80/20 Productivity (Anthony Sanni)

In this maiden voyage episode, your host - author, coach, consultant and productivity nerd Anthony Sanni, provides an introduction to the podcast.

The episode covers a short summary of the 80/20 principle and how it can drive productivity and fulfillment.

The episode also covers the motivation for starting the podcast, the kind of content you can expect as well as format of the show.

Notes and References

Pareto Principle: Cours d’Économie Politique Professé al’Université de Lausanne. Vol. I, 1896; Vol. II, 1897.

Imbalance of usage of words on languages: The Science of Accelerated Learning: Advanced Strategies for Quicker Comprehension, Greater Retention, and Systematic Expertise.

Imbalance of contribution to the internet: Article by Nielsen Norman, The 90-9-1 Rule for Participation Inequality in Social Media and Online Communities

Search engine results reference: Global market share of search engines 2010-2021 Published by Joseph Johnson covering internet use, cybercrime, digital privacy, and online search Jul 8, 2021. This report actually puts Google’s share at greater than the number quoted in the episode further highlighting the imbalance of market share.

It is so easy to get carried away and to live day-to-day without a conscious approach to living according to the 80/20 principle.

And while we often think about 80/20 in terms of finances or business or career, we explore the less-talked about and more personal dimension of applying 80/20.

At the end of the day, we can only truly control our will. And what we do with that can make all the difference.

On 80-20 Book Breakdowns, Anthony Sanni unpacks carefully curated ideas from select books with the goal of getting at the vital few (80-20) concepts that can be used to enhance fulfillment, productivity and overall well-being.

This episode is part 1 of 2 episodes of a deep dive into select ideas and insights from Greg McKeown's book--Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters.

In it I explore key ideas and insights with an aim to making them real and practical tools for helping you do more by doing less.

Some of the main points:

·       It is not enough to be efficient, but to be efficient at the right things

·       Why playing and work should go together

·       The magic ingredient that makes routines and habits more effortless

·       Discover what is even better than streamlining and empowering steps in a process.

Notes and References

·1. Greg McKeown’s first book: Essentialism

2. This current book: Effortless

3. Efficiency and effectiveness quote is attributed to Peter Drucker.

4. Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

5. Gary Vaynerchuk’s Video

Episode Summary

This episode is part 2 of 2 episodes of a deep dive into select ideas and insights from Greg McKeown's book--Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters.

In it I explore key ideas and insights with an aim to making them real and practical tools for helping you do more by doing less.

Some of the main points (TVF Timestamps):

Unrecognized simplicities, not complexities are the stuff of genius (01:45)

Should you work slow and steady? (04:50)

The idea of linear Vs Residual effort (08:45)

Making residual decisions (11:15)

An approach to deepen your learning and expertise effortlessly (12:05)

The powerful principle of inversion (and why it works) (26:55)

Notes and References

Greg McKeown’s first book: Essentialism

This current book: Effortless

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode Summary

My guest on the show today is Dr Marie Claire Bourque. Dr MC as she is called by her clients and colleagues is a clinical psychiatrist and associate professor at The University of Calgary specializing in mental and physical fitness. She is in charge of mental health and peak performance for one of Canada's top-ranked ice hockey teams - Toronto Maple Leafs, and The National Ballet of Canada - The country's foremost elite ballet company.

She is also founder of Limbus Movement—a unique workout system that incorporates physical movement with mindfulness to deliver a unique workout experience.

Dr MC is the ideal person to speak on the mental side of personal productivity and the interesting interplay between our bodies and minds. Understanding this dynamic will help boost our productivity and help do more by doing less through optimizing this mind-body relationship.

HIghlights (TVF Timestamps)

Dr MC's top recommendation to elite athletes and high-power executives (and three more throughout the rest of the show) (12:54)

Why mindfulness is so powerful and how to develop it in a practical, science-based way (15:35)

How movement and exercise makes your brain more powerful (27:35)

How your body talks to you and helps you make better decisions (45:35)

The secret sauce of what makes Limbus Movement work (33:48)

The role of values and emotions well-being, creativity and productivity (52:56)

As always, Dr MC's 20% (64:43)

Notes and References

Learn more about topics mentioned:

Respiratory nerve relationship to benefits of mindfulness and meditation - Breath of Life: The Respiratory Vagal Stimulation Model of Contemplative Activity. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6189422/)

Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) https://www.istdp.com/

Human brain Prefrontal cortex functions: There is short 2-minute video by NeuroScientifically Challenged YouTube channel here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i47_jiCsBMs)

Dr Marie Claire Bourque

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marie-claire-bourque

Instagram: @doctor.mcb

Limbus Movement: https://www.limbusmovement.com/

80-20 productivity hacks is a series on 80 20 Productivity where Anthony Sanni presents and often unpacks actionable, science-backed productivity tools, techniques and practices that help you do more by doing less.

Episode Summary

Do you use to-do lists? If you don't, you should. They seem simple, but running under the hood is a strong engine to turbo-charge your productivity.

If you already use to-do lists, this episode with increase your confidence in using them because you will understand why and how they work as well as give you some ideas to make your to-do-listing more effective.

But what is a to-do list? Why does it work so well? And, more importantly, how do you use them correctly—especially in the 80 20 way—to boost your productivity?

All that and more on this episode of 80 20 Productivity.

Some of the main points (TVF Timestamps):

The 3 major reasons why to-do lists work so well (03:40)

How to-do lists de-clutter your brain and reduce stress and anxiety (06:29)

The vital role of writing it down (14:40)

3 ways NOT to use a to-do list—common mistakes (19:55)

Notes and References

Dr Bluma Zeigarnik (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluma_Zeigarnik )

Robert Cialdini Reference: This can be found in Cialdini’s most popular book— Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion under Principle 2: Commitment and Consistency

Dr Gail Matthews research on Goal Setting

See Research summary from Dominican University in California here Note: Opens a PDF document.
(https://www.dominican.edu/sites/default/files/2020-02/gailmatthews-harvard-goals-researchsummary.pdf)

Reference to Forbes quote here (https://forbesbooks.com/the-science-behind-setting-goals-and-achieving-them/) Actual quote attributed to Dr Matthews: “My study provides empirical evidence for the effectiveness of three coaching tools: accountability, commitment, and writing down one’s goals.”

Quote: We overestimate what we can achieve in one day, but underestimate what we can achieve in one year. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the source for this quote exactly. However there were many references floating around online of a similar quote from Bill Gates. This is one of those cases where the value of the idea outweighs accuracy.

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode Summary

I have become very curious about AI or artificial intelligence—what it is, how it works, and more importantly, it's present and potential future impact on our lives and work.

That is why I was very happy when my guest today agreed to come on the show.

Kwame Asiedu is the CEO and co-founder of Braintoy—a first of it’s kind technology company who’s specialized AI-based platform makes it easier for individuals and businesses to use the power artificial intelligence (AI). As they say at Braintoy, they use AI to make AI accessible and fast!

Kwame’s decades long work with AI is extensive from academic research to technical and executive leadership in the energy and financial industry developing AI solutions of different kinds, to being a subject matter expert for institutions developing AI curriculum to of course, co-founding and heading an AI-based tech company.

We talk about why everyone should be paying attention to AI, what makes AI so powerful, how it already being used, how it may be used, how you can start engaging the AI revolution, the current limitations of AI as well as a less talked about aspect—the ethics of AI.

Highlights (TVF Timestamps)

What exactly is AI and what makes it so powerful? (0:51) (27:47)

Some of the ways AI is already affecting our lives and businesses (and how people and organizations who ignore it will be left behind) (16:51)

2 ways you can engage AI to help future-proof your career (45:57)

Artificial General Intelligence and the Limitations of AI (23:36)

How Braintoy is using AI to make AI more accessible (34:46)

Ethical AI—what it is, and why it is so important (60:05)

As always, Kwame’s 20% (71:48)

Notes and References

Learn more about topics mentioned:

Google CEO quote on AI and fire: Google CEO: AI is more influential than discovery of fire (https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/artificial-intelligence/google-ceo-ai-is-more-influential-than-discovery-of-fire.html)

Reference to Andrew Ng: You can find more about who Andrew Ng is just by Googling his name, but I found the Wikipedia page about him quite useful (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Ng). You can also check his personal website https://www.andrewng.org/

Braintoy’s AI projects and publications: https://braintoy.ai/blog/

Kwame Asiedu’s Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwame-asiedu-745a8a29

Braintoy: https://braintoy.ai/

Episode Summary

Brad King is an Organizational Change consultant who specializes in agile team evolution, change management and execution strategies. He has been trusted by companies ranging from education to energy to facilitate transformations in how work is done among specialized teams and how goals and strategies translate to concrete action that drive business growth.

I invited Brad to bring the team dimension to productivity and to pick his buzzing brain on trending topics like remote work as well as talk about some approaches to work going forward.
Listen through to the end where Brad shares his 20% that has made the biggest difference as well as an inspiring thought on personal productivity.

Highlights (TVF Timestamps)

Why being a deeply skilled individual is not enough anymore (04:00) (1:00:00)

The error of treating team knowledge work with the outdated industrial mindset (08:00)

Does environment shape behaviour in organizations? (13:00)

The Work From Home and Hybrid Work Conundrum (15:00)

An intriguing less talked about aspect of inclusion regarding women in the workforce (23:00)

80/20 Problems of teams. Is your team just a group? (28:00)

One investment that will make a HUGE difference. It’s not what you think. (38:00)

One possible reason why burnout happens (45:00)

Greater than the sum of it’s parts—a metaphor for individuals and teams (49:00)

Executive leadership’s role in facilitating effective team work (54:00) (1:07:00)

As always, Brad’s 20% (1:11:00)

Brad’s Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingbrad/

Official Website: https://bradleyking.ca/

Episode Summary

Should you be lazy? The answer might surprise you.

We often hear the advice to ‘work hard’. When we have difficulties, well-meaning people advise us to bear down, buckle-up or lean in and ‘work harder’.

But in this episode, we take a closer a look at this piece of advice in the light of the 80/20 principle. Specifically, I’ll introduce or reintroduce you to Zipf’s Law of least effort and how it can help you do more by doing less.

Some of the main points—The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

The nerdy stuff: What is the Law of Least Effort? (1:35)

Can laziness be a virtue and the 2 kinds of laziness (07:05)

Misunderstanding the law of least effort, the false exaltation of hard work and the primacy of the goal (12:07)

The 3 keys to applying The Law of Least Effort (18:57)

Notes and References

The Principle of Least Effort and the Zipf Distribution (https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1113/1/012007 )

Additive Bias Reference: There are many references to this cognitive bias, but a good article can be found in The Scientific American here: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/our-brain-typically-overlooks-this-brilliant-problem-solving-strategy/

Ancient philosophers regarding man as a teleological being: https://www.britannica.com/topic/teleology

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode Summary

We are good at meeting with others, but have you considered meeting with yourself as a way to saty on track and achieve your goals?

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode Summary

Work is an important part of life—but it is only a part. Use an End of Day ritual to switch off work so you can do other things in your Vital Few.

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode Summary

Is more really more? When it comes to problem-solving, the answer is not so obvious. More often than we might realize, adding things is actually a worse strategy for solving problems than simply taking things away. This episode discusses additive bias and the human tendency to think more is more. Especially, the episode covers why we have this tendency, how it is negatively impacting our problem-solving skills, and importantly, what we might do to overcome it.

Link to get Sunsama for free: https://try.sunsama.com/anthony

Some of the main points—The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

What is additive bias, problem solving and how additive bias hampers creative problem solving (5:04)

Legos and why we have additive bias (17:02)

Smart subtractions and Chesterton’s Fence (07:05)

Wondering why we tend to think more is more? Evolution, status quo bias and how organizations are rigged against you (24:23)

The cost of thinking and acting like more is always more (30:06)

Level up your problem-solving—how to beat additive bias and all it’s problems (41:20)

Notes and References

Main paper: People Systematically Overlook Subtractive Changes (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03380-y )

Virtuous Laziness 80/20 Productivity Episode: https://anthonysanni.com/podcast/ep-009-zipfs-law-of-least-and-why-laziness-is-good

Status Quo Bias Research: https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/rzeckhauser/files/status_quo_bias_in_decision_making.pdf

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

If you are like me, you also have limited resources at your disposal. But often it feels like you are trying to achieve more than you have resources to assign—perhaps against difficult odds.

Force concentration is one of the most central concepts in an 80/20 approach to life, work and doing more by doing less. It is a strategy that armies, naval fleets and even camera companies have used to win impossible battles against bigger, stronger enemies and competitors.

In this episode, I unpack the strategy of force concentration and how we can use it in our personal lives.

Some of the main points—The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

The impossible campaign—25 soldiers Vs 100 soldiers

Origins of Force Concentration and applying Lanchester’s Laws (02:20)

Force Concentration in business—How Canon beat Xerox at their own game (and what we can learn from it) (14:20)

The 300 Rule—Lessons from Leonidas and Spartans (15:42)

How force concentration puts a twist in the 80/20 story (21:45)

Applying force concentration the 80/20 way to your life (24:38)

OTAT—One thing at a time and the power of quick wins (25:35)

Innovate and Improve along the way (31:05)

Leave the big boss for last (34:39)

You and what army? (38:50)

TLDL and wrap up (39:49)

Notes and References

Lanchester’s Laws:

https://web.williams.edu/Mathematics/sjmiller/public_html/105Sp11/handouts/Lanchester_MathWarfare.pdf

Lanchester F.W., Mathematics in Warfare in The World of Mathematics, Vol. 4 (1956) Ed. Newman, J.R., Simon and Schuster, 2138–2157; anthologised from Aircraft in Warfare (1916) )

Force Concentration in The Battle of Trafalgar: https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Trafalgar-European-history

The New Lanchester Strategy in Business: New Lanchester Strategy: Sales and Marketing Strategy for the Weak by Shinichi Yano https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1573210048/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i2

Canon Lanchester Strategy: https://customerthink.com/how_canon_used_the_new_lanchester_strategy_to_defeat_xerox/

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few https://anthonysanni.com/the-vital-few-book

Episode Summary

If you are part of a team—in your job or business—then it might interest you to know about Price’s Law. This law states that 50% of productivity in a group is produced by the square root of the number people in the group.

In 80/20 terms, most of the value in a group (or even company or industry) is produced by a relatively small number of people in the group.

In this episode, explore Price’s law—what it is, how it plays out and how to apply it to your own life for max results.

Some of the main points—The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

Definition of the law (2:00)

History and some nerdy stuff (06:34)

Applying Price’s Law—3 key takeaway lessons for Leaders (13:50)

Applying Price’s Law—takeaways and strategies for individuals (20:45)

TLDL and wrap up (29:44)

Notes and References

Derek Price and the origins of Price’s Law:

Little Science, Big Science—book by Derek J Price

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02016632

My content on Parkinson’s Law:

Short video: https://anthonysanni.com/productivity-shorts-been-thinking/parkinsons-law-sense-of-urgency

Article: https://anthonysanni.com/blog/is-this-the-reason-you-are-missing-deadlines

Deep Work book reference: Deep Work, Book by Cal Newport

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode Summary

Setting goals—also known as goal intentions—is simply not enough! What makes the real difference? That’s what this episode is about.

Through a combination of scientific research, personal experience and common-sense practicality, I explore Implementations Intentions and how they can help you go beyond goal intention to goal attainment. See timestamps below for some of the highlights.

Hope it helps.

Some of the main points—The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

What is an implementation intention and how working out and getting fit is not just about setting goals

Hacking your own goal-pursuit behaviours—Why Implementation Intentions work (12:13)

No start, no achievement—Implementation Intentions and getting started (14:05)

When life happens—Preventing derailment and overcoming temptations (17:05)

Don’t get set in your ways—do Implementation intentions help you identify approaches that are not working? (20:50)

Overcoming the ego problem and becoming a robot, in a good way (24:20)

How to create solid and effective implementation intentions—Features of a good implementation intention based on research and experience (32:13)

Frequency, proximity and Convenience (35:15)

If/Then on steroids! Using If/then in deciding in advance (37:16)

Use technology smartly (40:05)

No magic bullet—Limitations of Implementation Intentions—and how you can fill the gaps (44:00)

Notes and References

Research on Implementation Intentions

Weakness of Will: Is a Quick Fix Possible? https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11031-014-9416-3

Implementation intentions in the entrepreneurial process: concept, empirical findings, and research agenda https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11187-017-9971-6

Implementation Intentions: Strong Effects of Simple Plans https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1999-05760-004

Book on Willpower: Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength by Dr Roy F. Baumeister

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode Summary

In this episode of 2-minute Tuesday, I share 3 timeless strategies to help you stay on track for your goals

Podcast Episode mentioned: https://anthonysanni.com/podcast/ep-012-implementation-intentions-goal-setting-how-to-achieve-goals

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode Summary

In this episode of 2-minute Tuesday, I share why it is a good idea to schedule time for family—especially for very busy people.

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode Summary

In this episode of 2-minute Tuesday, I share one way to do more in less time using the simple but powerful 2 minute rule.

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode Summary

This episode of the 80 20 Productivity podcast explores the concept of pivotal activities that significantly boost productivity. Doing more with less by focusing on the vital tasks ensures more free time for enjoyment and leisure.

Link to get Sunsama for free: https://try.sunsama.com/anthony

Some of the main points—The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

0:50 Understanding the Concept of Pivotal Activities

05:19 The Impact of Pivotal Activities

06:24 Characteristics of Pivotal Activities

10:28 The Role of Effort in Pivotal Activities

15:16 The Multi-dimensionality of Pivotal Activities

24:27 The 80/20 Layer of Pivotal Activities

27:37 Identifying Your Pivotal Activities

28:55 The Impact of Stopping Pivotal Activities

30:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Notes and References

Video on the domino scene in the Robot movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0LNy3au40E

Virtuous Laziness 80/20 Productivity Episode: https://anthonysanni.com/podcast/ep-009-zipfs-law-of-least-and-why-laziness-is-good

Additive Bias 80/20 Productivity Episode: https://anthonysanni.com/podcast/ep-018-additive-bias-less-is-more-subtractive-changes

Multi-faceted benefits of exercie: Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John J. Ratey MD (Author), Eric Hagerman (Contributor)

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode Summary

In this episode, I tackle some major roadblocks we often stumble upon when setting goals. I talk about how personal values, clear visions, and a solid execution strategy are the perfect combo to make your goals a reality. Drawing from personal stories and backed by science, we explore how to up our goal-setting game. So, let's get into the details:

The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

[00:02:38] Why Putting Your Goals Into Words Matters

First, let's talk about the importance of giving voice to your dreams. You'd be amazed at how essential it is to articulate those goals out loud. It's all about getting clear and specific....

[00:05:20] Filling in The Values Gap

Next, I venture into what I call the 'values gap’—the discrepancy between what we want and what truly matters to our core. Here's a hint: when your goals align with your personal values, you're setting yourself up for real success....

[00:08:14] Picture This: Your Vision Matters

Diving deeper, I chat about how translating your values into a tangible vision of the future can be a powerful motivator. It's all about bridging the gap between our aspirations and reality, making us feel more connected to what we want to achieve....

[00:10:50] Let's Get Practical: Planning and Pencil It in

Now, let's put that motivation into action with a bit of solid planning. You'll see how crucial it is to turn your process to achieve your goals into tangible tasks and then make space for them on your calendar. Because trust me, a goal without a plan is just a wish....

[00:14:31] Ignorance Isn’t Bliss: The Knowledge Gap

Lastly, I touch on the knowledge gap. Often, we're held back because we don't have enough information or know-how to get from where we are to where we want to be. Here's where a little wisdom goes a long way in helping us progress towards our goals.

So, are you ready to embark on this goal-setting journey with me? Listen to the episode and consider leaving your comments and feedback. Thanks!

Sponsor:

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Notes and References

Implementation Intentions 80/20 Productivity Episode: https://anthonysanni.com/podcast/ep-009-zipfs-law-of-least-and-why-laziness-is-good

Additive Bias 80/20 Productivity Episode: https://anthonysanni.com/podcast/ep-018-additive-bias-less-is-more-subtractive-changes

You are what you Eat: A Twin experiment Netflix Documentary: https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81133260

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode Summary

Listen to the episode for a comprehensive understanding of why you procrastinate and practical steps to overcome it, especially if you're striving for 80 20 productivity. Say goodbye to the guilt of "laziness" and hello to a more productive and fulfilling approach to your tasks!

Get an extra 20% off a 30-day supply of Magic Mind productivity shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/8020productivity and use CODE: PRD20

So, let's get into the details:

The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

Introduction: Debunking the Laziness Myth [00:00:00]

Kick off with a fresh perspective on procrastination, challenging the common notion that it equates to laziness. Uncover the real reasons behind procrastination and how it ties into 80 20 living.

Understanding Procrastination: More Than Just Delay [00:01:00]

Delve into the essence of procrastination. Is it just about delaying tasks, or is there more to this behavior? A deeper look into how procrastination is wired into our nature.

Reason #1: Being Oversubscribed [00:15:00]

Discover how having too much on your plate leads to procrastination and the power of doing less to regain control and focus.

Reason #2: Low Energy Levels [00:20:00]

Explore the impact of physical and mental energy on your productivity. Learn about surprising energy boosters that can help you overcome procrastination.

Reason #3: Lack of Skill [00:29:00]

Unveil how the gap in skills can be a major driver for procrastination and the journey from incompetence to proficiency.

Reason #4: Unclarity of Tasks—and a framework for tackling it [00:35:00]

Understand how unclear tasks fuel procrastination and the framework to gain clarity, drive action, and reduce task aversiveness.

Reason #5: Disorganization [00:43:00]

Tackle procrastination by addressing disorganization.

Closing Thoughts and Takeaways [00:46:00]

Wrap up with key insights and actionable tips to transform your approach to tasks and productivity.

Get an extra 20% off a 30-day supply of Magic Mind productivity shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/8020productivity and use CODE: PRD20

My favourite digital productivity tool (get double the trial period for free! No credit card required: https://try.sunsama.com/anthony

Notes and References

Steel P. The nature of procrastination: a meta-analytic and theoretical review of quintessential self-regulatory failure. Psychol Bull. 2007 Jan;133(1):65-94. doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.133.1.65. PMID: 17201571.

Chen, B.-B., & Chang, L. (2016). Procrastination as a Fast Life History Strategy. Evolutionary Psychology, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/1474704916630314

van Eerde, W. (2015). Time management and procrastination. In M. D. Mumford, & M. Frese

(Eds.), The psychology of planning in organizations: research and applications (pp. 312-333). (Series in organization and management). Routledge

Kongkeaw C, Dilokthornsakul P, Thanarangsarit P, Limpeanchob N, Norman Scholfield C. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;151(1):528-35. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.008. Epub 2013 Nov 16. PMID: 24252493.

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode Summary

Timing is everything! In this episode of the 80/20 Productivity Podcast, we delve deep into the science and art of aligning your activities with your body's natural rhythms to amplify your productivity, health, and overall well-being. Discover how timing isn't just a concept but a fundamental aspect of enhancing your life's quality and efficiency.

Get an extra 20% off a 30-day supply of Magic Mind productivity shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/8020productivity and use CODE: PRD20

So, let's get into the details:

The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

[00:00:00] - The Power of Timing
Explore why timing is critical in maximizing the benefits and performance of your actions. A brief overview of what's to come in the episode.

[00:00:40] - Working With Your Natural Rhythms
Unveil the secrets to boosting your activity performance by syncing with your body's rhythms.

[00:01:40] - Biological Rhythms Explained
Dive into what biological rhythms are, why they exist, and how they impact our daily lives.

[00:02:27] - The Best Times for Daily Activities
A caveat about finding the perfect time for activities that matter and how it's more important to just do them.

[00:03:30] - Timing, Chronos, and Kairos
Understanding the difference between Chronos (quantitative time) and Kairos (opportune time) in the context of productivity.

[00:05:12] - Evolution and Our Biological Clocks
How evolution on Earth influenced the development of our internal clocks.

[00:07:38] - Different Types of Rhythms
Introduction to circadian, diurnal, ultradian, and circa-annual rhythms.

[00:12:14] - Circadian, Diurnal, and Ultradian Rhythms in Daily Life
How these rhythms specifically influence our day-to-day activities and productivity.

[00:18:29] - The Impact of Light and Temperature
The role of light and temperature as key factors in syncing with our natural rhythms.

[00:22:32] - Crafting an Ideal Daily Routine
Step-by-step guide through an optimal daily routine from morning till night based on scientific insights.

[00:38:02] - Time-Restricted Eating and Its Benefits
Discussion on how aligning eating times with your body's clock can enhance health and productivity.

[00:47:18] - Evening Routines and Preparing for Sleep
Tips for winding down effectively, aligning evening activities with natural rhythms for better sleep quality.

[01:08:50] - Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Wrapping up the insights shared in the episode and encouraging listeners to experiment with aligning their routines with their biological rhythms.

Get an extra 20% off a 30-day supply of Magic Mind productivity shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/8020productivity and use CODE: PRD20

My favourite digital productivity tool (get double the trial period for free! No credit card required: https://try.sunsama.com/anthony

Notes and References

Biological Rhythms, Clock, Zeitgebers and Light's Influence on Biological Clocks: Merrow M (2023) Circadian clocks: It’s time for chronobiology. PLoS Biol 21(11): e3002426. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002426

Circadian Rhythms Affect Metabolism: Circadian rhythms significantly impact human metabolism, suggesting optimal meal timing can improve health.

Brown Adipose Tissue Activity: Maaike E. Straat, Rick Hogenboom, Mariëtte R. Boon, Patrick C.N. Rensen, Sander Kooijman, Circadian control of brown adipose tissue, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Volume 1866, Issue 8, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.158961

Benefits of Early Time-Restricted Eating: L.S. Chow, E.N.C. Manoogian, A. Alvear, J.G. Fleischer, H. Thor, K. Dietsche, et al.

Time-restricted eating effects on body composition and metabolic measures in humans who are overweight: a feasibility study

Obesity (Silver Spring), 28 (5) (2020), pp. 860-869

Optimal Exercise Timing for Performance: Exercise performance can vary by time of day, influenced by body temperature and hormone levels.

Caffeine Consumption Timing for better sleep: Carissa Gardiner, Jonathon Weakley, Louise M. Burke, Gregory D. Roach, Charli Sargent, Nirav Maniar, Andrew Townshend, Shona L. Halson, The effect of caffeine on subsequent sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Sleep Medicine Reviews, Volume 69, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2023.101764 .

Mental Performance Varies Throughout the Day: Schmidt C, Collette F, Cajochen C, Peigneux P. A time to think: circadian rhythms in human cognition. Cogn Neuropsychol. 2007 Oct;24(7):755-89. doi: 10.1080/02643290701754158. PMID: 18066734.

L-Theanine and Caffeine cognitive effects: Anas Sohail A, Ortiz F, Varghese T, Fabara SP, Batth AS, Sandesara DP, Sabir A, Khurana M, Datta S, Patel UK. The Cognitive-Enhancing Outcomes of Caffeine and L-theanine: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2021 Dec 30;13(12):e20828. doi: 10.7759/cureus.20828. PMID: 35111479; PMCID: PMC8794723

Work/Break Ratio for Productivity: This is an updated article. But it still maintains the benefits of working in cycles of work and rest. https://desktime.com/blog/52-17-updated-people-are-now-working-and-breaking-longer-than-before

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode Summary

Unlocking the Pareto Principle to beat the zero sum game of time
In this episode of "8020 Productivity," we delve into the zero-sum nature of time and explore effective strategies to maximize productivity by doing less. Discover how the Pareto Principle can transform your time management and ensure you're investing in the activities that yield the most significant results.

My favourite digital productivity tool (get double the trial period for free! No credit card required: https://try.sunsama.com/anthony

The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

[00:31] - The Core Challenge of Time Management

[01:59] - Exploring Game Theory and Zero Sum Game Dynamics

[05:49] - Strategies to Outplay the Zero Sum Game

[06:10] - Applying the Pareto Principle to Time Management

[14:28] - Success Stories: Google's 20% Policy and Its Impact

[17:15] - Implementing 8020 in Everyday Life: Practical Tips

[18:28] - Learning from Atlassian's Implementation Mistakes

[21:51] - Decision Framework: Stop, Reduce, or Delegate

[26:00] - Delegation Strategies: Maximizing Value and Minimizing Effort

My favourite digital productivity tool (get double the trial period for free! No credit card required: https://try.sunsama.com/anthony

Notes and References

Von Neumann, John; Oskar Morgenstern (2007). Theory of games and economic behavior (60th anniversary ed.). Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Cannon-Brookes, Mike (10 March 2008). "Atlassian's 20% Time Experiment". Atlassian. Retrieved 12 June 2024.

Goetz, Kaomi (1 February 2011). "How 3M Gave Everyone Days Off and Created an Innovation Dynamo". Fast Company. Retrieved 12 June 2024

Xu, Tammy (6 October 2020). "How Side Project Programs Foster Creativity at Work". Built In. Retrieved 20 July 20246

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Ever wonder why sometimes you don’t follow through on your goals? Often times we feel like we’re not “motivated”. But motivation is a trick. The real issue is often values!

Dive deep into the world of values and their profound impact on productivity in this insightful episode. We explore how values drive our decisions and behaviors, particularly in goal-setting and achieving personal and professional success. Learn about the ten key categories of values, understand the conflicts between them, and discover strategies to align your actions with your true values to enhance your productivity.

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Key Insights:

Values are more than abstract concepts; they are cognitive structures that influence every decision and action.

Conflicts between values can significantly affect our productivity and overall satisfaction.

Aligning your goals with your values can lead to more meaningful and effective actions.

The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Introduction to Values and Their Role in Productivity

[00:22] - Understanding the Ten Categories of Values

[01:33] - Defining Values: Insights from Research

[02:55] - Detailed Discussion on Each Value Category

[23:59] - Conformity and Its Role in Society

[26:09] - How Values Influence Work Satisfaction and Personal Decisions

[29:23] - Closing Thoughts: Aligning Values with Life Goals

Get an extra 20% off a 30-day supply of Magic Mind productivity shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/8020productivity and use CODE: PRD20

My favourite digital productivity tool (get double the trial period for free! No credit card required: https://try.sunsama.com/anthony

Notes and References

Oyserman, Daphna. (2015). Values, Psychology of. International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences. 10.1016/B978-0-08-097086-8.24030-0.

An overview of the values categories: An Overview of the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values

Shalom H. Schwartz https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1116&context=orpc .

Values Survey: https://www.framevoicereport.org/media/1093/the-short-schwartzs-value-survey.pdf

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

Episode Summary

Using Task and Goal Cooperation to Beat the Zero sum game of time
In this follow-up episode, we delve deeper into overcoming the zero-sum game of time management. We recap the fundamental concepts introduced previously and explore new strategies, focusing on cooperation as a method to enhance productivity. Learn how to align your daily activities with your broader goals to maximize efficiency and satisfaction.

The first episode is available here

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The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

[00:28] - Recap of the Zero-Sum Game of Time

[02:08] - Introducing the Concept of Cooperation in Time Management

[03:09] - The Importance of Goal Setting in Overcoming Time Constraints

[04:35] - Framework for Setting and Reevaluating Goals

[05:36] - Strategies for Implementing Cooperation in Daily Activities

[13:03] - Practical Examples of Integrating Multiple Life Segments

[17:42] - Returning to Time Management Strategies Using Cooperation

[25:58] - Summary and Key Takeaways

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Notes and References

Intro to The Wheel of Life: The Wheel of Life® https://www.mindtools.com/ak6jd6w/the-wheel-of-life

Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

What if you could create mind-blowing improvements in your performance and life with minimal effort every day? In this episode, we introduce Kaizen—the Japanese philosophy of small, consistent improvements that has fueled massive success in industries like manufacturing. Learn how applying this simple but powerful concept to your own life can help you crush your goals without the burnout.

Get up to 48% off Magic Mind mental performance shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/anthonysanni and use CODE: ANTHONYS20

The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

[00:00] – What Is Kaizen and Why It Works

[03:01] – Stop Chasing Big Changes: Why Small Wins Matter More

[06:09] – Fitness, Finance, and Compounding: The Real Power of Incremental Growth

[15:25] – The Invisible Path to Success: Why 1% Matters Every Day

[16:54] – How to Start Using Kaizen Right Now

Notes and References

Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success

Imai, Masaaki. Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success. McGraw-Hill, 1986.

For those interested in learning more about Kaizen and how this principle transformed Japan’s manufacturing industries, check out Masaaki Imai’s classic book, Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success. It’s a great read for understanding the roots of this continuous improvement philosophy.

Lean Management and Six Sigma

Womack, James P., and Daniel T. Jones. Lean Thinking: Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation. Simon & Schuster, 2003.

Kaizen is closely associated with Lean management and Six Sigma, frameworks widely used to reduce waste and improve efficiency. For more on these, consider reading Lean Thinking by James Womack, which gives an in-depth look into how these concepts can help businesses grow and thrive.

Einstein's Quote on Compounding Interest

The attribution of the quote “Compounding interest is the eighth wonder of the world” to Albert Einstein is widely debated, and there’s no definitive evidence that he actually said it. Whether or not Einstein said it, the principle behind it is incredibly powerful. By making small, consistent improvements—just like compounding interest—you can see exponential growth in almost any area of life.

Compounding Interest and 1% Daily Improvement

If you improve by just 1% every day, that adds up much faster than most people expect. Over the course of a year, those 1% gains can compound into something like 37 times better performance. While this example simplifies things a bit, the principle of compounding is key here. It’s about getting a little better each day and letting those gains multiply over time.

Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)

Sanni, Anthony. The 80/20 Way to Productivity: Do More by Doing Less. Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

At 80/20 Productivity, we believe in focusing on the few things that make the biggest difference. This idea is based on the Pareto Principle, which tells us that 80% of our results come from 20% of our efforts. To dive deeper into this, check out The Law of The Vital Few which breaks down how you can apply this rule to everything from work to personal growth.

Welcome back! Let me ask you: are you grinding away but still feeling stuck, like your hard work isn’t paying off? In this episode, we dive into something that changed the game for me: obsession with value. What if doing less—not more—was the secret to getting better results? We’ll talk about cutting out the fluff, knowing who you’re really working for (hint: it might be you), and focusing on what truly matters. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or like your efforts aren’t hitting the mark, trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.

Get up to 48% off Magic Mind mental performance shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/anthonysanni and use CODE: ANTHONYS20

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

What it means to have an obsession with value and why it’s essential for productivity.

How to identify your “customer” in every interaction—even when it’s yourself.

The dangers of overproduction and how to avoid wasting time and effort.

Real-world examples of applying Kaizen to personal and professional growth.

Simple strategies for seeking feedback to refine your work and improve outcomes.

The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

[00:00 - 00:26] What’s the Missing Link in Your Productivity?
Kick off the episode with a surprising insight into Kaizen’s second principle.

[00:27 - 01:06] Why “Value” Might Be Your Secret Weapon
Discover why understanding value changes everything about how you work.

[01:07 - 02:00] The Question You’re Not Asking (But Should Be)
Find out how redefining “customer” can transform your focus.

[02:01 - 06:00] Unlocking Value in Unexpected Places
Explore how small mindset shifts reveal opportunities to deliver more.

[06:01 - 09:00] A Hidden Lesson from Toyota’s Success
What industrial giants can teach us about cutting waste and maximizing results.

[09:01 - 13:00] Are You Focused on the Wrong Things?
How to stop spinning your wheels and uncover what truly matters.

[13:01 - 15:00] The Silent Productivity Killer
Why doing too much might be the exact thing holding you back.

[15:01 - 18:00] A Simple Shift That Changes Everything
Learn how feedback can help you work smarter, not harder.

[18:01 - End] What’s the One Thing You’ll Do Differently?
Challenge yourself to take action and make Kaizen principles work for you.

Get up to 48% off Magic Mind mental performance shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/anthonysanni and use CODE: ANTHONYS20

Notes and References

Part 1 of Kaizen Episodes:
Ep-028: The Kaizen Secret—How Tiny Changes Lead to Big Wins: https://anthonysanni.com/podcast/ep-028-unlock-unstoppable-productivity-how-small-daily-improvements-can-overcome-burnout-procrastination-and-overwhelm

Virtuous Laziness Episode:
Ep-009: On Zipf’s Law of Least Effort and virtuous laziness: https://anthonysanni.com/podcast/ep-009-zipfs-law-of-least-and-why-laziness-is-good

Episode on 80/20 Quadrants for productivity:
Ep-025: Zero sum game of time—How to beat the game and do more by doing less I: https://anthonysanni.com/podcast/ep-05-how-to-beat-the-losing-game-of-time-management-using-the-pareto-principle

Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success

Imai, Masaaki. Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success. McGraw-Hill, 1986.

For those interested in learning more about Kaizen and how this principle transformed Japan’s manufacturing industries, check out Masaaki Imai’s classic book, Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success. It’s a great read for understanding the roots of this continuous improvement philosophy.

3.                     Justin Welsh’s newsletter on the businesswoman who sought feedback and used to to increase profits after her product flopped.

https://www.justinwelsh.me/newsletter/her-product-flopped-then-she-3xed-revenue

4.                     Referenced Book by Jack Canfield’s book about asking a partner for feedback on relationships

1.                     The Success Principles: https://www.harpercollins.ca/9780062395702/the-success-principlestm-10th-anniversary-edition/

5.                     Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)

Sanni, Anthony. The 80/20 Way to Productivity: Do More by Doing Less. Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few

At 80/20 Productivity, we believe in focusing on the few things that make the biggest difference. This idea is based on the Pareto Principle, which tells us that 80% of our results come from 20% of our efforts. To dive deeper into this, check out The Law of The Vital Few which breaks down how you can apply this rule to everything from work to personal growth.

Procrastination isn’t just a thief of time—it’s a thief of life. In this episode, we dive deep into the Procrastination Cycle (Detect, Detest, and Dodge) and flip the script with the Doing Cycle (Accept, Adapt, and Advance). Drawing from practical strategies, cognitive techniques, and time-tested productivity tools, you’ll learn how to tackle procrastination head-on and finally get the important things done.

Whether you’re stuck on a report, a presentation, or even starting your fitness journey, this episode will guide you to move from procrastination to productivity.

The TVF Timestamps:

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] Procrastination: The thief of time and life.

[0:47] Introduction to the 3 Ds (Procrastination Cycle).

[1:41] Understanding discomfort as the foundation of procrastination.

[5:00] Detect, Detest, and Dodge: Breaking down procrastination.

[9:40] Switching gears: Introducing the Doing Cycle (3 As).

[12:14] Accepting discomfort with cognitive defusion.

[15:00] Adapting to discomfort with reframing and small steps.

[19:00] Advancing through discomfort using action-based tools.

[24:28] Practical time-based strategies

[26:00] Closing insights: Moving from knowledge to action.

Notes and References

https://anthonysanni.com/podcast/ep-023-using-the-procrastination-equation-to-find-and-fix-your-procrastination-how-to This is the episode on the procrastination equation and here is the other one: Ep-021: You Are NOT Lazy! 5 Unexpected Reasons You Procrastinate, and How to Stop

My blog on the Pomodoro Technique: https://anthonysanni.com/blog/how-a-tomato-changed-my-life

Procrastination: The Vicious Cycle of Procrastination. Centre for Clinical Interventions. Link to source.

Achor, S. (2010). The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life. Crown Business.

Ferrari, J. R. (2010). Still Procrastinating? The No Regrets Guide to Getting It Done. John Wiley & Sons.

Steel, P. (2007). The Nature of Procrastination: A Meta-Analytic and Theoretical Review of Quintessential Self-Regulatory Failure. Psychological Bulletin.

Pychyl, T. A. (2013). Solving the Procrastination Puzzle: A Concise Guide to Strategies for Change. Penguin Group.

Cirillo, F. (2018). The Pomodoro Technique: The Life-Changing Time-Management System. Crown Publishing Group.

Tracy, B. (2001). Eat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. Avery.

In this episode of 8020 Productivity, we explore how strengthening the connection with your future self can transform your goal-setting and decision-making. we discuss cutting-edge research, practical strategies, and the ripple effects of embracing your future self in every area of life. From emotional connection to actionable milestones, learn how to set yourself up for long-term success today.

The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

Get up to 50% off Magic Mind mental performance shots for Black Friday. Valid for a limited time.

Go to https://magicmind.com/anthonysannibf

[00:00] Why Most Goals Fail

[00:46] The Concept of Future Self

What is the future self, and why does it matter?

[02:38] Brain Science Behind Future Self Perception

Your brain treats your future self as a different person.

[05:03] Emotional Connection: The Secret Sauce

The power of emotional investment in goal pursuit.

Dr. Hal Hershfield’s insights on future self-continuity.

[08:34] Small Habits, Big Results

Practical tips: Packing your gym bag, meal prepping, and more.

[11:14] Bridging Temporal Distance

Why milestones matter: Breaking down big goals into achievable steps.

Construal Level Theory explained.

[17:17] The Power of Storytelling

How multi-sensory narratives bring your future self to life.

Writing letters from your future self to your current self.

[22:23] Bonus: The Ripple Effect

How connecting with your future self impacts health, finances, and relationships.

[26:13] Final Challenge: Start Small Today

What will you do today to serve your future self?

Notes and References

Dr. Hal Hershfield’s Research

Paper: Future Self-Continuity: How Conceptions of the Future Self Transform Intertemporal Choice.
Read the full paper here.

Neural Correlates of Future Self-Continuity

Paper: Saving for the Future Self: Neural Measures of Future Self-Continuity Predict Temporal Discounting.
View the study here.

Construal Level Theory

Developed by Nira Liberman and Yaacov Trope, this theory explores how psychological distance affects decision-making.
Learn more about it here.

Virtual Aging Software

Example: Apps that visualize age progression, like FaceApp or AgingBooth, can be helpful for visualizing your future self.

Magic Mind Offer

Link: https://magicmind.com/anthonyjan

Mini-Course: Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting

Free resource for listeners: https://anthony-sanni-company-international.thinkific.com/courses/goal-achievement-free-mini-course

Book Mention: The Law of The Vital Few

In this episode of 8020 Productivity, we explore how strengthening the connection with your future self can transform your goal-setting and decision-making. we discuss cutting-edge research, practical strategies, and the ripple effects of embracing your future self in every area of life. From emotional conne

Episode Summary

Learn how to maximize your productivity by focusing on generative effort—the work that keeps paying off long after it's done. In this episode, I break down the differences between terminal and generative effort, share insights and offer actionable tips to help you build assets, streamline processes, and create a lasting legacy..

The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

[00:00] The Two Types of Effort That Define Productivity

A powerful framework to transform how you approach work and results.

[00:19] Generative Effort: The Work That Keeps on Giving

What makes some efforts continue to create value long after they’re done?

[04:34] Terminal Effort: Are You Stuck in a Productivity Trap?

The kind of work that ends as soon as it’s completed—and why it’s time to rethink it.

[06:38] Why Generative Effort Is a Gift to Your Future Self

How prioritizing the right kind of effort aligns with your long-term goals.

[07:59] What Are the 6 Categories of Generative Effort?

From building assets to creating a legacy, these categories will change how you allocate your energy.

[21:18] Is Your Effort Building or Burning Value?

Key questions to identify whether your tasks are setting you up for lasting success.

[24:20] How to Shift More Time Toward Generative Effort

Practical strategies to rebalance your day for compounding results.

[24:41] Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Work Smarter?

A challenge to focus on work that pays off far beyond the present moment.

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Notes and References

Greg McKeown's Essentialism: Inspiration for the concept of generative vs. terminal effort.

Past Episodes Mentioned

Future Self Connection: Link to the referenced episode.

Force Multipliers Episode

Reference to Lancaster's Law and exponential teamwork effects.

Mini-Course: Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting

Free resource for listeners: https://anthony-sanni-company-international.thinkific.com/courses/goal-achievement-free-mini-course

Book Mention: The Law of The Vital Few