sharppodcast

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 unhelpful It means different thing to different people Three different perspectives from the 'TED' stage It is important and urgent for us to solve Work-life balance is a fallacy We could revisit our perspective Steve-In-The-Field's adverts are definitely unhelpful! What happens...

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.com Look 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...

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...

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 personallyMeditation Here are the links to the resource where you can...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 hospitalsPreparing Lucy's birthday...

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...

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 about Working from home - this is what can help: Set aside a dedicated area Plan your day with a structure Agree boundaries with the family Set a definite end time to the...

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 important Why quality matters more than Stephen Spielberg How it's hard to find people who care Using great tools Working with good people Sharpening your tools How great calendar skills makes him a great photographer Preparing for the moment of scrutiny Asking for the...

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 mediaShare 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 messageDirect onto...

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 are Where they came from How they work What YOU can use them for Tony Buzan invented mind maps - he was a character 1970's BBC tv That idiot Steve In The Field makes another appearance Our research came from here - find out more: Use Your Head from BBC TV in 1974 How to Mind Map with Tony Buzan Hazel...

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 4 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 weather 4 Seconds by Peter Bregman Change your habits and your life Dog-earing pages (yep!) The Getting Things Done Workbook by David Allen and Brandon Hall It's like David coming to...

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 15 Bruce Lee and David Allen have something in common (now you know why we chose this episode's cover art) Enter The Dragon What having a 'Mind Like Water' means David Allen's Ted Talk including his reference...

Episode 55 - Would you like an extra week in your year to focus on really important stuff? How about TWO weeks? How about ELEVEN days of fun/important/helpful personal time? Take control of your calendar and you could have that - and more. We show you how. Here's all the good stuff: Forbes.com article on 6 things you should NOT have on your calendar Meetings Back to back appointments Checklists Notes Miniscule tasks Other people's priorities History.com and the Gregorian Calendar Today's...

No shownotes - just me, telling you, why you've been waiting ages for an episode! As always, we're really grateful for your help in supporting this podcast. To do this you can: Rate or subscribe at i-tunes by going here - i-tunes 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 home page, and...

Episode 54 - We talk to the whirlwind that is Laura Gassner Otting! With her new book coming out (in April 2019 at time of writing) Laura shares her view on life, what gets in the way, and how we can all enjoy a life without limits! Look at all this stuff we covered: Laura's background and wide range of experience Socks (Isle of Wight of course!) New Year's resolutions Why there will always be a bigger boat How Laura uses her calendar (great tips here) Putting things off GTD "Limitless - How...

Episode 53 - In the last of our re-visits to helping you get even SHARPER this year, we go back to episode 30 where we summarised all the good stuff about routines. How is your start of day routine? Is it setting you up for the best you can be each day? And what about your end of day routine - does that help you wind down in the right way? These episodes are definitely worth another listen, which is why we did it! If you'd like to listen to the FULL episodes, the links are here: Episode 12...