Episodes

  • 48: Bring Clarity To Your Daily Life Through Taking Action

    48: Bring Clarity To Your Daily Life Through Taking Action

    · Design Test Improve

    In today's episode, we discuss taking action can bring clarity to your daily life in order to help you make progress towards your goals and prevent you from falling into the hamster wheel of thinking and planning.


    Call To Action

    Think of that one idea, project, or goal you’ve been wanting to accomplish and ask yourself, “What is one simple next step I can do today to start progressing towards this goal?” – Now GO DO THAT STEP!

    As you continue to go down that path, things will become clearer and you’ll start to realize one of three things:

    You’ll confirm to yourself that your idea was right and you’ll continue on the pathYou’ll potentially run into roadblocks you didn’t expect and adjust your plan (most likely)You’ll scrap the idea because you realize it won’t work, but at least now you’ve cleared your head of that idea and have more mental room for the next idea to execute on The learnings you get from this initiative will be lessons that will help you make better decisions on your future ideas.

    Tools & Content Mentioned

    Podcast Episode: Motivation Starts After You Take ActionVideo: Finding Clarity Through Action | Marie ForleoPlanner: Full Focus Planner
  • 47: Developing the Superpower of Being Alone

    47: Developing the Superpower of Being Alone

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode, we discuss why you should consider spending more time alone in order to help improve your well-being. We talk about the importance of periods of self-isolation, what to do during it, the benefits we have experienced, and our recommendations on how to get started.

    Call To Action

    Block out time this week to spend time alone to reflect. Minimum 1 hour.During your time block, reflect on your current life situations. Some questions you may want to ask yourself.How am I feeling? Why am I feeling this way?What vision do I have for my future?What do I want to learn?What do I want to get better at?What is important to me?Who are the people that I find myself surrounded with? Are they bringing joy and positive value to my life?What is my favorite forms of exercise?Give your mind space to just think about whatever comes up.Create consistent time blocks (if possible) to spend alone each week to:thinkwork on personal projectslearningother activities you find fulfilling

    Tools & Content Mentioned

    Podcast: Chris Williams hinge podcastBook: The Codling of the American MindBook: The Almanack of Naval RavikantService: FocusmateCourse: Learning How To LearnTool: kSafeBook: Daily StoicBook: MeditationsBook: Letters from a stoic

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  • 46: Crafting An Unstoppable Identity For Better Decision Making

    46: Crafting An Unstoppable Identity For Better Decision Making

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode, we discuss how to craft an identity that you aspire to be and leverage that identity as a reference point to help you make your better day-to-day decisions.

    Call To Action

    In a document, write out the identity of the person you truly want to be.

    Not just the things he or she has like money, success, etc. –– but instead


    How do they carry themselves in the world? Confidence, Assertiveness, etc.How do they present themselves physically?What habits have they adopted?What are their priorities in life?What are their principles and value that they will never compromise over?

    Those questions are more important because they are the inputs of life that will help you achieve outcomes of success.

    Once you have that document, now you’ll have a written identity script for yourself. And when tough decisions are made, you can look back to this document and ask yourself, “What would this person do?”

    This document will take you a long time to create, but once you’ve dug deep into who you truly want to become, save the document and read it every morning to remind yourself of the identity you have to adopt in order to achieve your goals in life.

    Tools / Content Mentioned

    Morning Formula DocumentIdentity-Based Decision MakingBook: Psycho CyberneticsBook: Maybe It’s You
  • 45: How to Become Extremely Disciplined Without Relying on Willpower

    45: How to Become Extremely Disciplined Without Relying on Willpower

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode we discuss how to optimize your environment by creating systems that are designed to foster self-discipline, instead of relying solely on your own willpower.

    Call-To-Action

    Assess what you have control over in your current environmentWhat are bad habits that are causing a negative impact in your life that you know you can change, but requires discipline?How can you create systems to help foster positive habits, without having to rely on willpower?

    Tools & Content Mentioned

    App: FreedomApp:AlarmyTool: kSafeTool: Sunrise Simulation Alarm (There are other options)Service: FocusmatePrevious Episode: Ep 6 – Structuring Weeks For Progress & GoalsPrevious Episode: Ep 42: Motivation Starts After You Start Working
  • 44: A Framework For Helping You Become A Better Version of Yourself Through Self-Reflection

    44: A Framework For Helping You Become A Better Version of Yourself Through Self-Reflection

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode, we discuss how you can utilize self-reflection exercises as a way to help coach yourself to overcome obstacles, accomplish your goals, and become a better overall version of yourself.

    Call To Action

    Set aside 15mins to an hour to truly reflect on your lifeTo make the session more productive, come up with a list of questions that help you during this self-reflection session: What are some great things that happened to me this past week?What was the main struggle you faced this week, and how would you advise someone dealing with the same struggle?What are two things you learned about yourself this past week?One decision you could have made this last week to make your life better or move ahead faster?What worked really well this past week and why?The goal is to make this a consistent habit, so try to start off by scheduling at least one day of the week where you have a self-reflection session, and then increase from there if you feel the need.

    Content & Tools Mentioned

    App: Day OneProduct: kSafeService: FocusmateService: BetterhelpApp: Freedom AppPodcast Episode: Living an easy life may make you feel unhappySearch: Emotional Wheel
  • 43: How to Apply the S-Curve Framework for Consistent Career Development

    43: How to Apply the S-Curve Framework for Consistent Career Development

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode, we discuss the S-Curve of Growth framework and how it can be used as a compass on your career journey. We share personal experiences on how the S-Curve has helped us reflect on our careers in order to determine when it is time to apply to jobs, ask for promotions, and new opportunities for career growth.

    Website: http://designtestimprove.com/

    Call To Action

    First, you have to evaluate where you’re at today in regards to the S-Curve The base is the starting point – starting a position with a lot of potential to learnThe slope up is the growth section – in a current position where you’re being challenged and gaining tons of experienceThe top is mastery/stagnation – mastered your position and no longer feel challengedIf you’re at the base or slope, keep going and try to learn as much as you can
 milk that as much as possible!If you’re at the top and feel like you’re stagnating, how can you be proactive and create a new challenge for yourself? Ask for a promotion – ex: IC —> ManagerChange departments or projects – ex: Client Marketing —> Brand MarketingChange jobs – Sometimes you outgrow a company and need a new one with bigger challenges


    Tools & Content Mentioned

    Article: Why your high-performing employees may be slowly disengaging from workArticle: Shaping individual development along the S-curvePodcast: Ep 34: Build An Edge in Your Career Through Talent StackingPodcast: Ep 39: How to Leverage Stress to Boost PerformanceBooks Mentioned on Management Good to GreatBuilt To LastHigh Output Management




  • 42: The Motivation Trap – How Motivation Is Holding You Back From Success

    42: The Motivation Trap – How Motivation Is Holding You Back From Success

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode, we discuss how waiting for motivation in order to take action is a trap and why you should instead take action first in order to become motivated.

    Call To Action

    When you find yourself feeling unmotivated, control your environment so it promotes action Put away phone and other distractionsSet a timer for 25 - 50 minutesCreate accountabilityTake action


    Content Mentioned

    Book The Motivation Myth by Jeff HadenTools/Apps kSafeFreedomFloraForestStravaFocusmateVideo Why Motivation is a MythThe Most Successful Person in the World | Jeff Haden | TEDxPaloAltoHow to Get Motivated and Stay MotivatedPrevious Podcast Episode Attention Diet
  • 41: How Living An Easy Life Can Lead To Unhappiness

    41: How Living An Easy Life Can Lead To Unhappiness

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode we discuss how living a life of least resistance and pleasure-seeking may ultimately leave you with a difficult and unfulfilled life. It's an episode that was inspired by the famous quote by Jerzy Gregorek which goes “Easy Choices, Hard Life. Hard Choices, Easy Life.”

    Call-To-Action

    Reflect on the kind of life you would like to have. Saved X amount of money saved in my emergency fundWeight X amount of poundsReflect on how these things may make your life easier in the long run.Think of the daily decisions you make each day and determine what you should answer in order to get closer to that vision of the kind of life you would like to have or maintainFigure out ways to make hard decisions easier to make


    Content / Tools Mentioned

    Video TED Talk - Tim FerrissProduct kSafe




  • 40: Cultivating A Healthy Attention Diet For High Performance

    40: Cultivating A Healthy Attention Diet For High Performance

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode, we discuss the importance of cultivating a healthy attention diet that promotes higher quality entertainment/education as opposed to an unhealthy attention diet that mindlessly wastes our time and energy. We share what a healthy vs an unhealthy attention diet looks like and tips on how you can start cultivating a healthy one for yourself.

    Call To Action

    Reflect on what sources of information are pulling your attention?Vet the sources to see if this is bringing value to your life or if it is just a mindless distractionRemove or limit the mindless distractions so they don’t pull your attention?Delete social media or only follow people/pages that bring value to your lifePhone notificationsLimit websites using software tools like FreedomYour cellphone (place out of sight when working/studying)Find high-quality sources of information/entertainment to bring into your lifePodcasts, Books, Articles from someone you enjoy reading from, Documentaries, Movies

    Content / Tools Mentioned

    Books The Subtle Art of Not Giving a FuckModels: Attract Women Through HonestyDeep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted WorldCan’t Hurt MePodcast/Videos Tom Segura Talks (Mark Manson)Mark Manson (Attention Diet)Tools/Services kSafeMorning BrewFreedom
  • 39: How to Leverage Stress to Boost Performance

    39: How to Leverage Stress to Boost Performance

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode we discuss the Yerkes-Dodson Law bell curve, which shows how stress can either boost or reduce your performance at work. We share personal examples of times in our career when we fell in different areas on the bell curve and we also share advice on how to manage your stress so you can leverage it to boost your performance.

    Call To Action

    Answer the following questions:

    Where do you feel you are on the bell curve?Why do you feel you are at that point in the bell curve?What can you do to move closer to the optimal performance area (if not already in that area)?


    Content Mentioned

    The Bell Curve For Optimal PerformancePrevious podcast episode - Imposter Syndrome
  • 38: Take Back Control of Your Life by Setting Rules

    38: Take Back Control of Your Life by Setting Rules

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode, we discuss how creating rules can help you simplify your day-to-day so you can take back control, stay consistent with your efforts, and excel in different areas of your life.

    Call-To-Action

    Answer the following questions:

    What areas in your life are you falling short and would you like to improve?Experiment with setting different constraints or guidelines in those areas to take back control?If you notice something you tried improved your life in that area, try to create a rule for it that you start to live by.


    Tools Mentioned

    KSafe (Tool for locking your phone away)
  • 37: Train Your Brain To Help You Reach Your Goals By Celebrating The Small Wins

    37: Train Your Brain To Help You Reach Your Goals By Celebrating The Small Wins

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode, we focus on how celebrating the small wins in your daily life can help you train your brain to create a compound effect over time that will help you achieve your goals.

    Call To Action

    For the next 7 days, celebrate all the small wins in your lifeAfter you complete a habit you are trying to establish, celebrate that you did it. Actually feel the celebration win.At the end of the day, reflect on the small steps toward progress you made in your day. Recommend writing it in a journal or digital document.See how you feel at the end of the week.How did your week go?Do you feel more positive and/or motivated overall?


    Tools and Content Mentioned

    Previous Podcast Episode Ep 19: Important Factors To Consider In A Career Position, Besides MoneyApp NotionCalmVideo How Celebrating Small Wins Can Help Form Lasting HabitTim Ferriss: The Jar of Awesome & Celebrating Small WinsCelebrate the Small WinsTom Hanks: “This Too Shall Pass”Course The Science of Well Being (Coursera)
  • 36: Finding the Balance Between Thinking About the Past, Present, and Future

    36: Finding the Balance Between Thinking About the Past, Present, and Future

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode, we talk about how to find the right balance between thinking about the past, present, and future. We discuss some of the positives and negative consequences of thinking about the past and future and share some personal experiences we’ve gone through regarding this topic.

    Call To Action

    Next time you’re feeling depressed or anxious, determine if it’s because you’re thinking too much about the past or future, if so remind yourself to anchor yourself to the present.One method you can use to anchor yourself to the present moment is by using the box breathing method.
  • 35: Tactics To Reduce Anxiety In The Workplace For Optimal Productivity

    35: Tactics To Reduce Anxiety In The Workplace For Optimal Productivity

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode, we discuss the common struggle of anxiety in the workplace. We talk about how anxiety has impacted our lives in regards to our career, share some recent examples, and tactics we use to help reduce anxiety to help us perform optimally.

    Content / Tools Mentioned

    Previous Episode: Episode 34 – Build An Edge in Your Career Through Talent StackingApp: CalmApp: HeadspaceYouTube: This too shall pass


    Call-To-Action

    Next time anxiety at work comes up try some of the following steps to potentially help reduce it:

    Challenge your perspective on itAsk yourself is this going to matter in 5 yearsRemind yourself that “this too shall pass”Ask yourself why are you worrying about something in the future you don’t know is going to happen for sure? Instead, why don’t you just focus on what is in your control and wait for that event to happen?Think of previous challenging events you overcameTake actionMeditate (minimum 10 minutes a day)ExerciseSurround yourself with natureGet enough sleepTalk with friends/family/therapist/mentor (support group)
  • 34: Build An Edge in Your Career Through Talent Stacking

    34: Build An Edge in Your Career Through Talent Stacking

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode, we discuss the concept of talent stacking and how it can help you grow exponentially in your career and personal life. We cover what talent stacking is, the benefits of it, and advice on how to identify what skills to potentially add to your talent stack to gain an edge in your career roadmap.

    Content / Tools Mentioned

    Book: Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World Book: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth & HappinessPodcast Episode: Become the Most Valuable Member in Your Company by Applying the T-Shape ModelYouTube: Alex Hormozi

    Call-To-Action

    Reflect on the kind of profession, side hustles, hobbies, and lifestyle you want to develop

    Determine what skills you would need to have in order to reach that goalStart or Continue developing the skills you identified that will help you reach your goalWhen you hit a constraint, ask yourself, "What skill do I need to learn to break through this barrier?" –– that's the next skill to add to your stack

    Some talents we believe everyone should add to their stack are:

    ProductivityCommunicationPersonal FinanceEmotional IntelligenceSome resources: Udemy.com, Skillshare.com, YouTube.comReminder: This is an ongoing journey that takes time
  • 33: How to Make Your Phone Less of a Distraction & More Like A Tool

    33: How to Make Your Phone Less of a Distraction & More Like A Tool

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode, we share our thoughts on how to use your smartphone as a tool rather than a distraction. We discuss the impact we believe smartphones have had on our society, our personal relationship with them, and we share some tactics you can use to help you minimize your smartphone's negative influences in your daily life.

    Tools & Content Mentioned:

    Video – How to Turn Your Phone Screen GreyBook – Digital MinimalismApp – FreedomApp – ForestApp – FloraProduct – KSafe


    Call-To-Action

    Reflect on your current relationship with your smartphone:How much time are you spending on your phone? Are you comfortable with the amount of screen time you see?What apps are taking up most of your time?What could you be doing with that time instead?Are you comfortable being alone with your thoughts? Or do you notice you have a need to be constantly connected / distracted?After you reflect on some of the negative influences your smartphone has on you, start to incorporate tactics to reduce these negative influences:Turn off most notifications from your phone except what you think is usefulSet up your phone layout to help you not get sucked into going on your phoneHide social media apps (if you have them on your phone) in folders, or consider deleting apps you waste a lot of time on.Create rules for yourself when it comes to using your phoneExample: When starting a working/studying session I will put my phone out of sightSet up focus modes to further control what notifications you get during the day
  • 32: Simplify Life With A Daily Highlight

    32: Simplify Life With A Daily Highlight

    · Design Test Improve

    This episode is on applying the "daily highlight" principle to help you focus on what is the most important thing for the day instead of being overwhelmed by a long list of to-dos. This idea came from the book Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky.

    Content / Tools Mentioned

    Book: Deep Work by Cal NewportBook: Digital Minimalism by Cal NewportBook: Make TimePrevious Podcast Mentioned: The Importance of Striving For A Productive LifePrevious Episode Mentioned: Structuring weeks For Progress On Goals


    Call-To-Action

    At the beginning of your day, before writing down a whole bunch of tasks you want to get done, ask yourself “What’s the ONE thing I can get done today that will make today a productive day?”A framework from Make Time that can help you pinpoint a “highlight task” uses three different criteria: Satisfaction – A task that would feel satisfying if you completed it, like going to the gymUrgency – A project that has a deadline coming upJoy – A task that is more fun, like going out with friends for dinnerOnce you have your daily highlight, schedule a time in your calendar for when you plan on getting it done
  • 31: Tackling The Biggest Obstacle That's Holding You Back... Starting

    31: Tackling The Biggest Obstacle That's Holding You Back... Starting

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode, we discuss how sometimes the biggest hurdle to accomplishing a goal is the “start”. We talk about some personal examples and our advice on how we overcame the starting hurdle and how you can too.

    Content Mentioned

    Blog Post Mentioned – The Mistake Smart People Make: Being In Motion vs. Taking Action

    Call-To-Action

    List out the goals you want to accomplish on paper to get them out of your mind.Once you’ve written them down, vet them to see if they’re actually something you WANT to do.If what you want to do requires a big upfront investment, try to find ways to start small to prove the concept first before investing more into your goal.Once you’re confident in your list of goals, list out the first small steps you can take to build momentum and confidence.Go in with the expectation that things won’t be perfect, and that’s okay... you’ll learn as you go.
  • 30: Are You Using Social Media, Or Is It Using You?

    30: Are You Using Social Media, Or Is It Using You?

    · Design Test Improve

    In this episode, we discuss the negative impacts the overuse of social media has on our lives and advice on how to control it instead of it controlling you.

    Resources Mentioned

    Books

    Ten Arguments For Deleting Social Media Right NowDigital Minimalism

    Apps

    Freedom

    Browser Extension

    Focus (For Youtube) - SafariDF YouTube - ChromeKill News Feed - Chrome

    Physical Tools

    Remarkable

    Video

    TEDx Talk - Bailey Parnell

    Previous Mentioned Podcast Episode

    Episode 9: How to Handle & Prevent Burnout


    Call To Action

    Challenge yourself to go 7-days without using social media

    1. Identify what you’ll be doing during these 7-days when you’ll be off of social media

    Start a projectRead a bookDo a hobby

    2. Make a mental note if you realize yourself feeling calmer, happier, more present, etc.

    3. At the end of those 7-days, if you decide to go back on social media, put systems in place to prevent you from overconsuming like before.

    App BlockersTurn off notificationsDo Not Disturb during certain hoursClean up your newsfeed so you only see positive content –– unfollow news, politics, influencers, etc.
  • 29: How To Figure Out If You're In A Toxic Environment & How To Get Out Of It

    29: How To Figure Out If You're In A Toxic Environment & How To Get Out Of It

    · Design Test Improve

    In today's episode, we discuss how toxic environments can pollute your life. We will also be discussing how to identify if you are in a toxic environment, how to get out of it, and the benefits of surrounding yourself with positivity.

    Call-To-Action

    First, figure out what you want to achieve in life.Vet your current environment – the people around you and the content you consume – and ask yourself, “Are these environments bringing happiness and/or in congruence with my goals in life?”If not, then try to create a plan to distance yourself from these toxic environments.
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