In Episode 149 of First Things Productivity, join Dr. Brandon Vaughn as he delves into the transformative power of kindness in "Cultivating Compassion: Mastering Self-Kindness for a More Fulfilling Life." This episode is an enlightening journey through the principles of self-kindness and its profound impact on personal growth, well-being, and productivity. Discover the barriers to self-compassion and learn practical strategies to incorporate kindness into your daily life, drawing from the wisdom of thought leaders like Michael Hyatt.

Explore how treating yourself with compassion can enhance your interactions, foster deeper connections, and lead to a more fulfilling and effective life. Whether you're seeking to boost your productivity, enhance your personal relationships, or simply live a more contented life, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable tips to help you cultivate a kinder, more compassionate approach to yourself and others.

Tune in to "Cultivating Compassion" and be inspired to transform your life through the power of kindness. Remember to subscribe for more insights on productivity, personal development, and leading a life of purpose and balance with Dr. Brandon Vaughn on First Things Productivity.

Keywords: Self-Kindness, Personal Growth, Productivity, Compassion, Well-being, Michael Hyatt, Life Fulfillment, Personal Development, Mindfulness, Positive Relationships.

In this episode of "Hyatt Highlights," we delve into the impactful insights from Michael Hyatt's three transformative books: 'Living Forward,' 'Your Best Year Ever,' and 'Free to Focus.' Each of these books offers a unique approach to achieving a fulfilling life, mastering productivity, and setting and accomplishing meaningful goals.

'Living Forward' Summary:

• 'Living Forward' is a guide to creating a Life Plan, enabling you to live life intentionally and proactively.
• Key chapters include:
  • Acknowledging "the drift" in life and its consequences.
  • Understanding and defining a Life Plan.
  • Designing your legacy and determining your priorities.
  • Implementing the plan and keeping it alive through regular review.
• The book teaches strategies for creating a life filled with purposeful decisions, moving beyond reactive living​​.

'Your Best Year Ever' Summary:

• This book is a comprehensive guide to setting and achieving goals.
• It presents a five-step process:
  • Believing in the possibility of your goals.
  • Completing the past and learning from it.
  • Designing a future with effective, achievable goals.
  • Finding your motivation and 'why.'
  • Making your goals happen with actionable strategies.
• 'Your Best Year Ever' emphasizes the importance of clear goals and persistent action for personal and professional growth​​​​.

'Free to Focus' Summary:

• 'Free to Focus' offers a total productivity system focusing on the right tasks, not just more tasks.
• It follows three steps: Stop, Cut, and Act.
  • Stop: Formulating your goals, evaluating your path, and rejuvenating your mind and body.
  • Cut: Eliminating distractions, automating low-leverage tasks, and delegating effectively.
  • Act: Consolidating activities, prioritizing tasks, and activating your skills to overcome distractions.
• This book is about achieving more by doing less, guiding readers towards a more efficient and focused approach to work and life​​.

Join us in "Hyatt Highlights" as we explore these powerful concepts and practical steps to transform your life, productivity, and goal-setting strategies.

Welcome to "Focus Unleashed," where we dive into the game-changing principles of 'Free to Focus' by Michael Hyatt. In this book, Hyatt shares his personal journey from stress-induced health scares to mastering productivity, redefining the very notion of being productive. 'Free to Focus' is not just about getting more things done; it's about getting the right things done. It offers a total productivity system based on three simple steps: Stop, Cut, and Act.

In the first step, "Stop," we learn the importance of formulating a clear vision, evaluating our current course, and rejuvenating mind and body. The second step, "Cut," teaches us to eliminate non-essential tasks, automate low-leverage activities, and delegate effectively. The final step, "Act," focuses on consolidating activities to maximize focus, designating tasks strategically, and activating our skills to beat distractions.

'Free to Focus' isn't merely a set of productivity hacks; it's a complete overhaul of how we view and approach our work and life. It's about creating a life where we are in control of our time, energized by our work, and free to focus on what truly matters. Join us on "Focus Unleashed" as we unpack these transformative strategies and learn how to apply them to achieve a more fulfilling, productive life​​.

How to avoid interruptions:

• Limit instant communication. Turn off your notifications and opt for delayed communication whenever possible.
• Proactively set and enforce boundaries. Inform the relevant people you’re going offline for a period to focus by setting an autoresponder for your email. Sell your boss on why you need time for deep, focused work.

How to beat distractions:

• Fight technology with technology. Example: Freedom lets you customize what apps and websites you can access during dedicated periods of deep work.
• Listen to the right music. Background music that’s familiar, repetitive, relatively simple, and not too loud can aid focus (more on focus music).
• Take charge of your environment. Make your workspace work for you (more about productivity spaces). Optimize your current workspace for focus by eliminating distracting items.
• Declutter your workspace. Make an appointment with yourself on your calendar to organize your office – both physical and digital.
• Increase your frustration tolerance. Train yourself for focus by choosing to stick uphill tasks.

In this must-listen episode of the First Things Podcast, we dive deep into the pressing issue of sudden burnout - a state of overwhelming exhaustion that strikes without warning. Join us as we unravel the causes and symptoms of this all-too-common affliction, particularly in today's fast-paced lifestyle. More importantly, we share three transformative strategies to combat burnout effectively. Learn how prioritizing self-care, setting firm boundaries, and embracing regular breaks can not only alleviate stress but also rejuvenate your passion and productivity. Whether you're on the brink of burnout or just looking to maintain a healthy balance in life, this episode is your guide to staying energized and motivated. Tune in to start your journey towards a more balanced, restful, and fulfilling life!  As well, listen to how I recently failed miserably at this and had to return to my direction toward balance.  Lastly, hear about a virtual chatbot I'm building that could soon help you with the very topics we cover in this episode.

You need to systematically decide what deserves your attention now, what deserves your attention later, and what doesn’t deserve your attention at all.

How to do a weekly review:

1. List Your Biggest Wins
2. Review the Prior Week
3. Review Your Lists and Notes
4. Check Goals, Projects, Events, Meetings, and Deadlines
5. Designate Your Weekly Big 3 Things to Accomplish
6. Plan Your Rejuvenation

Decide what goes on your Weekly Big 3 using The Eisenhower Matrix.

Spend 95% of your time on Quadrant 1 and 2 activities. Clear Quadrant 3 tasks quickly (delegate what you can) and eliminate all Quadrant 4 tasks.

How to design your day:

• Plan days solely focused on tasks and refuse any meeting requests for that day
• Shoot for three, and only three, key tasks each day (your Daily Big 3). Let your Weekly Big 3 inform your Daily Big 3
• Schedule time to do your Daily Big 3 on your calendar

Chapter 7 – Consolidate: Plan Your Ideal Week

Design your work to focus on just one thing at a time.

Batching: lumping similar tasks together and doing them in a dedicated block of time

MegaBatching: organizing entire days around similar activities to enable you to stay focused and build momentum.

The 3 categories of activity:

1. Front Stage. The tasks for which you’re hired and paid. The key functions, primary deliverables, the line items on your performance review. If it delivers the results for which your boss and/or customers are paying you, that’s Front Stage work.
2. Back Stage. Includes step-two activities (specifically, elimination, automation, and delegation) plus coordination, preparation, maintenance, and development. The tasks necessary for Front Stage performance.
3. Off Stage. Refers to time when you’re not working. Off Stage is crucial to restoring your energy so you have something to offer when you come back to the stage.

How to plan your ideal week in 3 steps:

1. Stages. Decide for each day if you’ll be Front Stage, Back Stage, or Off Stage. Reserve at least two days for Front Stage.
2. Themes. Indicate what type of activities you’ll do on individual days during certain blocks of time. An easy way to start is to think of the morning, workday, and evening.
3. Activities. Group the individual activities that will fall into those themes.

If you regularly struggle to get to the bottom of your to-do list and think the solution is finding more hours in the week, best-selling author Michael Hyatt says you’re wasting your time. Instead, the leadership and personal growth expert insists that the key to achieving more is to actually do less. Tune in as Michael shares his three-step process for taking control of the time you have so you can become more focused and productive—and infinitely less overwhelmed. Now that’s what we call a win-win. We will return to our study of Free to Focus in the next episode.

Chapter 6 – Delegate: Clone Yourself—or Better

Delegation means focusing primarily on the work only you can do by transferring everything else to others who are more passionate about the work or proficient in the tasks.

Some of us refuse to delegate by convincing ourselves we can’t afford it.

But the hours you spend on Desire Zone tasks will always be more profitable than the time you’re wasting anywhere else, so the cost of delegation pays for itself—and then some.

How to delegate:

1. Decide what to delegate
2. Select the best person
3. Communicate the workflow
4. Provide the necessary resources
5. Specify the delegation level
6. Give them room to operate
7. Check in and provide feedback as needed

The 5 Levels of Delegation:

1. Level 1. You want the person to do exactly what you’ve asked them to do—no more, no less.
2. Level 2. You want the person to examine or research a topic and report back to you.
3. Level 3. You’re giving the person more room to participate in the problem-solving process but you are still reserving the final decision for yourself. 
4. Level 4. You want the person to evaluate the options, make a decision on their own, execute the decision, and then give you an update after the fact.
5. Level 5. You hand the entire project or task over to someone else and exit the decision altogether.

Chapter 5 – Automate: Subtract Yourself from the Equation

The 4 types of automation:

1. Self. Use rituals to make it easier for you to follow through on your highest priorities. The 4 Foundational Rituals: morning, evening, workday startup, and workday shutdown.
2. Template. Automate repetitive tasks with templates. Examples: email templates and PowerPoint presentations.
3. Process. Write an easy-to-follow set of instructions for performing a job or sequence. Correct the workflow as you gather feedback.
4. Tech. Focus on the type of tool you need more than which tool you use. The 4 essential tools: email filtering, macro-processing, text-expansion, and screencast

We also discuss how I've been using AI tools like ChatGPT in my daily life to help automate tasks.

To streamline your tasks, mark candidates for automation and pick one to tackle today. 

Chapter 4 – Eliminate: Flex Your “No” Muscle

If we want to be free to focus, we must eliminate everything standing in our way. That doesn’t mean simply saying no to a lot of bad ideas; it also means turning down a ton of good ideas.

Time is a zero-sum game.

Every yes inherently contains a no.

Everything outside your Desire Zone is a possible candidate for elimination.

The yes-no-yes strategy to give a “positive no”:

1. Yes. Say yes to yourself and to protect what is important to you. This should also include affirming the other person.
2. No. The answer continues with a matter-of-fact no that is clear and sets boundaries. Do not leave any wiggle room or ambiguity.
3. Yes. End the response by affirming the relationship again and by offering another solution to the person’s request.

How to renegotiate existing commitments:

1. Take responsibility for making the commitment
2. Reaffirm your willingness to honor your commitment
3. Explain why honoring your commitment is not the best outcome for the other party
4. Offer to help solve the problem with them

How to create a Not-To-Do List:

• Start with the obvious candidates for elimination
• List the meetings, relationships, and opportunities you should never pursue

Chapter 3 – Rejuvenate: Reenergize Your Mind and Body

Time is fixed, but energy can flex.

There’s an inverse relationship between productivity and time. The more hours you work, the less productive you’ll be.

The 7 practices to renew energy:

1. Sleep. 7-10 hours per night (add a 30-min nap if needed). Turn off screens an hour before bedtime, add blackout shades, lower the room temperature, and use white noise.
2. Eat. Eat natural foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, and meats. Be mindful when eating out. Stick with water as much as possible.
3. Move. Exercise itself is an energizer. Physical activity primes our brains to operate at a higher level.
4. Connect. Some people charge you up while others drain you. Be intentional about connections by conducting a social audit.
5. Play. If you want to stay sharp, you need regular injections of recreation, exercise, and outright play into your busy schedule.
6. Reflect. Strive to make time for reflection every day, either by reading, journaling, introspection, meditation, prayer, or worship.
7. Unplug. Create rules to help you disconnect during nights, weekends, and vacations.

Chapter 2 – Evaluate: Determine Your Course

You can evaluate tasks, activities, and opportunities based on two key criteria:

• Passion: work you love and energizes you
• Proficiency: how well you actually do something that generates results that other people can measure and reward

To determine where you are right now use a tool called the Freedom Compass. 

The 5 Zones of Productivity:

1. Desire Zone. Where your passion and proficiency intersect. Where you are able to unleash your unique abilities to make your most significant contributions.
2. Distraction Zone. Things you are passionate about but have little proficiency for, thus preventing you from making a significant contribution.
3. Disinterest Zone. Things that you’re proficient at but you aren’t that passionate about. These tasks drain your energy.
4. Drudgery Zone. Tasks for which you have no passion and no proficiency. This is the worst kind of work for you to do. 
5. Development Zone. How to gauge work outside your Desire Zone but potentially moving toward it. If we have a hunch we could develop passion and proficiency with a task, we should stay open-minded about it.

True productivity is about doing more of what is in your Desire Zone and less of everything else.

Chapter 1 – Formulate: Decide What You Want

True productivity starts with being clear on what you truly want. 

The objective of productivity shouldn’t be efficiency or success, but freedom. Productivity should ultimately give you back more time, not require more of you.

Freedom to:

1. Focus
2. Be Present
3. Be Spontaneous
4. Do Nothing

You should design your life first and then tailor work to meet your lifestyle objectives.

Formulate your vision for what fewer, more productive work hours could make possible for you. 

How to formulate your productivity vision:

• Start by defining what your productivity ideal looks like
• Then break it down into a few powerful and memorable words
• Finally, clarify the stakes by outlining exactly what you stand to gain if you achieve that vision and what you will lose if you don’t

Free to Focus Summary

Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt is a great system to help you focus on working on the right things. First, you’ll stop and define what productivity means to you by formulating, evaluating, and reformulating. Then, you’ll cut the nonessentials by eliminating, automating, and delegating. Finally, you’ll act on by consolidating, designating, and activating.

Executive Summary

In a world where information is freely available, focus becomes one of the most valuable commodities in the workplace. 

Productivity is not about getting more things done; it’s about getting the right things done.

The Free to Focus productivity system follows 3 simple steps (with three actions each):

1. Stop. Unless you first know why you’re working, you can’t properly evaluate how you’re working.
   • Formulate: how to clarify why you want to be more productive
   • Evaluate: how to find your highest-leverage activities
   • Reformulate: how to use rest to boost your productivity
2. Cut. Here you’ll discover that what you don’t do is just as important to your productivity as what you do. Actions:
   • Eliminate: how to cut the nonessentials
   • Automate: how to subtract yourself from the equation 
   • Delegate: how to properly delegate work
3. Act. You’ll learn how to accomplish your high-leverage tasks in less time and with less stress.
   • Consolidate: how to be more efficient by batching tasks
   • Designate: how to prioritize tasks
   • Activate: how to manage interruptions and eliminate distractions

Chapter 15 of "Your Best Year Ever" by Michael Hyatt, titled "Visibility Is Essential," underscores the importance of maintaining clear oversight and celebrating achievements within goal-setting processes. The author emphasizes the significance of regular reviews—daily, weekly, and quarterly—in maximizing goal attainment.

Hyatt explains that daily reviews foster awareness of progress and challenges, ensuring adjustments can be made promptly. Weekly reviews provide a broader perspective, aiding in tracking alignment with long-term objectives and facilitating course corrections as needed. Quarterly reviews offer the chance to assess substantial strides and reevaluate objectives in light of changing circumstances.

Additionally, the chapter underscores the role of celebrating wins when goals are met. Hyatt contends that recognizing achievements generates motivation and positive momentum for continued progress. By acknowledging successes, individuals reinforce their commitment to the journey, fostering resilience in the face of setbacks.

In essence, "Visibility Is Essential" underscores the need for a structured approach to goal pursuit. By implementing regular reviews across different timeframes and acknowledging accomplishments, individuals enhance their ability to stay on track, adapt effectively, and maintain a positive and empowered mindset throughout their pursuit of success.

In Chapter 14 of "Your Best Year Ever" by Michael Hyatt, titled "You Can Trigger Success," the author explores the concept of triggers and their impact on achieving success. Hyatt emphasizes that we can proactively design triggers that propel us toward our goals. He begins by highlighting the effectiveness of positive triggers—specific cues that prompt desired actions. By strategically placing these triggers in our environment, we can create a conducive atmosphere for success. 

Hyatt also delves into negative triggers, which can derail progress. He discusses identifying these triggers and implementing strategies to counter their influence. This involves modifying the environment to minimize exposure to negative cues and maximizing the impact of positive ones. The author stresses the significance of self-awareness in recognizing triggers and their effects on our behavior.

Ultimately, the chapter emphasizes the power of intentionality in shaping our path to success. By consciously engineering our surroundings and mindset, we can increase the likelihood of making consistent, positive choices that align with our goals. Hyatt's insights underscore the importance of taking charge of our environment and mindset to trigger success and elevate our overall productivity and well-being.

Chapter 13 of "Your Best Year Ever" by Michael Hyatt, titled "One Journey Is Many Steps," delves into the importance of breaking down our goals into manageable steps to achieve success and create lasting change. Hyatt emphasizes that reaching our desired destination is akin to a journey, and each step taken contributes significantly to the ultimate achievement.

The author introduces the concept of the "Pathway to Success," a framework that guides readers through the process of setting realistic and achievable goals. This pathway involves identifying a clear destination, creating specific action steps, and establishing milestones to track progress. Hyatt encourages readers to visualize their desired outcomes, building motivation and resilience during challenging times.

Furthermore, the chapter emphasizes the significance of flexibility and adaptation when obstacles arise. Hyatt shares practical tips on staying committed to the journey, learning from setbacks, and adjusting the plan as necessary without losing sight of the ultimate goal.

"One Journey Is Many Steps" encourages readers to celebrate even the smallest victories along the way, fostering a sense of accomplishment and fueling momentum for further progress. By following this guidance, readers can increase their chances of making significant strides towards their goals and turning their dreams into reality.

In chapter 12 of "Your Best Year Ever," it is likely that Michael Hyatt emphasizes the importance of social support and the impact of having a supportive community when striving to achieve personal and professional goals. Hyatt recognizes that pursuing significant life changes and working towards a better future can be challenging, and having a network of friends, family, mentors, or like-minded individuals can provide invaluable support, encouragement, and accountability.

1. **The Power of Support:** Hyatt may discuss the psychological and emotional benefits of having a support system. Supportive friends and family can provide encouragement, motivation, and understanding during times of difficulty or self-doubt. Additionally, being part of a community that shares common goals can boost confidence and foster a sense of belonging.

2. **Identifying True Supporters:** The chapter might offer insights on how to identify genuine supporters. These are people who believe in your dreams, offer constructive feedback, and genuinely celebrate your successes. Hyatt may provide guidance on distinguishing between true supporters and those who may be negative or unsupportive.

3. **Accountability and Motivation:** Hyatt could explore how accountability partners or groups can significantly impact goal achievement. Being accountable to someone else can increase motivation, focus, and commitment. The chapter may also discuss how to establish effective accountability systems within your support network.

4. **Building Healthy Relationships:** The author might emphasize the importance of nurturing positive relationships while reducing interactions with toxic influences. Healthy relationships can uplift, inspire, and drive personal growth, while negative relationships can drain energy and hinder progress.

5. **Mastermind Groups:** Hyatt may introduce the concept of mastermind groups, where individuals with similar aspirations come together to share ideas, provide feedback, and collaborate. The chapter could explore the benefits of participating in such groups and how to create or join one.

6. **Online Support and Community:** In today's digital age, the chapter might discuss the role of online communities, social media, and virtual connections in finding support. Online platforms can offer access to a vast network of like-minded individuals, mentors, or experts who can contribute to personal development.

7. **Reciprocal Support:** Hyatt might stress the value of giving back to your support network. Engaging in a reciprocal relationship means not only receiving support but also offering encouragement and assistance to others in their endeavors.

8. **Trust and Vulnerability:** Building trust within a support network is crucial for open and honest communication. The chapter could discuss strategies for establishing trust and the benefits of being vulnerable and authentic with your supporters.

9. **Celebrate Success Together:** Hyatt may highlight the significance of celebrating achievements collectively. Recognizing milestones with friends and family can create positive reinforcement and deepen bonds within the support system.

Throughout the chapter, Michael Hyatt's insights and recommendations are likely to inspire readers to actively seek out and nurture a strong support network. The message could revolve around the idea that a journey towards a better life is more fulfilling and achievable when you have a network of supportive friends and mentors to share it with. By leveraging the power of social support, individuals can enhance their resilience, maintain focus on their goals, and overcome challenges with the encouragement of those who genuinely care about their success.

Chapter 11 of "Your Best Year Ever" by Michael Hyatt is titled "You Can Master Your Own Motivation." In this chapter, Hyatt explores the importance of motivation and provides practical strategies to help readers cultivate and sustain their motivation levels.

Hyatt begins by emphasizing the significance of intrinsic motivation, which is rooted in personal values, aspirations, and passions. He highlights that external factors like rewards or punishments are insufficient in driving long-term motivation. Instead, individuals must connect their goals to their core desires and beliefs.

To harness intrinsic motivation, Hyatt suggests setting compelling goals that align with personal values. He emphasizes the power of writing down goals and revisiting them regularly to stay focused and motivated. Additionally, breaking goals into smaller, manageable tasks enables individuals to make consistent progress and maintain motivation.

Another essential aspect of motivation is celebrating wins along the way. Hyatt encourages readers to acknowledge and reward their achievements, regardless of their scale. Celebrating successes helps reinforce positive behaviors and boosts motivation to keep going.

Moreover, Hyatt emphasizes the role of accountability in motivation. Sharing goals with trusted individuals and regularly updating them on progress creates a sense of responsibility and provides support during challenging times. Furthermore, seeking out a mentor or joining a mastermind group can offer guidance, feedback, and additional motivation.

Hyatt also addresses the impact of external influences on motivation. He advises readers to surround themselves with positive, supportive individuals who uplift and encourage them. By avoiding negative environments and toxic relationships, individuals can protect their motivation and create a conducive atmosphere for growth.

In conclusion, Chapter 11 of "Your Best Year Ever" provides readers with valuable insights and practical techniques to master their motivation. By cultivating intrinsic motivation, setting compelling goals, celebrating wins, seeking accountability, and choosing positive influences, individuals can maintain their motivation levels and overcome obstacles on their path to success.

Chapter 10 of "Your Best Year Ever" by Michael Hyatt, titled "Your What Needs a Why," explores the significance of having a compelling purpose behind our goals and ambitions. Hyatt emphasizes that defining a strong "why" is essential for sustaining motivation and achieving long-term success.

Hyatt begins by explaining that a clearly defined purpose acts as a fuel that propels us forward when we encounter obstacles or face moments of doubt. Without a deep-rooted reason behind our goals, we are more likely to give up when challenges arise. He asserts that when we understand why we want to achieve something, it ignites a sense of passion and determination that keeps us committed to our objectives.

Furthermore, the author highlights the importance of aligning our goals with our core values and beliefs. When our ambitions are congruent with our deepest values, we experience a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose. Hyatt encourages readers to reflect on their values and consider how their goals can contribute to a meaningful and purposeful life.

Additionally, Hyatt introduces the concept of the "circle of influence" and emphasizes the significance of surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who support and inspire us. By cultivating a network of positive and driven individuals, we can tap into their collective wisdom and find encouragement during challenging times.

In summary, Chapter 10 emphasizes the necessity of a compelling purpose behind our goals. By defining a strong "why" and aligning our goals with our values, we can stay motivated and committed throughout our journey towards success.

I'm sick this week and so we are listening to an old Michael Hyatt interview this week where he talks about goal setting.

Chapter 9 of "Seriously, Risk Is Your Friend" by Michael Hyatt explores the concept of risk and its importance in achieving personal and professional success. The chapter emphasizes that risk-taking is an essential component of growth and that without taking risks, individuals limit their potential for achievement.

Hyatt begins by dispelling common misconceptions about risk, highlighting that risk is not inherently negative or dangerous. Instead, he argues that risk is an opportunity for growth and advancement. He emphasizes that the willingness to take risks sets successful individuals apart from those who remain stagnant.

The author outlines five principles to help readers embrace risk. First, he encourages individuals to recognize that risks are necessary for progress. Second, he advises developing a positive mindset towards risk, viewing it as an opportunity rather than a threat. Third, he stresses the importance of being intentional and strategic when taking risks, assessing potential outcomes and planning accordingly.

Next, Hyatt highlights the significance of embracing failure as a valuable learning experience. He argues that failure is not a reflection of one's worth or potential but rather a stepping stone towards success. Finally, the author emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience when facing risks, as setbacks are inevitable on the path to achievement.

Hyatt concludes the chapter by encouraging readers to assess their risk tolerance and push themselves outside their comfort zones. He reminds them that the rewards of taking calculated risks far outweigh the potential drawbacks, and that by embracing risk, individuals can unlock their full potential and create a life of purpose and fulfillment.

In Chapter 8 of "Your Best Year Ever" by Michael Hyatt, the author emphasizes the crucial relationship between achievements and habits in the pursuit of personal success. Hyatt asserts that achievements and habits are not opposing forces but rather work together synergistically to propel individuals towards their goals.

Hyatt begins by highlighting the significance of achievements, emphasizing that they provide the tangible evidence of progress and growth. Achievements serve as milestones and markers of success, boosting confidence and motivation. However, he cautions that relying solely on achievements can lead to a cycle of highs and lows, with periods of stagnation or disappointment between accomplishments.

To counterbalance this potential setback, Hyatt introduces the concept of habits as the foundational building blocks for sustained success. Habits, he argues, create the framework for consistent progress and enable individuals to make meaningful strides towards their objectives. By cultivating positive habits, individuals establish a system that supports and reinforces their desired outcomes.

The author stresses the importance of aligning habits with specific achievements. By identifying the habits that contribute to desired results, individuals can create a daily routine that is conducive to success. Hyatt provides practical strategies for habit formation, such as starting small, tracking progress, and leveraging the power of accountability.

In conclusion, Chapter 8 underscores the interplay between achievements and habits, emphasizing that while achievements provide motivation and fulfillment, habits serve as the underlying infrastructure for sustained progress. By understanding and leveraging this symbiotic relationship, individuals can maximize their potential and make their best year ever a reality.

Chapter 7 of "Your Best Year Ever" by Michael Hyatt is titled "Great Goals Check Seven Boxes." In this chapter, Hyatt outlines seven criteria that make goals effective and increase the likelihood of achieving them.

The first box to check is "S.M.A.R.T.E.R.," which stands for Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Risky, Time-Keyed, Exciting, and Relevant. Hyatt explains that goals should be clearly defined, quantifiable, and actionable. They should also be challenging yet attainable within a specified timeframe and aligned with one's values and aspirations.

The second box is "Motivating." Hyatt emphasizes the importance of setting goals that truly inspire and excite us. When our goals align with our passions and interests, we are more likely to stay committed and motivated throughout the process.

The third box is "Written." Hyatt stresses the significance of writing down our goals. Research has shown that the act of writing crystallizes our intentions and increases the likelihood of achieving them.

The fourth box is "Visible." Hyatt recommends keeping our goals visible by regularly reviewing them. This constant reminder helps us stay focused and maintain momentum towards their achievement.

The fifth box is "Emotional." Hyatt encourages readers to connect with the emotional reasons behind their goals. By identifying the deep-rooted desires and emotions associated with our goals, we can tap into a powerful source of motivation.

The sixth box is "Challenging." Hyatt explains that setting ambitious goals stretches our capabilities and drives personal growth. It is important to push beyond our comfort zones and aim for goals that require effort and dedication.

The final box is "Owned." Hyatt emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of our goals. By assuming full responsibility for their attainment, we become empowered to take the necessary actions and overcome obstacles.

In summary, effective goals check seven boxes: they are S.M.A.R.T.E.R., motivating, written, visible, emotional, challenging, and owned. By applying these criteria, individuals can set goals that are compelling, actionable, and aligned with their aspirations, increasing their chances of success.

Chapter 6 of "Your Best Year Ever" by Michael Hyatt is titled "Gratitude Makes the Difference." In this chapter, Hyatt emphasizes the importance of cultivating a grateful mindset and how it can significantly impact our lives.

Hyatt begins by highlighting the negative effects of ingratitude, such as decreased happiness, strained relationships, and limited personal growth. He argues that gratitude is a choice and a discipline that needs to be practiced regularly. By intentionally focusing on the positive aspects of life and expressing gratitude for them, we can experience numerous benefits.

The author presents several strategies for developing a gratitude habit. One of them is keeping a gratitude journal, where one writes down three things they are grateful for every day. This exercise helps shift the focus from negativity to positivity and trains the mind to seek out and appreciate the good in life.

Hyatt also recommends expressing gratitude to others by writing thank-you notes or verbally acknowledging their contributions. This practice not only strengthens relationships but also enhances our own sense of well-being.

Furthermore, the chapter explores the concept of "gratitude in all things," which involves finding something to be grateful for even in challenging situations. Hyatt encourages readers to reframe difficulties as opportunities for growth and to appreciate the lessons learned from them.

In conclusion, cultivating gratitude is a powerful tool for personal transformation. By adopting a grateful mindset and practicing gratitude regularly, individuals can experience increased happiness, improved relationships, and overall greater fulfillment in life.

Regret

Society likes to suggest we live life with no regrets. But regret has fantastic value for improving our lives. Regret is a form of information that can help guide effective after-action review processes. It can encourage reflection on mistakes, and if we use the information appropriately, we may prevent future mistakes. In addition, regret may offer you motivation. Genuine feelings of regret can push us to change our outcomes. Finally, regret may increase your integrity. Regret is a moral compass that helps us understand, through emotions, when we have made a mistake.

Researchers associate regret with the opportunity principle. Regret is a powerful indicator of future opportunities. If you consistently experience regret, then you have what it takes to make a positive change in all situations. You have a natural tendency to expect more from yourself, which is a positive trait. The people with no hope of being successful are those who do not display this regret. 

Backward Thinking

Completing the past is integral to creating a better future. Ignoring or wishing away the past will not allow you to move on. Previous negative experiences and thoughts will influence your future goals and actions. The US Army uses backward-thinking methods to prevent the past from affecting the future. The most prominent method is the After-Action Review.

The After-Action Review

This method aims to connect experiences with future action via a four-stage process:

1. State what you wanted to happen: Establish a list of goals at this stage.
2. Acknowledge what actually happened: Ask yourself which of these goals remain unfulfilled. Instead of changing the past, this stage aims to shed light on your present. On top of this, consider the goals you accomplished that you are most proud of from last year. Identifying these goals will allow you to identify where you have succeeded but have not appreciated how impressive your accomplishments have been. Finally, consider the themes that kept resurfacing over the last year. 
3. Learn from the experience: Look back on your year and identify key lessons you have learned or could still learn. One of Hyatt’s clients fired him when he was on the verge of their most significant deal. Hyatt describes this experience as humbling. Instead of pushing this experience to the back of his head, he learned three lessons. Hyatt learned that clients can be erratic. He learned that people will not always remember our success in the future. He also learned he needed to secure alignment from all relevant parties upfront. Based on these lessons, Hyatt has become far more successful.
4. Adjust your behavior: If you do not change your beliefs based on the past, you will be worse off than when you started. 

We take a break this week from our study and I tell you about something I thought I would NEVER do ... start my own YouTube channel.  I talk about why I'm doing this, what I will cover, how this doesn't change the podcast, and give you a listen to my first video which talks about feeling overwhelmed in life.  To find me on YouTube, simply search for "That Tie Dye Guy" and about 10 or 20 posts down you should see me!  Or here is a quick link:  https://www.youtube.com/@that_tie_dye_guy

In Chapter 3 of Michael Hyatt's book, "Your Best Year Ever," titled "You Can Upgrade Your Beliefs," the author emphasizes the importance of examining and upgrading our beliefs to achieve our goals and experience personal growth. Hyatt suggests that our beliefs, both conscious and unconscious, have a significant impact on our actions and, ultimately, our success.

Hyatt presents a four-step process to upgrade our beliefs:

1. Identify limiting beliefs: Recognize the thoughts or assumptions that hold us back from achieving our goals. These beliefs often stem from past experiences, societal norms, or fear of failure.

2. Challenge limiting beliefs: Question the validity and truthfulness of these beliefs. Reflect on the evidence supporting or refuting them, and consider alternative perspectives.

3. Replace limiting beliefs: Develop new, empowering beliefs that align with your goals and aspirations. This process requires intentionality and practice to replace ingrained, negative thought patterns with more positive, constructive ones.

4. Internalize upgraded beliefs: To fully embrace and adopt new beliefs, consistently practice and reinforce them. Use affirmations, visualization, and surrounding yourself with supportive people to help internalize these upgraded beliefs.

By following this process, Hyatt asserts that individuals can effectively upgrade their beliefs, leading to improved performance, increased confidence, and a greater likelihood of achieving their goals. In essence, changing our beliefs is a crucial step in creating our best year ever.

In Chapter 2 of Your Best Year Ever, titled "Some Beliefs Hold You Back," author Michael Hyatt explores the idea that our beliefs, specifically limiting beliefs, can significantly impact our ability to achieve our goals and enjoy personal growth. Limiting beliefs are those negative thoughts and assumptions that hold us back from reaching our full potential.

Hyatt emphasizes that many people are not aware of their limiting beliefs, as they often operate beneath the surface, subtly influencing our thoughts and actions. He outlines three primary sources of limiting beliefs: our past experiences, the words of others, and cultural narratives. Each of these sources can shape our beliefs about ourselves, our capabilities, and the world around us.

To counteract limiting beliefs, Hyatt suggests a four-step process:

1. Identify the limiting beliefs: Recognize the negative thoughts that are holding you back by reflecting on your past experiences, the words of others, and cultural narratives.
2. Challenge the limiting beliefs: Question the validity of these beliefs by examining the evidence, seeking alternative explanations, and considering the consequences of holding on to them.
3. Replace the limiting beliefs: Develop new, empowering beliefs that align with your goals and values by visualizing your desired future and creating affirmations that support your vision.
4. Internalize the new beliefs: Reinforce the new beliefs through repetition, practice, and surrounding yourself with supportive people and resources.

In conclusion, Chapter 2 of Your Best Year Ever encourages readers to confront their limiting beliefs and replace them with empowering ones, paving the way for personal growth and a more fulfilling life.

In Chapter 1 of Your Best Year Ever, Michael Hyatt explains the powerful concept that our beliefs shape our reality. He suggests that personal development and success are not solely dependent on our circumstances or skills, but rather, on the mindset and beliefs we hold about ourselves and the world around us.

Hyatt begins by presenting a simple yet profound idea: our thoughts directly influence our feelings, which in turn affect our actions and ultimately determine our results. If we want to change the outcomes in our lives, we must first address our thoughts and beliefs. This is the foundation of the entire book, as it explores how we can intentionally shift our mindset to create a more fulfilling and successful life.

He emphasizes the importance of understanding that our beliefs are formed through our experiences, upbringing, and cultural influences. Once we recognize this, we can begin to challenge any limiting beliefs that may be holding us back. To do this, Hyatt introduces three essential steps:

1. Identify your limiting beliefs: Be honest with yourself and acknowledge any thoughts that are preventing you from reaching your full potential.
2. Reframe your beliefs: Replace negative thoughts with empowering, positive beliefs that support your goals and aspirations.
3. Act on your new beliefs: Practice and reinforce your new beliefs by taking consistent action toward your goals.

Hyatt highlights the power of adopting a growth mindset, which involves viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than obstacles. By doing so, we can become more resilient and adaptive in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Chapter 1 of Your Best Year Ever underscores the importance of our beliefs in shaping our reality. By becoming aware of and shifting our mindset, we can overcome limiting beliefs and unlock our true potential, leading to a more successful and fulfilling life.

In the introduction to "Your Best Year Ever," author Michael Hyatt presents the concept of setting and achieving meaningful goals as the key to personal and professional success. Hyatt asserts that the right mindset, a well-defined plan, and effective goal-setting techniques can help individuals create the best year of their lives.

Hyatt shares his own experiences of overcoming setbacks and challenges, emphasizing that failure is not permanent and that everyone can bounce back from adversity. He believes that anyone can achieve their best year ever, regardless of their starting point, by applying the principles outlined in the book.

The book aims to equip readers with practical strategies and tools for setting achievable goals and realizing their potential. Hyatt argues that most people fail to achieve their goals because they lack a clear plan, lack motivation, or are overwhelmed by obstacles. By providing a step-by-step guide for setting and achieving goals, the book aims to help readers overcome these common barriers.

Hyatt emphasizes that personal growth and development are essential to achieving success in all aspects of life. The book encourages readers to adopt a growth mindset, which involves embracing challenges, learning from failures, and persistently pursuing self-improvement.

In "Your Best Year Ever," Hyatt also explores the importance of balancing various aspects of life, such as career, relationships, health, and personal growth. He contends that achieving harmony in these areas is crucial for overall well-being and long-term success.

In summary, the introduction to "Your Best Year Ever" by Michael Hyatt sets the stage for a comprehensive guide to setting and achieving meaningful goals in both personal and professional spheres. By offering practical strategies, tools, and insights, the book aims to help readers create their best year ever, regardless of their current circumstances. Emphasizing the power of personal growth, resilience, and balance, Hyatt encourages readers to adopt a growth mindset and pursue their full potential.

In this episode, we cover the last chapter in the book Living Forward.  We then do a massive review of the entire process and read through an example Life Plan.  Up next ... Your Best Year Ever starting next episode!

One of the biggest risks we face in this is that we can create a plan and never use it ... or forget about it.  In this episode, we discuss some ways to review your Life Plan.  We discuss how to do that weekly, quarterly, and yearly.  

To get the benefit of your Life Plan, you have to implement it. Incorporate your action plans into your day-to-day routines.

Include your action plans in your day-to-day activities by:

1. Protecting the basics. Review your current appointments and see how they relate to your Life Accounts. If they are not essential consider canceling them
2. Eliminating the nonessentials. Ask yourself, “What can I eliminate from my life and not suffer too many consequences”?
3. Rescheduling some of what remains. While some things are important, they are not important now. They can be rescheduled without significant consequences

Without regular review, a plan becomes worthless.  Keep it Alive by reviewing it daily, weekly, and yearly.

One day can change everything.  By creating a Life Plan, you will unleash a set of decisions that will affect future generations.

“A Life Plan needs pull power. It has to be done in such a way that impacts your heart, not just your head. Otherwise, you’ll just end up with a glorified to-do list. And who needs one more of those? Pull power requires that you get caught up in the full scope of the plan. You can’t do that piecemeal.”

You need to be decisive when it comes to dedicating one day every week to review your plan.

Steps you could take include blocking your calendar, deciding where to go, taking the necessary supplies, determining to be offline, and enrolling your family and colleagues.

Cultivate a positive attitude throughout the process, and stay focused.

Also, in this episdoe I review the ENTIRE process for creating a Life Plan, including a new way of looking at it NOT in the book.

To Chart the Course, break your life account into five sections:

1. Purpose statement. Determine your purpose for each account. For example, the purpose of your health account could be “to get healthy”
2. Envisioned future. Imagine how your account would look like if you had a positive net worth
3. Inspiring quote.  Find a quote that resonates with your future purpose
4. Current reality. Be honest about where you are with your envisioned future
5. Specific commitments. Make specific commitments that move you from your current reality to your envisioned reality. Make them measurable

“We tend to think effective people are busy. Not so, unless they’re busy with the right things—and many people aren’t. When things in our business or life get busy and hectic, we often lose sight of our priorities. But by keeping the truly important things front and center, we often get the perspective we need to make better decisions.”

You have to decide what is best for you. There is no point in keeping up with others if they are going to a destination that is different from yours.

Life Accounts: Life can be viewed in terms of compartments. These compartments are called life accounts.

• The Circle of Being. These are things that emanate from you. They include the spiritual, physical, and intellectual accounts
• The Circle of Relating. These are things that are centered on you in relation to others. They include your marital, parental, and social accounts
• The Circle of Doing. These are activities that deal with you in relation to your output. They include what you do for work, what you do as a hobby, and your finances

Review each account and determine where you are. Just like bank accounts, your life accounts could either be growing, stagnating, or declining. The goal is to have a positive balance in each of your accounts.

Today ... is your funeral.

What would people say about you?  What do you WANT them to say about you?

We talk about these issues today and go through an exercise of writing our Eulogy.

A legacy consists of the spiritual, intellectual, relational, social capital, and vocational capital that we pass on.

“Truth is, everyone is in the process of creating—and leaving—a legacy. The question is not “Will you leave a legacy?” but “What kind of legacy will you leave?” The sooner you come to grips with this reality, the sooner you can start creating it.”

In this episode, we discuss the benefits to creating a Life Plan:

• Clarifying priorities. Having a life plan will make you understand your priorities and how they work together
• Maintaining balance. Balance is not equal but appropriate attention to the things that are in our lives
• Filtering opportunities. Having a Life Plan gives you clarity on what opportunities you need to pursue and which you can let go
• Facing reality. You can only improve if you take responsibility
• Envisioning the future. To make the most of the day, you need to keep your eyes on the future
• Avoiding regrets. You don’t want to finish life with regrets. Optimize your life for regret minimization

“People lose their way when they lose their why. The reasons for creating a Life Plan are as varied as there are people. But the important thing is to connect with your reasons. What are the benefits you see to creating a Life Plan?”

In this episode, we talk about understanding what a Life Plan is:

Characteristics of a Life Plan:

1. It is created by you and for you.  A Life Plan has to flow from your heart. It is created by you and for you
2. It describes how you want to be remembered. A life plan doesn’t leave anything to chance. You can be intentional about how you want to be remembered
3. It articulates your personal priorities. A life plan gives you the chance to create a vision for yourself that is separate from what your family or others want from you
4. It provides specific actions necessary to take you from where you are to where you want to be in every major area of your life
5. It is a document that you can tweak and adjust when necessary. A Life Plan is flexible and it is a manifestation of an ongoing process

When faced with a negative situation, ask:

“What does this experience make possible?”

Your attention will move from the past which you can’t do anything about to the future

When formulating your Life Plan ask three important questions:

1. How Do I want to be remembered?
2. What matters the most?
3. How can I get from here to where I want to be?

In life, it is easy to drift off course despite our best efforts. Such drift can happen because of four reasons:

1. Being unaware. We can drift because we don’t know what is happening, or what is really at stake
2. It happens because we are distracted. Sometimes we can get caught up in something and lose the sense of time
3. It can happen when we are overwhelmed. Taking too much than we can handle can overwhelm us
4. It happens when we are deceived. When you believe that you have no control over your situation, you can feel powerless and do nothing

Consequences of Drifting include:

1. Confusion. Confusion comes from losing perspective
2. Expense. When you drift through time, you incur costs that include lost time and money
3. Lost opportunities. Without a plan, you have no way of taking advantage of opportunities that present themselves to you
4. Pain. Failure to plan can result in a lot of pain from failed marriages, unfulfilled potential, and so on
5. Regrets. The saddest consequence of the drift is having regrets and asking “if only”

“Life Planning is the exact opposite of the drift. The drift is about passivity. Life Planning is about proactivity. The drift is about blaming our circumstances or other people. Life Planning is about taking responsibility. The drift is about living without a plan. Life Planning is about having a plan and working it.”

In this episode, we embark on a new study of Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy's book "Living Forward".  We begin our discussion on why a Life Plan is necessary and discuss the various chapters we will be covering in the next episodes.

In this episode, we go through nine steps to find your passion in life.  I also present an alternative to "Abandon everything and pursue your passions" ... and suggest that "Do what you like/love to enable what you love" is often a great strategy to use ... as long as you don't find yourself wasting months and years not doing anything with your passions.

In this episode, we return to the topic of multitasking.  We do an experiment showing how multitasking can double or triple your efforts, how multitasking is actually switchtasking, and how there might be some times you do actually want to do more than one thing at time.

In this episode, we tackle the issue of perfectionism.  We discuss how it is true that done is better than perfect.

I am returning to podcasting!  I talk about what I've been doing and what we will be covering in the new year.