

The Productivity Show
Asian Efficiency
Asian Efficiency is the leading website on time management and productivity. Learn how to be efficient, get things done (GTD), and stay motivated.
Episodes
Mentioned books

98 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 9min
Start With the Finish Line: The Definition of Done Method
They explain why unclear goals make tasks balloon and block finishing. A cake analogy shows how knowing the end result prevents wasted effort. Practical tips cover specifying exact deliverables, setting tight time limits, and aiming for the minimum effective effort. The method is presented as a simple three-step habit you can try immediately.

220 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 60min
What’s Possible with AI in 2026: From Flashy Demos to Quiet Leverage (TPS600)
A look at AI shifting from flashy demos to always-on assistants that manage projects, goals, and reduce decision fatigue. Discussion of personal AI agents, multi-agent systems, memory-based personalization, and the idea of “skills” and tool-calling. Security risks like prompt injection and sandboxing get attention. Practical examples include an e-ink dashboard, vibe coding, and tiny workflow wins.

126 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 9min
Stop Reinventing the Wheel and Start Copying What Works
They explain Katy Milkman’s copy-and-paste approach to behavior change and why copying specific tactics beats willpower. Practical examples include adopting a hydration routine and automating tedious workflows. Listeners are challenged to borrow a playbook for seven days to test what actually moves the needle.

178 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 42min
Tips for Strategic Planning: Frameworks and Tactics for 2026 (TPS599)
Practical frameworks like mind maps and Zettelkasten meet tactical planning tools for big-picture strategy. Conversations cover boiling strategy to a few key variables and avoiding incremental thinking. They explore using AI to generate options and critique plans while combining frontline insights with leader-led work. Execution topics include KPIs, review rhythms, and turning plans into measurable steps.

150 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 41min
Copy & Paste Strategy: How to Accelerate Change by Borrowing What Works (TPS598)
They unpack the copy-and-paste strategy for faster behavior change by imitating close-match role models. They explore when copying outperforms planning and the pitfalls of blind imitation. Practical tips include finding the right person to learn from, using AI workflows to automate routines, and scaling by borrowing proven processes.

94 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 9min
Stop Sabotaging Your Focus: Deep Work Mistakes to Avoid
They unpack why deep work fails when you rely on grit instead of design. Energy management and aligning tasks with your natural rhythms get center stage. Sleep and workspace layout are shown as foundational focus levers. Practical habits like adding friction to phone use and checking logistics for work trips are highlighted.

94 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 44min
Evolution, Not Revolution: How to Supercharge Your Existing Routines (TPS597)
They show why upgrading current routines beats starting from scratch. They unpack habit stacking, the 1% rule, and the one-tweak-a-week mindset. Practical tweaks, friction tricks, and habit audits get attention. There are concrete small wins you can try right away.

42 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 8min
Stop Living at Work: Boundaries That Actually Work
In a world where work never seems to end, learn how to reclaim your time with intentional boundaries. Discover the signs that your hybrid setup is blurring life's lines, leading to late-night emails and constant stress. Hear a compelling story about the impact of always being 'on' and how burnout can creep in at home. Get practical tips on how to set firm work hours and communicate them effectively with your team. It's time to take back your work-life balance!

69 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 53min
From Ideas to Execution: A Creative Workflow w/ Jeffrey Madoff (TPS596)
In this engaging conversation, Jeffrey Madoff, a creative entrepreneur and professor, shares insights from his journey in the creative industry, including producing for top brands like Ralph Lauren. He emphasizes that creativity thrives on curiosity rather than just talent, and introduces practical tools for building a creative workflow. Jeffrey also discusses the importance of breaking projects into manageable steps and the power of delegation in amplifying creative output. Tune in to discover how to turn ideas into tangible results!

119 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 11min
Productivity Systems: Why Systems Beat Goals Every Time
Motivation is often fleeting, but systems create lasting success. Small structural changes can replace reliance on willpower for progress. The 'never skip twice' rule helps maintain consistency, especially in workouts. Treating networking like a process ensures relationships are nurtured over time. Practical relationship management, using tools and recurring tasks, can scale your social connections. Finally, learn how systemized routines have sustained consistency in content creation for the long haul.


