personal development Archives

Scrabble pieces strewn about a table with the tiles for YIELD spelled out on the ledge for the player to play next.

How to Retreat Without Escaping: The Power of a Strategic Pause

One of the most underrated life skills isn’t just knowing when to speak—it’s knowing when not to. This is about discernment, not dominance. Presence, not performance.

A masked professional wrestler stands triumphantly on the top turnbuckle, raising his fist in the air under arena lights as a referee holds his leg for balance, with a cheering crowd in the background.

How to Maximize Your Minutes

Jim Ross once said, “maximize your minutes” — and that’s exactly what this post is about. Blending wrestling wisdom with real-life productivity, we explore how to seize opportunities, show up when it counts, and make your time count for something deeper.

A close-up of a desk setup featuring a candle labeled “The Writer” in the foreground, next to a motivational card with the bold heading “WE ARE ALL A PROJECT.” In the background are Green Lantern-themed sticky notes, a white 12-sided productivity die with various icons, a wooden stand, and a LEGO figure of Parallax. The overall scene evokes a creative, intentional workspace grounded in themes of focus, identity, and personal growth.

You Are Your Greatest Project: Why Process Matters More Than Perfection

You are your greatest project—and the process you follow shapes everything. From motivation found in the gym to wisdom from Dwayne Johnson and Jeff Goins, discover how to improve yourself every day with intention and clarity.

Episode 553: Pacing and Cadence | PM Talks S1:E10

In our latest PM Talks episode, Patrick Rhone and I discuss pacing and cadence, exploring how to manage your relationship with time as we age and the value of wisdom over sheer productivity.

Episode 540: Urgency | PM Talks S1:E8

In the latest episode in the monthly PM Talks series on A Productive conversation, Patrick Rhone and I explore the crucial distinction between urgent and important tasks. We share personal stories and offer actionable advice on how to prioritize what truly matters while effectively managing unexpected urgencies. Tune in for insights on balancing urgency and importance in your life!

Episode 536: Marie-Hélène Pelletier Talks About Resilience and Sustaining Efforts Over Time

In this episode, I’m joined by Marie-Hélène Pelletier, a renowned expert on resilience, productivity, and sustainable efforts. We dive deep into the concept of resilience, exploring how it requires sustained efforts over time and effective strategies to cope with unexpected challenges. Marie-Hélène shares insights from her latest book, which focuses on breaking the pattern of

Episode 530: Scott Rusnak Talks About Integrating EOS for Maximum Impact

Scott Rusnak joins me to discuss integrating the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) into life for maximum impact. We cover journaling, gratitude, and the importance of designing life intentionally.

Why Habit Tracking Apps Outshine To-Do Lists for Building Better Habits

To-do list apps are essential for managing tasks, but they fall short in supporting habit formation. Discover how dedicated habit tracking apps can fill this gap and help you build better habits for a more productive life.

Episode 517: Chris Knudsen Talks About Unconventional Business Wisdom

Join me, Mike Vardy, as I sit down with Chris Knudsen to discuss the unconventional wisdom behind writing a business book, overcoming challenges, and the journey from corporate life to self-employment. Dive into our conversation on “Trust Me, I’m a Consultant” for insights into career development, the importance of self-education, and the balance between happiness and productivity.