Sharp - The Podcast

Episode 73 – In this episode, we chat with Suzy from the Casual Birder podcast. We cover so much stuff and get into a really rich conversation about how Suzy has found herself ‘stuck’ with her productivity and look at some solutions. It’s a great chat!Look at all this stuff we covered in this full episode:Peach socks!Learning is about a journey not a destinationFocusing on todayBeing confined unlocking joyLoads of helpful systemsTrelloNotionTo-do istKanbanChecklistsTemplatesPrioritisation challengesDeadlines creating flexibility and spaceWeekly planners for family timeVisualising great outcomesHere is the resource we talked about:The Casual Birder websiteCasual Birder on InstagramThe Twitter accountThe Trello appNotionTo-doistThe Kanban systemChecklists – The Checklist ManifestoTemplatesAs always, we’re really grateful for your help in supporting this podcast. To do this you can:Buy me a coffee (I’d be ever so grateful)Rate or subscribe on apple podcasts by going here – apple podcastsContact us on Twitter – w

      Quick update -  Not an episode, just an explanation! Yes, we've been gone TOO long. Have a listen to find out more.    As always, we're really grateful for your help in supporting this podcast. To do this you can: * Buy me a coffee (I'd be ever so grateful) * Rate or subscribe on apple podcasts by going here - apple podcasts * Contact us on Twitter - we are @sharppodcast here * Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sharppodcast/ * Share with at us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharppodcast/ * Post comments on the website. This link will take you to the home page, and then you can go onto the episode you'd like to comment on here Thanks EVER SO MUCH for listening. If we help you to BE BETTER at what you do, then it's all been worth it!    

Episode 72 – We chat with Casanova Brooks. Casanova has driven himself from poverty and difficulty to significant success. We find out about his inspiration, his world, and how his frame of mind has helped him achieve that success. We get a different perspective here to many of the areas we’ve looked at before. Inspiring stuff!Look at all this stuff we covered in this full episode:Being a parent and how his children inspire himGetting away from trading time for moneyGrowing up with no DadWhat ‘monopoly’ has to do with his success in real estateHis ‘why’ (it’s not real estate)Building relationshipsBHAG goalsWhy podcasting gives him the most satisfactionWork-life harmonyThe 40 40 40How many cats there areThe three E’sAnd LOADS more Here is the resource we talked about:Dream Nation – Casanova’s community to help you build your dreamDream Nation Podcast – Jack Canfield episodeRich Dad Poor Dad – Robert KiyosakiRichest Man in Babylon – George ClasonGo For No – Richard Fenton and Andrea WaltzThe Millionaire Fast La

Episode 71 – This is the audio from my recent YouTube video all about the benefits of meditation. It was recorded on location, so the audio is different to the regular episodes. Look at all the stuff we covered in this short episode:The YouTube video this came fromModern meditation doesn’t need candles or the lotus position (unless you want them)Dan Harris and his panic attack live on airHow he learned that meditation could help him A bit of science research (it’s actually Martinos centre – but don’t tell anyone!)Some kinds of meditationMindfulnessCompassion (sometimes called ‘loving kindness’)Body scansTranscendentalHow I’ve benefittedCalmLose the inner chatterSeparating the match and the fuseHow to do itWhere the resource isHere is the resource that we use and you may find helpful:Dan’s panic attack10 Percent Happier App and PodcastCalmHeadspaceJack KornfieldA YouTube channel we use for guided meditationThe Martinos Centre researchAs always, we’re really grateful for your help in supporting this podcast. To

Episode 70 – We investigate the idea of work-life balance. What is it? Is it really a thing? How do we get it? Look at all this stuff we covered:What really IS work-life balance?Why much of the advice seems to be unhelpfulIt means different thing to different peopleThree different perspectives from the ‘TED’ stageIt is important and urgent for us to solveWork-life balance is a fallacyWe could revisit our perspectiveSteve-In-The-Field’s adverts are definitely unhelpful!What happens if you ‘google’ family-life balance or hobby-life balanceConsidering the research, what are the practical steps?Take up Shawn Achor’s DAILY challenge for 21 daysWrite down 3 gratitudesJournal 1 thing that went well because of youExerciseMediatePerform 1 Random Act of KindnessTake stock of your lifeLook at the whole pictureConsider everythingMichael Hyatt’s 10 domains can help:SocialParentalMaritalPhysicalEmotionalIntellectualSpiritualFinancialAvocational (hobbies)Vocational (work)Set goals for the two or three you want to improveBe

Episode 69 - We look ahead at what's coming this year, and what our thoughts are for making the podcast EVEN BETTER than it is now. Tell us what you think, we're gonna do a Q&A episode in the future. So ask us your questions in the comments on the website, on social media or by e-mail sharpthepodcast@gmail.comLook at all this stuff we covered:Moving houseBuilding the new studioTop tips to use ToDoIst with a big projectFriend of the show Laurie pops in to say hiOur ideas for the coming yearThe kitchen table - new house, new ideasDealing with changeNothing's perfectNothing's permanentNothing's personalQ&A - send us your questions, ask us anything As always, we're really grateful for your help in supporting this podcast. To do this you can:Buy me a coffee (I'd be ever so grateful)Rate or subscribe on apple podcasts by going here - apple podcastsContact us on Twitter - we are @sharppodcast hereConnect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sharppodcast/Share with at us on Instagram - https://www.i

Episode 68 – We have a look back at 2020. An awful year for many. So we decided to focus on what’s happened with the podcast. There are 3 sections: we look at what changed for ‘sharppodcast’ in 2020, we quickly revisit each episode with a tiny sample, and then end with Steve and Lisa at the table.Look at all this stuff we covered:What’s new for sharppodcast:Making videosNew formats for some episodesCovering current subjectsThen we do a quick visit to each episode, like a taster menu, but better:January – STP058 Mind MapsFebruary – Sharing Is CaringMarch – STP059 Laurie JefferyApril – STP060 Help With ChangeMay – STP061 To Do With TodoistMay – STP062 To Do With Todoist 2June – STP063 Todo Level 3 and Top TipsAugust – STP064 10 Cognitive Biases Spoiling Your ThinkingAugust – STP065 Resource RoundupOctober – STP066 The ALPEN MethodNovember – STP067 Resource RoundupDecember – STP068 Reflecting…oh hang on, that’s this episode!Steve and Lisa back at the Kitchen TableSharppodcast episodes from 2020How 2020 has deman

Episode 67 - We've collated the best of the resource we've shared on social media in the past few weeks. We're aiming to give you a selection of things to look at for yourself, and hopefully you'll find something that works for you.Look at all this stuff we covered:ProcrastinationTime chunksYour 'why' and your 'how'Mindsets and self-sabotageDamaging your brainDealing with overwhelming to-do listsRechargingTaking things personallyMeditationHere are the links to the resource where you can find out more:Robert Taibbi - 8 Steps to Overcome ProcrastinationBryan Robinson - Procrastination a Friend Without BenefitsAccidental Creative - Time ChunksMy Instagram post - Work on your 'why' to help your 'how'Celine Da Costa - Stop Self SabotageBest Brain Possible - 7 Modern Lifestyle Habits Damaging Your BrainZen Habits - Overwhelming Todo ListsMy Instagram post - RechargingLachlan Brown - 11 Tips to Stop Taking Things PersonallyHackspirit - 25 Surprising Meditation Tips (And as promised, just for you, here are the links)

Episode 66 - If you struggle to get things from your to-do list actually done, then ALPEN is for you. We have a look at this great method...Look at all this stuff we covered:Why it's different from other to-do list methodsYou don't have to work long hours to be effectiveProfessor Lothar J Seiwert - who is he?Why we don't like the word 'productivity' (again)Two acronyms (depending on your language): ActivitiesLengthPlan BufferEstablish PrioritiesNote SuccessOR: AufschreibenLange schatzenPufferzeit einplannenEntscheidungen TreffenNachkontrolleActivities - Get them written downLength - Work out how long each one will takePlan Buffer - Add in 40% (we tell you why)Establish priorities - Decide on which ones you're going to focus onNote Success - Review the day and identify what worked wellThe Sydney Opera House planning disasterWhat Helmuth Von Moltke the Elder saidReviewing your list every weekThe Two Minute RuleHere are the links to the resource where you can find out more:OECD stats working hours across the wor

Episode 65 - A different approach in this episode. We've collated the best of the resource we've shared on social media in the past few weeks. We're aiming to give you a selection of things to look at for yourself, and hopefully you'll find something that works for you.Look at all this stuff we covered:Brain hacks3 daily habitsGoalsToday is uniqueStop taking things personallyCan we trust our brainStress and burnoutHabits and streaksDoing morePast present and futureStressProcess instead of goals and targetsHere are the links to the resource where you can find out more:Entrepreneur.com - Brain Hacks to boost motivation/beat the work from home bluesSuccess.com - 3 things successful people do dailyPsychology Today - Wide awake at 2 am?Michael Hyatt - 4 ways to make daily progress on goalsSharppodcast on Instagram - Today is never going to happen againHackspirit.com - 11 ways to stop taking things personallyPsychology Today - Can we trust our brains?Psychology Today - I miss the old 'me'Lifehacker - You don't trul

Episode 64 - Your thinking isn't as rational or balanced as you think. Let us tell you why, and how you can be more aware of what's stuffing it up.Look at all this stuff we covered:What cognitive biases areHow they affect usWhy your brain is SO effective - and that's the problemHow not to make a cup of teaOur top 10 chart of biasesThe difference between sharks, selfies and coconutsTHE IDIOT (and his lockdown diary)Here are the links to the resource where you can find out more:Buster Benson's image showing 200 cognitive biasesThe Visual Capitalist - 24 Cognitive BiasesThe Scientific American article on the role of luck in success"Thinking Fast and Slow" by Daniel KahnemanThe excellent VeryWellMind article on biasesTed-X talk on the Dunning Kruger effectMyles on the Just World hypothesisVicky and her amazing art at EtsyJessica Abel's Creative Focus WorkshopLaura Gassner OttingThe Woo Long Talks podcastRun With Me On This podcast  

Episode 63 - The final episode in our kind of 'trilogy' on using Todoist. We briefly explore how to use Todoist at an advanced level. We also share great disciplines for managing tasks regardless of whether you use paper, Todoist or something else.Look at all this stuff we covered:We meet Theresa - she's a 'Level 3' kind of personSharing files - so others can help you on the projectFilters - to keep track of everythingNeedless references to Findus Crispy Pancakes AGAINThe 'Teams Plan' on todoistSummarising Level 1 - The things Wanda might do: Simple to-do listsShopping ListsSummarising Level 2 - What Emma could use it for: ProjectsActionsRecurring tasksLabelsPrioritisingKarmaGamificationProductivitySummarising Level 3 - The sophisticated stuff for Theresa: Sharing filesUploading filesComplex projectsAssigning tasksUsing Slack and DropboxFilters to manage it allWhether you use todoist or not - our Ten Task Managing Take-Aways: Capture things well - either in a notebook, on paper, or electronicallyKeep a master

Episode 62 - This is a great episode! In our second look at todoist, we move up to Level 2. Our survey said most of you use paper to manage your tasks. Todoist Level '2' could really help YOU too!Look at all this stuff we covered:We meet 'Emma' who has different stuff going on in her life - work stuff, hobby stuff, home stuff - and she manages it all with todo lists on paper and spreadsheetsProjects - they're not just for big things like building hospitals Preparing Lucy's birthday celebration is a projectLearning the guitar is a projectBe clear on what the tasks are for your projectWhy you MUST get flames painted on the VolvoHow todoist can help you manage projectsWhy you might consider the premium packageA sentimental 'lockdown' reminiscence of going for a coffeeLabels - grouping 'like' tasks togetherBatching - a great way to workDeciding which tasks to do whenMy labels: 5 min job10 min jobfull focuslow energyphonepcUsing todoist's fabulous 'natural language' to set up multiple recurring tasks and put them

Episode 61 - Do you keep your tasks on a post-it note? Or are you happy using technology? We look at how "todoist" can help a range of people across a variety of situations. (Warning - episode features multiple references to Findus Crispy Pancakes.)Look at all this stuff we covered:Amir's story - the brains behind todoistHow a 'rootless' upbringing seems to have resulted in a great business ethosIf you're using pen and paper what could an app like todoist do for you? Freeing up your mental spaceKeeping track of what you've got onIntroducing the 3 levels we're going to explore: Wanda - who doesn't like technology and has simple needsEmma - with a more sophisticated life, Emma has a need for something more structured to help her manage lots of varietyTheresa - a full project and team manager who has complex needsWhy I converted to todoistLevel 1 (Wanda) Creating a shopping listUsing Alexa - (if you have one, you might wanna turn it off while you're listening)Sharing lists with people (unless you've bought funga

Episode STP060 - With the whole corona-virus and lock-down thing going on, we wondered how we can help. It turns out there are three areas we know about that could be useful to you. How we do the 'home' thing, dealing with change, and learning new things.Look at all this stuff we covered:We chatted at the table and talked aboutWorking from home - this is what can help:Set aside a dedicated areaPlan your day with a structureAgree boundaries with the familySet a definite end time to the dayWear something differentDoing 'Not-Work' from home:Set a schedule anyway - avoid the Netflix trap!Take baby stepsExerciseHave a look at some online coursesBe kind to others and yourselfChangeThe change curve from Elizabeth Kübler-RossThe difference between a change, and the emotion it brings5 stages of changeDenial and shockAngerBargainingDepressionAcceptance and integrationWhat all this has to do with toilet paperSome practical steps you can takeIdentify the positivesThink about change that you've experienced beforeTalk it o

Episode STP059 - We meet one of my favourite creative people - Laurie Jeffery. He describes himself as a photographer, a filmmaker and a story teller.Look at all this stuff we covered:Treating your commitment to people as importantWhy quality matters more than Stephen SpielbergHow it's hard to find people who careUsing great toolsWorking with good peopleSharpening your toolsHow great calendar skills makes him a great photographerPreparing for the moment of scrutinyAsking for the 'impossible' and getting itKeeping your coolWhy the guy who cleans the floor deserves timeNot having a TVWhy Sky called him weird, and he liked itWhy social media is better than telly (a 'pre' corona-virus view!)Find out more and see Laurie's work at:@laurieshots on Twitter@laurie.jeffery on InstagramLaurie's Website (Some adult content - discretion advised)We also gave a shout out to amazing people who support, inspire or in some way have a part in keeping our podcast going. Here are their Twitter names and links to their work?Dan B

As you can tell, this isn't an episode! But it's a request to you, our lovely listener, to share Sharp if you love it. There's all sorts of way you can share this audio: * Copy and past the page this 'episode' is on from the website, into your social media* Share the website 'subscribe' page https://www.sharppodcast.com/subscribe/* If you use a podcatcher - there's usually a 'share episode' option. You could share it:* Direct to a friend in WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, text message* Direct onto social media Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc.* You could put it up on YOUR website or social media account* Or you could do a screenshot and then post the image onto anywhere!* Or of course you can go onto our social media, find this promo, and re-share. All the social links are below* Finally - here's an old fashioned idea: You could tell people in person! As always, we're really grateful for your help in supporting this podcast, and a 'proper' episode will be coming next - we promise! * Rate or subs

Episode 58 - If you have to remember things, plan things or share things - mind maps can help with that and loads more. We'll tell you how.Look at all this stuff we covered:What mind maps areWhere they came fromHow they workWhat YOU can use them forTony Buzan invented mind maps - he was a character1970's BBC tvThat idiot Steve In The Field makes another appearanceOur research came from here - find out more:Use Your Head from BBC TV in 1974How to Mind Map with Tony BuzanHazel Wagner Ted - Mind MappingTony's Ted Talk (featuring elastic band boy)ImindQ - 10 real life uses of mind mapsVisual Aids - the research documentScience & Technology - Humans process visual data better Finally - the links to the cool people we mentioned at the start - check them out:Lisa LinkedInVoiceover peopleMel's British voiceCarrie's VoiceDebby BarnesGuy SlocombeAudio production and helpChris Curran - Podcast Engineering SchoolMike Delgaudio - Booth JunkiesPodcasters world - facebook groupPodcast Editors - facebook groupSmashing p

Episode 57 - Because sometimes books are more than books. Don't let the battle of the printed word and the audiobook get you down - you decide. Here are four books we loved reading this year; now it's your turn to enjoy them.Look at all this stuff we covered:Being in the woods near THAT picnic table in the rotten weather4 Seconds by Peter BregmanChange your habits and your lifeDog-earing pages (yep!)The Getting Things Done Workbook by David Allen and Brandon HallIt's like David coming to your house and setting it all up with youThe World Is F***ed by Mark MansonThe thinking brain and the feeling brain (very cool)Philosophy, Narcissism, Religion - all the fun subjectsBut I read it twice in a weekTalking To Strangers by Malcolm GladwellWhy people are rubbish at working out if you're lyingHow trained professionals get it horrifically wrongAudio - do you know how hard these people work to make sure you DON'T notice their work?Here are the links to the books, research and articles which inspired we used to produce

Episode 56 - If you haven't yet discovered how great GTD is, we tell you why - regardless of your age - you should read GTD For Teens. It's an excellent way of getting to know how GTD can work for you.Look at all this stuff we covered:We first covered GTD back in June 2017 in Episode 15Bruce Lee and David Allen have something in common (now you know why we chose this episode's cover art)Enter The DragonWhat having a 'Mind Like Water' meansDavid Allen's Ted Talk including his reference to this phraseHow we are bombarded with more data than at any time in historyWhy this book could be the solutionAn overview of each section:Introduction - Myggy and Cortland and the state of 'ready'Part 1 - The Art of Getting Things DonePart 2 - The Practice of GTD5 stepsPlanning MapLevels of Focus - Google Maps and zooming inPart 3 - The Lab. Big Buckets!References/research/linksEpisode 15 - One Great ToolMore info on GTD For Teens - plus buy the book hereDavid Allen's TED TalkBruce Lee - Be As WaterBrain Pickings - Bruce Lee A