Podcast
Asian Efficiency
Hosted by Asian Efficiency · EN
Asian Efficiency is the leading website on time management and productivity. Learn how to be efficient, get things done (GTD), and stay motivated.
23episodes
Episodes
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Copy & Paste Strategy: How to Accelerate Change by Borrowing What Works (TPS598)
Feb 200:41:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we dive into Katy Milkman’s “Copy & Paste” strategy—a powerful shortcut for behavior change. Instead of reinventing the wheel, learn how to identify “close match” role models and deliberately imitate their specific tactics. We explore the research showing why copying beats planning, share real-world examples from exercise to automation, and give you a 6-step framework to start borrowing success today. Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/tps. Get the right life insurance for you and save more than fifty percent on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/TPS. Visit asianefficiency.com for more productivity tips and tactics. Cheat Sheet: Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt. The “Claude bug” hits hard — and suddenly you’re automating everything (including your sleep away) [00:56]. The copy-and-paste move that can save you weeks… if you stop doing it the hard way first [02:35]. Top 3 Productivity Resources [03:58]. A wild AI workflow: your Instapaper becomes a daily personal podcast with action items baked in [06:14]. Why “who already solved this?” beats “how do I do this?” almost every time [08:40]. The shortcut to finding the right person to learn from — without wasting money or time [16:29]. The dark side of copying: when “same steps” still leads to a total fail (and why) [22:30]. Links: 25X Productivity Coaching Claude Cowork Remotion Openclaw (aka “Clawdbot”) Fresh Start Effect: Use Psychology to Boost Your Productivity (TPS594) How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Katy Milkman ElevenLabs Forest App App Store 2025 Top iPhone Apps in the U.S. Instapaper Clarity.fm The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins How To Draw an Owl Productivity Academy The Productivity Show on Youtube The Productivity Show Youtube Clips Become a member of TPS+ Take the Productivity Quiz If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!
Transcribe →Stop Sabotaging Your Focus: Deep Work Mistakes to Avoid
Jan 2800:09:10Tap to summarizeDeep work isn’t just about willpower… it’s about strategy. In this episode, I’m breaking down the common mistakes that kill your focus, from poor energy management to environment design that works against you. Learn how to align your tasks with your natural rhythms and set realistic expectations so you can finally get the important things done. Get 20% off your first order: dripdrop.com and use promo code tps. Links: Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt. DripDrop 25X Productivity Coaching If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!
Transcribe →The Secret to Actually Using What You Learn from Books (TPS549)
Feb 24, 2025Tap to summarizeHow many books have you read, only to forget most of what was inside a few weeks (or hours!) later? You’re not alone. Most people treat reading as an accomplishment — counting books instead of focusing on what they retain and apply. The real power of reading isn’t in how many pages you flip, but in how well you implement the ideas that matter. In this encore episode, we reveal a proven system for turning books into real-world results. You’ll learn how to capture key insights, structure your notes for easy recall, and — most importantly — take meaningful action on what you read. ProlonLife.com/TPS: Get 15% off sitewide plus a $40 Bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Nutrition Program. Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now. Thanks SelectQuote. SelectQuote.com/TPS. You can find links to everything we share in the show notes at theproductivityshow.com/. Cheat Sheet: Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt. Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:32] Some books we were reading at the time of recording [11:13] What books have we gifted the most? [17:13] Why highlighting a book isn’t enough [20:31] Why capturing is key, and how to do it properly [24:10] How Thanh turns his book notes into action [29:25] How we review our book notes [36:19] Links: 25X Productivity Coaching Kindle Paperwhite Bookcision Pocket Utility Knife Mind Food: How to Become More Creative and Successful by Watching What You “Eat” (TPS170) Simple Strategies To Find Time to Parent Without Feeling Guilty w/ Julie Morgenstern (TPS232) Atomic Habits: 4 Laws for Changing Your Identity & Living the Life You Want w/ James Clear (TPS217) Focus Tips From the Most Productive Man You’d Ever Hope to Meet w/ Chris Bailey (TPS213) Finding Your Focus w/ Michael Hyatt (TPS109) Essentialism w/ Greg McKeown (TPS102) Deep Work w/ Cal Newport (TPS88) Getting Things Done w/ David Allen (TPS58) The One Thing w/ Jay Papasan (TPS46) Advanced Strategies for Reading Faster and Remembering More w/ Abby Marks-Beale (TPS159) What books Brooks has been reading: The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger Mindset: The New Psychology of Success The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? What books Thanh has been reading: The Road Less Stupid When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing Lead with a Story: A Guide to Crafting Business Narratives That Captivate, Convince, and Inspire 30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans Blinkist Mindnode Brooks Siri shortcut How to Effectively Read and Implement Books Productivity Academy The Productivity Show on Youtube The Productivity Show Youtube Clips Become a member of TPS+ Take the Productivity Quiz If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!
Transcribe →The Art of Cutting Things Out: Make Space for What Matters (TPS547)
Feb 10, 202500:41:17Tap to summarizeCutting things from your life – expenses, commitments, or distractions – can be overwhelming. How do you know what to keep and what to eliminate? We’ll walk you through a strategic way to decide what to cut using the 80/20 Rule, value mindsets, the minimalist approach to productivity, and more. Whether you want to save money, free up time, or reclaim mental space, we’ve got actionable steps to help you make smart choices without regret. Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/tps. Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now. You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes at theproductivityshow.com/. Cheat Sheet: Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt. Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:48] An example of Brooks’ simplification journey [7:08] Thanh’s small space experience [9:20] What are some tips people can use to have less stuff? [12:33] How to remove friction out of getting rid of stuff [15:45] Examples of digital decluttering [20:29] How to declutter your commitments [23:40] Cutting out energy vampires [31:01] The “hell yeah!” test [36:33] Links: Shopify Indeed 25X Productivity Coaching Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown Tidying Up with Marie Kondo Scheduled tasks in ChatGPT Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker Buy Nothing Project Inbox Zero: Myth or Must Have? (TPS546) Hell Yeah or No: What’s Worth Doing by Derek Sivers Productivity Academy The Productivity Show on Youtube The Productivity Show Youtube Clips Become a member of TPS+ Take the Productivity Quiz If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!
Transcribe →Navigate Life Like a Pro: The Secret to Fast, Confident Choices
Feb 5, 202500:03:49Tap to summarizeStruggling with indecision? The secret to faster, smarter choices is simpler than you think. Whether you’re running a company, managing a team, or just trying to simplify daily choices, mastering rapid decision-making is a game changer. The key isn’t just speed–it’s having a clear framework that helps you make smart, confident choices without second-guessing. In this encore episode, we’ll break down simple ways to strengthen your decision-making muscle, from quick wins in everyday life to strategies that help with bigger, high-stakes choices. This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time. Links: Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt. 25X Productivity Coaching If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!
Transcribe →Inbox Zero: Myth or Must Have? (TPS546)
Feb 3, 202500:40:35Tap to summarizeInbox Zero is often seen as the ultimate productivity goal, but is it really necessary? In this episode, we break down the Inbox Zero method, why it works for some but not for others, and how you can manage email overload without stressing about a perfectly empty inbox. Learn practical strategies to keep your email under control, plus Thanh & Brooks’ personal email workflows. Masterclass.com/TPS for 15% off any annual membership. Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now. You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes at theproductivityshow.com/. Cheat Sheet: Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt. Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:19] How has the concept of Inbox Zero changed over the years? [6:43] The reasons most people struggle with email [11:35] Some tips to be more effective with email [19:52] A simple email framework that makes a huge difference [22:00] What to do if you feel you need to respond to emails quickly [26:12] Are we filers or archivers? [27:23] Our email workflows [31:34] Universal inbox or multiple inboxes? [32:33] Links: Masterclass Indeed 25X Productivity Coaching Grammarly Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World Inbox Detox Merlin Mann Inbox Detox talk Four Thousand Weeks: How to Live a Meaningful Life with Limited Time (TPS468) TextExpander Daylite Productivity Academy The Productivity Show on Youtube The Productivity Show Youtube Clips Become a member of TPS+ Take the Productivity Quiz If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!
Transcribe →Cut More, Achieve More: The Power of The Anti-Todo List
Jan 29, 202500:03:36Tap to summarizeInstead of obsessing over what to do next, what if the real game-changer is what you don’t do? Most of us pack our days with endless tasks, thinking productivity is about doing more–but what if that’s actually holding us back? In this encore episode, we explore the Anti-To-Do List, a simple but powerful mindset shift that helps you reclaim your time, energy, and focus. This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time. Links: Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt. 25X Productivity Coaching If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!
Transcribe →Smart Home Productivity Tips (TPS545)
Jan 27, 202500:42:48Tap to summarizeAre you making the most of your smart home? Your home is full of untapped productivity potential, and in this episode, we’re unlocking it. From setting up routines with voice assistants to optimizing your daily habits with smart lights and plugs, we explore simple ways to transform your living space into a hub of efficiency. Get 15% off your 5-day nutrition program. ProlonLife.com/TPS. Masterclass.com/TPS for 15% off any annual membership. You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes at theproductivityshow.com/. Cheat Sheet: Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt. Top 3 Productivity Resources [2:48] What do we use for voice assistants? [6:30] Thanh’s automated morning routine [7:59] Our smart light setup and uses [18:49] How do you make sure your devices work together? [30:24] Smart locks and doors – yes or no? [32:56] What Thanh does for apartment security [35:43] Our smart home wish lists [39:50] Links: Prolon Masterclass 25X Productivity Coaching HEETA Dry Bag Yuka 1-800-ChatGPT Google Nest Thermostat Amazon Echo Show Google Nest Hub Philips Hue Smart Light Starter Kit Lutron Caseta Smart Lighting Kit Meross Smart Plug Mini meross Smart Power Strip WiFi Surge Protector Power Bar Elgato Key Light Air Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Matter Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Control Ring Stick Up Cam Pro ecobee Smart Thermostat Productivity Academy The Productivity Show on Youtube The Productivity Show Youtube Clips Become a member of TPS+ Take the Productivity Quiz If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!
Transcribe →Ask Better Questions, Make Better Moves
Jan 22, 202500:06:38Tap to summarizeWhat if the key to making better decisions wasn’t about knowing all the answers but asking the right questions? Imagine being able to cut through the noise, save time, and avoid costly mistakes simply by reframing the way you think about your challenges. Whether navigating a career change, launching a side hustle, or tackling a big life decision, this episode will show you how to use targeted questions to unlock clarity and confidence. In this episode, we break down the concept of “thinking time” and explore practical strategies to sharpen your decision-making skills. Don’t just dream about success–ask your way there. This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time. Links: Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt. 25X Productivity Coaching The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman ChatGPT If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!
Transcribe →10 Small Tweaks That Lead to Big Results (TPS544)
Jan 20, 202500:43:03Tap to summarizeWe always say that one tweak a week is all it takes to get massive results…but what are examples of simple tweaks you can make? That’s what we’re sharing today, and these are from our personal lives. Go to Zocdoc.com/TPS and download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for FREE and book a top-rated doctor. Thanks SelectQuote. SelectQuote.com/TPS. You can find links to everything we share in the show notes at theproductivityshow.com/. Cheat Sheet: Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt. Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:59] Tweak 1: A new way to search [6:23] Tweak 2: Use setups to be super-productive [10:17] Tweak 3: Do this first thing when you wake up [15:40] Tweak 4: Keep your digital and physical space in order [21:31] Tweak 5: Keep your phone distraction-free [24:59] Tweak 6: How to be more efficient with the apps you use [28:07] Tweak 7: Touch it once! [31:17] Tweak 8: A tech tweak we can’t live without [34:24] Tweak 9: A simple mindshift to make solving problems much easier [38:31] Tweak 10: Make it easy to keep your reading habit going [41:25] Links: Zocdoc SelectQuote 25X Productivity Coaching Meross Smart Plug Mini meross Smart Power Strip WiFi Surge Protector Power Bar Velja browser picker Perplexity Keyboard Maestro Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Hazel File Juggler ScanSnap iX1600 Alfred Productivity Academy The Productivity Show on Youtube The Productivity Show Youtube Clips Become a member of TPS+ Take the Productivity Quiz If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!
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