the productivity diet Archives

A colorful collage of torn paper pieces, each labeled with the word 'LIFE' in bold black letters, representing the complexity and abundance of life's possibilities.

The Difference Between Doing More and Doing More with Your Life

A shift from quantity to quality—and from productivity to productiveness.

A copy of the book Holacracy by Brian J. Robertson resting on a car seat—picked up from Facebook Marketplace, sparking a deeper reflection on the system’s current relevance and how it pairs with modern productivity frameworks like TimeCrafting.

Holacracy: Still Worth the Hype… or Just a Management Fad Gone Flat?

I found a copy of Holacracy on Facebook Marketplace. That discovery sparked a question: is this system still relevant today? In this post, I explore Holacracy’s rise and reckoning, how it’s evolved, and how elements of TimeCrafting and The Productivity Diet can enhance it—or any other productivity framework your team may be using.

A hand arranges wooden blocks displaying a magnet attracting a person icon, symbolizing intentional retention through sustained attention and appreciation.

Retention by Intention: How Attention Fuels Appreciation That Lasts

Retention isn’t about flashy tactics — it’s about honouring attention with consistent, intentional appreciation. Here’s how to do it.

Podcast artwork for a very special episode of A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy holding a copy of his book, The Productivity Diet.

Episode 603: Mike Vardy Talks About The Productivity Diet

Tim O’Hare interviews me about The Productivity Diet—what makes it different and how to use it.

Mike Vardy holding a vintage night owl-themed pocket watch in his hand, symbolizing time as something to honor, not own.

Your Time is Not Thine: Rethinking “Know Thy Time”

Peter Drucker said, “Know thy time.” But what if time isn’t yours to know or control? In this piece, I explore why time isn’t something you own—but something you live with. Not a possession, but a partner.

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.

A stack of newspapers with the bold headline "WORLD NEWS ATTENTION!" emphasizing the connection between constant attention and news.

The News and Your Attention: Engaging Without Being Consumed

Noticing, Awareness, Focus, and Concentration help you manage news consumption by filtering noise and staying engaged without distraction. Learn how to apply these Spheres of Attention, as introduced in The Productivity Diet, to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.

The Productivity Diet: Balancing Quality and Quantity for Lasting Productivity

I want to introduce you to a transformative concept that has revolutionized my approach to productivity. It’s called “The Productivityist Diet,” and it’s all about striking the delicate balance between quality and quantity in our daily lives.