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The Productivity Show

Author: Asian Efficiency

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Asian Efficiency is the leading website on time management and productivity. Learn how to be efficient, get things done (GTD), and stay motivated.
613 Episodes
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Learn why systems… not motivation… drive consistent progress. We explore shifting from goal-chasing to system-building through small structural changes. Discover how a “never skip twice” rule and systematic relationship management can lead to long-term results without relying on willpower. Stop waiting for inspiration and start building the engine that powers your productivity every single day. […]
Are you tired of the “goal-chasing” treadmill? In this episode, we dive deep into systems thinking—the secret behind consistent progress and long-term results. We explore why goals often lead to “pre-success failure” and how shifting your focus to daily systems, feedback loops, and structural changes can transform your productivity. Learn how to decompose complex tasks, […]
Juggling multiple roles? This Wisdom Wednesday, I’m sharing practical weekly planning strategies to help you stay on top of everything without feeling overwhelmed. Discover how to free up mental space, make time for deep thinking, and build flexibility into your week so you can thrive in all your responsibilities. Learn how to plan smarter, not […]
Have you ever wondered why we’re so motivated on January 1st but lose steam by February? In this episode, we dive into the “Fresh Start Effect” from Katy Milkman’s book How to Change. We explore how psychological clean slates—like Mondays, birthdays, or even a new notebook—can reset your identity and boost motivation. However, fresh starts […]
Are you objectively productive but subjectively unfulfilled? You might be focusing on the “clock” (tasks and efficiency) instead of the “compass” (values and direction). In this episode, we explore Scott Young’s research on the most underrated productivity technique: the values-based weekly review. We’ll show you how to use the “5 Whys” to connect tasks to […]
Want the holidays to feel longer and more meaningful? The secret isn’t doing more. It’s being more present. In this Wisdom Wednesday episode, I’ll show you why divided attention makes time feel shorter, how presence slows life down, and one simple way to enjoy your holidays more without adding anything to your schedule. This episode […]
Feeling overwhelmed by digital clutter? In this episode, Thanh and Brooks share practical tips to organize your files, meeting notes, and photos across all your devices and cloud storage. Learn how to centralize your assets, create smart folder structures, use consistent naming conventions, and leverage AI tools for effortless organization. Discover the 3-2-1 backup strategy […]
Does your week tend to fill up before you’ve had a chance to decide what actually matters? Too often, we move from meeting to meeting and task to task, reacting rather than choosing, and then wonder why the week felt busy yet unproductive. The problem usually isn’t effort or discipline; it’s that the week was […]
Have you ever felt like you’re constantly performing, but the real work happens behind the scenes? This episode dives into Michael Hyatt’s powerful concept of “Front Stage vs. Back Stage” work from his “Freedom Work” framework. We’ll explore how distinguishing between visible, high-impact tasks like delivering a presentation and essential, behind-the-scenes efforts like organizing travel […]
Discover the books that shaped my productivity philosophy and how their core lessons can transform your work and life. From mastering note-taking with the Zettelkasten method to understanding the power of sleep and identifying fake work, this episode shares actionable insights to help you get more done without sacrificing what truly matters. Get Notion, now […]
Feeling overwhelmed by your daily tasks? In this episode, we dive into practical, easy-to-implement automation strategies that will help you win back precious time every single day. Discover how small tweaks, from optimizing your browser to streamlining your morning routine, can lead to massive productivity gains. We’ll share actionable examples and personal insights to help […]
How often do your most productive breakthroughs happen when you’re off the clock? There’s a reason for that. In this episode, you’ll discover why the secret to sharper focus, better problem-solving, and more motivation might actually be found outside your usual workflow. A creative hobby—whether it’s a racket sport, photography, painting, or anything you genuinely […]
Ever wonder why some books quietly change your life while the big bestsellers barely move the needle? In this episode, we spotlight six underrated reads that never make the productivity “top 10” lists—but absolutely should. These are the books that have shaped how we think, plan, lead, and make decisions, even though they rarely get […]
A Decade of Gratitude

A Decade of Gratitude

2025-11-2608:09

This week marks a special moment—it’s Thanksgiving, and 10 years of The Productivity Show. In today’s short episode, I just want to say thank you. I’ll share a few reflections from the past decade and what I’m most excited about going forward. Consider this your personal thank-you note for being part of our journey. Life […]
Managers and team leaders, this episode is for you! We’re diving deep into actionable strategies to boost your productivity and empower your teams. Learn how to master communication, build high-performing teams, leverage automation, and optimize your personal workflow. We’ll share practical tips and real-world examples to help you get the important things done without sacrificing […]
How is it possible that a small fraction of your tasks is responsible for almost all of your progress? Most people drown in endless to-dos, believing productivity comes from doing more. But the truth is far more straightforward, and far more liberating. In this encore episode, we unpack the 20% of actions that quietly drive […]
Have you noticed how the final quarter of the year has a way of sneaking up on you? Either motivating you to sprint or reminding you of everything you didn’t get done? Q4 is a powerful reset point, and with the right approach, it can become the most satisfying, high-momentum stretch of your entire year. […]
When life keeps changing, should your productivity system stay the same? In this encore episode, we share how rigid routines can start to hold you back once your priorities evolve — whether that’s starting a new job, building a relationship, or entering a completely new season of life. Discover how to plan with flexibility, stay […]
How much valuable knowledge slips through the cracks of your busy day? What are the ideas you jot down, forget, and never act on? Tiago Forte believes the key to unlocking your full potential isn’t doing more, it’s organizing what you already know. As the creator of the “Building a Second Brain” method, Tiago has […]
Feeling overwhelmed? Discover how ‘reset days’ can transform your productivity. Learn Thanh’s practical strategies, including brain dumps for clarity, guided meditation for mental calm, and setting hard stops to prevent burnout. Reclaim control and get back on track with these actionable tips. Try Gusto today at gusto.com/TPS, and get 3 months free when you run […]
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Comments (13)

Shaun Duke

2 ads in a 6 minute video? Hard pass.

May 29th
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David Lanchart

Very interesting approach on integrating the Gap analysis in goals. I found the examples very helpful.

Jul 29th
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Kevin Best

rhe shows and topics are really good but boy, there is alot of fluff before you get to the point. not just the adds but alot of personal unrelated discussion. I suppose cutting this down and replacing it with answers to listeners' questions may be more interesting and valuable. keep up the good work though guys, this is one of my favorites.

Jun 3rd
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Larry Jones

Why does everything have to be about gender? Yeah, I'd like to be represented as a minority too. Are the female voices reaching out to you?

Aug 9th
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Bartek K

Claims he can play any song that he only heard once. Messes up the first note off a very well-known show's opening theme he heard thousands of times. ;p

Feb 22nd
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Yvonne

This show always helps me stay or get back on track with my productivity. I appreciate the variety of topics and the base level up to advance level hacks and strategies that I can apply to my day.

Dec 21st
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Sam Axtell

Great episode

May 25th
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Anderson da Silva (@AndyDaSilva52)

🙄🙄 listening and enjoying 🤩🤯🤯🎧🎧

Apr 22nd
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Priya Sarvaiya

very nice but the S sound is annoying me. could you please do something about it.

Sep 4th
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Cristian Concha

I finally found the way to have links back to emails on Outlook for Windows. Very nerdy and not so elegant but possible. I can send directions if you guys are interested on this subject. Thanks for the valuable advise.

Jun 14th
Reply (1)

Cristian Concha

This is one of those classic episodes I keep coming back again and again. Thanks for the valuable advise.

Jun 14th
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