are over?

Maybe you find every year you make big yearly goals and at the end of the year they didn’t happen, or you make the same goals every year.

You feel uncertain about… everything. Things keep opening, then closing, then seem to get better.. Then not… you find it hard to plan when everything seems so uncertain.

You’re someone who’s been very consistent in your annual process, but need more tips, or wants a tweak that can help achieve your goals faster.

Thanks, Amazon Music. To try Amazon Music Unlimited FREE for 30 days, go to amazon.com/TPS30

Thanks to Hawthorne. Take your quiz and get 10% off your first purchase at hawthorne.co with code TPS

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features. You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/383.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:54]
What is Brooks’ advice for preparing for the upcoming year? [4:34]
What’s the #1 way to prepare for the upcoming year, according to Thanh? [6:10]
What is “recency bias”? [9:23]
How has Brooks used the TEA framework in 2021? [15:07]
What is Tip #2 to prepare for a successful new year? [17:58]
How does Brooks use the TEA Framework to plan for a new year? [20:37]
What is Thanh’s final tip to prepare for a successful new year? [24:30]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [30:55]

The Four Day Work Week Experiment: Tips and Lessons Learned (TPS382)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode is going to be a bit different.

From time to time we do episodes about how we do things at AE, for two reasons:

Going back to the early days of the blog in 2011 and the podcast in 2015, we get a LOT of questions about behind the scenes aspects of running AE
We are always doing experiments to try to improve the company, be more productive, and have happier team members

You know what they say – “Happy people are productive people”; so we’d like to share what we learn from these experiments with you

A few summers ago we did an experiment: what if we ran the company just 4 days a week throughout the whole summer?

We had a vote and… SURPRISE… The team voted yes.

We’ve done it a few times since, and are midway through another run at it, doing it during December for the first time.

If you’ve ever thought about trying a 4-day work week, we’ll share our lessons and insights with you that can help you decide if it’s right for you.

Perhaps you already do a 4-day work week and want more tips to make it more effective, we got you covered too.

Free $75 credit to upgrade your post at Indeed.com/tps. Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid through December 31, 2021.

Thanks to Mack Weldon. For 20% off your first order, visit mackweldon.com/TPS with promo code TPS.

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/382.

Cheat Sheet:

Why did Thanh decide to do an episode on the Four Day Work Week? [4:15]
Top 3 Productivity Resources [5:10]
When did the AE Team implement the Four Day Work Week? [7:34]
How does Thanh feel about employees essentially getting a free day off through Four Day Work Weeks? [12:11]
What is Labor-Efficiency Ratio? [15:21]
How does Thanh feel about AE’s first Four Day Work Week experiment in 2020? [19:19]
Why was AE’s first Four Day Work Week successful? [26:02]
How do you work a Four Day Work Week around employees that have to work certain hours of the day? [35:19]
Which is better— using Four Day Work Weeks as a reward/incentive, or implementing them consistently? [38:00]
What are some things to be aware of when trying out a Four Day Work Week, according to Thanh? [41:08]
How does Brooks feel the quality of work changed when AE implemented a Four Day Work Week? [45:39]
Why does AE only do Four Day Work Weeks in the summer and December? Why not all the time? [48:38]
What are Thanh’s tips for advocating for the Four Day Work Week? [51:46]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [54:08]

[Special] How I Built Asian Efficiency

Asian Efficiency Team — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 19:13:00 +0000

Today’s episode is going to be slightly different than what you might be used to from us.

This is Thanh Pham, the founder of Asian Efficiency. I was recently interviewed by Sachit Gupta, the host of the Conscious Creators Show: https://link.chtbl.com/thanh

If that name sounds familiar, I actually interviewed Sachit on episode #348: https://www.asianefficiency.com/podcasts/348-sachit-gupta/

This time, we flipped roles and I started talking about how I built Asian Efficiency, grew the company, work 4 days a week, and built a highly efficient team.

It’s stuff I’ve never publicly shared before (not even on my own podcast) and I’ve included a short segment here as a preview.

For the full episode, head on over to subscribe to the Conscious Creators Show https://link.chtbl.com/thanh. Some of the things we talked about:

The mindset switch creators have to make to intertwine personal stories with their brand
How to onboard and match multiple personalities on the team when their talents’ variety
The core principles of establishing happiness in your workflow
How a 4 day work week led to an improvement in employee NPS
How to build a team of cross-functional generalists
How to implement a systematic approach to hire people and upgrade their skill set to be more productive
Why you should never be discouraged to ask for help to grow your business

For any questions or support, please email us at support@asianefficiency.com. I hope you enjoy it!

Calendar Cleanup: Win Back Time & Trust Your Calendar Again (TPS381)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are going to talk about Calendars, or more specifically doing a Calendar Cleanup.

Any way you can get your Calendar in top shape will have an immediate impact today and going forward. There aren’t many productivity changes you can make that will do that!

If your calendar has become cluttered with “not real”, out of date, or irrelevant events, we’ll take you through some ways to fix that up.

Maybe some big project or issue has come up and you need to free up time and clear space, quickly – we’ll help you do that.

Get an extra 3 months. Expressvpn.com/TPS.

Thanks Masterworks. To skip to the front of the line and get your VIP pass for immediate access, go to masterworks.io/TPS

Thanks Truebill.com/TPS. it could save you thousands a year.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/381.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:42]
What is the main benefit of calendar cleanup? [4:32]
How was Thanh most recently reminded to de-clutter his calendar? [07:36]
What is the first tip for cleaning your calendar? [11:08]
What can you do if you’re constantly ignoring time blocks on your calendar? [13:28]
What is Tip #2 for de-cluttering your calendar? [15:58]
What are the 3 steps to calendar triage? [20:38]
What does Thanh do every Sunday for his weekly planning? [28:49]
What is Tip #3 for keeping your calendar uncluttered? [30:38]
Why is a weekly review so valuable for organization? [36:47]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [39:34]

The Great Resignation: How It Impacts You (TPS380)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode is going to be slightly different than what you might be used to from us.

We’re always looking for ways to make the podcast better, more fun, and insightful.

Every podcast episode is still actionable but the format might be different every now and then like today’s episode.

We are going to talk about something that has been in the news a LOT this year: what has been called The Great Resignation.

Records keep being broken for people INTENTIONALLY leaving their jobs, often without another job lined up yet.

This is happening in all sectors of the economy; especially in the US, but in many other countries as well.

Stat from The Atlantic: 1 in 14 employees in the “accommodations and food services” sector left a job in a single month.

It’s not just limited to that though!

Companies are offering signing & referral bonuses more than ever before (just ask Brooks’ wife!)

A PwC survey found that 65% of US employees are looking for a new job.

One of the things we like to say at AE is: happy people are productive people!

Whether you’re an employee, manager, or boss – we’ll go over how the Great Resignation impacts you and what you can do about it moving forward to have a happy and productive life.

Thanks to Mack Weldon for supporting The Productivity Show. For 20% off your first order, visit mackweldon.com/TPS with promo code TPS.

Thank you Hawthorne. Take your quiz and get 10% off your first purchase at hawthorne.co with code TPS.

Thanks to Masterworks. To skip to the front of the line and get your VIP pass for Priority Access, go to masterworks.io/TPS

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/380.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:06]
How does Brooks feel The Great Resignation has been affecting the average TPS listener? [6:48]
What are some things Thanh thinks are contributing to The Great Resignation? [11:14]
What happens to the people left behind at their jobs in The Great Resignation? [14:15]
How does Brooks think perspectives on The Great Resignation vary across generations? [15:19]
How does Thanh feel that The Great Resignation is affecting managers? [17:22]
What is “the perfect job” like, according to Thanh? [18:57]
What does Brooks think a modern-day boss/manager needs to know to keep their people? [22:05]
How does Thanh think a modern-day boss/manager can keep their people? [25:07]
What is Thanh’s biggest piece of advice to participants of The Great Resignation? [36:05]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [40:00]

The TPS Productivity Gift Guide – 2021 Edition (TPS379)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are going to do our Annual Productivity Gift Guide.

What do you give to someone who is into productivity? Or maybe you’d like to give them something that would help them out.

This year, we are going to do something different.

We are going to share some of our favorite productivity gifts from past shows, since those have stood the test of time. We are ALSO going to share 1 new gift and 1 gift experience we each recommend.

If you know someone in your life that is trying to improve their productivity, these are some of our favorite gifts. OR – if the people in your life find you impossible to buy for, here are some suggestions that we’d love to get. OR – Maybe you want to buy some of these for yourself. No judgement! We always do every year! :)

Thanks to Manly Bands. To get 25% off your Manly Band now through Cyber Monday, go to manlybands.com/TPS or use promo code TPS.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/379.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:29]
Why does Brooks like the Pro model of Theragun specifically? [5:31]
What makes the Kindle Paperwhite Brooks’ favorite type of Kindle? [8:35]
Apple AirTags or Tiles? Which does Brooks prefer? [10:52]
How do you use the Eero, and what does it do? [12:55]
What is Brooks’ final gift idea? [14:10]
What is Review Meta? [16:20]
Why are blue-light glasses important? [17:11]
What book does Thanh gift most frequently? [18:50]
What device did Thanh use before the Theragun? [20:19]
What makes the Oura ring a unique fitness tracking device? [21:26]
What is Thanh’s brand new gift suggestion for 2021? [25:27]
How does the Apollo Neuro affect your nervous system? [28:54]
What is Brooks’ brand new gift suggestion for 2021? [30:21]
How can Shoot My Travel enhance your vacations? [34:33]
What is Masterclass? [37:26]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [40:52]

How To Have Meetings People Actually Want To Attend (TPS378)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are going to talk about everyone’s favorite topic: Meetings.

Believe it or not, there’s a way to make meetings less painful, and to even make them events that people WANT to attend (or at least don’t actively hate)

If you run meetings, we’re going to give you tips to make them effective and a great use of everyone’s time. If you don’t run meetings but just attend them, you’ll get tips to make your participation more impactful. Maybe you just want to hear some tips for how AE does meetings – we’ll dive into that too.

Thanks to Amazon Music. To try Amazon Music Unlimited FREE for 30 days, go to amazon.com/TPS30.

Thanks also to Marpipe for supporting The Productivity Show. Through December 31, 2021, book a FREE demo at marpipe.com/TPS RIGHT NOW and get a FREE $2,000 credit.

Listen and subscribe to “Hello Monday” with Jessi Hempel on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favorite pods.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/378.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:50]
What is Brooks’ first tip for designing a meeting that people will ACTUALLY want to attend? [7:25]
What are the three types of meetings at a high level? [8:56]
How do you make all three types of meetings actionable? [9:42]
Why is it important to consolidate your meetings as much as possible? [15:02]
How does Thanh think his idea of a Wednesday “Meeting Day” has gone since implementing it years ago? [18:28]
What is Brooks’ final tip for successful meetings? [27:35]
What is the “HI.P.P.O Effect?” [28:36]
What is Brooks’ biggest recommendation for handling the natural flow of a meeting? [30:49]
How does Thanh try to make meetings more useful for everyone? [33:06]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [37:21]

Focus Mode: Eliminate Distractions and Boost Focus On All Your Devices (TPS377)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Apple released a new feature for iOS and macOS called Focus Mode to help you focus and customize your notifications for fewer distractions.

In this episode, we’ll unpack this feature, how we use it and how you can use it to focus and get less distracted. Even if you don’t use an iPhone or Mac, we’ll also cover Windows and Android alternatives.

If you have never heard of Focus mode, we’ll help you get started. Some of you might already use Focus Mode and we’ll give you more advanced tips to get the most out of it

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at indeed.com/tps. Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid through December 31, 2021.

Thanks to JustWorks! justworks.com

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/377.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:15]
What is “Focus Mode”? [4:55]
What are some alternatives to Focus Mode for non-MacOS/iOS users? [8:11]
How should you start using Focus Mode? [10:24]
Which Focus Mode features does Thanh focus on most? [14:07]
Why does Thanh recommend Focus Mode for iPad specifically? [19:37]
What else can you do with Focus Mode besides moderating notifications? [25:26]
How does Thanh recommend using the custom interface features of Focus Mode? [28:35]
What is Brooks’ final tip for using Focus Mode effectively? [31:48]
How does Thanh manage his “Do Not Disturb” mode? [36:16]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [41:31]

Staying Focused: How We Use Notifications and Reminders (TPS376)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

A comment in a recent podcast recording Livestream made us realize that there’s this misconception that we are these notification-less monks, who have all of our devices on Do Not Disturb and never get notified about anything.

This is not quite true – we actually embrace notifications and reminders! The only difference is that they need to do something for us – they need to remind us to do something important, at the right time and in the right place and context.

So we are going to share how we use reminders, what we get reminded about, what we use to be reminded, and some best practices.

If you find yourself missing tasks, appointments, or not taking action on things you should – we’ll help you get reminded the right way

Maybe you have the opposite problem – you have too many reminders, notifications, and other beeps and popups going on that you get distracted and the important ones get lost in the noise

You just want to hear about how we do things to maybe get some ideas – fair enough.

Get an extra 3 months free on a one-year package. expressvpn.com/TPS

Go to shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/376.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:07]
How does Thanh handle the “ringer” setting on his phone? [6:05]
What kinds of reminders does Brooks set for himself? [9:57]
How does Thanh handle reminders for non-appointment events, like birthdays? [16:32]
How is Brooks reminded of his most important tasks? [24:50]
What is a “daily support ritual”? [32:25]
What are Thanh’s daily support rituals? [34:27]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [37:34]

Zoom & Teams Best Practices: Make Online Meetings Less Painful (TPS375)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Even if many of us are back in the office, at least part-time (or never left), it is inevitable that so much of our day is spent in online meetings. We fire up our computer, connect to Zoom or Teams, sometimes for back-to-back calls!

There are some things you can do to make your Zoom or Teams experience better, and some best practices to make the most effective use of your time. Anything we can do to make OUR experience better, and the experience of the people we are in meetings with better, will pay off.

In this episode, we are going to share 3 Zoom and Teams best practices to have the most of your Time, Energy, and Attention.

Listen to American Scandal on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or you can listen one week early and ad-free by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/375.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 Productivity Resources [3:42]
What is “Zoom Fatigue”? [5:44]
What is a “Pre-Flight Checklist” [8:22]
What are some things Brooks has on his pre-flight checklist? [13:22]
What’s on Marmel’s general Zoom checklist? [15:39]
What is the 2nd tip for making online meetings less painful? [18:10]
How do camera-on and camera meetings vary to Marmel? [22:41]
What is Brooks’ favorite tip for reducing Zoom fatigue? [24:32]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [32:29]

How To Recover From A Bad Day (TPS374)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0000

We’ve all been there.

You had a day that just went all wrong. Maybe you or someone else made a mistake, or some crisis came up and your day went totally downhill, or maybe you have some sort of habit you’re trying to keep (or break) and you backslid a bit.

Maybe it was a healthy eating goal, or a fitness goal, a reading goal, or maybe you talked over someone in a meeting and you’re trying to stop that.

Whatever it is, you had a setback and you’re not happy about it. It happens!

In this episode, we are going to share 3 tips so that you can recover from a bad day, and come back stronger than ever.

Thanks to Gabi for supporting The Productivity Show. To start saving on your auto insurance today at no charge, go to gabi.com/TPS

Thanks also to JustWorks! Justworks.com

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/374.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:46]
How do you get to the source of a bad day? [6:07]
What is “affect labeling?” [9:14]
What is tip #2 for recovering from a bad day? [14:56]
How do you ask yourself for advice? [15:34]
How has Thanh practiced giving self-advice? [17:18]
What is the third tip to recover from a bad day? [21:48]
How does Thanh mentally re-frame a bad day? [30:07]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [35:17]

Apps We Love That Make Us More Productive Every Day (TPS373)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Every year at The Productivity Show we have an episode where we share our favorite productivity apps.

This time we’re making it different by only highlighting the apps we don’t frequently talk about, but we absolutely love. We have six apps for you that are about to make you more productive and efficient.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/373.

Free $75 credit to upgrade your post at Indeed.com/tps. Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid through October 31, 2021.

Go to Shopify.com/tps for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:44]
What is Thanh’s first favorite productivity app for 2021? [9:02]
What is Libby and how does it help improve your driving experience? [13:32]
What is Airalo, and where is it most useful? [18:12]
Why is Snagit a more valuable app than most of its competitors? [26:49]
What kind of usage is InShot most geared towards? [33:55]
Why is Zapier Brooks’ final productivity app recommendation? [36:49]
Action step to integrate today’s topic into your life [40:25]

Meal Planning: Save Time & Have More Energy, Even If You Hate Cooking (TPS372)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0000

The average person spends about 2.5 hours a day on prepping food, cooking, eating and drinking. That’s a lot of time and an opportunity to save time. Not only that, many of you struggle with eating healthy because it might be time consuming. You come home, you’re tired and not sure what to eat, so you order takeout or have food delivered to you. Usually it’s not healthy and you gain weight.

Luckily for you, there’s a more Asian Efficient way to go about this. You can eat healthy, delicious foods and save time all at once. We’ll show you how in this episode.

Get an extra 3 months Free on a one year package. Expressvpn.com/TPS

Go to BankNovo.com/TPS to sign up for FREE and get a FREE copy of Novo’s Small Business Starter Guide

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/372.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:52]
Who is this episode for? [4:22]
What is “meal planning”, exactly? [5:43]
What’s the first tip for successful meal planning? [8:06]
What’s the most important question to ask yourself when meal planning? [11:17]
What does Thanh’s meal planning schedule look like? [14:18]
What’s tip #2 for successful meal planning? [16:00]
How does Thanh eat healthy at home if he hasn’t cooked in 7 years? [24:10]
What is the most common meal prep tip in the TPS+ chat? [30:37]
How can you make meal prep more exciting? [34:12]
What is the final tip for successful meal planning? [37:06]
Actionable step you can take to integrate this week’s topic into your life [42:30]

Declutter Your Photos w/ Isabelle Dervaux (TPS371)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Over the years, we’ve done many podcast episodes about organization and decluttering, but we always get questions about one specific area: photos!

We decided to call in an expert, so in this episode, I am joined by Isabelle Dervaux, a professional photo organizer and family photo curator. She has a background as an artist, is a regular speaker, and has been featured in Real Simple, the Wall Street Journal, and The New Yorker. We’re going to talk about decluttering your photos and making them something that brings you joy.

Thanks also to Masterworks. Sign up and get one of the 35 passes to skip the long waitlist, go to masterworks.io/TPS.

Keep your data private and secure when you go online by using ExpressVPN. Get an extra 3 months free on a one-year package at expressvpn.com/TPS.

Listen to Business Wars – Death Row vs. Bad Boy on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or you can listen one week early and ad-free by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/371.

Cheat Sheet:

Who is Isabelle, and what does she do? [2:54]
Top 3 Productivity Resources [4:30]
How did Isabelle end up becoming a photo organizer? [7:03]
Why is photo organization so different from other forms of organization? [9:33]
What has changed in photo organization as the digital world expands? [14:08]
Why go through the de-cluttering process if you can just buy/access more storage? [16:48]
What does Isabelle prefer for organization? Photo apps, or file apps? [19:46]
What are some successful approaches Isabelle has seen people use for photo organization over the years? [21:13]
What are some quick tips for large-scale photo management? [25:40]
What can you do when you aren’t sure how to organize a photo? [37:07]
What is Isabelle’s framework for overhauling your photo collection? [40:06]
How do you approach photo organization when you’re incredibly busy or overwhelmed? [44:12]
What are some common mistakes Isabelle has seen people make with photo organization? [45:27]
How can you approach organizing physical photographs too? [46:49]
What are Isabelle’s productivity tips? [48:34]

Connect with Isabelle

How To Run A Retrospective For Continuous Improvement (TPS370)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000

At Asian Efficiency we follow a project management philosophy called “Scrum”. You might have heard of it. It’s popular in the software industry but not so much outside of it which is a shame because it’s a powerful way of getting things done for teams. One of the elements of practicing Scrum is called a “Retrospective” and that’s what today’s topic is about.

Whether you’re new to the topic or are already familiar with it, we’ll show you how you can use a retrospective to make you more effective and productive. We’ll share three tips you must know to run an effective Retrospective and some mistakes you want to avoid (that we had to learn the hard way).

For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps.

Thanks also to Truebill for supporting The Productivity Show. Get your subscriptions undercontrol, go to Truebill.com/tps – it could save you hundreds a year.

Go to BankNovo.com/tps to sign up for FREE and get a FREE copy of Novo’s Small Business Starter Guide.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/370.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [3:12]
What is a Retrospective? [6:31]
What can you do to better visualize and understand Retrospectives? [7:52]
How can you use Retrospectives if you aren’t a decision-maker for your team? [11:31]
What is the first tip to run a Retrospective? [13:33]
What does Thanh like to do for AE’s quarterly “learning day?” [23:01]
What is Brooks’ tip on running a Retrospective? [25:33]
What are some questions AE brings to their Retrospective “round table?” [27:18]
What does Brooks feel is most powerful about running a Retrospective? [30:22]
What is Thanh’s final tip on running a retrospective? [31:18]

How to Fuel Your Creativity w/ Jeffrey Madoff (TPS369)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today I’m joined by Jeffrey Madoff, the founder of Madoff Productions, based in New York City.

His company has produced commercials for brands such as Ralph Lauren, Victoria’s Secret, Tiffany, and other big name brands you’ve heard of.

He also teaches a course on creativity at the Parsons School for Design, and that is also today’s topic for the podcast.

I asked Jeffrey, as a creative, how he turns ideas into work of art, how to fuel your creativity, how to make a living off of your ideas, and of course, how he gets stuff done.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 job credit at Indeed.com/tps. Offer is valid thru September 30th, terms and conditions apply.

Thanks also to Amazon Music for supporting The Productivity Show. Try Amazon Music unlimited free for 30 days, just go to amazon.com/tps30.

Thanks also to Masterworks. Sign up and get started with it immediately go to masterworks.io and use the promo code TPS.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/369.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [3:02]
How did Jeffrey get his start and become who he is today? [8:43]
What made Jeffrey want to step out of the fashion world and into other pursuits? [12:13]
How would Jeffrey define “creativity”, as someone who teaches it? [15:20]
Why don’t people consider themselves creative? [18:56]
What does Jeffrey think about the idea of forcing creativity? [22:07]
How does Jeffrey break down creative tasks and accomplishments? [24:35]
What is something many creatives overlook? [31:45]
How does Jeffrey organize his thoughts when doing something creative like writing a play? [34:48]
How does Jeffrey utilize his resources and teams to achieve his goals? [38:37]
What was Thanh’s process for determining how much to charge clients for his services? [41:57]
What is “Proof of Concept”? [44:28]
What does Jeffrey want people to know about his book on making a living through creativity? [46:38]

Connect with Jeffrey:

Beat The Energy Dropoff: Feel Energized Even At End of Day (TPS368)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wanted to work on a project after work, you knew what you needed to do, you had the time to do it….you come home and then….you crash. You were too tired to work on it and then moved it to another day, for it only to repeat this cycle again. This is a common problem people have. So today we want to give you three tips to help you have more energy at the end of the day so you can get things done you want done.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/368.

Keep your data private and secure when you go online by using ExpressVPN. Get an extra 3 months free on a one-year package at Expressvpn.com/TPS

Thanks to Sanebox for supporting The Productivity Show. Sign up today for a free 14-day trial plus save $25 off on any subscription. Go to sanebox.com/tps25.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [3:20]
What does Brooks mean when he says “end of the day energy?” [6:16]
How does energy interact with the TEA Framework? [7:57]
What is Brooks’ first tip on how to have energy at the end of the day? [10:58]
Why does Thanh choose to exercise later in the day? [14:29]
What is Brooks’ tip to maximize energy towards the end of the day? [22:28]
How does Thanh use breathing exercises to improve his energy levels? [24:29]
How does Brooks express gratitude more clearly? [26:49]
What is Brooks’ final tip for an energetic end-of-day? [28:44]
What foods/beverages does Thanh have to maintain his energy level throughout the day? [30:56]

How To Do A Workation: What You Need To Know (TPS367)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Nowadays, many of us have the option to work remotely and from home. This opens a whole new world of possibilities.

What used to be reserved for digital nomads, people like you and me can now work from anywhere in the world and still get stuff done.

That’s what we call a workation, you get work done while enjoying some vacation time too. In this episode we’ll give you 3 tips to make your first workation a great success and a few pitfalls you must avoid.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/367.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [2:23]
Who is this episode useful for? [4:13]
What is a “workation”? [5:26]
How do Brooks’ and Thanh’s workations vary? [7:36]
Does Thanh believe workations should replace vacations? [10:25]
How does Brooks prefer to approach his workation? [13:49]
What is Thanh’s perspective as a boss on receiving workation requests? [16:23]
What does Brooks suggest when planning out your first workation? [20:46]
What was it like for Thanh being on a workation with a partner? [21:28]
What is something that is rather important to prioritize when planning a workation? [22:24]
What are some tips for checking for connectivity before taking a workation? [23:26]
How does Thanh recommend preparing for workations? [26:53]
What is the final tip for a productive workation? [29:15]
How does Thanh structure time in a workation? [31:08]
Actionable steps you can take to integrate today’s episode into your life. [34:07]

Chaos Contained: Tips For Overcommitted Moms w/ Valerie Recore (TPS366)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode I’m thrilled to welcome Valerie Recore – she’s a productivity specialist who works with overwhelmed and overcommitted moms. With a background in mental health and corporate training, she helps people who feel like they’re pulled into different directions.

Even if you’re NOT an overcommitted mom, you’ll get a lot out of this episode as Valerie shares some great mental reframing tips.

Thanks to Faherty for supporting The Productivity Show. Get 20% off ALL your summer clothes now by going to fahertybrand.com with promo code TPS at checkout.

Sleep more, stress less, live better with Calm. For a limited time, get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/tps.

Thanks as well to Amazon Music. To try Amazon Music Unlimited FREE for 30 days, go to amazon.com/TPS30

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/366.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [4:29]
Why did Valerie choose to specialized in overcommitted moms? [7:02]
How will Valerie’s information work for non-mothers? [9:37]
What are Valerie’s thoughts on maternity leave in the modern world? [10:39]
How does Valerie tackle the issue of finding balance when working with overcommitted moms? [13:17]
What is Valerie’s perspective on the work/life balancing act? [23:13]
How can partners of overcommitted moms work towards making things more equal? [26:19]
What are some tips to help you end your day on a positive note? [31:09]
What are some common suggestions Valerie often makes when working with clients? [33:33]
Actionable steps to implement from today’s episode [37:07]
What is the best frequency for family meetings as an overcommitted mom? [39:34]

Connect with Valerie Recore:

Our Thinking Has Evolved On These Productivity “Rules” (TPS365)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Some of our favorite episodes are ones that come directly from listener feedback, and this episode is no exception – how has our productivity thinking evolved over the years?

Are there any “productivity rules” we used to have, but we now do the opposite?

What causes these changes, anyway? We’ll dive into all of it in today’s episode.

Thanks to Sanebox for supporting The Productivity Show. Sign up today for a free 14-day trial plus save $25 off on any subscription. Go to sanebox.com/tps25.

Thanks also to Truebill for supporting The Productivity Show. Stop paying for subscriptions you don’t need or simply forgot about. Got to truebill.com/tps; It could save you hundreds a year.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/365.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [2:19]
Who is this episode targeting mainly? [4:37]
How has Thanh’s thinking evolved while running Asian Efficiency? [7:26]
How has Thanh’s productivity thinking changed over time? [10:15]
Why is Brooks a morning person? [14:09]
How Brooks changed his thinking over the years? [18:56]
Why does Thanh prioritize processes over tools? [21:43]
What is something Thanh used to obsess over that he no longer swears by? [26:59]
What is something Brooks tends to have a hard time with? [31:15]
Why isn’t “Eat Your Frog” for everyone? [32:06]
Actionable steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life. [37:38]

Our Favorite Trick To Build Any Habit And Make It Stick (TPS364)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

On The Productivity Show we’ve talked a lot about the power of habits but we know it can be difficult to add new habits to your life. One strategy that helps you introduce new habits is called “habit stacking” and that’s what we’ll be going over today.

It’s an easy way to add habits and I’ve used this myself in the last decade before it even had a name. So if you’re struggling with habits, listen up and pay attention!

You’ll discover how you can easily add 3 new habits right away.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

Sleep more, stress less, live better with Calm. Go to calm.com/tps and get 40% on your Calm premium subscription.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/364.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [3:05]
Why do we have so much trouble creating habits? [6:03]
What is the habit stacking formula? [9:23]
How does Thanh use the habit stacking formula? [11:14]
What is the Achilles Heel of habit stacking? [14:49]
How does Thanh use habit stacking in his personal life? [19:40]
What is the final tip for habit stacking? [24:22]
How does Thanh approach the final tip for habit stacking? [26:51]

3 Tips for Productive Post-Pandemic Travel (TPS363)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

We’ve done travel podcast episodes before, but never one right during and after a global pandemic! You might be wondering what has changed and how you can do it in the most stress-free and productive way. You might also be wondering how to keep your routines going while traveling in this “new normal”.

I’ve been doing a lot of traveling over the past 12 months, so in this episode we will be sharing our experience with 3 tips for traveling during and after the pandemic.

Get an extra 3 months Free on a one year package. Expressvpn.com/TPS.

Thanks, SaneBox. Free 14-day trial plus $25 off any subscription sanebox.com/tps25.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [3:03]
What are some things to adjust to when coming out of a pandemic? [8:14]
What is Thanh’s first tip for productivity travel post-pandemic? [10:39]
How has post-pandemic protocol economically impacted travel culture? [16:51]
What nature of travel does Thanh suspect is more dominant in a post-pandemic world? [21:02]
What is Thanh’s second post-pandemic travel tip? [21:35]
How does Thanh feel about airport lounges in a post-pandemic world? [29:49]
What are some things Thanh recommends doing to prepare for travel in a post-pandemic world? [33:33]

Behind The Scenes- Our Podcast Gear, Workflow, and Rules [Major Milestone!] (TPS362)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 11:00:00 +0000

This podcast episode is going to be slightly different. We recently surpassed 10 million downloads for The Productivity Show so we thought it would be fun to give you a look behind the scenes of what it takes to run a successful podcast. We’ll share what technology, gear, and workflows we use to produce our podcast. Plus tips and numbers to help you start your own podcast. Even if you have no intention of starting a podcast, as a TPS listeners and Asian Efficiency follower, you’ll still get lots of behind-the-scenes stories that we’d otherwise never bring up. I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks to Gusto for supporting The Productivity Show. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at gusto.com/tps.

Thanks as well to Faherty. Get 20% off ALL your summer clothes now by going to fahertybrand.com with promo code TPS at checkout.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/362.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [3:01]
How did Thanh get the idea to put the podcast together? [8:13]
What sort of gear does TPS use when producing the show? [12:35]
What is the trickiest thing about professional microphones? [16:51]
What are some great tools to get podcasts recorded? [18:45]
Why does Thanh have an editor work on his episodes? [20:11]
What is the first thing that goes into the workflow of a TPS episode? [27:00]
What is TPS’s up-front rule for creating podcasts? [28:58]
What productivity tip does Brooks give all the time? [31:53]
How important is consistency when producing TPS? [33:19]
How does TPS approach programming guests? [36:18]
Where can TPS stand to improve the most? [37:19]
What are Thanh’s thoughts on navigating the world of sponsors? [41:31]
How does Brooks feel the importance of labor costs differs between a professional and a leisure podcast? [45:26]

How Many Pomodoros Should You Do In A Day? (TPS361)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Have you heard of the Pomodoro Technique? It’s a popular time management and focus strategy and something we’ve been teaching for a long time at Asian Efficiency. One question we get often is how many pomodoros should you do in a day? Or in other words, how many hours of work should you do in a day? We’ll answer that question in today’s episode and we’ll give you our best focus tips as well.

Thanks Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at gusto.com/tps.

Thanks, SaneBox. Free 14-day trial plus $25 off any subscription sanebox.com/tps25

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/361.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [2:35]
What is the Pomodoro Technique, and how does it work? [6:41]
How does Thanh feel about the rigidity of the exact timing of the Pomodoro Technique? [9:34]
How does Brooks use the Pomodoro technique personally? [14:09]
How does Brooks break down the Pomodoro Technique and get the most out of it? [20:45]
What are Thanh’s tips for being successful with the Pomodoro Technique? [23:09]
What are some apps/tools Brooks uses to help with the Pomodoro Technique? [24:58]
Which apps/tools does Thanh prefer when addressing Pomodoro Technique? [26:12]
How many Pomodoro sessions does Thanh recommend in one day? [28:28]
Actionable steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [31:28]

CEO of Brain.fm on High Performance, Focus, Meditation, and Workflows w/ Dan Clark (TPS360)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today I’m joined by Dan Clark. He’s the CEO of Brain.fm which is an app that offers focus music. I had the opportunity to discuss the science behind focus music, how the brain works, what we can do to focus better, and other ways we can be more productive in our daily lives using scientific principles.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Get a $75 credit to upgrade your post at Indeed.com/tps. Offer is valid through Sept. 30, 2021, terms and conditions apply.

Read more and learn more with Literati. Redeem your FREE trial at Literati.com/TPS50.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/360.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [3:03]
Who is Dan and how did he become the CEO of Brain.fm? [4:10]
How would Dan describe Brain.fm? [5:26]
How does music work for different states of mind? [7:37]
How quickly does Brain.fm work? [9:27]
Does Brain.fm have any lasting effects on flow state and focus? [11:10]
What does Dan recommend for people getting started with Brain.fm? [13:23]
Who makes the music for Brain.fm? [20:45]
How effective is Brain.fm in eliminating other productivity strategies? [24:27]
How do Dan and his team measure the effectiveness of Brain.fm? [29:31]
How is Brain.fm different from other sonic solutions? [32:24]
What happened to Brain.fm’s lifetime membership deal? [35:08]
What are some things that Dan does on a daily or weekly basis to stay productive? [36:11]
How does Dan get through an incredibly unproductive week? [40:21]

Connect with Dan Clark

Get Focused: How To Overcome Distractions and Boost Your Attention (TPS359)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 11:00:00 +0000

We’re continuing our series on the TEA framework and this time we’re talking about Attention. How do you become more focused? How do you have more attention for what matters? How can you eliminate distractions? We cover all these topics today and more. If you feel like you want to become more focused, this episode is for you.

Get an extra 3 months free on a one-year package. Expressvpn.com/TPS

Thanks Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at gusto.com/tps

Thanks Faherty. Get 20% off ALL your summer clothes now by going to fahertybrand.com with promo code TPS at checkout.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/359.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [2:55]
What are some signs to look for that show you are lacking in attention? [7:10]
How can you most easily improve your attention? [8:17]
What are some tactical ways to eliminate “low-hanging fruit”, attention-wise? [10:36]
What are Thanh’s “low-hanging” fruit distractions? [12:39]
Which type of distraction is the toughest to work around? [15:54]
How would Brooks recommend going about eliminating distractions proactively? [18:44]
How does Thanh know what to prioritize when working on attention? [21:29]
What does Brooks do prioritize effectively? [29:46]
What is the “I’ll Just” Strategy? [31:25]
What is the “Thinking Time” Strategy? [35:09]
Why is optimizing human interactions often so difficult? [40:38]
Where should someone start to improve their focus and attention if they aren’t quite sure? [43:25]

Feeling Low Energy? Here are 3 Things You Can Do Today That Will Help (TPS358)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Do you find that even when you know what you want to do, it just doesn’t happen? Or maybe by the end of the workday you’re feeling so ground down, you don’t feel like doing things with friends or family or working on a side project or hobby. Chances are, it’s not a time problem, it’s an energy problem! In this episode, we’re going to share 3 ways to improve your energy so you can do all the things you want to do.

Thanks to Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at gusto.com/tps. Free $75 credit to upgrade your post at Indeed.com/TPS. Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid through June 30, 2021.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/358.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [3:15]
Why should we focus on energy to win back time? [6:48]
How do you track your energy? [10:08]
What steps does Marmel take to recognize patterns in her energy? [12:35]
Where can you learn more about optimizing your mental and emotional state? [18:49]
What can be done to minimize setbacks? [21:14]
What are Marmel’s thoughts on the mental/emotional side of energy? [22:32]
What is the final way you can improve your energy through productivity? [25:33]
How does Marmel use routines to influence her energy levels? [26:56]

3 Easy-To-Implement Ways To Win Back Time (TPS357)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Do you wish there were more hours in a day? Are you starving for more free time? Then this episode is for you! We’ll show you 3 ways you can create more free time and we’ll share tons of examples of how we’ve done it ourselves to win back over 5 hours a week.

Thanks to Gusto for supporting The Productivity Show. Get 3 months free when you run your first Payroll at gusto.com/tps.

Thanks so much to Clear for supporting The Productivity Show. For a limited time, get your first two months of Clear for free by going to Clearme.com/TPS2021 and use the promo code TPS2021.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/357. And now, on with the show.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [2:32]
What does TEA Framework stand for? [5:05]
How does Brooks track time? [6:55]
What is Thanh’s first recommendation for taking back your time? [9:53]
How do you optimize your workflow? [15:01]
What has Brooks done to optimize his workflow? [17:08]
How does Thanh optimize his time? [23:00]
What is an alternative to saving time through optimizing your workflow? [26:34]
What does the Eisenhower Matrix do? [28:42]
How does Thanh implement the Eisenhower Matrix? [31:07]
What is one important thing to remember about the Eisenhower Matrix in a team setting? [34:24]

One of The Most Productive People In The World Shares His Secrets w/ Ari Meisel (TPS356)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today I’m joined by Ari Meisel of Less Doing. He helps founders replace themselves in their business and have more time for the things that matter to them. I heard of Ari many years ago when he shared his outsourcing philosophies but we never got to connect. We were finally able to do so and I got to ask him everything about how he doesn’t use email anymore and what he uses instead, how to stop snoring, how to identify your priorities when everything is important, and we share some of our favorite biohacking tips. There’s a lot of great tips here that I’m sure will help you live a more productive life. Please enjoy!

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/356.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps. The offer is valid through June 30, 2021.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [2:14]
How did Ari make the best of a tough situation? [4:50]
How would Ari prioritize something if you only had an hour a day? [7:04]
What is Voxer? And how does Ari get people to use it? [12:01]
What was does Voxer filter out certain types of interactions? [20:28]
How does Ari manage his workload within Voxer? [23:17]
What are the benefits of a short time limit in Voxer? [29:56]
Where did Ari’s interest in biohacking come from? [32:25]
What lifestyle changes would Ari recommend after exploring biohacking? [37:23]
How did Ari find a solution to his sleep apnea? [39:05]

Connect with Ari Meisel

Which Productivity System Is Best For You? We Compare and Recommend (TPS355)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +0000

If you’ve been studying productivity for a bit you probably have come across different systems like the TEA Framework, Getting Things Done, 12 Week Year, and many others. They all promise to help you become more productive and in this episode, we’ll be comparing all of them and by the end you’ll know which one is most suitable for you.

Keep your data private and secure when you go online by using ExpressVPN. Get an extra 3 months free on a one-year package at Expressvpn.com/TPS.

Thanks to Gusto for supporting The Productivity Show. Get 3 months free when you run your first Payroll at gusto.com/tps.

Learn more and read more with Literati. Redeem your FREE trial at Literati.com/TPS50

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/355.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [3:00]
What is a productivity system in general? [6:05]
What is the TEA Framework in general? [9:32]
How has Thanh found the TEA Framework helpful and who is it good for? [10:49]
What is GTD? [14:02]
Who is GTD best for? [18:12]
What is The 12-Week Year? [25:32]
Who is the 12-Week Year good for? [27:36]
What makes The 12-Week Year so involved? [29:59]
What is a Bullet Journal? [30:52]

Back To Back Meetings: Win Back Your Time, Energy, and Attention (TPS354)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 31 May 2021 11:00:00 +0000

One of the biggest struggles many of The Productivity Show listeners and Asian Efficiency clients have is that they are in meetings all day. Oftentimes they’re on back-to-back-to-back meetings and they have no time for themselves so they end up working long days, on the weekends, and missing out on life. What can you do about this?

Good news! We have 3 tips to help you deal with this so stay tuned.

Thanks to Gusto for supporting The Productivity Show. Get 3 months free when you run your first Payroll at gusto.com/tps.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/354

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [2:23]
What are the obvious problems of back-to-back meetings? [6:12]
How can you take more control of your day when navigating meetings? [9:43]
How does Thanh get proactive about his meeting schedule? [10:31]
What is a way that we can have more control than we’d think? [13:22]
What is a “Meeting Day”? [15:49]
How can you reduce the negative impact of back-to-back meetings? [21:12]
How can you improve the efficiency of a meeting through notetaking? [22:09]
What are the “3 W’s”? [23:34]
Why is having a buffer between meetings important? [26:01]
What is the benefit of maximizing time before and after meetings? [27:34]
How can you maximize the productivity of your meetings at the end of a workday? [29:47]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life. [32:14]

Productivity Music: The Power of Focus Playlists with Will Henshall of Focus@Will (TPS353)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 24 May 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Will Henshall is the CEO of Focus@Will which is a productivity music company. They have different genres of music and playlists that help you get focused and into a flow state. We talked about how different music works for different people, the 5 types of brains, how to take care of your brain for optimal performance, and how to find the best music that works according to your brain type.

Thanks to Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at gusto.com/tps

Thanks to Clear. For a limited time, get your first two months of Clear for free by going to Clearme.com/TPS2021, and use the promo code: TPS2021.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to https://theproductivityshow.com/353.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [3:12]
What difference does eliminating points of drag/friction make in the grand scheme? [7:23]
Where did things start for Will? [8:39]
Where did Will shift his focus after Londonbeat? [11:02]
What was the catalyst in developing the idea for Focus @ Will? [17:20]
How do you know when a track resonates with you? [20:34]
What is the OCEAN score? [21:26]
Do sleep and tiredness affect listening preferences? [22:36]
Why does focus music work so well? [27:16]
What are the main uses for focus music? [30:21]
How does Will measure the effectiveness of focus music? [34:44]
What is the easiest way to win back 1-2 hours of the day? [35:45]
How is Focus @ Will different from other music services? [37:13]
How long does it take for focus music to take effect? [44:01]
What are some ways to make the best use of Focus @ Will? [46:49]
How does Will recommend keeping our brains healthy? [48:45]
What’s next for Focus @ Will? [50:23]

Connect with Will Henshall

Small Changes Lead To Big Results: How To Free Up 1.5 Hours of Your Time (TPS352)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 17 May 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Do you want to make a change in your life? Most people think you need to make drastic changes that usually don’t last. At Asian Efficiency we believe that when you make small, consistent changes you’ll have much better results getting what you want. In today’s episode, we’ll show you different ways you can make small changes in your life that lead to big results.

Thanks to Gusto for supporting The Productivity Show. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at gusto.com/tps

Get started with Betterhelp today and enjoy 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [2:36]
Why is Brooks talking about the power of small changes? [6:13]
Why is Thanh talking about the power of small changes? [8:14]
How does the power of small significant changes affect efficiency? [10:19]
How much time did Brooks waste before thinking about the power of small changes? [15:26]
What does Brooks do to eliminate time squanders? [17:42]
What is upstream optimization? [18:29]
Why is upstream optimization so powerful? [21:43]
What is the concept behind accessing apps? [28:34]
What does Thanh recommend accessing in every app? [31:08]
What is the easiest way to win back 1-2 hours of the day? [35:45]

How To Organize Your Files, Notes, and Photos [Brand New Method] (TPS351)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 10 May 2021 11:00:00 +0000

We all have these things in our work and personal life we call Time Squanders — those 5-10 minute activities that somehow work their way into our days. These really add up and have a surprising impact on your Time, Energy, and Attention. A perfect example of this is dealing with your files, notes, and photos — figuring out where to put them, and even worse: trying to dig through a digital mess trying to find that piece of information you KNOW is there somewhere.

In this episode, we are going to share 3 ways to get organized with your files, notes, and photos so that things are stored right the first time, and you can find what you need whenever you need it.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/351.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [2:56]
Why even bother organizing your files? [4:39]
What is a “time squander”? [10:29]
What would Brooks do with an extra hour a day? [12:12]
Where should you add your key folders to on your computer? [13:59]
How can Mac users save themselves lots of time in file management”? [16:31]
What is Brooks’ philosophy on naming files? [23:37]
How does Thanh recommend naming files? [27:16]
Why is it important to create an easy organization system? [33:08]
What is the “EOS” System, and how did Brooks discover it? [35:12]
What is the AAA method, and how does it enhance the EOS system? [36:42]
How does Thanh apply the AAA method practically? [39:39]

3 Steps To Create An Evening Routine To Sleep Better And Feel More Energetic (TPS350)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 03 May 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Back in 2013, at Asian Efficiency we first introduced the evening ritual which is the idea of having a routine at the end of the day to help you wind down, get ready for the next day and have a great night of sleep. Since then, we’ve helped people all over the world implement an evening ritual to help them be more productive at work and in life.

In this episode we’ll share with you a simple evening ritual you can use today to sleep better and feel more energetic.

Thanks to ExpressVPN for supporting The Productivity Show. Express VPN is offering 3 months free on a one-year package just visit expressvpn.com/tps.

Thanks to Gusto for supporting The Productivity Show. Get 3 months free when you run your first Payroll at gusto.com/tps.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/350.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [2:28]
Why talk about an evening ritual at all? [5:09]
How does the TEA Framework work hand-in-hand with an evening ritual? [7:07]
What is a “Reverse Alarm Clock”? [9:59]
How does Brooks wind down? [11:07]
How do you define your evening ritual? [20:06]
What are some “best practices” for Brooks in his evening ritual? [22:22]
What are some things in Thanh’s evening checklist? [25:18]
How will creating a sleeping environment benefit you most? [29:44]
What does Brooks recommend to improve your sleeping environment? [31:25]

How To Plan Your Month To Avoid Surprises (TPS349)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 11:00:00 +0000

At Asian Efficiency we’re known for the TEA Framework which is our productivity method. It stands for Time, Energy, and Attention which are the three pillars of productivity. Today’s episode will help you maximize Time, the first pillar in our framework.

On The Productivity Show, we’ve talked a lot about weekly and quarterly planning but not so much about monthly planning. When you incorporate monthly planning into your life, you’re setting yourself up for a productive month where you’ll get the important things done and you’ll be able to meet all your deadlines.

We’ve developed our own process for how we plan our upcoming month for both on a company level on a personal level. You’re about to learn how you can plan the upcoming month for maximum productivity and some mistakes you want to avoid that prevent you from overworking.

Thanks to BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/tps

Thanks to Gusto for supporting The Productivity Show. Get 3 months free when you run your first Payroll at gusto.com/tps.

Thanks to Clear. For a limited time, get your first two months of Clear for free by going to Clearme.com/TPS2021 and use the promo code TPS2021

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [3:04]
How does reviewing your quarterly goal affect productivity? [10:08]
How does Thanh work the link between monthly and quarterly goals? [12:46]
What are your “rocks” for the month? [20:57]
What sorts of tactics does Thanh employ when planning out his month? [23:15]
How does Brooks deal with his big “rocks”? [29:23]
What is Brooks’ final tip on monthly planning? [31:40]

Self-Awareness: The Ultimate Productivity Hack of Life w/ Sachit Gupta (TPS348)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today I’m joined by Sachit Gupta, host of the Conscious Creators podcast and an expert helping people launch their platforms. We discuss how you can build self-awareness and why it’s the ultimate productivity hack, powerful questions to ask yourself for self-discovery, and his rules of productivity that allow him to be creative and get stuff done.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/348.

Thanks to Gusto for supporting The Productivity Show. Get 3 months free when you run your first Payroll at gusto.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [2:05]
How did Sachit figure out what he wanted to do with his life? [5:19]
When did Thanh get serious about Asian Efficiency? [7:01]
How long did it take before Thanh began to see success with Asian Efficiency? [8:03]
How does Sachit manage perfectionism as a creative? [11:33]
How does Thanh decide whether to hire someone to do a task or attack it himself? [14:43]
What is the ultimate productivity hack? [17:51]
How does Sachit typically structure his day? [20:01]
What motivates Sachit to change the way he operates organizationally? [25:24]
Sachit’s personal rules around productivity [28:05]
What is Sachit’s biggest advice for podcasters? [32:42]
What are some questions you can ask yourself to promote self-awareness? [37:34]
What is something Thanh tends to underestimate in his business life? [42:05]
What is a trend that Thanh sees with hiring employees? [44:52]
How has procrastination affected Sachit’s business life? [46:57]

Connect with Sachit Gupta

Flow State: The Systems and Tools We Use To Get In The Zone (TPS347)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Have you ever been working away on something and you felt like time just melted away? You came out of it feeling like you made a ton of progress, and that everything just came together.

That feeling was a state of Flow, and in this episode, we are going to share some tactical ways that YOU can get into the flow state, with systems and tools that work for us and many of your fellow TPS listeners.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

Get started with Betterhelp today and enjoy 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [2:31]
What is “Flow State”? [5:24]
How does Brooks implement Flow State? [7:17]
How does Thanh implement Flow State? [9:52]
What is the importance of having a clear outcome and goal? [20:01]
How the clarity of an outcome affects productivity [23:44]
The benefit of the “Flow State” [25:55]
What flow rituals does Brooks practice? [27:00]
What flow rituals does Thanh practice? [28:47]
Action Steps You Can take to integrate today’s topic into your life. [31:45]

Be A Better Writer With Our 4-Step Process and Recommended Tools (TPS346)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 11:00:00 +0000

On the Asian Efficiency website, we have over 600 blog posts. That’s close to a million words that have been written and we didn’t even include all the newsletters, course materials, workbooks, and everything else we produce. We write a lot and in this episode, we’ll share how we get so much writing done. We share our 4-step writing process, which apps and tools we use, and tips to make you a better and more efficient writer.

Thanks ExpressVPN for supporting The Productivity Show. Express VPN is offering 3 months free on a one-year package just visit expressvpn.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [2:19]
What is the “Brainstorming Phase”? [6:51]
How does Thanh approach the Brainstorming Phase? [10:06]
How Thanh does his research? [14:44]
Where does Thanh often find unexpected research? [16:00]
Does Brooks impose any limitations on his research? [19:31]
Does Thanh impose any limitations on his research? [20:35]
How does Brooks work on research introductions? [27:54]
Thanh’s Writing Tips [28:26]
What simple writing tool is often overlooked in the corporate world? [34:56]
Thanh’s Editing Tips [36:29]
Brooks’ Editing Tips [39:24]
What is the ONLY way to improve your writing? [40:42]
Action Steps You Can take to integrate today’s topic into your life. [41:20]

The 3X Rule: Solve Your Recurring Problems Once And For All (TPS345)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

How many things in your work or personal life do you just “put up with”? It could be mistakes that happen, a tool that annoys you, or someone that you work with that slows things down.

At Asian Efficiency we have a principle called the “3 Times Rule” to get to the root of all these things once and for all, which lets us move forward quickly and effectively. In this episode, we’ll explain how we use the 3X Rule and give some examples that you can use in your work and personal life.

You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/345.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [7:26]
What is the 3x rule? [5:56]
How do you know if you’re in a 3x Rule situation? [11:07]
What is the 2-minute rule? [12:40]
How Brooks uses the 3x rule for TPS [14:57]
How Brooks and Thanh differ in their perspectives of the 3x rule. [16:29]
How Thanh uses the 3x rule for TPS [18:08]
How Thanh uses the 3x as a CEO [21:15]
What are some ways that the 3x rule can build on itself? [25:30]
How Brooks uses the 3x rule in his personal life. [27:54]
How Thanh uses the 3x rule in his personal life. [29:46]
Action Steps You Can take to integrate today’s topic into your life. [34:42]

Links:

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Overcast, PocketCast, or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show gain exposure. You can also leave a review! Here’s how.

The Power Of The Accountability Trifecta, w/ Debbie Rosemont (TPS344)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Want to know the secret to achieving your goals and getting your important work done? It’s not time management, apps, or tools – it’s ACCOUNTABILITY. But what does that mean? And how do you find accountability for yourself?

In this episode, I’m joined by Debbie Rosemont – a Certified Professional Organizer and Productivity Consultant who is the founder of Simply Placed. She helps clients increase productivity, maximize efficiency and bring balance and control into their work and lives, and she’s going to share how you can use accountability to achieve that too.

Thanks to Feals for supporting The Productivity Show. Feals is offering 50% off with free shipping if you become a new member today at feals.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week. [3:31]
What is the importance of accountability in the workplace? [8:13]
How does a coaching relationship work? [10:32]
What are the benefits of having a coach? [14:29]
What are the best ways to find a coach? [16:21]
What are some common obstacles Debbie helps clients overcome as a coach? [17:21]
What is the difference between a coach and a consultant? [19:44]
What is a Mastermind? And what will a mastermind help you with? [21:06]
What are the time commitments for masterminds? [26:53]
How Debbie finds masterminds. [28:35]
How does having an accountability partner differ from having a coach? [31:34]
What to look for in an accountability partner. [33:21]
How to hold people accountable without being annoying. [37:25]
Which ways can you close the loop and administer some self-accountability? [39:49]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life.[43:47]

Connect with Debbie:

Want To Do A Productivity Reset? Here’s What We Would Do (TPS343)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

If you’re just starting out in your productivity journey, you are in a GREAT situation. You can optimize right away, and you can learn from what has worked for others and, where it makes sense, apply it to yourself. It’s a gift that will pay off for years to come.

However, maybe you’ve been working for a while. What lessons do you WISH you had learned years ago? If you had a time machine, what changes would you make to make you more productive? And what’s stopping you from making them right now? It’s never too late.

In this episode, Brooks, Marmel, and myself share the productivity lessons WE would implement if we were just starting over — what we wish we knew back then, and what is helping us now.

Even just asking yourself this question will be a powerful exercise, so benefit from our lessons learned.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

Top 3 productivity resources for this week [3:07]
What is most important about Self-Management? [6:43]
How do personality tests benefit your productivity? [7:37]
What paths do we often go down when considering advice? [10:00]
How does self-awareness strengthen learning? [12:13]
Why is it important to make use of free information [14:35]
Marmel’s tips on successful goal setting [16:45]
What are some community picks for a productivity reset? [23:34]
Brooks’ sage advice on accountability in the workplace [25:21]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life. [28:39]

Affordable Productivity Apps: How To Be More Productive With A $100 Budget (TPS342)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0000

When searching for productivity apps, you’ll find thousands of apps out there. How do you know which one is right for you? What if you had a limited budget? It’s easy to spend hundreds of dollars on apps only to find out that most are garbage.

So in this episode, we set a challenge for ourselves with our top picks of productivity apps with a budget of only $100. We’ll have recommendations for Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS so there’s something for everyone.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [1:35]
What is Thanh’s top FREE productivity app? [7:26]
Which calendar app is most effective? Thanh’s pick, or TPS Dojo’s pick? [11:21]
What is the most important factor in a quality writing app? [12:38]
How can remote workers communicate better with their teams? [14:02]
How Brooks utilizes launcher apps for a more productive day [16:25]
What is a productivity app that Thanh takes for granted the most? [18:24]
What is one takeaway that Brooks has about most premium apps? [24:22]
What is “capture”, and why is it important when getting things done? [26:34]
How does Brooks utilize “mind maps” when thinking through a project? [29:40]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [34:10]

How To Keep Your Contacts Under Control And Uncluttered (TPS341)

Thanh Pham — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0000

I’m a big believer in the idea that a majority of our happiness comes from the people we surround ourselves with.

Imagine when everyone in your family, friends, and closest contacts are all cheering for you, are regularly letting you know how much they care about you, and that you can always count on them for anything you need.

Wouldn’t that be amazing?

Well, it is, but to get to that stage, you need to be able to identify who you want to surround yourself with and who you want to stay in touch with.

That’s where Contact Management comes in and what today’s episode is all about.

We’ll show you 5 tips to get started with managing your contacts and ways to stay in touch with people in the most efficient way possible.

Thanks to ExpressVPN for supporting The Productivity Show. Visit ExpressVPN.com/tps right now to arm yourself with an extra three months of ExpressVPN for free.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:27]
Why we need to manage our contacts [7:09]
Where does Thanh store his contacts? [12:11]
One hidden feature in contact lists that you should definitely pay attention to [16:33]
How do you deal with those pesky business cards? [24:40]
Which third-party contact management apps are the most effective? [30:25]
This one app totally changed how Thanh nurtures healthy business relationships [33:08]
How to effectively clean and manage your contacts using the most common platforms [38:02]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [42:23]

Stay Secure Without Remembering A Million Logins (TPS340)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself online is to be smart about how you create and store your passwords.

In 2021, you don’t want to be re-using the same passwords on multiple sites, writing them on sticky notes, or storing them in Passwords.doc on your Desktop.

So what should you do instead?

In this episode, we’re going to talk about how to keep yourself safe online with good password management, and we’ll share how we keep our passwords safe for ourselves, our families, and our businesses.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:04]
How to manage your passwords with one simple solution. [10:04]
What is the best free resource for password protection? [12:13]
Why are third-party password management apps superior? [17:44]
How you can utilize third-party password management apps to store other forms of secure information. [23:05]
Thanh’s tips for two-factor authentication. [27:29]
The benefit from family plans in password management apps. [31:36]
How to utilize team plans for password management. [34:57]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [43:10]

The $100 Challenge – What Productivity Tools Would We Buy With Only $100? (TPS339)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Imagine for a moment that you only have $100 in your budget to spend on productivity tools. What would you spend it on?

We asked ourselves that question and came up with a list of gear and tools that we would buy on a limited budget of just $100.

Every dollar counts so we made sure that every recommendation would pull its weight and help you become more productive.

We want to show you that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to be more productive.

Thanks to Indeed and Feals for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

Feels is offering 50% off with free shipping if you become a new member today at Feals.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [3:38]
How Brooks combats back pain from compromised at-home workspaces [11:48]
Why Brooks swears by this unbreakable mechanical pencil; lefties take notes! [16:24]
What’s in Thanh’s bag? A noteworthy endorsement of field notes by our CEO [23:17]
“Buy Nice or Buy Twice” – How you can take advantage of a life of luxury at any opportunity [24:56]
The importance of audio quality in the business/productivity world, and how you can improve your video call experiences [30:56]
The effects of sleep on productivity and Thanh’s life hack for good rest. [34:01]
What is the Pomodoro Technique? How to maximize your work efficiency [35:42]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [43:21]

Use Your Calendar Like A Pro With These 5 Calendar Hacks (TPS338)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 12:00:37 +0000

Your calendar is so important – it’s the ultimate record of where you put your priorities and where you spend your time.

It is also one of the productivity tools we use the most, so any improvement to the way you USE your calendar will have an immediate impact every single day. There aren’t many productivity changes you can make that will do that!

In this episode, we’re going to share 5 calendar hacks that will help you maximize your time, energy, attention while using your calendar on desktop and mobile.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:41]
What Brooks and Thanh use as their front-end and back-end calendar stack [5:30]
Why color-coding your calendars and tagging your events can have such a huge impact on your productivity [11:36]
What widgets Brooks and Thanh use to get super quick and easy access to their calendars on mobile [19:32]
Automate your scheduling and get rid of those annoying back-and-forth emails for good [24:01]
How to customize your views and be more selective about what information you get from your calendar [29:32]
Why you should change your default meeting length [32:31]
How a monthly check-in with yourself and your calendar can help trim bad practices out of your daily life [36:01]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [38:36]

5 Calendar Hacks

Color Code Your Calendars
Use A Widget On Your Mobile Home Screen
Use An Appointment Scheduler
Customize Your Visible Days
Change Default Meeting Length
BONUS: Review your past calendar every month

How To Do A Digital Declutter: 5 Ways To Reclaim Your Focus (TPS337)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 12:00:33 +0000

Digital clutter is the hidden enemy of productivity.

Bit by bit, it steals your time, energy, and attention. And since we use our computers, tablets, and phones so much every single day, the distraction and wasted time really adds up.

In this episode, we will share 5 ways you can do a digital declutter, and for each one, we’ll give you tips to STAY decluttered.

Thanks to ExpressVPN for supporting The Productivity Show. ExpressVPN is offering our listeners an extra 3 months free on a one year package. Go to ExpressVPN.com/tps to learn more.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:38]
What “digital clutter” is and what you can get from a “digital declutter” [7:04]
Why a digital detox is not the same as a digital declutter [9:28]
The key places on your computer you want to keep clean and distraction-free [13:30]
How Thanh’s folder and file management has changed for the better over the years [20:35]
The dangers of using your email inbox as a todo list and how to make your email a safer place to go during your workday [24:06]
Why not decluttering your phone can lead to a productivity “death by a thousand cuts” [30:27]
Declutter your computer’s app shortcuts and keep your dock clean [36:50]
The easiest way to manage your notifications and their effect on your productivity [40:51]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [47:17]

5 Ways To Reclaim Your Focus

Clear Your Downloads and Especially Your Desktop
Declutter Your Email
Declutter Your Mobile Device
Declutter Your Computer’s App Shortcuts
Declutter Your Notifications

Want To Stay On Track? Keep Your Goals Visible With These 5 Tips (TPS336)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 12:00:57 +0000

When this episode is released, it’s the end of January and you know what that means – it means it’s the time when those goals and resolutions many of us made at the start of the year begin to fade away.

Well, not this year 2021! In this episode, we are going to share a key strategy for sticking with your goals — keeping them visible — and we’re going to share 5 ways we’ve kept goals visible that have made all the difference.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:34]
Why Brooks and Marmel wanted to put this episode just a little bit after the start of the new year [4:57]
How something unconsciously in your field of view can help you make better choices [7:25]
Set up recurring reminders to keep your resolutions at the front of mind [13:37]
Why Brooks and his family swears by using a whiteboard, and how Marmel uses different whiteboards for different goals and projects [16:28]
Ways to keep constant visual reminders on your small and large devices [18:49]
How repetition can solidify your goals in your mind and in your life [23:51]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [31:41]

Family Productivity: How to Be Productive While Having a Family w/ Paul Maskill (TPS335)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 12:00:03 +0000

Today I’m joined by Paul Maskill, a business coach helping home service business owners systematize and scale their businesses. He’s also a big productivity nerd like the rest of us and we dove into his personal productivity system, how he uses buffer blocks, why he wakes up every day at 5am, and how he delegates things within his family life.

You can learn a lot from other people and what’s working for them. This episode is no different and I’m excited to share Paul’s productivity systems with you.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:51]
What got Paul into the productivity world [3:50]
Why “The One Thing” has been one of Paul’s most helpful guides on how to work more efficiently [6:40]
Why you should share your goals with people you trust to help keep you motivated and accountable [10:45]
What a typical work-week looks like for Paul and why he keeps to a rigorous schedule [17:42]
Why regularly blocking out time for his work and for buffer blocks ensures Paul finishes what he needs to finish [20:45]
How to get back on track when you miss your prep day and how to keep your work-life balance [27:23]
How Paul delegates his personal tasks away to make more time for his work and family [31:25]

Connect with Paul Maskill

5 Simple Browser Hacks You Can Implement Right Away (TPS334)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 12:00:08 +0000

The web browser is one of the most commonly used tools. You probably spend more than 4 hours a day using it and it’s a powerful tool. If you’re like most people you haven’t looked much into how to use this tool and turn it into a productivity powerhouse tool. That’s going to change today as we’re going to share some of our favorite browser hacks that will make you much more productive and efficient. Whether you use Edge, Sarafi, Chrome, or Firefox we got you covered!

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:00]
Why we should pay more attention to our web browser and how to be more efficient with it [4:32]
How to turn on dark mode for the entire web [8:55]
Superpower your personal knowledge management with the ability to get anything you need easily from any page [11:07]
How to increase your security online and never again forget your login information [17:01]
Why using different profiles or personas in your browser can cut down on headaches ad increase productivity [24:36]
Why staying away from your mouse is one of the best ways to get faster in your browser and on your computer [29:06]
How your bookmark bar can give you much easier access to your most accessed webpages [34:09]
Why adding tasks to your task manager directly from your browser can increase your productivity [38:08]
How to quickly and easily get to “tab zero” on your mobile browser [40:30]
How to magically vet all Amazon reviews before you buy and make sure you’re getting the right thing [43:10]
Browser hacks from the Dojo and TPS+ members [46:17]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [49:10]

Personal Outsourcing: How To Win Back 5+ Hours/Week (TPS333)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 12:00:09 +0000

Do you find it hard to find the time, energy, and attention to do everything you want to do each week?

It could be that you’re doing things that you really shouldn’t be doing.

Maybe they’re things you don’t like to do, or maybe they’re things that you ENJOY doing, but they are taking you away from making progress on your goals.

In this episode, we are going to talk about one of my favorite high leverage productivity topics: Outsourcing. Learn some of the ways we outsource to create more time in the week and discover how to avoid some of the mistakes most people make when trying to outsource.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [3:06]
How the TEA framework ties into outsourcing different parts of your life for more time, energy, and attention in their lives [7:38]
Why it’s so hard to justify spending money outsourcing things we can do ourselves, and how to move past that [11:54]
How to discover all the things in your life that you can (and maybe should) outsource [16:15]
How Brooks and his wife collaborated to help outsource the housework they each didn’t want to do to each other [19:00]
Some prompt to help kickstart ideas of what you could outsource in your life [24:08]
The pros and cons of having the work you’ve outsourced stay onshore or go offshore [30:44]
Where you can find people to help you with your tasks, no matter how big or how small [33:23]
How to ensure the work you have gets done as you’d like it and gets done well [41:38]
Why you should always state the obvious when working with new people, and what can happen if you don’t [45:46]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [51:44]

3 Ways To Outsource Successfully

Make a task list
Determine which type of personal outsourcing you want to do
Set the right expectations

Work-Life Balance: How One Family Man Stays Productive While Having Fun w/ Joe Fier (TPS332)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 12:00:33 +0000

Today I’m joined by Joe Fier. He’s the co-host of the podcast Hustle & Flowchart where they interview successful entrepreneurs and go deep about their unique business strategies. He’s also the co-founder of Evergreen Profits where he helps people start and grow online businesses.

In this episode, we talked about how to incorporate more fun in your day to stay productive, how Joe implements sprints in his personal life to get stuff done, how he and his wife raise a 9-month-old kid while working from home, and the importance of slowing down during this crazy time we’re in.

Thanks to Blinkist for supporting The Productivity Show. Blinkist is offering our listeners a free 7-day trial and 25% off your new subscription. Go to Blinkist.com/tps to learn more.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:05]
A typical workday for Joe and how he takes a lot of time to center himself before getting to work [5:09]
What Joe recommends for parents who are looking for the time to stay productive [8:49]
Joe’s work habit he believes is fundamental to his productivity, and why he thinks everybody should try it [11:24]
How Joe and his wife support each other in their work and their life [17:55]
How the GTD methodology has worked for Joe and why it was really hard to get started and then maintain it [21:51]
Joe’s prioritization process when preparing his week and his day [24:05]
How to keep the balance between work and life [27:40]
Other lifehacks and work tips that Joe uses in his life [31:05]

Connect with Joe Fier

How To Decompress: 5 Stress Busters That Really Work (TPS331)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 12:00:22 +0000

It sounds counterintuitive, but sometimes we need to slow down a bit in order to achieve our goals. Burnout is a real thing, and it is impossible to stay productive if we are going at 100% all the time.

The solution is to find opportunities to decompress — to find even short periods of time where you can recharge and relieve stress.

But decompressing is about more than just taking a break or going on vacation. In this episode, we are going to cover 5 ways that you can decompress and stay productive in the long term.

Thanks to Fundrise for supporting The Productivity Show. Fundrise is offering our listeners 90 days of advisory free service. Go to Fundrise.com/tps to learn more.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:41]
What Asian Efficiency means by “decompress” and why productivity minded people need to keep this in mind, too [5:39]
How the TEA framework can help us find when we are working too much and need to regain our energy [10:12]
Why picking up a new hobby or activity can help us loosen up and destress [12:52]
How Marmel’s new hobby has remained relaxing and helpful for her stress despite turning it into a small business [15:48]
Why setting a time to relax is an easy way to stay in the flow of work and scheduling while also honoring your self [18:13]
How exercise and physical activity can replenish your energy, boost your mood, and give your brain a break [24:49]
Why you should schedule some time to connect with your friends and family and add them to your calendar [28:40]
How spending time away from technology, a digital detox can really help center us [33:33]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [40:38]

The Best GTD Apps: Be In Control And Achieve Your Goals With These 5 Tools (TPS330)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 12:00:45 +0000

Here at The Productivity Show, we all use at least an adapted version of David Allen’s GTD or Getting Things Done productivity system.

Once you start using GTD the question becomes – what do you use to keep track of your Projects, Tasks, and Next Actions?

For most people it is an app, but which one is the “best”? And what does the “Best GTD app” even mean?

In this episode, we break down 5 GTD apps and give recommendations for which apps are the “best” for different types of users.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:16]
How this episode can help people who are new to GTD find their tools, and veterans find their perfect software [4:00]
What to consider before investing your time and money in a new GTD system [9:08]
Not so fast! How to fight Shiny Object Syndrome with new tools and apps [12:47]
Thanh and Brooks’s favorite GTD app and why they have been using it religiously for years [14:40]
The cross-platform app that Thanh and Brooks recommends most for people looking for a robust and friendly UI [21:17]
Why Things holds its own in the task management space, and who would benefit most from using it [25:28]
What software can help people who think visually take on GTD (and how it can help people who don’t want task management software at all) [29:27]
Why this classic David-Allen-recommended app is still a GTD powerhouse after all these years [32:46]
Which apps are still amazing for GTD but didn’t make the top 5 [36:11]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [37:41]

CRM Power Tips w/ Amy Payne – Productivity Consultant and Professional Organizer (TPS329)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 12:00:18 +0000

If you deal with people in your business (and who doesn’t?), a key tool is a Customer Relationship Management system or CRM. Not having one can hold you back, and if you implement the right one the right way, it can help take your business to the next level.

In this episode, I talk to Amy Payne, a Certified Professional Organizer, Productivity Consultant, and founder of Lasting Order. Amy and her team help individuals and small businesses in all sorts of ways, but today we mainly focus on how she helps small businesses choose, implement, and use CRMs. It’s a topic we get questions on all the time.

Of course, since she does run a Professional Organizer company, I also ask her for her top tips on organizing a productive workspace. I couldn’t help myself.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [3:58]
Where Brooks and Amy met and how she transitioned from a home organizer to productivity consultant [6:22]
What a CRM is good for and why Amy believes it is essential for any small business [12:05]
Amy’s sales pitch for what a CRM can do that your homebrew system can’t, and how to know which system is the right one for you [17:14]
The most common mistakes that people make when choosing a CRM [21:38]
What signs show Amy that she and her client have found the right CRM for the job and not something that is just good enough [24:46]
Amy’s favorite CRM systems and who they work best for [29:30]
How to have a successful migration from one CRM to another [33:05]
What Amy recommends for having a functional and effective work-from-home environment [37:14]
Amy’s most important killer productivity tip [40:40]

Connect with Amy Payne

Your 3 Step Guide To Make Sure Next Year Is Better Than The Last (TPS328)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 12:00:39 +0000

2021 is just around the corner and we want to help you get ready for a productive year. I know 2020 has been a weird year for all of us, and we all want to forget about what happened but in order to have a great year ahead of you, you do have to reflect on what has happened, what you learned, and how the next year can be better.

That’s what today’s episode is all about. We’ll walk you through how to reflect on 2020 and we’ll give you 3 tips to make sure 2021 is going to be an uber-productive year for you.

Thanks to Fiverr for supporting The Productivity Show. Fiverr is offering our listeners 10% off their first order by going to Fiverr.com and using the code TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:27]
How this episode can help you accomplish your new year’s resolutions, create better goals, and set better habits for the new year [4:41]
Three questions you can ask to help your annual review if you don’t have a journal [10:10]
What you can do to turn the challenges you have faced into new opportunities [16:00]
How to use the TEA Framework to see where you can make improvements in your life [19:42]
Why it is so important not to try and improve too many things at once [24:48]
Why scheduling time to work on your goals in your calendar can help maintain momentum [30:10]
How to find the right amount of time to be spending on these goals every day [34:24]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [38:49]

3 Steps To Make Next Year Your Best Year

Use the TEA Framework to see where you can make improvements
Focus on one main goal
Schedule time on your calendar to work on your goals

It’s Here! The TPS Productivity Gift Guide, 2020 Edition (TPS327)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 12:00:40 +0000

The holidays are just around the corner and that means it’s gifting season for many of us. What would you gift someone who is obsessed with productivity? What would you give someone who you’d like to be more productive? And let’s be honest, many of us also like gift guides for ideas to spoil ourselves (I definitely do). In this episode, we’re going to share some of our favorite gift ideas for this holiday season.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:31]
The best gifts that Brooks, Marmel, and Thanh have ever received [6:00]
How to improve the lives of the tech people in your life with some simple peripherals [10:22]
The best investment in his health that Thanh has made this year [15:22]
Why Marmel swears by her headphone stand to keep her desk well managed [21:52]
How different lights can help improve your mood and your day overall [23:42]
The different types of glasses that can help you fall asleep more quickly and get better sleep [28:43]
What makes the Kindle so indispensable to Thanh and Brooks that going even a day without it is enough to buy a replacement [33:01]
How to never leave the house without that crucial cord or power supply again [37:55]
Top picks for productivity gifts from the Dojo and TPS+ members [42:57]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [45:16]

Links:

`; document.getElementsByClassName(‘wp-switch-editor switch-tmce’)[0].click(); document.getElementById(‘in-category-235’).checked = ‘checked’; document.getElementById(‘post_author_override’).value = ‘4’; document.getElementById(‘powerpress_summary_podcast’).value = `The holidays are just around the corner and that means it’s gifting season for many of us. What would you gift someone who is obsessed with productivity? What would you give someone who you’d like to be more productive? And let’s be honest, many of us also like gift guides for ideas to spoil ourselves (I definitely do). In this episode we’re going to share some of our favorite gift ideas for this holiday season. \n\n\nYou can find links to everything that we share in the show notes by going to theproductivityshow.com/327.

Happy People Are Productive People: Turn Your Mood Around In 10 Minutes or Less (TPS326)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 12:00:59 +0000

Have you ever sat down to work on what you are supposed to be doing, and you just don’t feel like it? It’s not an energy problem, you feel fine, but you’re just… not in the mood.

Being in a bad mood is obviously not an excuse to stop working, but you know the more you can improve your mood, the more productive you’ll be. As I always say: happy people are productive people.

In this episode, we’re going to share 5 tips to turn your mood around, and you can then funnel that into your best work.

Thanks to Blinkist for supporting The Productivity Show. Blinkist is offering our listeners a free 7-day trial and 25% off your new subscription. Go to Blinkist.com/tps to learn more.

Thanks to NetSuite for supporting The Productivity Show. Take a free product tour today at NetSuite.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [3:22]
How our mood affects us and our productivity throughout our day [5:16]
How mindfulness and deep breathing can help us get out of dangerous mood spirals and relieve difficult emotions [9:26]
Why journaling is so effective at relieving stress and anxiety [18:00]
The power that changing our environment or context has on our mood [22:34]
Why when you’re having a bad day is a perfect time to reach out to a positive happy person in your life [26:43]
Thanh’s and Brooks’s go-to method for boosting their mood [30:51]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [38:00]

5 ways to turn your mood around

Practice deep breathing and be mindful
Journal every day and get rid of stress and anxiety
Change your environment
Talk to a positive person
Listen to uplifting music and your favorite songs

Feel Exhausted? Try These 5 Proven Rituals to Increase Energy and Productivity (TPS325)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 12:00:36 +0000

The most underrated part of our TEA Framework – which stands for Time, Energy, Attention – is ENERGY. Many of us are trying to improve our time and focus, when it’s often energy that is the real underlying problem.

What do you do when you’re feeling low on energy? Like most people, you’ll down a bunch of caffeine or maybe take a nap. Those are great short-term fixes, but in this episode we are going to talk about rituals you can implement to have more energy PERMANENTLY. So if you feel like you’re low on energy, you don’t want to miss out on today’s episode.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:31]
Who this episode was created for and how it can help them (and you, too) [4:38]
Why everybody should have a morning ritual [8:20]
How having a dedicated meditation time can set your day off right [13:08]
Why starting an exercise routine is one of the most difficult to pick up and one of the easiest to give up [20:05]
How to close all your open loops at the end of the day so the next day is an easy start [27:16]
The surefire way to go from the end of your workday to a great night of sleep [33:51]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [38:45]

5 rituals to create more energy

Implement a morning ritual
Set a time to meditate daily
Have a regular exercise routine
Apply Clearing to Neutral
Master your evening ritual

Effectiveness Before Efficiency: How Most Productivity Advice Gets It Wrong (TPS324)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 12:00:58 +0000

Since our name is Asian Efficiency, you might think that we are 100% focused on your efficiency. I mean, it’s right there in the name! Well, efficiency is important, but we think it gets too much focus — what’s just as important is making sure you are doing the right things efficiently.

In this episode, we’re going to share 3 steps to make sure you are efficient AND effective.

Thanks to Fiverr for supporting The Productivity Show. Fiverr is offering our listeners 10% off their first order by going to Fiverr.com and using the code TPS.

Thanks to Net Suite for supporting The Productivity Show. Take a free product tour today at NetSuite.com/tps.

Thanks to Fundrise for supporting The Productivity Show. Fundrise is offering our listeners 90 days of advisory free service. Go to Fundrise.com/tps to learn more.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:46]
Why this episode can help even the most Asian-efficient people [4:59]
The difference between effectiveness and efficiency [6:49]
Why you should measure effectiveness first before efficiency [8:22]
How to make sure you are doing the RIGHT things and you’re doing them OFTEN [11:21]
Why Thanh spends time doing what he calls “backlog grooming” and why it’s some of his most important work [18:31]
How to get better at doing the right things by doing them well [23:47]
How Thanh has optimized everyday tasks that many people may overlook [29:49]
Why you should regularly assess how you can improve effectiveness and efficiency [32:58]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [39:58]

How To Get Unstuck, Rebuild Your Habits, and Move Forward Now (TPS323)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 11:00:47 +0000

We’ve all had situations where we know what we WANT to do to be more productive, but it just doesn’t happen. Maybe it’s a habit we once had but it fell apart over time, or maybe we are stuck and are having problems getting started.

If that’s you, this episode will give you 5 strategies to get unstuck, and we will share tips that we used to move forward and rebuild positive habits. You can use these tactics to regain momentum in your work and life, too.

Thanks to Azlo for supporting The Productivity Show. Try Azlo Pro free for 14 days at Azlo.com/tps and get a free copy of Azlo’s small business starter guide.

Thanks to Masterclass for supporting The Productivity Show. Masterclass is offering our listeners 15% off your annual all-access pass at Masterclass.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [3:18]
Why you should be scheduling your habits if you’re serious about sticking to them [9:00]
How to honor the calendar commitments we make to ourselves instead of blowing it off [11:20]
How to reduce the friction of your difficult tasks and make them easy [19:31]
Why despite what you think you are capable of, multitasking does not work [24:54]
The power of clearing to neutral when you’re completing your work [27:21]
How a group or mentor can help get you out of a rut and back on track with your work [30:50]
How to design your environment for success [36:34]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [43:45]

5 Tips to Getting Unstuck

Schedule your habits
Make it as easy as possible
Focus on one task at a time
Find a Group, a Friend, or a Mentor
Design your environment for success

5 GTD Tips To Become A Power User And Get Things Done Consistently (TPS322)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 11:00:26 +0000

Getting Things Done, or GTD, is one of the most popular productivity systems on the planet, and for a good reason — it helps you be on top of your tasks and obligations by getting them out of your overloaded brain and into your trusted system, so you can focus on execution, not juggling.

In this episode, we’re going to examine some of the keys to being successful with GTD — we can all read the book and learn the tactical stuff, but how do you actually make it work for you and stick with it?

Thanks to ExpressVPN for supporting The Productivity Show. ExpressVPN is offering our listeners an extra 3 months free on a one year package. Go to ExpressVPN.com/tps to learn more.

Thanks to Masterclass for supporting The Productivity Show. Masterclass is offering our listeners 15% off your annual all-access pass at Masterclass.com/tps.

Thanks to Azlo for supporting The Productivity Show. Azlo is offering our listeners to Sign up today with no minimum deposit at Azlo.com/tps and get a free copy of Azlo’s small business starter guide.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [3:15]
A quick overview of Getting Things Done and some quick recommendations for seasoned veterans [7:22]
Why using your GTD system, you should always start with being clear on why you are using it [8:49]
Why you should have as few places to write things down as you possibly can [20:39]
Why avoiding any friction in the note-taking process is paramount [23:24]
The simple rule that will remove a lot of simple tasks from your todo list [27:04]
Why two tech-obsessed power users think you should print out a flowchart and stick it to your wall [31:40]
The power of classical conditioning in helping you stick with your productivity system [35:24]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [40:41]

There are 5 steps to GTD

Capture
Clarify
Organize
Reflect
Engage

Do You Struggle With These Mental Blocks? Remove And Turn Them To Your Advantage (TPS321)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 11:00:01 +0000

Welcome to The Productivity Show, a podcast by Asian Efficiency, to help you maximize your productivity so you can get everything done without having to sacrifice your health, family and things that matter to you. We’ve helped tens of thousands of people save time, be happier, and become more productive.

What happens if you have your time, your energy, and your focus all nailed down, but you STILL can’t get started? Or if you do start, but making progress is way slower than you expected? The problem might be mental, not tactical.

In this episode, we are going to talk about one of those mental factors that can get in the way of your productivity — mental blocks. We’re going to talk about the types of mental blocks, and how you can get around them or even turn them to your advantage.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

Thanks to Blinkist for supporting The Productivity Show. Blinkist is offering our listeners a free 7-day trial and 25% off your new subscription. Go to Blinkist.com/tps to learn more.

Thanks to Everyplate for supporting The Productivity Show. Get 3 weeks of Everyplate meals for only $2.99 per meal by going to Everyplate.com and use the code TPS3.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:52]
Why more focus and attention should be given to the internal factors in improving our productivity [6:15]
Why many of the mental blocks we face can be improved through a simple reframing of the problem [7:16]
The different types of mental blocks [10:21]
How to know which mental blocks you have and which to focus on [17:57]
How to uncover the causes of your mental blocks and why that is so important in dealing with them [20:22]
The impact of our early work experiences and how they can follow us throughout our life [26:52]
How to notice and capture the mental blocks that you can notice so you can work on them later [29:03]
How you can reduce the power of your mental blocks [34:04]
Transforming the mental blocks into productive behaviors [40:52]

The Seven Common Types Of Mental Blocks

Self Doubt
Indecision
Fixed Mindset
Comparison
Uncertainty
No Limits
Tunnel Vision

When A Productivity Expert Wants To Be Productive This is What They Do with Jeff Sanders (TPS320)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 11:00:22 +0000

I’m joined today by Jeff Sanders. He is a keynote speaker, productivity coach, author of The 5 AM Miracle, and host of the 5 AM Miracle Podcast. As a fellow productivity junkie, I asked him about his morning routine, what his personal productivity system looks like, and how he balances work and life while raising a young kid. I know you’re going to learn a lot in this episode and I can’t wait for you to dive in.

Thanks to Fiverr for supporting The Productivity Show. Fiverr is offering our listeners 10% off their first order by going to Fiverr.com and using the code TPS.

Thanks to Mint Mobile for supporting The Productivity Show. Mint Mobile is offering our listeners $15 per month and free shipping on their phone at MintMobile.com/tps.

Thanks to Fundrise for supporting The Productivity Show. Fundrise is offering our listeners 90 days of advisory free service. Go to Fundrise.com/tps to learn more.

Cheat Sheet:

Why transitioning to working from home was not easy for Jeff at all [2:32]
Jeff’s advice for people who are new to working from home [4:20]
A typical day or workweek for Jeff, and how it has changed since the pandemic started [6:30]
How Jeff maintains his balance between work and life [10:28]
The rhythm and seasons of work and why we should expect this in our own lives [19:26]
How Jeff approaches goal-setting for his work and projects [20:52]
Jeff’s weekly review process and what happens when he misses one [24:16]
The core technology of Jeff’s productivity ecosystem [28:00]

Connect with Jeff Sanders

Ditch Digital Clutter And Stay Organized: 3 Simple Rules That Work (TPS319)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 11:00:40 +0000

Is your downloads folder a huge mess? Do you find it hard to find email attachments you downloaded a few weeks ago? Do you easily get frustrated trying to find files and documents?

Then you want to listen carefully to today’s episode! We’re going to share with you 3 tips to help you organize your files, folders and documents so you can easily find anything within a few seconds. Even if you have thousands of files and notes laying around, by the end of this episode you’ll know how to organize everything quickly and efficiently.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

Thanks to Azlo for supporting The Productivity Show. Azlo is offering our listeners Sign up today with no minimum deposit at Azlo.com/tps and get a free copy of Azlo’s small business starter guide.

Thanks to Blinkist for supporting The Productivity Show. Blinkist is offering our listeners a free 7-day trial and 25% off your new subscription. Go to Blinkist.com/tps to learn more.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [3:08]
How this episode can help everybody and why it’s such an important topic [5:15]
Thanh’s and Brook’s personal digital organization systems [14:30]
Why you need to take as much care naming the item as you do naming the folder you put it in [17:02]
Why naming your files appropriately is only advantages with pretty much no disadvantages [28:06]
Why a simple but very intentional system will usually beat out a “complete” but extremely complicated system [29:57]
The case for not fiddling with new systems and staying deliberate and intentional [35:17]
Why using the right tools for the job will save you a lot of time and a lot of headache [37:31]
Why you need to fall in love with the search functions in your system [44:47]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [50:16]

Decision Fatigue: Here’s How To Outsmart This Productivity Killer (TPS318)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 11:00:43 +0000

How often do you find yourself saying “I can’t deal with this right now… I’ll figure it out later” or you just avoid decisions altogether?

For busy professionals, it’s extremely common, and the culprit is usually decision fatigue — the more decisions you make in a short period of time, the poorer quality your decisions become and the less willing you are to make them. We’ve all been there.

In this episode, we’re going to cover 3 strategies you can use to cut off decision fatigue and tools you can use to keep your focus on the important decisions that really do need your attention.

Thanks to Raycon for supporting The Productivity Show. Raycon is offering our listeners 15% off their wireless earbuds at BuyRaycon.com/tps.

Thanks to Sleep Cycle for supporting The Productivity Show. Sleep Cycle is offering our listeners a free 7-day trial of their intelligent alarm clock and sleep tracker. Learn more at SleepCycle.com/tps.

Thanks to Masterclass for supporting The Productivity Show. Masterclass is offering our listeners 15% off your annual all-access pass at Masterclass.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:55]
Why this episode will help everyone, from people new to productivity to seasoned veterans [5:04]
What decision fatigue is and why it can be so detrimental to our productivity [10:45]
Why decisions cause us to use up so much energy and how Steve Jobs famously handled it [14:41]
The number one way to combat decision fatigue [26:21]
How to look ahead to the next day and perceive any potential big decisions [29:40]
Why you need to work on the most important thing first every day [34:13]
What to do if you feel like you have to be always on [38:44]
The power of your community and how you can leverage it into less decision fatigue [41:55]
How having a solid definition of done is key in good delegation [47:49]
How to replace your regular decisions with routines [50:00]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [52:34]

Become An Outlook Power User – 5 (OK, 9) Easy Tips To Save You Time And Increase Focus (TPS317)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 11:00:09 +0000

If you’ve worked in a decently-sized organization, there’s a good chance that you are, have, or will at some point use Microsoft Outlook. It’s everywhere.

The problem is, most of us just start using it, and don’t spend any time making it work FOR us. In this episode, we’re going to share 5 – ok, more like 8 or 9, Outlook tips that have made us more productive and let us get back to doing our work instead of messing around in our Inbox.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

Thanks to ExpressVPN for supporting The Productivity Show. ExpressVPN is offering our listeners an extra 3 months free on a one year package. Go to ExpressVPN.com/tps to learn more.

Thanks to Blinkist for supporting The Productivity Show. Blinkist is offering our listeners a free 7-day trial and 25% off your new subscription. Go to Blinkist.com/tps to learn more.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [3:12]
The introduction of TPS+! [7:03]
Brooks’s and Marmel’s experience with Outlook, and why Brooks ditched all of his Google Suite for Microsoft 365 [11:24]
Get the zen focus of minimal notifications without sacrificing important communications [15:35]
How to reduce the clutter in your email inbox through auto filing meeting responses [24:05]
Stop wasting time digging around your messages and use search folders [27:00]
Make Outlook Mobile work for you and customize the swipe actions [29:51]
Why Brooks and Marmel believe that Outlook has the most comprehensive and useful rules system of any email client [33:06]
More quick tips to streamline and maximize your Outlook productivity [38:42]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [43:49]

A World Traveler and Entrepreneur Reveals His Personal Productivity System w/ Chris Reynolds (TPS316)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 11:00:17 +0000

Today I’m joined by Chris Reynolds, the founder of the Business Method podcast and Get Shit Done Live! Chris’ business and events help entrepreneurs optimize their productivity to reach peak performance consistently, and scale their businesses rapidly using research-driven techniques. Chris has been a location-independent entrepreneur for 11-years, living in multiple countries & traveling the world during that time.

In this episode we talk about how to optimize your brain for focus, what high performers have in common, Chris’ workflows, and his personal productivity system for how he gets things done.

Thanks to Fiverr for supporting The Productivity Show. Fiverr is offering our listeners 10% off their first order by going to Fiverr.com and using the code TPS.

Thanks to Mint Mobile for supporting The Productivity Show. Mint Mobile is offering our listeners $15 per month and free shipping on their phone at MintMobile.com/tps.

Thanks to Fundrise for supporting The Productivity Show. Fundrise is offering our listeners 90 days of advisory free service. Go to Fundrise.com/tps to learn more.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:51]
How Chris found his dream job and what he realized he needed most in his life [4:32]
What about working in an entrepreneur house was most influential on Chris and his future in productivity [9:05]
How Chris engages with and helps people looking to boost their productivity [13:00]
The importance of setting boundaries on your time, and how to stay productive while traveling [16:24]
How Chris manages his rituals while traveling and still enjoying his travels [27:40]
What a normal day looks like for Chris [32:48]
What Chris believes to be the most important part of every productivity system [38:36]
Why Chris doesn’t do any formal tracking of his mood or productivity or anything [45:09]

Connect with Chris Reynolds

Need to Prioritize? Here’s Our Favorite Tool That You Can Start Using Today (TPS315)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 11:00:02 +0000

How do you prioritize your projects? How do you know which project to work on first and ignore everything else? It’s not as simple as it sounds. Today we’re going to show you how we prioritize projects at Asian Efficiency using a tool called the ICE Matrix. It’s what we use for our annual goals and quarterly goals to figure out what the most important project is to focus on. You can apply this on a company level but also on a personal level. So if you want to get better at prioritizing, then this episode is for you.

Thanks to Raycon for supporting The Productivity Show. Raycon is offering our listeners 15% off their wireless earbuds at BuyRaycon.com/tps.

Thanks to Masterclass for supporting The Productivity Show. Masterclass is offering our listeners 15% off your annual all-access pass at Masterclass.com/tps.

Thanks to Blinkist for supporting The Productivity Show. Blinkist is offering our listeners a free 7-day trial and 25% off your new subscription. Go to Blinkist.com/tps to learn more.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [3:49]
Why you need to start prioritizing your goals [6:55]
What the ICE Matrix is and how you can use it to better align your goals with your actions [11:57]
One way to implement the ICE Matrix on your goals today [13:29]
How the ICE Matrix helps you prioritize for the most impactful projects [24:08]
How to use the ICE Matrix in a team setting [26:19]
Why having a goal in mind before trying this method can greatly help its efficacy [32:12]
How Marmel has used ICE in her personal life and her own business [34:08]
Why scoring should be done both individually and privately, and how it can affect the scoring as a team [37:34]
When you should be reprioritizing and why it’s more often than you might think [41:03]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [45:25]

How To Get Into Flow State and Make Massive Progress Quickly (TPS314)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 11:00:17 +0000

Have you ever been working on a work or personal project and you realize you’ve made massive amounts of progress? It feels like the time just flew by, and instead of feeling drained after, you feel awesome and energized.

In this episode, we’re going to talk about how to get into a state of Flow, and we’ll give you 5 tools you can use to get there yourself.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

Thanks to Blinkist for supporting The Productivity Show. Blinkist is offering our listeners a free 7-day trial and 25% off your new subscription. Go to Blinkist.com/tps to learn more.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [3:19]
What flow state is and why we all strive for it in our work [6:37]
The three things you need to get into a flow state [12:34]
How to create a flow state ritual [14:55]
Why visualizing your day is an easy way to hone your focus for flow state [28:33]
How focusing on a single task at a time can reinforce your state of flow [30:53]
What Brooks means when he says you want your tasks to be difficult but not too hard [36:05]
How to find a quiet and calm place to get into flow state [43:04]
Using the Pomodoro technique and deadlines to help get reinforce routine [46:43]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [52:37]

The Best Apps and Tools To Work From Home Productively (TPS313)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 11:00:07 +0000

Being productive at home can be a challenge when you don’t have the right tools.

By “tools”, we are talking about your physical gear – things like desks, chairs, technology, AND digital tools – things like desktop & mobile apps.

Like any job, we think the tools you use can make working from home easier and more productive, and in this episode, we are going to share 8 physical and digital tools that we love. We’ve been working from home for more than a decade each, so we’ve tried it all and you’re going to get our top recommendations.

Thanks to ExpressVPN for supporting The Productivity Show. ExpressVPN is offering our listeners an extra 3 months free on a one year package. Go to ExpressVPN.com/tps to learn more.

Thanks to Azlo for supporting The Productivity Show. Azlo is offering our listeners Sign up today with no minimum deposit at Azlo.com/tps and get a free copy of Azlo’s small business starter guide.

Thanks to Raycon for supporting The Productivity Show. Raycon is offering our listeners 15% off their wireless earbuds at BuyRaycon.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [3:09]
Why Brooks and Thanh wanted to talk about work-from-home tools on this episode [6:44]
What are some of the biggest changes they have made in their setups to increase productivity [8:33]
The top physical tools that can help to work from home be more productive [14:56]
Thanh’s top advice for laptop users who work from home [22:34]
How Brooks and Thanh streamline some of their most-used computer functions [26:22]
How an anti-fatigue mat can make working at a standing desk even better [30:37]
The power of the purse hook for workspace organization [35:00]
Why getting reminders to take a break and stay hydrated is so important when working from home [39:16]
How Thanh streamlined his screen sharing [41:24]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [44:40]

Tim Stringer on Managing Personal Tasks & Team Projects, Communication, and Holistic Productivity (TPS312)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 11:00:17 +0000

In this episode, I am super excited to introduce Tim Stringer to the Productivity Show. Tim is a professionally-trained coach, productivity expert, and an accomplished yoga and meditation teacher. He’s the founder of Technically Simple and LearnOmniFocus.

As you can imagine, we cover a wide range of topics like how to best use a task manager for personal tasks, professional tasks, and team projects, what type of tasks to put where, and how a serious health issue led him to develop an approach he calls Holistic Productivity.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Indeed is offering our listeners a $75 credit at Indeed.com/tps.

Thanks to Fiverr for supporting The Productivity Show. Fiverr is offering our listeners 10% off their first order by going to Fiverr.com and using the code TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

How Tim got into the productivity space [2:12]
The top 3 productivity resources for this week [5:24]
How Tim sells the concept of a task manager to somebody who believes they don’t need one [11:21]
Which task managers and systems Tim uses and why [17:31]
How Tim manages both his work and the collaborations he has with others with tools like Asana [21:27]
Why Tim advises people to break down projects and larger tasks in their main task manager and not in team management apps [29:40]
How integrating Zapier with your task and team management tools can streamline your workflow [32:29]
How Tim segregates his work and personal actions in Omnifocus [36:53]
Tim’s favorite new features in Omnifocus [39:18]
The biggest challenges people face when starting with Omnifocus [45:06]
What Tim wants to see in future development of Omnifocus features [47:50]
Tim’s favorite tech tools to make his work life better and more efficient [51:59]
How yoga and mindfulness fit into Tim’s daily productivity [1:00:38]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [1:04:04]

Connect with Tim Stringer

Your GTD Weekly Review: Be Consistent And Achieve “Mind Like Water” Each Week (TPS311)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 11:00:57 +0000

If you’ve tried David Allen’s Getting Things Done methodology, you’ve probably run into this scenario: You start doing your Weekly Review, and then you miss one, and then you miss another one, and before you know it, things are starting to slip.

It doesn’t have to be that way — in this episode, we are going to talk about doing an effective and efficient Weekly Review, and we are going to talk about how to be CONSISTENT. It almost always comes down to one of 2 things, and we’ll help you save both of them.

The Weekly Review is the best way to achieve that “Mind Like Water” state, every single week. Even if you are not a GTD person, you can benefit from doing this Weekly Review.

Thanks to Mint Mobile for supporting The Productivity Show. Mint Mobile is offering our listeners $15 per month and free shipping on their phone at MintMobile.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:52]
What the GTD Weekly Review is and why it’s so powerful for productivity [6:00]
How David Allen breaks down the Weekly Review in Getting Things Done [11:43]
Why getting clear of what happened since your last review is so important [12:25]
How to improve the trust you have with your current systems and why it matters [24:15]
Why having next actions is the key to avoiding procrastination on your projects [30:08]
How to drive your professional development by getting creative [33:52]
How to overcome the MOST difficult problem people share: consistency [38:57]
The common pitfalls that Thanh has seen with people and their weekly reviews [44:55]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [48:54]

The Three Stages To A Great Weekly Review

Get Clear — Tie up any loose ends from the week before.
Get Current – Plan out the steps you need to take over the next week to advance whatever projects you’re currently working on.
Get Creative — Think about and start planning things you could be doing to move your life.

How To Build a Second Brain and Be More Organized w/ Tiago Forte (TPS310)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 11:00:19 +0000

Today I’m joined by Tiago Forte, founder of Forte Labs and the creator of Building A Second Brain. It’s a system he developed for organizing ideas and information to help people become more productive and creative. If you’re a knowledge worker and want to be more efficient and organized, then you’re going to love today’s episode.

We’re also going to host a live webinar together on the topic of Building a Second Brain a few days from now and you can sign up for it here at theproductivityshow.com/brain

Thanks to ExpressVPN for supporting The Productivity Show. ExpressVPN is offering our listeners an extra 3 months free on a one year package. Go to ExpressVPN.com/tps to learn more.

Thanks to Raycon for supporting The Productivity Show. Raycon is offering our listeners 15% off their wireless earbuds at buyraycon.com/tps

Cheat Sheet:

Tiago’s top 3 productivity resources [2:23]
How Tiago developed the ‘second brain’ system [5:36]
What the second brain system is and how to build your own [10:50]
How Tiago’s system addresses the dreaded pile of information and files [17:23]
What you can put into practice today with the PARA system [26:49]
What you can do if you’re “totally new” to productivity [32:38]
Why David Allen’s GTD system and Tiago’s second brain are ‘twins’ [35:11]
Tiago’s weekly routine and how it keeps him productive in his own life [38:31]

Connect with Tiago Forte

The 5 GTD Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes… Do You? (TPS309)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 11:00:25 +0000

GTD or “Getting Things Done” is a productivity system that has been a lifesaver for us going back to the mid-2000s.

As we’ve talked to members of the community and podcast listeners over the years, we’ve found that there are certain things that almost everyone does when they’re just starting out, and most of the time they cause problems later.

We don’t want that to be you! So we’re going to go through 5 mistakes that almost everyone makes with GTD, and what you should do instead. Even if you’ve been using GTD for years, we bet you’re doing some of these too.

Thanks to ExpressVPN for supporting The Productivity Show. ExpressVPN is offering our listeners an extra 3 months free on a one year package. Go to ExpressVPN.com/tps to learn more.

Thanks also to Azlo for supporting The Productivity Show. Azlo is offering our listeners Sign up today with no minimum deposit at Azlo.com/tps and get a free copy of Azlo’s small business starter guide.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:35]
What GTD is and for who and for what it works best [9:10]
Why the key to having a good capture system is to minimize the amount of inputs [16:25]
How specificity with your next actions can have a profound effect on your GTD system [26:46]
How not having a clear idea of contexts can be confusing [34:00]
The strength of keeping consistent scheduled times to do your weekly reviews [40:38]
Why overthinking things can cause your system to fall apart [45:15]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [51:30]

Has The Pandemic Put You Behind On Your Goals? Here’s What We Did To Get On Track (TPS308)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 11:00:13 +0000

Had the pandemic put you behind on your goals? Maybe you’ve completely abandoned your goals altogether when life got too crazy. Given what has been going on in the world this year, you might be thinking “Goals? Those went out the window in March” — we get it.

But there’s still half a year to go and so much left for you to accomplish! In this episode, we are going to share best practices around goal setting, how you can start fresh and give you tactics for accomplishing your goals for the rest of the year.

Thanks to Fiverr for supporting The Productivity Show. Fiverr is offering our listeners 10% off their first order by going to Fiverr.com and using the code TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:41]
The goals that Thanh and Brooks set for themselves this year and how it’s going [6:52]
Why changing goals is not giving up [10:38]
Why you should not limit yourself to a new year to set new goals [13:35]
How Thanh and Brooks prepared their 2020 goals [16:45]
How to whittle away the things in your life that are making achieving your goals more difficult [25:16]
Staying on track with your goals by measuring your key drivers [31:17]
What pitfalls and obstructions to your goals you should look for in the future [35:45]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [41:30]

How To Beat Zoom Fatigue, Even If You Don’t Use Zoom (TPS307)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 11:00:54 +0000

Have you ever noticed that at the end of a long web conferencing call like on Zoom or Teams, you feel way more drained than if it was an in-person meeting?

The term for this is “Zoom Fatigue”, and even if you use another tool like Microsoft Teams or Skype, it’s a real thing and a lot of us are feeling it these days.

In this episode, we’re going to share with you 5 tips to beat Zoom Fatigue and still stay productive in the day, even if you’re staring at a screen full of meetings all day long.

Thanks to Azlo for supporting The Productivity Show. Azlo is offering our listeners Sign up today with no minimum deposit at Azlo.com/tps and get a free copy of Azlo’s small business starter guide.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:25]
Why despite the advanced tech, online calls are so fatiguing [7:53]
Why you should use the “Active Speaker” mode whenever possible [11:40]
Why Thanh never prefers using the grid mode over “Active Speaker” mode, even when speaking to a group [14:02]
Why AE recommends you turn off the self-view option in a Zoom call [19:35]
The power of taking mini-breaks [23:14]
Why you should push to do meetings with your camera off if you can [27:47]
How multitasking can ruin a Zoom meeting for you and everybody else [34:58]

Master Your Calendar: 3 Actionable Tips To Take Control of Your Day (TPS306)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 11:00:39 +0000

Your calendar is your most important productivity tool. It represents so much — what your commitments are, what your opportunities are, and what is going on in your life and your work.

In fact, we’d even say that your calendar is the true reflection of your priorities. It represents what you ACTUALLY spend your time on, not what you WISH you spend your time on.

Your calendar can be a force for good with your productivity, and in this episode, we’re going to share 3 tips to help you Master Your Calendar and become Jedi level productive.

Thanks to Raycon for supporting The Productivity Show. Raycon is offering our listeners 15% off their wireless earbuds at BuyRaycon.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [3:36]
How to use your calendar to check if your ambitions can fit into reality [7:27]
How to figure out what kind of calendar you will use [10:14]
The advantages of paper or digital systems [12:34]
How to use emojis to streamline your calendar organization [16:16]
How to get the best of both worlds with the hybrid method [19:03]
Unique ways to fully utilize your calendar [24:28]
What should go on a calendar and what should go in your task manager [31:49]
The benefits of color-coding your events [34:20]
Why buffer blocks are so useful when scheduling your days out [40:43]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [45:06]

See How Easily You Can Start a Side-Hustle w/ Jen Shultz (TPS305)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 11:00:31 +0000

Today I’m joined by Jen Shultz, founder of The Non-Nine-to-Five where she helps people transition from a full-time career to starting a business. She has helped many people over the years and still manages to do everything herself without any staff which to me is crazy. So I asked how she’s able to be productive, run a business, help clients, and live a normal life. We also dove deep into the apps and tools she uses, and her workflows.

Thanks to ExpressVPN for supporting The Productivity Show. ExpressVPN is offering our listeners an extra 3 months free on a one year package. Go to ExpressVPN.com/tps to learn more.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [1:51]
What inspired Jen to leave her job in New York and move to Austin [3:13]
What gave Jen the courage to just quit her job without a backup plan [7:43]
Why Jen transitioned from her first successful business into her current one [10:42]
How intuition plays into Jen’s work with her clients [13:17]
How one can start a side business when they’re so busy at work [21:47]
What steps Jen takes to ensure her work and personal lives run efficiently [29:56]
Why Jen doesn’t use a lot of productivity tools and what her priorities are in her planning [37:28]
How Jen deals with procrastination [42:31]

Connect with Jen Schultz

Did You Choose The Right Goals? Here’s How To Find Out And Get Unstuck (TPS304)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 11:00:49 +0000

At the start of the year or quarter you made a goal which sounded fantastic. You were all in.

Now? Maybe you’re not so sure. How do you know whether the goal you THOUGHT was a good idea truly is a goal worth pursuing for the rest of the year?

In this episode, we’re going to share 3 ways you can take a look at your goals and decide whether they’re goals you should still go after. Maybe they are, and maybe they’re not — we’ll find out!

Thanks to Fiverr for supporting The Productivity Show. Fiverr is offering our listeners 10% off their first order by going to Fiverr.com and using the code TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [1:59]
Why Asian Efficiency felt this topic wasn’t discussed enough [6:08]
What it takes to make a strong why for your goals [7:56]
Why it is okay for our motivations and our goals to change over time [11:06]
Why we need to fall in love with our goals and get our emotions involved [14:15]
How evaluating your current situation can help you get insight on your goals [18:49]
Why you should break down goals into manageable steps and consult with experts often [26:02]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [35:55]

Our Most Useful Productivity Purchases From The Last Year (TPS303)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 11:00:26 +0000

We all know that you can’t buy your way to productivity. The biggest factor to you becoming more productive is for you to have focus and to execute as consistently as possible.

HOWEVER, applying the right tool, app, book, or course can make things go faster, run more smoothly, or can just make things more enjoyable.

In this episode, we are going to cover 10 of our favorite purchases over the past year, and share how they’re helping us get healthier, smarter, more productive, and making our lives better.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:16]
Thanh’s best purchase he has made to stay healthy during quarantine [5:57]
Why Brooks loves his Surface Pro 7 [9:37]
Why the Airpod Pros are a step up from the others [12:51]
The community-building book that turned out to be way better than Brooks expected [18:27]
How Thanh is finding trends in how his habits affect his day [20:38]
What data-storage solutions Brooks is upgrading into [24:05]
Thanh’s number one purchase of the past year [27:37]
The course that helped Brooks master the “most underutilized app out there” [30:40]
How a percussive therapy massage device has kept Thanh relaxed and in shape [33:45]
How Brooks turned a forgotten project into a retro gaming station during quarantine [38:06]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [40:55]

Can Productivity Challenges Help You Grow? Yes! Here Are Ours (And What We Did) (TPS302)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 11:00:23 +0000

If you’re listening to this podcast, we’re going to bet that you’ve had some sort of productivity challenge in your life. Maybe you found yourself repeating the same negative habits. Maybe you haven’t adapted as well to a new situation than you’d like, or maybe distractions get the better of you and you get to the end of the day and don’t feel like you’ve accomplished anything.

Well, even though we host a podcast called The Productivity Show, we’ve been there too. In this episode, we’re going to share 4 productivity challenges we’ve had over the years, and what we did to overcome them.

Even though your challenges may be different, we think you’ll pick up some ideas that will help you breakthrough.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:33]
What happened with Brooks that made him work on his productivity habits [8:15]
How Brooks took a weekend off of his work and family life to implement his new productivity system [12:23]
What made Thanh and the Asian Efficiency team learn to focus on only one thing at a time [16:00]
How to evaluate many opportunities and learn to settle on just one using the ICE matrix [22:14]
What Brooks did when he found himself overextended in one area of his work [26:57]
How a period of uncertainty in his job and learning about how our brains work brought Thanh to GTD [35:46]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [43:47]

How We Improved Our Lives and Work With Journaling – And You Can Too (TPS301)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 25 May 2020 11:00:59 +0000

Do you find yourself with scattered thoughts, not sure what to work on at the start of your day, or do you go to bed with thoughts, tasks, and ideas swirling around in your head?

One of the most underrated but powerful productivity techniques is to journal. It’s something that anyone can do, and it is so easy to get started.

However, there is a difference between just jotting down thoughts and journaling to really improve your productivity — and that is what we are going to help you within this episode. We’re going to take you through 4 tips to start journaling and we’ll show you how to be consistent with it going forward.

Thanks to ExpressVPN for supporting The Productivity Show. ExpressVPN is offering our listeners an extra 3 months free on a one year package. Go to ExpressVPN.com/tps to learn more.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:34]
The connection between journaling and productivity [4:42]
How knowing your “why” for journaling can be the best way to stick with journaling long-term [6:20]
Pick a medium that you enjoy to journal [14:12]
Two of the most popular ways that you can use your journal [21:53]
How you can use your journal to help shape the way you think [26:54]
Why it is important to make your journaling a routine [29:11]
Brooks’s and Thanh’s journaling rituals [30:55]
Why you should regularly review your journal entries [37:55]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [47:10]

Ask Us Anything – Live Q&A On Productivity, Tech, Behind The Scenes, and Working for AE (TPS300)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 18 May 2020 11:00:55 +0000

This is Episode 300 of The Productivity Show, and we thought we’d celebrate by turning the show over to you!

This is our first Q&A episode of the show, and we invited listeners of the podcast, readers of the Asian Efficiency blog, and our followers on Social media to ask us anything.

There are questions about productivity, behind the scenes questions about the podcast, our setups, and a whole lot more.

Thanks to Fiverr for supporting The Productivity Show. Fiverr is offering our listeners 10% off their first order by going to Fiverr.com and using the code TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [3:26]
“How has doing the podcast for the last five years helped you with your productivity?” [7:33]
“How do you win the fight against start-of-the-day inertia? What motivates you to be Asian Efficient every morning when you wake up?” [11:50]
“Where are the past hosts of The Productivity Show now?” [14:30]
“What apps do you have on your home screens?” [18:31]
“How do you join AE as an employee?” [22:31]
“How do you organize your editorial calendar and content creation?” [28:33]
“What are some of your personal reasons for choosing Mac over Windows?” [35:52]
“How do you decide what kind of products you should develop and how long it will take to bring to market?” [41:57]
“Why Asian Efficiency?” [45:56]
“What are your audio/video setups and tools? How do you speak into the camera naturally when you’re trying to look at your notes?” [48:14]
“How do you estimate your marketing budget for a given project?” [55:32]
“What is your main goal for the next 3 years? Where do you want to see the Asian Efficiency Team?” [1:00:23]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [1:05:37]

Extra Questions and Answers:

What’s the best way to demonstrate improved productivity to my manager when working from home so that when we’re all able to return to work I can KEEP working from home?
- Working From Home? Productivity Tips From Decade+ Work From Home Veterans (TPS297)
Best tips on working at home for people who aren’t used to this?
- Working From Home? Productivity Tips From Decade+ Work From Home Veterans (TPS297)
- We recently covered this in a Dojo “Do The Damn Thing” live session. You can watch the recording at https://theproductivityshow.com/implement
What’s the best process to follow up with people and action items after meetings?
- Can The “Sandwich Technique” Solve Your Focus Problems? w/ Erin Chase (TPS226)
How does one overcome mental tiredness that sets in after a hard day at work to pursue a side hustle in the evening? (Data point: already starts work at 7 am)
- Have A Side Hustle? 5 Ways To Maximize Your Time, Energy, and Attention With a Job and a Freelance or Passion Project (TPS290)
What’s the best way to set yourself up for success the next day or the next week OTHER THAN Clear To Neutral, which he loves. Anything else?
- How To Plan Your Perfect Week In Under 45 Minutes (TPS293)
- We recently covered this in a Dojo “Do The Damn Thing” live session – Planning the Perfect Week. You can watch the recording at https://theproductivityshow.com/implement
What do you do when you feel bored when doing a project?
- How To Stay Focused When You Get Bored Working On Your Goals (TPS272)
How do you adapt an effective exercise routine at home with minimum or no equipment?
- 4 Ways You Can Be Happy, Healthy, and Sane When Stuck At Home (TPS299)
How do you use the stat breakdown from the Oura ring to improve your sleep?
- Speed Up by Slowing Down: Sleep Secrets to Boost Your Focus and Maximize Your Productivity (TPS214)
How do you make OTHERS more efficient?
- The ONLY Way You Can Inspire Change in Others & Make Them More Productive (TPS204)
- 4 Strategies For Making Your Friends & Family More Productive (TPS205)

4 Ways You Can Be Happy, Healthy, and Sane When Stuck At Home (TPS299)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 11 May 2020 11:00:29 +0000

There is a lot of information out there about working from home, but most of it is little hacks and tips and tricks. Those are definitely useful, but they ignore the mental and physical side of being stuck at home.

We always say that happy people are productive people, and that theory has never been tested more than right now while so many people are stuck at home trying to get things done.

In this episode, we’ll share 4 important things you can do to be happy, healthy, and sane when stuck at home.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [1:50]
What Brooks and Thanh are learning about their work habits in quarantine [6:34]
Why it’s important to try and stick with your routine as much as possible [10:49]
Make sleep and exercise a high priority to stay healthy during quarantine [15:58]
What Thanh’s personal trainer recommended for a minimal home gym and workout [19:32]
Why we all need to make sure we are socializing as much as we can [26:46]
Why socializing doesn’t necessarily mean reaching out to people out of the house [35:17]
Disconnect when you can! [37:06]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [45:41]

Family and Working From Home: How To Get Things Done When You’re Stuck Together 24/7 (TPS298)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 04 May 2020 11:00:47 +0000

The perfect storm has finally happened. Many of us are working from home whether we want to be or not, and if that wasn’t complicated enough, if we have family members, they’re stuck at home too!

If you are working from home with kids, you’ll know how hard it is to get your work done AND keep them from going feral AND keep them from playing video games or watching Youtube 12 hours a day.

If you DON’T have kids, chances are you’re working with people who are going through this.

Many of us here on the AE team is in this situation, so in this episode, we will be sharing what we and members of the community have been doing and what works for us to get things done with kids at home.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:13]
How to create a fun learning environment for your kids at home [7:19]
What activity stations can do to help delineate activities and tasks for kids [14:16]
Creating a routine for you and your kids [17:40]
How to use visual cues to minimize interruptions [28:47]
Why we need to make sure we have compassion for ourselves and for our family in this time [33:03]
Why communicating your schedule effectively with others can alleviate a lot of issues [39:17]

Working From Home? Productivity Tips From Decade+ Work From Home Veterans (TPS297)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:00:29 +0000

Recently a lot of people transitioned to work from home and feel out of their element. They’re finding it harder to focus and get things done. They don’t have the right tools, they have their kids at home, a partner around them 24/7 and they’re going crazy staying inside the whole time! Don’t worry, anyone can productively work from home with a few tips and strategies and that’s what we’ll share with you today. Brooks and I have combined over 21 years of working from home and we have 5 tips that we’ll help you get more done at home without going crazy!

Thanks to Literati for supporting The Productivity Show. Literati is offering our listeners 25% off their first two orders. Go to Literati.com/TPS to learn more.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:33]
How today’s episode can help everybody, from people new to working from home to seasoned veterans [4:40]
Why people who are used to working from home will have an advantage in this new economy [7:41]
The importance of having a dedicated workspace that you love [14:48]
How creating a schedule for your day can help direct your energy and focus [24:02]
Why making a schedule and sticking to it can help you keep a healthy work-life balance [31:24]
Why keeping your team members informed about your availability is very helpful for you and for them [33:05]
How regular breaks throughout the day can keep you healthy, refreshed, and recharged [42:20]
The importance of letting your family know when you are at work and when you are not [48:10]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [53:00]

How to Focus While Fear, News and Social Media Is Dominating Your Life (TPS296)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 11:00:54 +0000

Recently, we did a survey of the Asian Efficiency audience and did a check-in: we asked what kind of impact the global pandemic we’re going through is having.

As we suspected, a *lot* of us are struggling. Even if you and your family are healthy, and even if you’re used to working from home, there’s a lot of change going on right now, and change can be extremely disruptive.

The good news is that it is possible to focus on your important priorities *and* be informed. In fact, we think that ability is going to be a competitive advantage in the future.

In this episode, we’re going to give you 5 strategies to give you that advantage.

Thanks to Fiverr for supporting The Productivity Show. Fiverr is offering our listeners 10% off their first order by going to Fiverr.com and using the code TPS.

Thanks also to Literati for supporting The Productivity Show. Literati is offering our listeners 25% off their first two orders. Go to Literati.com/TPS to learn more.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:50]
What inspired this episode and who will benefit most from it [5:35]
Why you should only be focusing on what you can control [11:43]
How to be proactive and firewall your attention [16:49]
What music can do to help ensure you have a focused time for work [25:20]
Use focus blocks to carve out time to focus [31:57]
Why setting aside time to stay up to date on what is happening in the world helps [36:23]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [43:04]

3 Simple Ways to Bounce Back From Failure and Thrive (TPS295)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 11:00:16 +0000

Let’s talk about failure. It is easy to be productive when everything is going well, but what happens when you have a setback? Even a small failure can be discouraging and get you in a rut. What can you do to get yourself to be productive again? We’re going to share 3 strategies for how to bounce back from failure and share examples of how we’ve done it ourselves.

Thanks to Blinkist for supporting The Productivity Show. Blinkist is offering our listeners a free 7-day trial and 25% off your new subscription. Go to Blinkist.com/tps to learn more.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [1:43]
Some of Brooks’ and Thanh’s recent failures [5:42]
Why it is important to separate yourself from your successes and failures [8:48]
Why your first instinct may not always be best [16:12]
What changing your environment can do to get you back on track [17:25]
Why happy people are productive people [24:05]
What makes different members of the Asian Efficiency Dojo happy [30:15]
Action steps you can take to integrate today’s topic into your life [33:15]

Q1 Goal Check-In: How We’re Doing, And How You Can Stay On Track With Yours (TPS294)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 11:00:14 +0000

The first quarter of the year is done — how are you doing on your yearly goals? Are you on track? Are you behind? Have you dropped some goals and added any new ones? Have you even made any goals for the year?

In this episode, we will be reviewing the goals we made on the podcast at the beginning of the year, and most importantly — we will share some tips and things we’ve learned about keeping and working towards your goals.

We’ll also share what to do when a goal doesn’t make sense anymore. Sometimes things come up and you need to make a course correction.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:24]
Who this episode is for and how it can help people who struggle with goal setting [4:33]
The goals Brooks and Thanh set last quarter [7:29]
How Thanh’s goals evolved over the first quarter and what he could do better next time [10:28]
What Brooks implemented for his goals this year and how it helped him succeed so far [14:08]
How Thanh is increasing his likelihood of succeeding at his new goal [19:38]
The little “kaizen” improvements Brooks has made over this first quarter [24:10]
Why Thanh prefers consulting professionals for advice instead of going the DIY route [27:53]
How Brooks and Thanh keep track of their progress [30:20]

How To Plan Your Perfect Week (TPS293)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 11:00:22 +0000

Do you ever get to the end of the week and realize that you haven’t made real progress on any of your goals and priorities? You see stuff on your todo list that didn’t get done. And then maybe you thought to yourself: “How did this happen?”

The key to having a productive week is not just what you do during the week – it is what you do before the week even starts. You need to plan your week and plan it the right way.

In this episode, we will take you through the 4 things you should do to plan your perfect week, so you can finish the week with a feeling of accomplishment, not frustration.

Thanks to Blinkist for supporting The Productivity Show. Blinkist is offering our listeners a free 7-day trial and 25% off your new subscription. Go to Blinkist.com/tps to learn more.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:46]
One of the new techniques that the Asian Efficiency Dojo has been implementing [5:42]
Why it is important to set aside dedicated time to plan out your week [8:54]
Why we can’t leave our priorities for the week up to chance [17:54]
What you can learn from reviewing your past week [26:06]
How leaving yourself with unplanned time is necessary for a productive week [34:39]
Some action steps to help you get started on this today [40:57]

Our Controversial Productivity Beliefs (And Why They Work) (TPS292)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 11:00:02 +0000

I did a Google search for “productivity advice”, and it brought back 210,000,000 results. A lot of those results are giving the same advice over and over, and a lot of time we just accept it. Someone puts it in a book, so it must be true!

Here’s the thing though: it may not be true for YOU.

In this episode, we are going to share our controversial opinions on productivity. Things that we believe, even though they may not be conventional wisdom or people may not be willing to talk about.

Thanks to Freshbooks for supporting The Productivity Show. Freshbooks is offering our listeners a free 30-day trial, no catch and no credit card required. Go to Freshbooks.com/tps and enter TPS in the “How did you hear about us” section to get started.

Thanks also to Fiverr for supporting The Productivity Show. Fiverr is offering our listeners 10% off their first order by going to Fiverr.com and using the code TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:21]
What “Time Arbitrage” is and why Thanh believes it is the key to getting more productive hours out of your day [6:01]
Why even though you _think_ you’re a night owl, you’re probably not [9:33]
How having a day of only meetings can free up a lot of time and deep work disruption [12:05]
What to do if you want a meeting day but aren’t in charge of scheduling meetings [20:34]
Why DIY is often not efficient at all [24:27]
Believe it or not, doing your most important task first is NOT necessarily the golden rule of productivity [39:03]

COVID-19: How To Be As Productive As Possible During Coronavirus Isolation (TPS291.5)

Asian Efficiency Team — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 02:16:28 +0000

As you know we’re in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. We thought it was our duty to help you stay productive throughout this period, and that’s why we put this bonus episode together at the last minute.

The reality is, for most of us life goes on and we have to adapt to what’s going on. We still have to pay our bills, mortgages, and rent. Deadlines still have to be met.

A lot of people are now forced to work from home which is challenging, and then having your kids at home on top of that can make it even more difficult to be productive.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [2:23]
How to work from home and in a remote team, even if it is new to you [9:44]
How you can get anything done with kids at home [29:53]
Ways to focus while fear, news, and social media is dominating your life [38:01]
Tips to stay healthy and sane during isolation time [47:34]
How to make “social distancing” bearable [59:43]

How To Design A More Focused and Productive Work Environment (TPS291)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 11:00:31 +0000

Whether you are working in an office or working from home, the environment you are in is either supporting or hurting your productivity – you just may not know it!

This episode is about designing your environment. We don’t mean whether your walls should be “Raspberry Truffle” or what size your baseboards should be — we mean setting up where you work and live so that you are able to get your best work done and be as productive as possible.

Cheat Sheet:

Brooks and Marmel’s top 3 productivity resources for this week [3:05]
How Marmel has put today’s topic into immediate practice during recording [6:10]
The productivity boost of having a well-curated workspace [9:53]
How Brooks and Marmel have made difficult corporate workspaces in the past work for them [13:36]
Why “a cluttered desk makes a cluttered mind” [18:06]
What to do if you need to use one space for many different contexts [30:32]
How to minimize digital distractions [33:51]
The power of friction [38:05]
Keep a recurring time to declutter your space [48:06]

Have A Side Hustle? 5 Ways To Maximize Your Time, Energy, and Attention With a Job and a Freelance or Passion Project (TPS290)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 11:00:41 +0000

Today’s episode is about how you maintain a full-time job while starting and growing a side hustle. This could be a passion project, freelancing gig, or something else you want to start on the side while maintaining your full-time job. It can be tough to balance the two without feeling overwhelmed and for a lot of people, it’s almost impossible to start a side hustle because their full-time job is taking up all their time.

But don’t you worry, we got you covered. We’ll share 5 tips to maximize your time and ways for you to start and grow your side hustle.

Thanks to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Get started today at Indeed.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

The top 3 productivity resources for this week [3:32]
What a side hustle can mean and who this episode is for [5:24]
Why becoming a master of scheduling your time is so important in having a side hustle [7:19]
The power of cumulative time [18:15]
How to automate and delegate tasks and why you should do it as often as you can [24:54]
Prioritize communication way higher than you think you should [32:24]
Why you need to celebrate the wins you get with your side hustle [41:08]

Work-Life Balance Is A Myth, But Here’s How To Be Better In Your Work and Personal Life Without Falling Apart (TPS289)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 12:00:43 +0000

One of the most common questions we get is: “Should I keep my work and personal tasks together? Or should I separate them? How about my email and calendar?”

In this episode, we’re going to tackle this controversial topic and give you 4 strategies that have worked well for us and others in the Asian Efficiency community.

Thanks to Blinkist for supporting The Productivity Show. Blinkist is offering our listeners a free 7-day trial and 25% off your new subscription. Go to Blinkist.com/tps to learn more.

Thanks also to Fiverr for supporting The Productivity Show. Fiverr is offering our listeners 10% off their first order by going to Fiverr.com and using the code TPS.

Cheat Sheet:

The top three productivity resources for this week [2:12]
What inspired Brooks to create this episode and why it’s a topic for everybody [4:28]
The question people are _really_ asking when they are trying to figure out their work-life balance [7:58]
How to free up your Time, Energy, and Attention [11:45]
What to look for when you’re hiring outside help [18:02]
How consolidating your inputs and capture points can focus your energy to where it’s most effective [23:34]
Why you should develop your tunnel vision [31:55]
The power and unintuitive nature of intentional imbalance in achieving your goals [40:31]

The 12 Week Year: The “Secret Sauce” To Achieving Your Goals Every Quarter (TPS288)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 12:00:56 +0000

Do you have trouble achieving your goals? Even if you’ve meticulously planned out your year, taking those plans and translating them into accomplishments doesn’t always work out the way you hope.

A powerful framework for achieving your goals is called The 12 Week Year, which is based on a book by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington.

In this episode, we revisit The 12 Week Year and share 5 tips that will help you succeed with it and accomplish your goals faster and more consistently.

Thanks to Grammarly for supporting The Productivity Show. Grammarly is offering our listeners 20% off their premium account. Go to Grammarly.com/tps to get 20% off your premium account today.

Cheat Sheet:

Brooks’s and Thanh’s top 3 productivity resources for the week [3:24]
What the 12 Week Year is and why the Asian Efficiency community loves it [5:13]
Why you should focus on fewer goals than you think [11:06]
The power of knowing your “why” when setting your goals [19:24]
What tracking your actions does for accomplishing your 12 Week Year goals [23:42]
The difference between measuring lead instead of lag indicators [31:21]
Accountability buddies and how it can increase your motivation when you feel like you don’t have any left [37:04]
Action steps that can help you get started on your 12 Week Year [41:25]

Is Evernote Dying? Nope! Here Are Our Favorite Tips and How We Use It Now (TPS287)

Asian Efficiency Team — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 12:00:36 +0000

If you’ve looked at productivity apps at all, you will have come across Evernote. Some people think about Evernote as a “note-taking app”, but it is so much more than that. It’s where you can remember everything that is important, and it’s the tool you can use to stay organized, wherever you are in the world and with whatever device you have access to.

We’ve talked a lot about Evernote on the podcast, going back as far as 2015. In this episode, we are going to revisit how we use Evernote, and share some of our favorite Evernote tips — some you may not have used before, even if you’ve been using Evernote for as long as we have.

Thanks also to Indeed for supporting The Productivity Show. Get started today at Indeed.com/tps.

Cheat Sheet:

Brooks’s top 3 productivity resources for the week [3:23]
How Thanh and Brooks first encountered Evernote and what they used it for [7:16]
Why despite some popular articles and videos, Evernote is far from dead [11:14]
How Evernote has made the Asian Efficiency team’s organization much better [14:54]
Why it’s really important not to overthink how you organize your notes [25:16]
The advantage of creating a dashboard or table of contents [30:54]
The power of utilizing the Evernote template system [35:02]
How to become a web clipper power user and combine it with Gmail [39:30]
The super-shortcut that is under-utilized in Evernote [43:35]