Podcast
The Productivity Show
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.
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How to Let Go of What’s Not Working (A Simple Framework)
Mar 2500:09:51Tap to summarizeWhy do we keep sticking with things that clearly aren’t working? Whether it’s a tool you paid for, a project you’ve invested time in, or a commitment you feel guilty dropping, the pull to “see it through” can quietly drain your energy and focus. The real cost isn’t what you’ve already spent—it’s what holding on is preventing you from doing next. This episode breaks down a simple, practical framework to help you identify what’s no longer serving you—and let it go with confidence. You’ll learn how to spot the hidden red flags, ask better questions about your commitments, and make small, low-risk changes that free up time, clarity, and momentum for what actually matters. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Go to Claude.ai/tps. Visit www.asianefficiency.com for more productivity tips and tactics. 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. Claude 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 →Actionable Tips for Breaking Down Objectives and Projects (TPS605)
Mar 2300:44:42Tap to summarizeStruggling with overwhelming projects that never seem to start? In this episode, we dive deep into actionable strategies for breaking down massive goals into manageable steps. We explore the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), the SMART framework, and the “Eat That Frog” method to create momentum. Learn how to use phased milestones, automated handoffs, and dedicated thinking time to transform your execution strategy and finally get those big projects across the finish line. Upgrade your denim game with Rag & Bone!. Get 20% off sitewide with code TPS at www.rag-bone.com #ragandbonepod Ready to tackle bigger problems? Go to Claude.ai/tps. Make the switch! MINTMOBILE.com/PRODUCTIVITY. 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. Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:50] The Step Most People Skip Before Breaking Anything Down [5:16] Why Your 3 Available Hours Won't Fit a 20-Hour Plan [9:47] The Goal-Setting Framework Everyone Knows, but Nobody Uses [16:17] A Project Management Trick That Works for Personal Goals Too [17:43] He Asked AI to Break It Down — Then Said “Isn't That Obvious?” [21:41] The Daily Number That Predicts Whether You'll Hit Your Goal [22:51] Why Everything Feels Obvious After Someone Else Figures It Out [25:29] The One Daily Habit That Creates Unstoppable Momentum [28:25] What's Quietly Sabotaging Your Most Important Work [30:09] The 10-80-10 Rule That Redefines Your Role at Work [31:50] When You Realize You're the Weakest Link in Your Own System [33:50] The Paradox: Why Cheaper AI Means More Work, Not Less [36:32] The Hidden Tasks AI Just Made Worth Doing [40:24] Links: Rag & Bone Claude Mint Mobile Sublime Text — Text editor with excellent color coding and support for markdown and configuration files Granola — AI meeting notes app that records and transcribes meetings without joining as a bot Jump Desktop — Remote desktop access tool for securely connecting to multiple computers The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement — Eliyahu Goldratt's foundational book on Theory of Constraints 25X Productivity Coaching Laura Roeder Tweet Article about Garfield AI law firm Wispr Flow 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 Compass vs The Clock: Why Values Beat Tasks
Mar 1800:10:15Tap to summarizeStop feeling unproductive despite doing everything. Learn why the best weekly reviews focus on your compass (values) rather than the clock (tasks). We explore how to align your actions with what truly matters using the 5 whys and Stephen Covey's philosophy to find real satisfaction in your productivity. Try Notion Custom Agents at notion.com/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. Notion 25X Productivity Coaching The Most Underrated Productivity Technique First Things First by Steven Covey 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 →AI Tips for Everyday Productivity — How to Use AI to Reclaim Your Time (TPS604)
Mar 1600:47:11Tap to summarizeDiscover how to transform AI from a novelty into a powerful productivity partner. In this episode, we share tactical tips for everyday use, from using Perplexity for real-time research to training ChatGPT to write in your unique voice. We also dive into the latest Apple Intelligence features and how workflow-based AI adoption can help you reclaim hours every week. Learn why focusing on principles over features is the key to lasting productivity gains. Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/tps. Try Notion Custom Agents at notion.com/tps. Masterclass.com/TPS for an additional 15% off any annual membership. 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. Top Three Productivity Resources [1:56] Running 300 Lead Enrichments Autonomously [5:17] Why Real-Time Search Still Matters [9:43] Finding the Right AI Tool for the Job [11:23] Securing Your AI Browser Sessions [17:42] Chrome Plugin Workflows That Run Overnight [19:43] Voice Mode Goes Everywhere [22:48] The Dictation Upgrade Changing Everything [26:20] Sounding Human in AI-Generated Writing [29:19] Context Files Transform Voice Inputs [30:31] Closing the AI Feedback Loop [32:11] Skills Beat Generic AI Prompts [34:16] Learning AI Through Structured Frameworks [38:07] From Beginner to Advanced in Three Stages [41:05] Links: Shopify Notion Masterclass 25X Productivity Coaching 4-Day AI Sprint AI Workshop in Austin TX Perplexity Computer — Autonomous AI agent system for complex task execution Airtable — AI-native database platform with native integrations for AI agents Gamma — AI presentation and proposal builder with Claude integration Google NotebookLM — AI research tool for analyzing documents and generating audio overviews ChatGPT — OpenAI's conversational AI Claude — Anthropic's AI assistant Google Gemini — Google's multimodal AI assistant for images and video Grok — xAI's real-time search and reasoning AI Claude for Chrome — Browser extension enabling Claude to read, click, and automate web tasks Exa AI — AI-powered search and scraper tool for finding people and data; used in recruiting workflows Manus AI — Autonomous AI agent that executes complex tasks end-to-end; recently acquired by Meta Wispr Flow — AI-powered voice dictation app removing filler words and auto-editing OpenClaw — Automation and AI agent platform Rick Mulready's YouTube Channel — Recommended YouTuber for accessible AI education 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 Secret to Peak Performance: Mastering Front Stage and Back Stage Work
Mar 1100:10:41Tap to summarizeDiscover Michael Hyatt's powerful concept of Front Stage vs. Back Stage work. Learn how to differentiate between visible performance and the invisible support systems that make it possible. I'll share how we apply this at Asian Efficiency to optimize delegation, specialization, and team dynamics for maximum impact and freedom. Get 20% off your first order: dripdrop.com and use promo code tps. Visit www.asianefficiency.com for more productivity tips and tactics. 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 Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less 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 →Go From Reactive To Proactive With These Tips (TPS603)
Mar 900:33:01Tap to summarizeAre your days driven by constant pings, urgent requests, and whatever happens to land in your inbox? In this episode, we explore the real difference between reactive and proactive work—and why shifting your mindset is the key to feeling calmer, more in control, and ahead of deadlines. We share practical strategies and simple planning habits that reduce decision fatigue. You’ll also learn how tools like your calendar, task manager, and even AI can help you break goals into manageable steps, look ahead, and lay the groundwork so future you isn’t scrambling. Get 20% off your first order: dripdrop.com and use promo code tps. Make the switch! MINTMOBILE.com/PRODUCTIVITY. 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. Reactive or proactive — which one is secretly running your day? [02:03] Top 3 Productivity Resources [02:58] What a “reactive day” really looks like (and why it feels so exhausting) [04:52] The hidden link between time stress and always playing catch-up [10:25] How low energy quietly wrecks your focus and decision-making [19:42] A simple planning habit that makes your future weeks feel lighter [24:55] Let AI handle the tedious setup work that stops most people from starting [27:52] A tiny rule that helps you stay ahead of deadlines without burning out [31:56] Links: DripDrop Mint Mobile 25X Productivity Coaching The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months Flight Plan: The Real Secret of Success: How to Achieve More, Faster Than You Ever Dreamed Possible Benjamin Franklin: An American Life 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 →Balancing the Grind: Short-Term Wins for Long-Term Success
Mar 400:09:11Tap to summarizeEver feel stuck between getting things done now and building for the future? This Wisdom Wednesday, I'm sharing my secrets to balancing short-term productivity hacks with long-term strategic growth. Discover how to navigate “grind seasons” without burnout, make small daily investments that pay off big, and ensure your immediate efforts contribute to your biggest goals. Learn to work smarter, not just harder, for sustainable success. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Go to Claude.ai/tps. Visit www.asianefficiency.com for more productivity tips and tactics. 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. Claude 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 →Burnout-Proof Your Productivity: Strategies for Sustainable Pacing and Recovery (TPS602)
Mar 200:33:27Tap to summarizeAre you feeling the “fried” sensation of constant juggling? In this episode, we explore how to stay productive without burning out, especially when managing multiple responsibilities. We dive into the “Wellness Battery” concept, the power of firm “Hard Stops,” and why cognitive strain—not just hours worked—is the new driver of exhaustion. Learn tactical strategies like buffer time, thinking time, and joyful pursuits to keep your productivity on fire without the burnout. Sign up for a $1/month trial period at https://shopify.com/tps. Get the right life insurance for you and save more than 50% on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/TPS. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Go to Claude.ai/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. Top 3 Productivity Resources [01:50] What burnout really looks like (and why it’s not always just about work). [07:03] The simple visual system Thanh uses to spot overload before it spirals. [10:06] The underrated skill that can instantly lower your stress this week. [16:58] How to build buffers into your schedule—even if you don’t fully control your calendar. [24:40] A quick paper-based reset that turns vague overwhelm into clear next steps. [27:55] Why trees, trail shoes, and unexpected hobbies might be your best productivity tools. [30:13] One question to ask yourself that could bring joy—and momentum—back into your week. [32:32] Links: Shopify SelectQuote Claude 25X Productivity Coaching Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey Actual Budget ALTRA Lone Peak Can The “Sandwich Technique” Solve Your Focus Problems? w/ Erin Chase (TPS226) 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 →Why a Fresh Start is Your Secret Productivity Weapon
Feb 2500:09:22Tap to summarizeDiscover the “Fresh Start Effect” and how to use psychological clean slates to reset your habits. We explore Katy Milkman's research on why Mondays and birthdays boost motivation, the hidden danger of resets for high performers, and how to mentally subdivide your day into chapters so one bad morning doesn't ruin your entire day. Try Notion Custom Agents at notion.com/tps. Visit www.asianefficiency.com for more productivity tips and tactics. 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. Notion Custom Agents 25X Productivity Coaching How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Katy Milkman 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 →Reset Your Productivity System: The 2026 Refresh Guide (TPS601)
Feb 2300:46:22Tap to summarizeIs your productivity system feeling sluggish or overwhelmed? In this episode, we dive deep into how to reset and refresh your productivity system for 2026. We explore the “TEA Framework” (Time, Energy, Attention), the power of the GTD Weekly Review, and how to leverage AI-augmented workflows to move from reactive fire-fighting to proactive planning. Learn why recovery is your secret performance driver and how to design a system that actually makes you happy. Make the switch! MINTMOBILE.com/PRODUCTIVITY. https://try notion custom agents at notion.com/tps. Masterclass.com/TPS for an additional 15% off any annual membership. Upgrade your denim game with Rag & Bone!. Get 20% off sitewide with code TPS at www.rag-bone.com #ragandbonepod. 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. Top 3 Productivity Resources [01:14]. Brooks’ “new year” reset collides with the AI tool tidal wave—here’s what he’s testing [03:23]. Thanh's reset “rhythm” [05:13]. Reactive vs proactive resets—plus the “mini email bankruptcy” move most people overlook [09:00]. The first step of any reset (hint: it’s not picking a new app) [16:29]. The most underrated reset —and why it works better than you think [18:23]. A reset for chronic tool-hoppers: the “commitment window” that restores calm fast [23:20]. A quick diagnostic checklist for time, energy, and attention—spot the bottleneck in minutes [24:43]. Reset pitfalls: the sneaky way “optimizing” can make everything worse (and the copying trap) [34:43]. Real story: vibe coding, skill bloat, and the one-at-a-time rebuild that actually sticks [40:04]. The reset mistake that backfires: changing your system without bringing your people along [44:08]. Links: MintMobile Notion Custom Agents Masterclass Rag & Bone 25X Productivity Coaching Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain Field Notes Notebooks 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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