Hall passes are one of the most powerful strategies we can use when it comes to making new habits stick. I explore the "what the hell" effect, the benefits of flexible routines, and the surprising impact of cheat days. Get ready to learn practical strategies for staying on track with your goals, even when life throws you curveballs.  Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January 9, 2024. Learn more about it and pre-order it here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ *** Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram  If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter called One Percent Better. You can sign up for that at: howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Self-identity plays a huge role in shaping our behaviors and decision-making. So it stands to reason that if you want to make a big change to your life, you might need to change your self-identity. I reveal what the research says about self-identity and health habits. I also share some practical steps to help you recreate your own identity and solidify your commitment to new and better habits.  Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January 9, 2024. Learn more about it and pre-order it here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ *** Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram  If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter called One Percent Better. You can sign up for that at: howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We often hear about how bad social media is for our health. Today, I flip that assumption on its head and explain how you can leverage social media for good. Discover the power of social normative theory, how good habits are contagious, and the influence of social media on our behaviors and expectations. Learn how to strategically curate your social media feed to align with your health goals, whether it's improving sleep, movement, or nutrition.  Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January 9, 2024. Learn more about it and pre-order it here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ *** Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram  If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter called One Percent Better. You can sign up for that at: howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that the sequence in which you eat can affect your blood glucose levels? Studies have shown that the order in which you consume vegetables, proteins/fats, and carbohydrates can make a significant difference. By simply changing the order of your meal, you can potentially reduce glucose spikes by up to 75% and experience benefits including increased energy levels and a greater sense of satiety. Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January 9, 2024. Learn more about it and pre-order it here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ *** Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram  If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter called One Percent Better. You can sign up for that at: howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you striving for a healthier life? I explore the popular notion of taking 10,000 steps per day for better health. Is this magic number really all it's cracked up to be? Let's uncover the truth by delving into the scientific research behind the ideal number of steps to take per day to reduce the risk of premature death. Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January 9, 2024. Learn more about it and pre-order it here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ *** Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram  If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter called One Percent Better. You can sign up for that at: howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you struggling to get a good night's sleep? In today's episode, I explore a fascinating and science-backed strategy called the pre-sleep task dump. Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January 9, 2024. Learn more about it and pre-order it here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ *** Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram  If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter called One Percent Better. You can sign up for that at: howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to make someone give up on their dream? Which straw breaks the camel’s back? For Hugh Van Cuylenburg, a simple but critical mistake in his calendar almost spelt the end of The Resilience Project before it’d truly begun.  But it didn’t. Why not? Where did Hugh find the strength to keep pursuing his goals, even after messing up the best opportunity he’d ever had?  Hugh’s a master storyteller, with no shortage of material. He shares which moments in his life turned out to be make-or-break, and what he learned from each one.  He also teaches you how to quickly build rapport with new people, and how to improve your business by stepping out of its centre.   Connect with Hugh on The Resilience Project’s website or listen to The Imperfects podcast *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram  If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Production Support from Deadset Studios Episode Producer: Liam Riordan Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You think you’ve got a procrastination problem? TIm Urban, the man behind the sensationally popular blog Wait But Why reckons he might have you covered. He’s so well-acquainted with procrastination, in fact, that he gave a TED talk on the topic… And finalised it at the last minute.  However, for a self-proclaimed master procrastinator, Tim sure gets a lot done. And thankfully, among the many, many articles he’s written are some antidotes for the serial procrastinator.  Tim shares his process for researching and understanding big, complex ideas, and turning them into digestible, entertaining reading. Connect with Tim on Twitter or his website, Wait But Why *** My book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram  If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Production Support from Deadset Studios Episode Producer: Liam Riordan Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

**BEST OF** If there’s anything I don’t miss about my school days, it’s homework - and I’ll bet you feel the same. So when my new favourite book on storytelling told me I needed to do “homework for life,” I wasn’t exactly pumped. That is, until author Matthew Dicks explained the benefits.  Matthew’s the bestselling author of a slew of novels and non-fiction books, he’s written a rock opera, multiple musicals and even a handful of comic books. So when I read his new book in the hopes of upping my own storytelling skills, I knew his homework for life was working for someone! Matthew breaks down the structures, tools and techniques that help him write not just at a prolific pace, but with outstanding quality, too. He explains why being able to tell stories is important for everyone, and teaches you how to get started if you haven’t put pen to paper before.  Connect with Matthew on Twitter, Instagram or at his website. Pick up a copy of Storyworthy, or check out Matthew’s newest course to improve your writing. *** My book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram  If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Production Support from Deadset Studios Episode Producer: Liam Riordan Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The way we work has never changed quite as much as it did during the pandemic. Sure, you probably knew a couple of people with home offices or flexible hours, but after lockdowns, remote work went from a rarity to the new normal. When everyone was suddenly forced to stay inside, we all realised we could get by with tools like Google Docs and Zoom. But what if we were wrong?  Adam Nathan, the co-founder and CEO of Almanac, worries that where we work has changed, but how we work hasn’t caught up yet. We’re using tools created for a different time, he says, and simply updating the tools won’t do the trick.  Adam shares Almanac’s ‘modern work principles’, and explains why addressing our workflows and strategies is the key to keeping up with the pace of change. Connect with Adam on LinkedIn, read more about The Modern Work Method, or try out Almanac for yourself *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Alter might just have the simplest productivity system of anyone I’ve interviewed. He uses a to-do list app, but it’s barely more advanced than a piece of paper. He values deep work, but he doesn’t build his life around it. So if he’s supposedly doing so little, how’s he getting so much done?  And trust me, he’s getting a lot done: Adam’s a Professor of Marketing at NYU’s Stern School of Business and the Robert Stansky Teaching Excellence Faculty Fellow. He’s also the author of multiple bestselling books, including Drunk Tank Pink and Irresistible, and most recently, Anatomy of a Breakthrough.  Adam breaks down his incredibly simple to-do list system, and explains why the simplicity itself is so important. He also shares his strategies for auditing his productivity and energy, and his approach to objectively documenting his own life.  Connect with Adam on his website, LinkedIn or pick up a copy of his latest book, Anatomy of a Breakthrough *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite living in Australia for his entire life, my dad speaks with a Polish accent. But that’s not all that’s different about him since he suffered a stroke in 2009…  Martin Imber always considered himself a logical, “right-brained” person - he was a computer programmer, after all. But since his stroke, he believes he’s become more empathetic, more compassionate.  Martin shares what he’s learned about life, love, family and himself since his stroke, as well as the lessons he learned from his own parents, who survived the holocaust. *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re into productivity or life-hacking, you’ve probably come across some pretty unusual tips and tools recently: we’re talking automatic ice baths, full-scale saunas, magic mushroom teas, and a whole lot of multi-hour morning routines.  While I love a wild idea as much as the next productivity nerd, I also have a budget! Thankfully, Susan Carland’s favourite time-savers and life-upgraders are as accessible as they come. As long as she’s got a piping hot cup of coffee in her hand when she gets down to work, she’s happy.  Susan gives you her favourite, low-key tips for living the good life every day, and shares how her daily prayer ritual helps build self-discipline, while also allowing her to develop a deeper relationship with herself.  Connect with Susan on Instagram or listen to the What Happens Next? podcast  *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No two careers will ever look exactly the same, but few of them look anything like a professional sporting career. Former AFL player Tom Boyd is the prime example: he’d worked towards the same goal since his early childhood, and after reaching the pinnacle of his game, he retired at the ripe old age of 23.  So, what do you do when your career ends before you’re even halfway through your twenties?  Tom reflects on his sporting career and shares its most impactful lessons, covering everything from the importance of adequate recovery through to life-changing advice about better decision-making. He also discusses how he’s taking the unique skills and character traits that made him a great football player and leveraging them in his new career as a public speaker and mental health ambassador.  Connect with Tom on Instagram, LinkedIn or pick up a copy of his book, Nowhere to Hide *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What matters most when pursuing a goal? Discipline? Routine? Accountability? All of those are important, sure, but how come nobody ever mentions fun?  Economist and Wharton professor Katy Milkman wants to change that: according to research out of the Univeristy of Chicago and Cornell University, people persist in goal pursuit for longer if they can find a way to make the process more enjoyable.  Katy gives this advice to her students, but it’s also the guiding force in her own career. Academia is vast and multi-faceted, and Katy knows she can only perform at the highest level if she’s fuelled by passion and joy.  Katy also shares advice for speeding up your writing, and explains how one book changed her thinking forever.  Connect with Katy on her website or on LinkedIn *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The greatest stories inspire, terrify, inform and change us. They might change our lives, or simply help us get through the day. But if we know how central stories are to the human experience, why don’t more of us learn how to craft them more effectively?  Matthew Dicks has been writing (and teaching writing) for decades now, and he’s seen the craft of storytelling change many lives in many ways. Most of all, he’s seen just how beneficial it is to tell stories to ourselves.  Whether your ultimate goal is to share your stories with the world, or you just want to give better presentations at the office, learning how to craft a great story won’t just give you more influence over others, it’ll give you more influence over yourself.  In that spirit, I asked Matthew to help me improve a story I was preparing for a work presentation, and he walked me through his thought process every step of the way.  Connect with Matthew on Twitter, Instagram or at his website. Pick up a copy of Storyworthy, or check out Matthew’s newest course if you want to improve your writing.  You can find the full interview here: Matthew Dicks teaches you to think and write like a master storyteller *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When he reached 60, Nigel Marsh realised his most ‘conventionally’ successful days might be behind him… But what does that actually mean?  After a long and lucrative career in the commercial sector, Nigel knew the day would come when he’d no longer be able to keep pace with his younger colleagues. He’s had to accept that there comes a time in all of our lives when we need to step back and slow down. But he’s also learning that slowing down is far from a bad thing.  Nigel’s gone from running multinational corporations with tens of thousands of employees, to overseeing just one employee - himself. And while it takes humility to accept such a huge change, his new, more independent work life has come with its own perks.  Finally free to pursue more of his own interests, and to dedicate more time and attention to the work he’s most passionate about, Nigel’s discovering a new kind of success after 60.      Connect with Nigel at his website, or pick up a copy of Smart, Stupid and Sixty  You can find the full interview here: Clarity, alignment and momentum with Nigel Marsh *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wil Anderson knows you think your mates are funnier than him, but that doesn’t bother him. After more than two decades dominating the Australian comedy scene, Wil’s learned that his job isn’t just to be funny: his job is to be funny when the red light comes on.  Wil recognises that life is hard more often than it’s easy, and nobody performs at their best when things are truly tough. However, what separates the professionals from the hobbyists, he says, is the ability to perform even (and especially) when the conditions aren’t perfect.  And since internalising this lesson, Wil’s come full circle on his approach to ‘bad days.’ Now, he relishes difficult times, because they’re an opportunity for him to strengthen his resolve and practice his professionalism. Connect with Wil on Instagram or listen to his podcasts here You can find the full interview here: Wil Anderson’s on-the-fly creative process *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On his enormously popular blog, Wait But Why, Tim Urban writes about some pretty heavy topics. He’s covered North Korea, the state of American politics and culture, and Elon Musk’s rise to fame, to name just a few. So you might be surprised when you click onto the blog for the first time and see it’s overrun with… stick figure drawings?  Tim’s writing style is playful and personable, but his unique illustrations do a lot of the heavy lifting to make his work so eye-catching and so memorable. Whether it’s a graph demonstrating just how few weeks make up a human life, or characters representing our inner demons, Tim’s constantly seeking novel ways to get his point across.  Tim explains how he decides when to illustrate versus when to let his words do the talking, and highlights the most common cases where words alone don’t quite cut it.   Connect with Tim on Twitter, or his website Wait But Why You can find the full interview here: Tim Urban on seeing the bigger picture and beating procrastination *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Among great thinkers, the long walk or run is nothing new. Philosophers, artists, novelists and world leaders have long espoused the value of solitude for working through thorny problems.  Award-winning investigative journalist Nick McKenzie is no different. Whether he’s stuck in a tough patch of writing, or trying to figure out his next move in a delicate investigation, running alone often leads to the solution.  But Nick doesn’t always run alone. In fact, he’s turned running into one of his favourite ways to connect more deeply with his contacts, sources and colleagues. The initial conversations he has with sources can be tense - usually, they’re risking a great deal to help him with his work. So getting together, out of business attire and into sweaty neon workout gear, and going for a short run helps to break the ice and bring guards down on both sides…  Connect with Nick on Twitter or on his website.  You can find the full interview here: Award-winning journalist Nick McKenzie on death threats, confirmation bias and the power of insecurity *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Dicks is a master storyteller, and he’s just as committed to understanding great stories as he is to crafting them himself.  The author, school teacher and writing coach has spent years studying stories, trying to figure out why they impact us so deeply, and searching for the principles that underpin the very best of them.  His most important finding: stories are about change over time. Whether it’s an historical epic like War and Peace or the recounting of a single conversation, all great stories are about how people change, and why.  So, whenever Matthew’s working on a story and it’s not coming together, he asks himself: what’s meant to change?   Connect with Matthew on Twitter, Instagram or at his website. Pick up a copy of Storyworthy, or check out Matthew’s newest course if you want to improve your writing.  You can find the full interview here: Matthew Dicks teaches you to think and write like a master storyteller *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to lead one of the world’s most creative and innovative companies?  Mel Silva’s been with Google for over 16 years, and now as the Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, she’s a pivotal part of fostering the company’s world-famous culture.  Mel unpacks the key lessons she’s learned in her many roles with the company, including the lessons she’s learned from her coach, and what she’s learned about herself and her leadership style since becoming a mentor for up-and-coming Googlers.  Mel also shares her most valuable new working practice, which she calls ‘thinking days,’ and teaches you how to make deep thinking time as effective as possible for you and your organisation.  Connect with Mel on LinkedIn *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve heard it a million times - improving your writing will make you better at just about any job you can think of. But how do you actually improve? How do you hone the craft?   Marketing expert and bestselling author Ann Handley dedicates much of her own writing to teaching the craft, and she says the most important component of effective writing is the unique voice of the author.  Especially today, when everyone with a social media account is a defacto marketer, and AI writing tools are improving at rapid speed, the ability to communicate with your own unique, unaffected voice is the key skill that makes great writers stand out.  So how do you write in your own voice? Well, like anything else, it’s about a whole lot of practice! Ann teaches you how to make time for writing everyday, and how to ensure you have fun doing it. Connect with Ann on Twitter or Instagram or sign up to her newsletter You can find the full interview here: Marketing pioneer Ann Handley shares tools, tactics and attitudes that will make you a better writer *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“We’re all cogs in a wheel,” Melissa Doyle tells her kids. “But we’re all vital…” As one of Australia’s favourite TV presenters, you won’t be surprised to learn Melissa fields a lot of requests for career advice. But at the beginning of her own career, she just wanted to become like the women she admired. She imitated their voices and studied their styles, but quickly realised - she would never truly be like her heroes, because she would always be herself.  When she first cried on camera, she was mortified, humiliated by her own “lack of professionalism.” But upon reflection, she understood that her outburst was an honest reflection of who she was… And viewers agreed.  Melissa shares how she learned not just to accept her true self, but to tap into it like a superpower. She also shares the advice she leans on when work (or life) isn’t going exactly to plan.  Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn or Twitter, or pick up a copy of 15 Seconds of Brave You can find the full interview here: Melissa Doyle shares stories of bravery, and practical tips for a purpose-driven career *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Marsh doesn’t suffer fools - even when they pay him! After an enormously successful career in the commercial sector, Nigel’s now a bestselling author, and the host of the hit podcast, Five of My Life, and a highly sought-after executive coach. But his coaching isn’t a walk in the park… The cornerstone of Nigel’s coaching practice is his unique line of questioning: he’s discovered over the course of his career that most people already know what they need to do, whether it’s in their work or personal lives. So his job as a coach is to help clients get out of their own way, by asking the kinds of questions that will lead them to their own conclusions.  Nigel breaks down the types of questions that lead to the most impactful results, and explains his consultancy’s mantra: “Clarity, alignment, momentum.”  Connect with Nigel at his website, or pick up a copy of Smart, Stupid and Sixty You can find the full interview here: Clarity, alignment and momentum with Nigel Marsh *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Happy Families crossover series you’ll learn some low-effort and high-impact ways to remove reoccurring stressors in your life. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram  If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Workers in the modern age are already changing careers far more frequently than previous generations - but that doesn’t make transitioning any easier, especially when you’re moving into an entirely different field. Elise McCann can confirm: the actor, singer and dancer is one of Australia’s most celebrated performers, but at the height of the pandemic, she decided to try something (very) different.  In an effort to make meditation an easier and more accessible practice for everyone, Elise and fellow thespian Lucy Durack launched Hey Lemonade. Initially, they were terrified to step into the business world, but while preparing for the first investment pitch, the pair realised they weren’t starting from scratch… Elise shares how she and Lucy drew on their experience as performers to craft and rehearse the perfect pitch meeting. Connect with Elise on LinkedIn, Instagram or on the Hey Lemonade website You can find the full interview here: Theatre star Elise McCann on auditioning, time management and founding a tech company *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Staying healthy doesn’t need to be a pain. In this episode of the Happy Families crossover series you’ll hear some tips and tricks to get exercise into your life in a meaningful way – no matter how busy your home and work schedules are. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram  If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve listened to How I Work for a while, you’ve definitely heard me talk about the Four Day Week, and how much we love it at Inventium. But if you want to implement the practice at your own organisation, you probably have a lot of questions… Doesn’t a four day week just mean longer working days? Should everyone take the same day off, or is it better to stagger? And of course, how do you know if the practice is suited to your business?  In a recent virtual Ask-Me-Anything, I sat down with Inventium’s Head of Consulting, Zoe Aitken, and a remote crowd of curious workers to answer all these questions and more. We cover everything from common problems and workarounds to highly specific case studies and experiments we’ve run at Inventium, so if you’ve ever wondered how the Four Day Week works, this is for you.  If you’re looking for any of the resources we mentioned in the live conversation, you can find them below:  Perpetual Guardian: The Four Day Week is Here Freedom.to Measure What Matters by John Doerr How to run a Four Day Week experiment Andrew Barnes’ TED Talk on the Four Day Week *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Happy Families crossover series we cover all things work life balance. Is it even possible in 2023? Yes, but you have to set some strong guidelines and keep them enforced. You’ll get actionable tips to help demarcate your family time starting from today. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram  If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In case you weren’t already aware - artificial intelligence is well and truly everywhere now. Even professional athletes are speeding up their online interactions with the help of ChatGPT!  Or maybe that’s just American-Australian AFL player Mason Cox, who calls himself a mechanical engineer at heart, and who’s always looking for ways to get things done more efficiently. Now that he’s also a podcast host and a passionate advocate for Aussie Rules in the U.S., he needs all the help he can get with his multi-hyphenate workload.  Mason shares his favourite time-saving tools, and the advice he offers others most often, as well as tips for overcoming self-consciousness and making better life decisions.  Connect with Mason on Instagram or listen to The Mason Cox Show *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who doesn’t love a collaboration? This is the first episode in a four-week crossover series with the popular podcast Happy Families all about how to improve health and wellbeing in your home life. In this episode we talk about why you need to stop treating sleep like a luxury item. We go through why it matters and how to get more of it. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram  If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We psychologists tend to lean more on science and statistics when thinking about how best to live our lives… but sometimes numbers and statistics don’t give us the whole, human picture. Sometimes, even the professionals need a good old-fashioned chat with their mums - and that’s exactly what I’ve decided to do! My mum is Doris Imber, a clinical psychologist, award-winning poet, memoirist and children’s author. As fellow psychologists, we dig into some of the advice Doris shares with her patients most frequently, and explore how she’s acted on that advice in her own life.  Doris also shares how her life and outlook have changed since her cancer diagnosis, and offers advice for turning arguments into constructive disagreements.   Grab a copy of Doris's new book Philomella and the Impossible Forest. *** My book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucy Durack is on the edge of a nervous breakdown… Or at least, that’s how it can sometimes feel on opening night of a new play or musical. If she lets her focus lie on all the production notes, line changes and new stage directions, she’ll collapse into an anxious wreck.  But of course, those are all important parts of a performer’s job - so how does she play her part, without falling apart?  Over the course of her career, Lucy’s received a wealth of wise advice from the stars who came before her. She’s learned how calming gratitude can be, how important it is to have projects outside of her day job, and most importantly, that she can’t wait for life not to be hard before she chooses to be happy.  Connect with Lucy on Instagram or on the Hey Lemonade website   *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam Riordan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the smash-hit reality TV show Married At First Sight started airing in Australia, Mel Schilling wasn’t one of its relationship experts - but she was one of its biggest fans. Her husband noticed, and understood why: it was right up her alley as a therapist and dating coach. He told her she should be on the show, and reminded her: if you don’t ask, you don’t get.  This piece of advice has stayed with Mel, and it’s still something she shares with clients regularly. Some of her advice is a little less conventional though! Mel’s a big fan of meditation, and recommends it to plenty of clients. But when it comes to implementing the practice herself, she gets a little help from a VR headset…  Mel also discusses her family’s time living abroad, and an inexpensive tool that’s helped her stay active while boosting her productivity at work.  Connect with Mel on Instagram  *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam Riordan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than twenty years dominating the radio waves in both the UK and Australia, Christian O’Connell has talked to just about everyone, and they’ve covered just about everything. In order to keep his show exciting and engaging after so many years, Christian himself needs to remain excited and engaged.  One way he keeps himself engaged at work is by following in the footsteps of legendary jazz musician Miles Davis, who would only ever prepare 75% of a recording, leaving space for the magic of improvisation.  Outside of work, Christian pursues the same level of openness as a voracious reader, podcast listener and poetry fan. And when those pleasures of the soul aren’t enough to put him in the right state of mind, he employs breathwork techniques to centre him in the present moment.  Now a certified breathwork teacher, Christian walks you through one of the practice’s simplest techniques, and shares some of the most profound advice he’s received from mentors, colleagues, and his favourite artists.  Connect with Christian on Twitter or LinkedIn  *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve been anywhere near the internet in the last few years, you’ve almost definitely come across something made by Jessie Stephens. If you’re a podcast junkie, you’ll have heard her on Mamamia Out Loud, or Cancelled. If you’re more of a reader, you’ll find Jessie writing articles about everything from Married At First Sight to the proliferation of gambling ads for Mamamia, for whom she’s also the Executive Editor.  Oh, and she’s now a best-selling author, having released her debut book, Heartsick, in 2021.  In other words, Jessie clearly knows how to get a lot done. But she’s learning that her extreme productivity can’t last forever, and right now she’s focused on finding effective ways to recover and recharge, so that whenever she’s working, she’s at her absolute best.  Connect with Jessie on Instagram, pick up a copy of Heartsick, or listen to Mamamia Out Loud *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the founder of the hugely popular blog, Zen Habits, Leo Babauta’s built a reputation for seeking simplicity in work and in life. So it might be surprising to hear that he often looks to the tech world for inspiration… After looking into the “agile software development” process, Leo realised he didn’t need to hide his creative work from the world until it was completely finished. Watching tech companies release software while it was still in development and then constantly updating it live, Leo decided to do the same with his writing.  He now treats many of his blog posts as “iterations”, seeking feedback immediately, updating his work in real time, and constantly testing ideas for bigger projects like books and courses.  Connect with Leo on Twitter or at the Zen Habits website You can find the full interview here: Leo Babauta teaches you the Zen Habits of simplicity and self-awareness *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s hard to imagine a more disciplined and demanding lifestyle than that of a professional athlete. Whether it’s the countless hours of training, the highly regimented eating, or the mounting mental pressure of upcoming competitions, athletes leave little to chance.  But what happens when an athlete retires? Which elements of the spartan lifestyle serve them well beyond the area, and which ones are they happy to leave behind?  Figuring out this balance has defined much of Libby Trickett’s personal and professional life since retiring from swimming. While she often misses the sense of purpose that comes from doggedly pursuing peak performance, she’s also enjoying the freedom to dive deep into other passions.  In this episode of the new mini-series, How I Live, Libby Trickett shares the most impactful advice she’s ever received, the advice she gives most often, and reflects on what being an athlete taught her about life at large.  Connect with Libby on Instagram or at the Unlocking Her Potential website *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want something done right, do it yourself. Or at least, that’s the approach Patrick Lightbody takes. After years of wrestling with different physical planners and calendar apps, Patrick decided to make his own.  So how does someone who designs calendar apps actually use it himself? Well, it begins with the past… Patrick believes that he can’t possibly be oriented towards what matters to him if he’s only looking forwards. Instead, he needs to periodically look back on what he’s already done, and make changes from there.  When it comes to making changes, Patrick employs a “Four Ps” status report, measuring his plans, progress, priorities and problems whenever he needs to overhaul his schedule.  Connect with Patrick in the support chat at Reclaim.ai You can find the full interview here: Turn your calendar into a virtual assistant with Reclaim co-founder Patrick Lightbody *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s an old story about an aspiring comedian meeting Jerry Seinfeld, and asking his advice on success in the entertainment industry. Seinfeld told the budding comic that great comedy is nothing more than great jokes, so the aim is to get as good as possible at writing jokes - and to get good at anything, you have to do it every day.  Australian comedy legend Wil Anderson concurs - and he’s spent a good chunk of time thinking about the creative process behind comedy himself. Wil shares how he writes a joke from scratch, beginning with simple observations about what’s going on around him or in his life at large. He also reflects on how his process has changed over his decades-long career in the spotlight.  Connect with Wil on Twitter or Instagram You can find the full interview here: Wil Anderson’s on-the-fly creative process *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram  If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why would Four Pillars Gin turn down the opportunity to open another distillery? That’s an important question, because the answer isn’t necessarily obvious. After all, more must be better, right?  That depends, and to avoid falling into a never-ending cycle of discussing what it depends on, Four Pillars co-founder Matt Jones and his team have developed a series of frameworks to aid their decision-making. Opening another distillery might service some of some of the company’s goals, but is it the right decision for right now? What if instead, the better option is to open not a distillery, but to open a ‘home’, where the goal is not to further the craft of making gin, but to celebrate the craft of making cocktails?  Whichever option ends up being better, Matt and his team are far more likely to choose wisely when they can consult a series of carefully designed decision-making frameworks. When you have many reasonable choices in front of you, the discussion then needs to be guided by a higher goal, and that’s exactly what these frameworks facilitate.  Matt teaches you how to design your own decision-making frameworks, and shares the ones that have most helped Four Pillars. Connect with Matt on Twitter or at the Four Pillars Gin website You can find the full interview here: Four Pillars Gin Co-Founder Matt Jones wants you to obsess over aesthetics *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hugh Van Cuylenburg was not having a great time, to say the least. He was already unpopular with his then-pregnant wife for being out of town while she and their children all had COVID (and fair enough, he says!), when a previously minor medical problem unexpectedly became very serious. After some painful injections, he managed to get on stage for a speaking engagement, only to finish his presentation suddenly feeling ill.  So, when he finally sat down for a podcast interview with someone he barely knew, and she asked how he was doing, he said he’d been better. After launching into the story for a good twenty minutes, Hugh realised his vulnerability was having an unexpected effect: his guest could relate, and she shared her own similarly vulnerable experiences, and their rapport developed at lightning speed.  Hugh teaches you how to use your low moments for high impact when trying to build a connection with other people, both at work and beyond.  Connect with Hugh on The Resilience Project’s website or listen to The Imperfects podcast You can find the full interview here: Hugh Van Cuylenburg demonstrates how a strong purpose fuels strong actions *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all want to simplify our lives, and especially our work lives, and that’s hardly surprising: the modern age is defined by distraction and excess. But Leo Babauta, the founder of Zen Habits, worries that our culture’s desire for simplicity might inadvertently be sending us down the wrong path.  Simplicity, Leo says, isn’t about deprivation. When you imagine the simple life, you might picture a monk, or a writer living in a cabin in the woods, but this isn’t the whole picture. Instead, simplicity is a process of expanding and contracting, just like breathing.  True simplicity is a process of determining what matters, and then making space for it. But if we don’t expand our world, our collections, our attention, we can’t discover what matters. While Leo believes many of us spend too much time expanding and not enough time contracting, he’s adamant that both components are crucial, and it’s the balance between them that fosters fruitful simplicity.  Leo gives examples of his process for seeking simplicity, and explains why deprivation isn’t the goal.  Connect with Leo on Twitter or at the Zen Habits website You can find the full interview here: Leo Babauta teaches you the Zen Habits of simplicity and self-awareness *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since publishing her beloved book about anxiety, Sarah Wilson’s been bombarded with questions about its opposite: calm. And her answer is almost always the same - go for a hike! The combination of sustained but not too intense physical activity and the exposure to nature make hiking a uniquely powerful practice. When hiking for at least an hour, you enter an elevated, almost euphoric mental state, which is perfect for creative problem-solving. As Sarah puts it, this state allows the right ideas to naturally “bubble up to the surface”, and they begin to seem intuitively correct and magnetic.  When hiking, Sarah will often carry nothing but a piece of paper and a pen, trying when she can to steer completely clear of technology. And if you’re wondering how best to start hiking for mental clarity, Sarah says: don’t! Just get out there and walk, the rest will take care of itself. Connect with Sarah on Twitter or LinkedIn You can find the full interview here: Sarah Wilson wants you to make the beast beautiful - how to turn anxiety into a superpower *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“What the? Thirty companies? I can barely run one!” Daniel Flynn couldn’t believe what he was hearing.  As co-founder and managing director of thankyou, Daniel was struggling to keep a cool head, and asked a mentor for some advice. That mentor ran 30 companies, and his advice was that Daniel should clear his calendar for one day a week, every week, and use that day for thinking.  Initially, it sounded impossible. How do you remove yourself from the day-to-day work of your company a fifth of the time without everything falling apart? And yet, his mentor was doing it while running a small empire! So Daniel decided to try it out, and he hasn’t looked back. He calls them “blue sky days”, and while he might sometimes use them to write content or to solve an immediate problem, they’re usually blocked off for, well, blue sky thinking. For the kind of untethered, meandering daydreaming that produces big ideas.   Daniel shares some of the prompts that guide his thinking on blue sky days, and his methods for protecting his time when more “urgent” concerns pop up. Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn or the thankyou website You can find the full interview here: thankyou co-founder Daniel Flynn on big ideas, mentorship and purpose-driven culture *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you actually solving your procrastination problem, or are you just putting duct-tape over it and hoping you’ll stay afloat?  Tim Urban, the writer behind the hugely popular blog, Wait But Why, is a self-described master procrastinator. He even delivered a Ted Talk on the topic, and most of the speech was about how long he procrastinated writing the speech! But as a master procrastinator, Tim has a lot of experience beating procrastination. And now his focus is on beating his bad habits for good, not just for now.  Tim notes that our procrastination is often a signal that we’re not designing our work days or our goals very effectively, and explains how having more realistic expectations of ourselves might make us more productive in the long term. He also shares his favourite “duct-tape” methods for beating procrastination in the short term, so that he can actually get some work done while he pursues his higher goal of beating procrastination for good.  Connect with Tim on Twitter or his website Wait But Why You can find the full interview here: Tim Urban on seeing the bigger picture and beating procrastination *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you break stalemate with your business partner? If you work alone, everything’s up to you, and if you’ve got three people at the helm, there’s always a decisive vote. But if it’s just you and one other person, how do you deal with a split decision?  Comedy duo Rich Higgins and Matt Kelly (better known as The Listies) have realised the only reliable solution to this problem is to introduce a “third voice” in some form. Sometimes, that means a third person - a trusted mutual friend or colleague who can settle their debates.  But more often, that third voice isn’t a voice at all, and that’s exactly the point… After more than a decade working together, Rich and Matt have learned their strengths and weaknesses, and discovered that simply talking (and even writing things down) doesn’t always work. Instead, they’ve found that drawing diagrams helps them to emotionally separate from their ideas enough to assess them objectively - and it helps them treat their respective ideas almost as third parties, or a third voice.  Connect with The Listies at their website or on YouTube You can find the full interview here: Respecting your craft and your audience with kids comedy duo The Listies *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here.   Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram    If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected]   CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.