This episode has us turning the tables... in the coming weeks we'll begin to weave-in interviews of domain industry experts so we figured we might as well start with Nick Palkowski, podcast guru, expert in online marketing strategy and all-around-great guy!
Things weren't always sunshine and rainbows for Nick. The first business he started in college, while a great learning experience, ultimately left him with $2 in his bank account and a jar of peanut butter. A jar of peanut butter. Those important lessons (from failure) taught Nick what not to do and what he needed to do differently. They proved invaluable and led him to launch his booming, full-time business Your Podcast Guru.
"The best way to grow your business is to consistently add value to your audience." @NickPalkowski
One of the most important factors for Nick was understanding that success is a habit, meaning he recognized the importance of becoming a consistent and disciplined professional. Nick even shared his top three character traits and supportive habits on the show... (23:45):
We discuss an important principle, "The Principle of Maximum Error" and how Nick's story is a great, real-life example. So, if you're interested in podcasting and self-improvement (with some inspiration) listen now and check out his custom page for THF listeners: www.yourpodcastguru.com/thf.
It seems everyone I know is "super-busy" and so many people are stressed-out... the question is, how many of them are making time to RELAX.
“The best time to relax is when you don’t have the time.” Tweet This
The most productive people I know schedule spa days, massages and recreation in the midst of their hectic schedules. That's right, the SCHEDULE relaxation as though it were any other responsibility on their list—and it is. They don't wait for a time when things will slow down... they proactively make the time and slow things down.
In order to be the best you can be in your personal and professional life, you must make the time to RELAX.
“I have just five letters for you: R-E-L-A-X.” ~ Aaron Rodgers Tweet This
Uttered, Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers after the Packers started the 2014 season 1-2. Whether it was because of his statement, imploring PACKER nation to chill or not, the team turned things around and made a great run through the playoffs.
In this episode, Martin and I review the "B.R.A.D." acronym which can serve as reminder about how to minimize stress and return to a cool, calm, collected state (13:00):
Challenge yourself this week by scheduling recreation and performing your daily tasks differently (thinking of BRAD) and cultivate an appreciation for developing these habits of thought.
“The more relaxed you are, the better you are at everything!” ~Bill Murray Tweet This
“What is man without energy? Nothing. Nothing at all.”
With all of the gimmicks and advertisements for ways to increase your energy, we are made to forget that both we and our goals are energy. Energy, as defined by the Latin root ergo, is the capacity for doing work. To make the most of your energy and to increase your capacity for doing work, Martin fuses Newton’s Laws of Physics with his strategies for increasing your productivity (5:45):
In the words of a Navy SEAL, “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.” Friction causes tension, so challenge yourself to be more mindful of your responses to negativity and use your energy in a more productive manner. Martin reminds us that we have a limited amount of energy each day and that drama should be avoided at all times, if necessary.
“Always take hold of things by the smooth handle.”
A quick thank you! Our Habits 2 Goals podcast was featured once again by iTunes and has been in the top 10 (Self-Help category) for several weeks... a terrific start for this new show!
Now, on to the business at hand. It seems that everyone I know is "busy, busy, busy". In this show Martin and I cover some of the things you can do to make the most of your time and ensure that your results are meaningful too! No point climbing up the wrong ladder, right?
In this episode we walk through some key tips to help anyone be more productive:
While these ideas will greatly enhance your productivity, it's essential to know mental toughness and persistence remain paramount (see GRIT post). Remember too, these tips will only work when you’re kind, patient, and accepting of yourself!
If you have any questions about this week’s episode, or any prior shows, email them to Martin at mg ( AT ) thehabitfactor.com.
“Questions direct our energy, attention and focus.”
As children we constantly asked questions which led us to learn about our world and ourselves. Over time, many adults fall out of the habit and stop asking questions.
Why is the sky blue? Why is the grass green? Why do giraffes have such long necks? Our questions are only limited by our imagination.
Fortunately, that habit of asking questions can be strengthened. The more often you ask questions, the stronger the habit becomes. By challenging yourself to look at a problem from multiple dimensions, questions provide an excellent why to focus and reconnect your attention to any problem.
Questions have been the cornerstone of education, science and invention since the beginning of time. The greatest inventors and scientists, like Edison and Einstein where famous for the questions they would pose. And, of course, questions have tremendous value to everyday life. In this episode, Martin provides a few examples of how asking the right questions might just help you achieve your most important goals, more quickly (7:24).
A few quick tips on questions on how to improve your question-asking skills from this episode include:
By using questions to re-focus toward your meaninful goals, you will attain the concentration needed to add value in your life. Shaping questions around your specific goal will help you consciously rededicate yourself to your goals.
“A question well asked is half solved.”
“If you are trying to achieve goals that are not in line with governing principles, than you’re making things much harder then they ought to be.” Tweet This Do you seem to lack the willpower you need when it comes to accomplishing your goals? If so, don’t sweat it— there’s actually a better way! It’s important [...]