Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

This week I’m excited to welcome my friend Jeff Sieh back to the show for a great chat about harnessing our creative potential while fostering creative gifts for your business. Jeff is an international speaker and visual marketing consultant. He hosts the Social Media News Live show and podcast and is also “Head Beard” at Manly Pinterest Tips. Jeff has worked with and produced a wide range of content for various companies, including Guy Kawasaki, Kim Garst, Social Media Examiner, and Tailwind.In this conversation Jeff shares his insights on defining creativity in the context of business building and creation. He emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity, cultivating diverse inputs, while also seeking input from others to inspire creativity. Jeff also shares his system for capturing and organizing ideas, using tools like Tiago Forte's Building a Second Brain and the PARA system.To help you stay focused and centered, we also discuss creative rituals, including journaling and using tools like the Pomodoro technique. In addition we delve into the benefits of napping for creativity and productivity, and share tips for effective napping routines. From the significance of humor and laughter in enhancing creativity and productivity to the importance of seeking creative stimulus from various sources, this episode is packed with actionable advice to ignite your creative spark.So, whether you're feeling stuck with ideas or overwhelmed by the multitude of them, Jeff’s insights on trying and failing often, moving quickly with ideas that gain traction, and changing environments to spark creativity will help you break through those barriers.____________________________________Creatives and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Jeff Goins - Real Artists Don't Starve Creativity Inc Duncan Wardle Julia Cameron Artist's DatesMorning Pages Tiago Forte - Building A Second Brain Arriana Huffington - The Sleep Revolution Brain.fm ____________________________________Connect with Jeff:WebsiteSocial Media News LiveInstagramTwitterLinkedIn_____________________________________Connect with Erik:Sign Up For Our NewsletterLinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram _____________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I’m excited to welcome Todd Henry back to the show for a really encouraging and informative conversation about his new book, The Brave Habit: A Guide To Courageous Leadership. Todd has been a guest on the show many times lending his wisdom and insights on everything from creativity to motivation. Todd is the founder of Accidental Creative, a company that helps creative people and teams be prolific, brilliant and healthy. He regularly speaks and consults with companies about how to develop practices that lead to everyday brilliance. He is the author of six other books (The Accidental Creative, Die Empty, Louder Than Words, Herding Tigers, The Motivation Code, and Daily Creative), which have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and he speaks and consults across dozens of industries on creativity, leadership, and passion for work.In this episode Todd breaks down the unique distinctions between bravery and heroism, the importance of claiming agency, and the application of the brave habit to daily work and team dynamics. Todd also shares personal insights, including his journey in redefining his 18-year-old business, and highlighting the need for an optimistic vision in uncertain times. We discuss how to cultivate bravery as a daily habit and the process of leading yourself and others boldly into the future. Connect with Todd:WebsiteTodd’s New BookInstagramLinkedIn______________________________________Todd’s Episode on The Daily Practice of Creativity______________________________________Connect with Erik:Sign Up For Our NewsletterLinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram _______________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I’m excited to welcome Dave Delaney back to the show for a great conversation about sobriety, living and thriving with ADHD, and helping others to equip themselves with the tools they need to excel. Dave is a recognized leader, consultant and keynote speaker on digital marketing, social media strategy, and business networking. His book, New Business Networking and his Newsletter The Nice Maker are invaluable tools for marketers and anyone working in the social media space. In this episode Dave openly shares his personal experiences and challenges related to his recent ADHD diagnosis at the age of 50, shedding light on the complexities of acknowledging and understanding the impact of the condition as an adult. The conversation revolves around Dave's journey of realization, coping mechanisms, and the potential comorbidities associated with ADHD. Erik also adds his perspective, having been diagnosed with ADHD in 2005, and discusses the difficulties of accepting the diagnosis as an adult.In addition Dave and Erik delve into the unique challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, including the oft-overlooked aspects of this condition. From the various manifestations of ADHD to the journey of understanding the diagnosis, Erik and Dave share personal experiences and professional insights relating to ADHD. Join us as we explore strategies for coping with overwhelming factors of the condition, the significance of seeking professional help and treatment, and the importance of education and community in navigating life with ADHD.Connect with Dave:WebsiteWise Squirrels BookNewsletter LinkedIn_______________________________________________Additional Resources:Wise Squirrel’s ADHD AssessmentDave’s Beyond The To Do List Appearance on NetworkingDr. Russel BarkleyTamara Rosier______________________________________________Connect with Erik:Sign Up For Our NewsletterLinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram ______________________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I’m excited to welcome the show’s producer and editor Todd Bushong for our first ever mailbag episode. I put the call out for questions you the listeners might have about productivity, workflow, or anything Beyond The To-Do List related and you responded. So in this special episode I’m happy to get the chance to dive into your questions and address some of your inquiries about everything from my go-to Ai productivity tool, getting better sleep, knowing when to delegate tasks and so much more. This was a really fun episode for both Todd and I to get the chance to hear from you the listeners about what has been on your mind concerning your productivity and work life. We plan on continuing to feature more mailbags in the near future so if you have any questions you would like to ask simply go to beyondthetodolist.com/contact to submit your questions for a future mailbag episode!Tools and Prior Episodes Mentioned In the Mailbag:CastmagicCastmagic is an AI tool designed to transform audio content into ready-to-use assets. This innovative and powerful tool AI tool is for long-form audio and video content and podcasts. By simply uploading an MP3 file, users can obtain transcripts, notes, summaries, highlights, quotes, social media posts and much more. Great for anyone creating or working with creating materials. Pub Crawl EpisodeNir Eyal - IndestractibleMichael Brues - ChronotypeConnect with Erik:Submit Your Question for the Mailbag EpisodeLinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram ________________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To ring in 2024 I’m excited to revisit an incredibly encouraging and human conversation I had with Carlos Whittaker earlier in 2023. More often than not “productivity minded” people can place too much emphasis on the weeks leading up to and the first few weeks of the New Year. I wanted to reverse that trend and focus on a conversation that reminds us of the importance of human connections and deep relationships in creating a life of contentment and true fulfillment.In this conversation Carlos and I talk about his latest book, How to Human: Three Ways to Share Life Beyond What Distracts, Divides, and Disconnects Us. Carlos is an author, podcaster, and global speaker who I’ve had the privilege of learning from in live settings and through his podcast Human Hope with Carlos Whittaker. In How to Human, Carlos offers a fresh vision for becoming the best versions of ourselves. We can refuse to let disagreements define us. We can say no to becoming upset, rage-filled humans and say yes to fuller, happier lives. It begins as we make the shift from “me” to “we” to “everybody” in a three-part journey to be human, see fellow humans, and free those around us.This conversation was a real inspiration for me as Carlos and I unpacked the themes and messages of his book. Carlos reminds listeners that it's more powerful to not stand on issues, but to walk with people. That journey of discovering the true value of relationships and the beauty and hope that bind us together rather than focusing on the polarizing divisions is a message I'm so excited for listeners to explore further in this episode.Connect With Carlos:WebsitePodcastInstagramConnect with Erik:Submit Your Question for the Mailbag EpisodeLinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram ________________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we wrap up 2023 I wanted to revisit a few conversations over the next two weeks that impacted me most this past year. This week I’m delighted to revisit a really powerful talk with author and podcaster Gretchen Rubin. The Holiday and New Years season can bring with it a good deal of stress and anxiety and this conversation reminds us of the importance of stepping outside our everyday anxieties by truly connecting with nature, our bodies, and the world around us. In this chat we unpack many of the principles contained within her book, Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World. In LIFE IN FIVE SENSES Gretchen’s revelatory journey of self-experimentation, she explores the mysteries and joys of the five senses as a path to a happier, more mindful life. Drawing on cutting-edge science, philosophy, literature, and her own efforts to practice what she learns, she investigates the profound power of tuning into the physical world. From the simple pleasures of appreciating the magic of ketchup and adding favorite songs to a playlist, to more adventurous efforts like creating a daily ritual of visiting the Met and trying ayahuasca, Rubin shows us how to experience each day with depth, delight, and connection. In the rush of daily life, she finds, our five senses offer us an immediate, sustainable way to cheer up, calm down, and engage the world around us—as well as a way to glimpse the soul and touch the transcendent. Gretchen Rubin is one of today’s most influential observers of happiness and human nature. She’s the author of many books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers Outer Order, Inner Calm; The Four Tendencies; Better Than Before; and The Happiness Project. Her books have sold more than 3.5 million copies worldwide, in more than thirty languages. She hosts the top-ranking, award-winning podcast “Happier with Gretchen Rubin,” where she explores practical solutions for living a happier life. Raised in Kansas City, she lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.Check Out Gretchen’s Previous Episode Connect with Gretchen:WebsiteBookPodcastLinkedInConnect with Erik:Submit Your Question for the Mailbag EpisodeLinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram ________________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I was excited to welcome Charlie Gilkey back to the show to talk about his latest book, Team Habits: How Small Actions Lead to Extraordinary Results. Charlie has been on the show before to discuss his previous book Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done. He is the founder of Productive Flourishing, a company that helps professional creatives, leaders, and changemakers take meaningful action on work that matters. He is internationally known as a thought leader on productivity, planning, strategy, and leadership for creative people. Charlie is also the author of The Small Business Life Cycle, and is widely cited in outlets such as Inc., Time, Forbes, the Guardian, Lifehacker, and more. He’s also an Army veteran and near-PhD in philosophy.In this conversation, Charlie shares his insights on the power of teamwork and discusses his new book, presenting a fresh perspective on improving team productivity. We discuss the importance of team dynamics to overcome challenges and mistakes addressing the significance of individual and team communication habits in enhancing productivity and performance. We also discuss the impact that small issues can have within a team, highlighting the downstream effects of broken systems on morale and camaraderie. Charlie points out the impact of adding new team members and the need to focus on improving team habits rather than changing individual team members.This is a great talk for anyone who may be struggling to find practical strategies for creating a better working environment. We discuss finding ways to improve team meetings and addressing small problems that lead to inefficiencies while also focusing on how we can be more humane and understanding with our co-workers while continuing to maintain high standards. As we head into the New Year this chat and of course Charlie’s book are great guides to get teams thinking about better communication, improved habits, and most importantly more enjoyable and productive work days in 2024. Connect with Charlie:Better Team HabitsProductive FlourishingCharlie’s Previous EpisodeBookLinkedInTwitterConnect with Erik:Sign Up For Our NewsletterSubmit a Question For Our Mailbag EpisodeLinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram ________________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I was excited to speak with Gillian Tietz. Gillian is a biochemist, educator, and entrepreneur who, after struggling with alcohol moderation, found productivity and success in sobriety. Gillian is the host of the Sober Powered Podcast and works as a biochemist in the Boston area. When she quit drinking in 2019, she dedicated herself to learning about alcohol's influence on the brain and how it can cause addiction.In this episode, Gillian shares her personal journey of realizing the negative impact of drinking on her productivity and confidence, and how sobriety has led to numerous accomplishments. The conversation explores the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol, the importance of self-awareness, and the potential benefits of taking breaks from both alcohol and caffeine. Gillian also shares resources for those interested in exploring sobriety further while breaking down the benefits and drawbacks of the popular “Dry January” craze that has become extremely popular amongst young professionals. The episode concludes with Gillian and I reflecting on personal habits and making informed decisions for a healthier future. Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Gillian:Website PodcastInstagram LinkedIn Connect with Erik:Sign Up For Our NewsletterLinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram ________________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I was excited to speak with Josefine Campbell about her new book, Power Barometer: How to Manage Personal Energy for Business Success. Josefine is the founder of Campbell Co, a top leadership consulting firm for multinational companies. Campbell inspires and coaches leaders, teams, and talents in large organizations such as McDonald's, Deloitte, Maersk, Novo Nordisk, and Carlsberg Group. Her approach combines the practical and the pragmatic. A four-time jiu-jitsu champion, she is particularly interested in developing personal leadership in difficult circumstances, such as is often the case in modern work life.Throughout this episode we delve into several key topics, including the innovative "Power Parameter" check-in, the normalization of energy awareness in the workplace, and the practical application of the "awareness matrix" for effective energy management. This conversation promises to offer expert insights, actionable strategies, and tools to revolutionize your approach to productivity through personalized energy management. This time of year can be particularly challenging when it comes to managing our energy levels! Josefine and her book offer an array of insights on how we can not only be more aware of our personal energy management load but also how leaders can design and implement more energy efficient meetings and workplaces to both increase productivity and balance work loads. This is the perfect episode for anyone who is struggling to get their energy levels balanced while also looking for tips and strategies for developing a healthier and more transparent workplace both in the office and remotely.Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Josefine:WebsiteBookLinkedInConnect with Erik:Sign Up For Our NewsletterLinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram ________________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week it was my privilege to welcome Susan Drumm for a conversation about her new book, The Leader’s Playlist: Unleash the Power of Music and Neuroscience to Transform Your Leadership and Your Life. In this episode Susan unveils the groundbreaking process that outlines how our childhood wounds show up in our ability to lead others and how music can heal those wounds. Maybe you’re having a hard time retaining or engaging your people, or perhaps you’re feeling burnout or can’t delegate or trust your team to deliver. These problems and other leadership challenges can be addressed by shifting how you show up as a leader, and music is the catalyst.Susan also shares her incredible insights on the powerful connection between music, neuroscience, leadership, and personal development. She has mastered the art of pattern recognition and has developed a unique process that harnesses the transformative power of music to help leaders break free from unproductive patterns and thrive in their businesses. In addition Susan reveals how music primes the brain for change, the impact of music on emotions and thought patterns, and even shares her personal journey of using music to shift her own mindset. Susan takes us through step-by-step instructions on creating an empowered playlist and offers valuable tips for leaders looking to ignite positive change within themselves and their teams. Join us as we dive deep into the world of music and its untapped potential to create profound change. Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Susan:WebsiteBookLeadership QuizLinkedIn________________________________________Erik’s Guest Appearance on the Enhance Your Life With Music Podcast________________________________________Connect with Erik:Sign Up For Our NewsletterLinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram ________________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.