This episode is the latest in our monthly PM Talks series, where I’m joined by my friend Patrick Rhone to explore timeless ideas around productivity, creativity, and everything in between. In this conversation, we take a deep dive into what it really means to be creative—especially when you're busy, overwhelmed, or stuck in perfectionism.

We unpack how constraints can fuel creativity, how time and space are both essential and elusive, and why imperfection might be your creative superpower. There’s a lot of riffing, real talk, and reflection in this one—and if you’ve felt like your creative well is running dry, this might be the refill you’ve been waiting for.

Six Discussion Points

• The relationship between speed, structure, and creativity
• Why constraints can actually enhance creativity (yes, really)
• John Cleese’s insight: creativity requires both time and space
• How perfectionism can sabotage creative flow
• Turning mundane tasks into creative opportunities
• The importance of being your own audience—and knowing what’s “for you”

Three Connection Points

• Patrick’s Website
• Rick Rubin's The Creative Act: A Way of Being
• "The creative process needs space—not just time." Read 50 more lessons I've learned here.

This episode is a reminder that creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s for anyone trying to make something meaningful with their time. Whether you’re juggling routines, deadlines, or just trying to show up a little more intentionally each day, the ideas we explore here can help unlock creative momentum—even in life’s most constrained moments.

Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive Potential

If you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

Brian Tracy returns to A Productive Conversation to mark the launch of the 4th Edition of Eat That Frog!, the productivity classic that has helped millions worldwide stop procrastinating and get more done. This updated edition includes a new chapter on the Law of Three, enhanced tools, and a built-in discussion and action guide — making it more relevant than ever in a world filled with distractions and overwhelm.

In this bonus episode, Brian and I dive deep into what has (and hasn’t) changed since the original book’s release, how people can adapt the “eat the frog” principle to their unique rhythms (yes, night owls included), and why self-discipline is the key to self-esteem — and ultimately, success.

Six Discussion Points

• Why now was the right time for a 4th Edition of Eat That Frog! — and what’s new inside
• How the definition of the “frog” has held steady, even as the world has changed
• Brian’s insights on habit formation and why bad habits don’t go away — they get replaced
• The role of self-discipline in building confidence, clarity, and results
• How prioritization is even more important today — and how the “Law of Three” can help
• Why you should listen to your heart, trust your gut, and do more of what matters most

Three Connection Points

1. Eat That Frog! 4th Edition on Amazon
2. Brian Tracy’s Website
3. Episode 351: Eating Frogs with Brian Tracy

It’s always an honour to speak with Brian Tracy — and this conversation was no exception. Whether you're a longtime fan of Eat That Frog! or discovering it for the first time, this episode is packed with timeless advice and fresh insights to help you sharpen your focus, overcome procrastination, and move toward your goals with clarity and confidence.

Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive Potential

If you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

In the latest episode, I sit down with Rob Shallenberger—CEO of Becoming Your Best Global Leadership and one of the world’s foremost authorities on productivity and time management. Rob’s background is as dynamic as it is inspiring: from flying F-16s and serving as an Advance Agent for Air Force One to training Fortune 500 companies and governments alike.

We focus on the updated second edition of his bestselling book Do What Matters Most, diving deep into the transformative power of pre-week planning, the productivity quotient, and why it’s crucial to schedule your priorities rather than just prioritize your schedule. Rob’s mission is clear—help people lead lives by design, not by default.

Six Discussion Points

• How task saturation leads to misprioritization—and how to combat it
• Rob’s four-step pre-week planning system and how it creates peace and balance
• The productivity quotient: why aiming for 70–80% is the sweet spot
• Real-life stories that show how planning changes lives—including generational impact
• How Rob's military background shaped his approach to time and leadership
• The role of AI in planning—why it’s a tool, not a replacement for human intuition

Three Connection Points

• Do What Matters Most – Second Edition (Amazon)
• Rob’s Planner Tools and Resources
• Becoming Your Best Website

This conversation with Rob left me both inspired and affirmed in my belief that quality productivity stems from intentional design. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or stuck in reactive mode, Rob’s framework provides both structure and flexibility. I encourage you to test out his pre-week planning approach—just four weeks can make a meaningful difference.

Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive Potential

If you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.