Beyond The To-do List

This week I welcome back Kendra Adachi to the show to talk about her new book The PLAN: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius. Kendra Adachi is one part systems expert, and one part permission giver. As The Lazy Genius, she aims to help you be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don't. She is the host of The Lazy Genius Podcast, author of The Lazy Genius Way. In this conversation we talk about: The Plan Framework: Kendra introduces her innovative framework: Prepare, Live, Adjust, and Notice. It’s a holistic approach to living authentically in the current season, without the stress of rigid future goals. Flexibility over Rigid Plans: Emphasizing the importance of flexibility, Kendra discusses the significance of being able to pivot and adjust plans without guilt, accepting life's unpredictability as part of the journey. Small Tasks, Big Impact: Highlighting the "lazy genius principle," Kendra encourages starting small and focusing on manageable tasks, integrating kindness

This week, I'm revisiting a conversation with Gillian Tietz. Given the topic and the time of year, I felt it was the perfect moment to bring this discussion back to light. Gillian is a biochemist, educator, and entrepreneur who, after struggling with alcohol moderation, found productivity and success in sobriety. She is the host of the Sober Powered Podcast and works as a biochemist in the Boston area. When she quit drinking in 2019, Gillian dedicated herself to understanding alcohol's influence on the brain and its role in addiction. In this episode, Gillian shares her personal journey of recognizing the negative impact of drinking on her productivity and confidence, and how sobriety has led to numerous accomplishments. We explore 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 provides resources for those curious about exploring sobriety, offering insights into the benefits and

This week I was encouraged to welcome Carlos Whittaker to the show for an honest and compassionate talk about his latest book, "Reconnected: How 7 Screen-Free Weeks with Monks and Amish Farmers Helped Me Recover the Lost Art of Being Human." Carlos shares his transformative journey through living with monks and the Amish to understand different worldviews and lessen his dependency on technology. Initially struggling with the absence of his phone, Carlos learns the healing power of solitude and forms deep connections within these communities. Carlos returns with practical life skills and a new perspective on screen time, emphasizing the importance of solitude and offline activities for personal growth and deeper relationships. He also discusses his significant decrease in phone usage and how it has positively affected his life and those around him. The episode explores strategies to reduce screen addiction, the balance between online and offline connections, and the broader implications of leading a more prese

This week I was so happy to welcome Jon Acuff back to the show to discuss his newest book, 'How Teens Win: The Student's Guide to Accomplishing Big Goals' for an insightful conversation about goal-setting, parenting, and supporting teenagers. This powerful new book which Jon co-authored with his two teenage daughters is a must read for parents, educators, and mentors. Connect with Erik: LinkedIn  Facebook  Instagram  ______________________________________ This Podcast is Powered By: Descript Descript 101 Castmagic Ecamm Podpage Rodecaster Pro Erik's Top Productivity Books List Make sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I'm excited to revisit this conversation with Lizzie Penny and Alex Hirst discussing their book, Workstyle: A revolution for well being, productivity and society. They coined the term nearly a decade ago during an inspired conversation at a pub. Little did they know that that conversation would lead them to co-found the multi-million pound social enterprise Hoxby to test and prove the concept of workstyle.  Today Hoxby has helped thousands of workstylers around the world to set, project and respect their own workstyles. They have set up their own longitudinal research study into the link between autonomy, productivity and wellbeing and have delivered projects for some of the biggest businesses in the world including Unilever, Amazon, AIA, and Merck. Forbes.com have described them as 'creating the freelance revolution 3.0' and they have been featured in the FT, Times, Telegraph, Stylist, Marie Claire, Metro and The Guardian, among others. I really enjoyed this book and believe that it will start to

This week, we’re revisiting a conversation that left a lasting impact, where I had the honor and privilege of speaking with Seth Godin about his book, The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams. For most listeners Seth needs no introduction. Seth is perhaps best known for his prolific daily blog, as well as his books Linchpin, Tribes, The Dip and Purple Cow. I’ve been looking forward to this conversation for a long time now, and Seth of course did not disappoint. In our chat, we unpack the purpose and passion that led Seth to write this impactful book. For anyone familiar with Linchpin, The Song of Significance is, in many ways, the spiritual sequel and companion piece to that book. If Linchpin was all about being indispensable on an individual level, The Song of Significance explores how to work together as a team of Linchpins. This conversation remains as relevant as ever, offering encouragement to anyone feeling anxiety about how their skills or unique voice fit into the modern workforce, or for t

This week I was excited to revisit a conversation I had with Todd Henry. Todd is a prolific author and speaker who focuses on the creatives and dispelling myths about who is and who is not “creative” within corporate or professional workforces. For over a decade Todd has helped readers unlock their creative potential and find new ways to apply their talents.   The Daily Creative is a daily reader for busy professionals, creative and otherwise, designed to help you gain focus for your day and advance toward your goals. In this new book Todd explores the benefits of reflecting on creative practices on a daily basis by creating a daily guide which succinctly and contemplatively welcomes readers to reflect upon both their creative potential and the ways that creativity can be applied in the most unlikely of work and life circumstances. Even if you don't think of yourself as creative, you'd probably be surprised by how many creative tools you use every day. You solve problems, design, write, invent, or in other wo

In this episode, I'm excited to chat with my friend Ian Anderson Gray to dispel the myths and stigmas surrounding ADHD. Ian shares his personal journey of understanding and managing ADHD, shedding light on emotional dysregulation and the pivotal role a family coach played in his life. Discover the inspiration behind Ian's podcast "Smart ADHD," which aims to offer intelligent strategies for those with ADHD, and how it empowers individuals to harness their unique strengths. Listen as Ian discusses the deep emotional intensity experienced by people with ADHD and the importance of tools like focus music, noise-cancelling headphones, and apps like Notion and Brain FM. Learn how environmental factors, creativity, and the necessity for community and accountability can influence those with ADHD. Ian also breaks down the connection between ADHD and entrepreneurial pursuits, addressing the highs and lows that come with it. Connect with Erik: LinkedIn  Facebook  Instagram  ______________________________________ T

This week I'm excited to revisit a conversation I had with Chris Bailey. Chris has been a guest on the show a number of times, and in this episode, he unpacks the origins, research, and results of his book, How to Calm Your Mind: Finding Presence and Productivity in Anxious Times. I decided to revisit this conversation as the need for calm has been so important for me in recent weeks and months as I suspect it has been for you as well. In our chat Chris and I discuss the events that led up to him writing this book while exploring a number of techniques, and tips for finding presence and calm that he developed and practiced along that journey.  We discuss digital fasting, the advantages of analog items for productivity, and how slowing down your lifestyle can often lead to speeding up your efficiency! Chris Bailey is a productivity expert, and the bestselling author of two books about productivity: Hyperfocus and The Productivity Project. Chris writes about productivity at chrisbailey.com, and speaks to organi

This week I’m excited to revisit a conversation I had with Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt-Miller about their book, Mind Your Mindset: The Science That Shows Success Starts with Your Thinking. Michael is the founder and chairman of Full Focus. Through his coaching program for small business owners, BusinessAccelerator®, and the bestselling Full Focus Planner, Michael has helped hundreds of thousands of achievers reach their biggest goals. Megan Hyatt Miller is the President and Chief Executive Officer at Full Focus and alongside Michael co-hosts the popular Business Accelerator® podcast. In this conversation, we explore how the narratives we tell ourselves influence our decisions and outcomes both personally and professionally.  From personal anecdotes about overcoming disempowering stories to actionable techniques for rewriting those internal narratives, this episode is packed with insights on leveraging the neuroplasticity of the brain and the power of intuition. Plus, Michael and Megan discuss practical step

In part 2 of 2 of this conversation, John Drury shares about the importance of retreats and sacred time for rest and rejuvenation. John shares his personal experiences with different forms of retreats, emphasizing the value of eliminating distractions and under-stimulation to foster deeper self-reflection and mindfulness. He introduces practical techniques such as "desert days," quarterly overnight retreats, and shorter, regular practices to incorporate these into the business and personal life of busy individuals. Erik and John also discuss the distinctions between vacations, visitations, and vocations and how expectation of each affects personal energy and relationships. John offers a variety of suggestions for integrating restful practices into everyday life, such as journaling, spiritual friendship, and practicing an "hour on, hour off" method during retreats. They underscore the importance of approaching these practices with an open mind, ready for unexpected insights and personal growth. Make sure to go

In part 1 of a 2 part conversation I am thrilled to bring my longtime friend of 25 years Dr. John Drury. John and I share an interest in productivity and the Enneagram, particularly the unique insights of Enneagram fives. In this episode, John and I talk about the profound impact the pandemic has had on our routines and spiritual practices, introducing the concept of a "rule of life" as a way to anchor ourselves with orienting values and stabilizing practices. We explore the balance between over stimulation and under stimulation, drawing rich parallels to ancient desert monasticism and how these dynamics influence our modern lives. John also shares his personal Sabbath practices, revealing how a 24-hour period of rest from work illuminates a path to increased productivity and deeper connections with family. We'll discuss the fluid nature of identifying and living by our values, the importance of intentional under stimulation, and the need for holistic time management that integrates both work and life harmoni

This week I’m excited to revisit an insightful conversation I had with Tiago Forte about his book Building a Second Brain: A Proven Method to Organize Your Digital Life and Unlock Your Creative Potential. Tiago walks us through his groundbreaking framework, PARA—Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives—that aims to revolutionize how we organize information in our digital lives. We'll also explore the CODE methodology—Capture, Organize, Distill, Express—that helps manage and make sense of the influx of ideas and tasks we face daily. Tune in as we draw compelling parallels between digital and physical organization, delve into the art of building a dependable "second brain," and discuss the immense benefits of externalizing our thoughts. This episode promises to offer actionable insights for everyone—from online content creators to everyday knowledge workers—on mastering the chaos of information overload. Plus, get a sneak peek into upcoming topics on enhancing productivity, effective communication, and more. So, gr

I’m thrilled to welcome Jeff Sieh back to the show for an in-depth discussion about the evolution of AI, particularly focusing on Apple’s recent announcements. Jeff and I dive into the historical context of AI, reminiscing about its portrayal in popular culture and significant milestones like IBM’s Deep Blue and Microsoft’s Clippy. We then transition to exploring the exciting developments unveiled at Apple’s WWDC 2024, particularly the introduction of Apple Intelligence. This new system promises to revolutionize how we interact with our devices by integrating AI with personal context while maintaining a strong emphasis on privacy. Our conversation highlights the practical implications of Apple Intelligence, such as seamless integration across apps, intelligent task automation, and improved personalization. We share our thoughts about features like the new Siri capabilities, which now offer deeper system integration and better language understanding, making it more conversational and useful. Jeff also discusse

This week I’m happy to welcome fellow podcaster and host of The ProGuide Podcast, Andrew Mason back to the show to discuss current trends and themes within the vast productivity space. Andrew and I discuss how being aware of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can significantly impact our happiness and self-improvement. We explore various factors like chronotype and personality types that contribute to understanding oneself and the importance of seeking feedback from trusted individuals to uncover blind spots. In addition, Andrew and I share some of our struggles with procrastination and self-acceptance, shedding light on how internal conflicts can lead to self-sabotage. Andrew introduces the concept of separating actions from identity to help fulfill aspirational roles through positive behaviors. We also emphasize clearing mental clutter through techniques like "brain dumping" and digital mind mapping to free up mental space before concluding with a discussion on the value of intentional engagement with in

In this solo episode, we pay tribute to Dan Miller, the late author of "48 Days to the Work You Love". Dan passed away in January 2024 after a brief battle with cancer. Erik shares personal stories and lessons learned from Dan, emphasizing his profound impact on people through his generosity, approachability, and commitment to lifelong learning. Erik also highlights Dan’s productive habits and daily routines, recounting personal encounters and professional interactions that left a lasting impression on Erik and others. Mentioned in this Episode: Dan Miller Episode of Beyond The To-Do List Dan's Last Podcast Episode Easy Wake up Light TENS Unit Mama Says Namaste What Drives You Connect with Erik: LinkedIn  Facebook  Instagram  ______________________________________ This Podcast is Powered By: Descript Descript 101 Castmagic Ecamm Podpage Rodecaster Pro Top Productivity Books List Make sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon

This week we are opening up the mailbag once again to answer your questions about productivity, task completion, work preparation, quality time, motivation, and so much more. From managing distractions in a noisy office environment to improving the efficiency of your meetings, I hope this mailbag/Q&A gives listeners practical strategies to help you stay focused and achieve your goals.  ______________________________________ Connect with Erik: LinkedIn  Facebook  Instagram  ______________________________________ This Podcast is Powered By: Descript Descript 101 Castmagic Ecamm Podpage Rodecaster Pro Top Productivity Books List Make sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I was grateful to welcome Mara Glazel to the show for a chat about her new book, Needy: How to Advocate for Your Needs and Claim Your Sovereignty. In our culture, the word "needy" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting weakness or dependency. But Mara is here to challenge that perception and flip it on its head. She argues that recognizing and embracing our needs is not only essential but can actually make us more productive and fulfilled. In this episode Mara and I discuss the limitations of hustle culture and how our routines and beliefs can sometimes trap us in a cycle of neglecting our own well-being. This insightful conversation sheds light on building a nourishing relationship with oneself, understanding the roots of our needs, and finding creative ways to fulfill them. Tune in to learn how small acts of agency can make big differences in our personal empowerment and hear practical advice on creating a life that's genuinely fulfilling. This is an enlightening discussion that's sure t

This week it was my pleasure to speak with Jorge Arango about his latest book, Duly Noted: Extend Your Mind Through Connected Notes. Jorge is an information architect, author, and educator. For almost three decades, he has architected digital experiences and made the complex clear for organizations ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to nonprofits. He is the author of "Living in Information: Responsible Design for Digital Places" and co-author of "Information Architecture for the Web and Beyond." In addition to his design consulting practice, Jorge hosts "The Informed Life" podcast, writes a blog, and teaches at the California College of the Arts. In this chat, we'll explore how capturing and organizing thoughts extends beyond traditional note-taking into forming a digital "knowledge garden," where ideas can flourish and interconnect. Jorge will delve into the cognitive science behind why notes are not just for memory, but crucial for thinking, emphasizing the role of the environment in processing informati

This week it was my pleasure to welcome Dr. Barry Kudrowitz to the show for a chat about his great book, Sparking Creativity: How Play and Humor Fuel Innovation and Design. Dr. Kudrowitz is a professor of product design and department head in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota. There, he founded and directed the product design program from 2011-2021. Barry received his PhD from the Mechanical Engineering Department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), studying humor, creativity, and idea generation. He is interested in how creativity is perceived, evaluated, and learned. In addition, Barry has years of experience working with the toy industry and has taught toy design for over a decade. In this episode, we delve into how changing our mindset can transform mundane chores into enjoyable activities, explore why traditional icebreakers often fail, and discuss the vital role of creativity in every aspect of our lives. Barry will share practical examples of how educators and profess