The Productivity Show podcast

40:15

Do you ever start a week with big plans, only to find that by Friday, half of them didn’t get done? Estimating tasks and planning projects accurately can make or break your productivity. In this episode, we break down practical ways to improve your time estimates, avoid common pitfalls, and structure your week for success. Whether you’re managing work projects or personal goals, these strategies will help you get more done without overloading yourself. Masterclass.com/TPS for 15% off any annual membership. You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes at 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 [1:57] What is planning poker? [11:19] How to use story points, even if you don’t do Scrum [13:47] What’s the most simple way to get started with story points? [21:21] How to define what “Done” looks like [23:21] Turning estimates into time blocks [30:45] How to use buffer time to protect estimates [35:20] Links: 25X Productivity Coaching The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done Toggl Track Productivity Academy The Productivity Show on Youtube The Productivity Show Youtube Clips Become a member of TPS+ Take the Productivity Quiz If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Stitcher , Overcast , Pocket Casts 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!…

The Productivity Show

1
Flip the Switch: Get To A Flow State Instantly 4:50

πριν 6 μέρες4:50

4:50

Ever had a moment where time seemed to disappear, and you got more done in an hour than you sometimes do all day? That’s the magic of a flow state—but most people stumble into it by accident. What if you could turn it on like flipping a switch? In this encore episode, you’ll learn exactly how to do that. Whether you’re battling distractions, struggling to focus, or just want to work at your peak, these simple shifts will help you unlock deep focus on command. 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 favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!…

The Productivity Show

1
The Secret to Actually Using What You Learn from Books (TPS549) 49:32

πριν 8 μέρες49:32

49:32

How many books have you read, only to forget most of what was inside a few weeks (or hours!) later? You’re not alone. Most people treat reading as an accomplishment — counting books instead of focusing on what they retain and apply. The real power of reading isn’t in how many pages you flip, but in how well you implement the ideas that matter. In this encore episode, we reveal a proven system for turning books into real-world results. You’ll learn how to capture key insights, structure your notes for easy recall, and — most importantly — take meaningful action on what you read. ProlonLife.com/TPS : Get 15% off sitewide plus a $40 Bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Nutrition Program. Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now. Thanks SelectQuote. SelectQuote.com/TPS . You can find links to everything we share in the show notes at 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 [1:32] Some books we were reading at the time of recording [11:13] What books have we gifted the most? [17:13] Why highlighting a book isn’t enough [20:31] Why capturing is key, and how to do it properly [24:10] How Thanh turns his book notes into action [29:25] How we review our book notes [36:19] Links: 25X Productivity Coaching Kindle Paperwhite Bookcision Pocket Utility Knife Mind Food: How to Become More Creative and Successful by Watching What You “Eat” (TPS170) Simple Strategies To Find Time to Parent Without Feeling Guilty w/ Julie Morgenstern (TPS232) Atomic Habits: 4 Laws for Changing Your Identity & Living the Life You Want w/ James Clear (TPS217) Focus Tips From the Most Productive Man You’d Ever Hope to Meet w/ Chris Bailey (TPS213) Finding Your Focus w/ Michael Hyatt (TPS109) Essentialism w/ Greg McKeown (TPS102) Deep Work w/ Cal Newport (TPS88) Getting Things Done w/ David Allen (TPS58) The One Thing w/ Jay Papasan (TPS46) Advanced Strategies for Reading Faster and Remembering More w/ Abby Marks-Beale (TPS159) What books Brooks has been reading: The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger Mindset: The New Psychology of Success The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? What books Thanh has been reading: The Road Less Stupid When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing Lead with a Story: A Guide to Crafting Business Narratives That Captivate, Convince, and Inspire 30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans Blinkist Mindnode Brooks Siri shortcut How to Effectively Read and Implement Books Productivity Academy The Productivity Show on Youtube The Productivity Show Youtube Clips Become a member of TPS+ Take the Productivity Quiz If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Stitcher , Overcast , Pocket Casts 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!…

The Productivity Show

1
Sleep Better, Focus More: The Nighttime Habit You Need 8:31

πριν 13 μέρες8:31

8:31

Do you ever feel like you’re running on empty before the day even begins? You wake up groggy, struggle to focus, and can’t seem to shake that constant sense of exhaustion. The problem might not be your workload–it’s how you’re ending your day. A simple nighttime habit could be the key to better sleep, sharper focus, and higher productivity. In this encore episode, we reveal a powerful shutdown ritual–a three-step routine designed to help you disconnect from work, relax your mind, and set yourself up for a productive tomorrow. Go to Zocdoc.com/TPS and download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for FREE and book a top-rated doctor. You can find links to everything we share in the show notes at 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. Zocdoc 25X Productivity Coaching If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Stitcher , Overcast , Pocket Casts 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!…

The Productivity Show

1
How to Give Impactful Work Presentations (TPS548) 42:23

πριν 15 μέρες42:23

42:23

Want to deliver presentations that engage your audience and make a lasting impact? We share practical strategies for structuring, designing, and delivering work presentations with confidence. Whether you’re speaking in a meeting, pitching an idea, or presenting to leadership, these tips will help you overcome nerves, keep your audience engaged, and communicate your message effectively. Go to Zocdoc.com/TPS and download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for FREE and book a top-rated doctor. You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes at 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 [2:30] Our favorite presentation tools [5:17] What are some common presentation mistakes? [6:42] Presentation mistakes we’ve made [9:10] How to structure a good and impactful presentation [14:49] Our workflows for building content and creating slides [22:31] How to do technical or demo presentations [30:05] Rehearsing… critical or a waste of time? [32:59] Links: Zocdoc 25X Productivity Coaching Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences by Nancy Duarte slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations by Nancy Duarte Canva Productivity Academy The Productivity Show on Youtube The Productivity Show Youtube Clips Become a member of TPS+ Take the Productivity Quiz If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Stitcher , Overcast , Pocket Casts 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!…

The Productivity Show

1
Why Productivity Skills Matter More in an AI-Powered World 6:16

πριν 20 μέρες6:16

6:16

As the world becomes more AI-powered, there’s one important thing people need to develop to stay relevant and competitive in the job market. It’s a set of skills that AI cannot replace, and it’s not what you think. Listen to find out! 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 favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!…

The Productivity Show

1
The Art of Cutting Things Out: Make Space for What Matters (TPS547) 41:17

πριν 22 μέρες41:17

41:17

Cutting things from your life – expenses, commitments, or distractions – can be overwhelming. How do you know what to keep and what to eliminate? We’ll walk you through a strategic way to decide what to cut using the 80/20 Rule, value mindsets, the minimalist approach to productivity, and more. Whether you want to save money, free up time, or reclaim mental space, we’ve got actionable steps to help you make smart choices without regret. Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/tps . Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now. You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes at 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 [2:48] An example of Brooks’ simplification journey [7:08] Thanh’s small space experience [9:20] What are some tips people can use to have less stuff? [12:33] How to remove friction out of getting rid of stuff [15:45] Examples of digital decluttering [20:29] How to declutter your commitments [23:40] Cutting out energy vampires [31:01] The “hell yeah!” test [36:33] Links: Shopify Indeed 25X Productivity Coaching Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown Tidying Up with Marie Kondo Scheduled tasks in ChatGPT Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker Buy Nothing Project Inbox Zero: Myth or Must Have? (TPS546) Hell Yeah or No: What’s Worth Doing by Derek Sivers Productivity Academy The Productivity Show on Youtube The Productivity Show Youtube Clips Become a member of TPS+ Take the Productivity Quiz If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Stitcher , Overcast , Pocket Casts 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!…

The Productivity Show

1
Navigate Life Like a Pro: The Secret to Fast, Confident Choices 3:49

πριν 27 μέρες3:49

3:49

Struggling with indecision? The secret to faster, smarter choices is simpler than you think. Whether you’re running a company, managing a team, or just trying to simplify daily choices, mastering rapid decision-making is a game changer. The key isn’t just speed–it’s having a clear framework that helps you make smart, confident choices without second-guessing. In this encore episode, we’ll break down simple ways to strengthen your decision-making muscle, from quick wins in everyday life to strategies that help with bigger, high-stakes choices. 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 favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!…

The Productivity Show

1
Inbox Zero: Myth or Must Have? (TPS546) 40:35

πριν 29 μέρες40:35

40:35

Inbox Zero is often seen as the ultimate productivity goal, but is it really necessary? In this episode, we break down the Inbox Zero method, why it works for some but not for others, and how you can manage email overload without stressing about a perfectly empty inbox. Learn practical strategies to keep your email under control, plus Thanh & Brooks’ personal email workflows. Masterclass.com/TPS for 15% off any annual membership. Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now. You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes at 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 [2:19] How has the concept of Inbox Zero changed over the years? [6:43] The reasons most people struggle with email [11:35] Some tips to be more effective with email [19:52] A simple email framework that makes a huge difference [22:00] What to do if you feel you need to respond to emails quickly [26:12] Are we filers or archivers? [27:23] Our email workflows [31:34] Universal inbox or multiple inboxes? [32:33] Links: Masterclass Indeed 25X Productivity Coaching Grammarly Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World Inbox Detox Merlin Mann Inbox Detox talk Four Thousand Weeks: How to Live a Meaningful Life with Limited Time (TPS468) TextExpander Daylite Productivity Academy The Productivity Show on Youtube The Productivity Show Youtube Clips Become a member of TPS+ Take the Productivity Quiz If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Stitcher , Overcast , Pocket Casts 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!…

The Productivity Show

1
Cut More, Achieve More: The Power of The Anti-Todo List 3:36

πριν 5 weeks3:36

3:36

Instead of obsessing over what to do next, what if the real game-changer is what you don’t do? Most of us pack our days with endless tasks, thinking productivity is about doing more–but what if that’s actually holding us back? In this encore episode, we explore the Anti-To-Do List , a simple but powerful mindset shift that helps you reclaim your time, energy, and focus. 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 favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!…

The Productivity Show

1
Smart Home Productivity Tips (TPS545) 42:48

πριν 5 weeks42:48

42:48

Are you making the most of your smart home? Your home is full of untapped productivity potential, and in this episode, we’re unlocking it. From setting up routines with voice assistants to optimizing your daily habits with smart lights and plugs, we explore simple ways to transform your living space into a hub of efficiency. Get 15% off your 5-day nutrition program. ProlonLife.com/TPS . Masterclass.com/TPS for 15% off any annual membership. You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes at 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 [2:48] What do we use for voice assistants? [6:30] Thanh’s automated morning routine [7:59] Our smart light setup and uses [18:49] How do you make sure your devices work together? [30:24] Smart locks and doors – yes or no? [32:56] What Thanh does for apartment security [35:43] Our smart home wish lists [39:50] Links: Prolon Masterclass 25X Productivity Coaching HEETA Dry Bag Yuka 1-800-ChatGPT Google Nest Thermostat Amazon Echo Show Google Nest Hub Philips Hue Smart Light Starter Kit Lutron Caseta Smart Lighting Kit Meross Smart Plug Mini meross Smart Power Strip WiFi Surge Protector Power Bar Elgato Key Light Air Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Matter Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Control Ring Stick Up Cam Pro ecobee Smart Thermostat Productivity Academy The Productivity Show on Youtube The Productivity Show Youtube Clips Become a member of TPS+ Take the Productivity Quiz If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Stitcher , Overcast , Pocket Casts 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!…

The Productivity Show

1
Ask Better Questions, Make Better Moves 6:38

πριν 6 weeks6:38

6:38

What if the key to making better decisions wasn’t about knowing all the answers but asking the right questions? Imagine being able to cut through the noise, save time, and avoid costly mistakes simply by reframing the way you think about your challenges. Whether navigating a career change, launching a side hustle, or tackling a big life decision, this episode will show you how to use targeted questions to unlock clarity and confidence. In this episode, we break down the concept of “thinking time” and explore practical strategies to sharpen your decision-making skills. Don’t just dream about success–ask your way 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. 25X Productivity Coaching The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman ChatGPT If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Stitcher , Overcast , Pocket Casts 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!…

The Productivity Show

1
10 Small Tweaks That Lead to Big Results (TPS544) 43:03

πριν 6 weeks43:03

43:03

We always say that one tweak a week is all it takes to get massive results…but what are examples of simple tweaks you can make? That’s what we’re sharing today, and these are from our personal lives. Go to Zocdoc.com/TPS and download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for FREE and book a top-rated doctor. Thanks SelectQuote. SelectQuote.com/TPS . You can find links to everything we share in the show notes at 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 [1:59] Tweak 1: A new way to search [6:23] Tweak 2: Use setups to be super-productive [10:17] Tweak 3: Do this first thing when you wake up [15:40] Tweak 4: Keep your digital and physical space in order [21:31] Tweak 5: Keep your phone distraction-free [24:59] Tweak 6: How to be more efficient with the apps you use [28:07] Tweak 7: Touch it once! [31:17] Tweak 8: A tech tweak we can’t live without [34:24] Tweak 9: A simple mindshift to make solving problems much easier [38:31] Tweak 10: Make it easy to keep your reading habit going [41:25] Links: Zocdoc SelectQuote 25X Productivity Coaching Meross Smart Plug Mini meross Smart Power Strip WiFi Surge Protector Power Bar Velja browser picker Perplexity Keyboard Maestro Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Hazel File Juggler ScanSnap iX1600 Alfred Productivity Academy The Productivity Show on Youtube The Productivity Show Youtube Clips Become a member of TPS+ Take the Productivity Quiz If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Stitcher , Overcast , Pocket Casts 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!…

The Productivity Show

1
The Secret to Ending Your Day Stress-Free 5:59

πριν 7 weeks5:59

5:59

Your workday doesn’t have to end in chaos! Tune in to discover how a quick, 10-minute shutdown routine can help you reflect, plan, and tidy up—boosting both your productivity and peace of mind. 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 favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!…

The Productivity Show

1
Quick Stress-Management Tips to Stay Calm and Productive (TPS543) 45:10

πριν 7 weeks45:10