Tim Ferriss

Productivity Tactics – Two Approaches I Personally Use to Reset, Get Unstuck, and Focus on the Right Things (#771)

Welcome to another episode of The Tim Ferriss Show, where it is usually my job to sit down with world-class performers of all different types to tease out the habits, routines, favorite books, and so on that you can apply and test in your own life. 

This time, we have a slightly different format. 

In this short and very tactical episode, I share some of my personal methods for how to get out of a rut, re-aim yourself at big outcomes, and make progress on a daily basis, despite the self-defeating tendencies that we all have.

Please enjoy!

This episode is brought to you by Momentous high-quality supplements, Eight Sleep’s Pod 4 Ultra sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating, and AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement.

Listen to the episode on Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastPodcast AddictPocket CastsCastboxYouTube MusicAmazon MusicAudible, or on your favorite podcast platform.

The transcript of this episode can be found here. Transcripts of all episodes can be found here.

#771: Productivity Tactics – Two Approaches I Personally Use to Reset, Get Unstuck, and Focus on the Right Things

This episode is brought to you by Momentous Fiber+. Most Americans (~95%!) do not meet the recommended fiber intake. Fiber isn’t just about “staying regular”; it’s one of the most overlooked meta-nutrients for everyday health and fitness. It supports digestion, helps keep blood sugar stable, and feeds critical gut bacteria that affect nearly every aspect of life. I focus on whole foods first, but I also take quality supplements as cheap insurance for chaotic days, travel, and more. Momentous Fiber+ makes it easy. It supports your gut from multiple angles as a three-source blend: soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, and resistant starch. It mixes smoothly into water, smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt, and it comes unflavored or in a natural cinnamon. Fiber+ is NSF Certified for Sport®, which means it’s independently tested. So what’s on the label is what’s in the product. If you’re dialing in your nutrition but lacking fiber, this is a simple fix. Get 35% off your first subscription with code TIM at LiveMomentous.com/Tim.

This episode is brought to you by Eight Sleep. Temperature is one of the main causes of poor sleep, and heat is my personal nemesis. But a few years ago, I started using the Pod Cover, and it has transformed my sleep. Eight Sleep has launched their newest generation of the Pod: Pod 5 Ultra. It cools, it heats, and now it elevates, automatically. With the best temperature performance to date, Pod 5 Ultra ensures you and your partner stay cool in the heat and cozy warm in the cold. And now, listeners of The Tim Ferriss Show can get $350 off of the Pod 5 Ultra for a limited time! Click here to claim this deal and unlock your full potential through optimal sleep.


This episode is brought to you by AG1! I get asked all the time, “If you could use only one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is usually AG1, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in The 4-Hour Body in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. Right now, get a FREE Welcome Kit, including Vitamin D3+K2 and AG1 Flavor Sampler, when you first subscribe. Visit DrinkAG1.com/Tim to claim this special offer today and receive your 1-year supply of Vitamin D—a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones!


What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

SHOW NOTES

  • [00:21] What to expect from this episode.
  • [03:26] How many clowns fit in my clown car?
  • [04:49] Am I solving or exacerbating my problems?
  • [05:54] The saving mantra: “Make before you manage.”
  • [09:11] Neil Gaiman on vulnerability.
  • [09:32] A reality check.
  • [10:13] The dangerous myths of “successful” people.
  • [10:59] You take the good, you take the bad…
  • [12:55] My eight-step process for maximizing efficacy.
  • [16:20] Remember this when you’re feeling far from perfect.

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Rachel
Rachel
1 year ago

Hey just came here to say your “not-to-do” landed a mention in Forbes today…
🙂 Hope it makes you smile
Happy Friday!

(sorry, i don’t use social media)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jodiecook/2024/10/04/saying-no-how-successful-people-protect-their-time-and-focus/

Heather Brown
Heather Brown
1 year ago

Loved this bonus episode format. Actionable, personal, peak behind the curtain, deconstructing the world class performer that is YOU. Thank you for sharing and hope you do some more.

Khanan Abayev
Khanan Abayev
1 year ago

Just started listening. Is this voice an AI Tim? Really throwing me off, if so.

Abi Hammond
Abi Hammond
1 year ago

This reminded me of William Blake. “Think in the morning. Act in the noon. Eat in the evening. Sleep in the night.” Great perspectives, thank you.

Patrick Antrobus
Patrick Antrobus
1 year ago

Hot-dignity-dog Mr. Ferriss. I dumped the contents of my ice bin into the tub of cold water and hit play. I only had 5-10 minutes to listen so I admittedly skipped your ads. I might buy them one day.

As I dipped my body into the icy hell, I was caught off guard by your tone. “It’s Tim, but he’s just talking to us. You can tell he doesn’t give a damn about what anybody thinks because he’s clawed his way to the self-made man he is today.”

I absolutely loved this episode. You have an amazing analytical mind and a brilliant sense of humor. I hope you’ll hit us with many more of these gems in the years to come.

Emma Young
Emma Young
1 year ago

I’ve been listening to your podcast for many years. I’m so grateful for this little episode. A shot in the arm for creatives feeling dragged down by the bullshit of life. Thank you so much for this Tim.

Reese
Reese
1 year ago

Thank you for making these videos and writing your books!

I also love to start my mornings with tea and to make lists of things causing me anxiety.

Totally understand if you are too busy to read/respond to this but I figured I’d attempt to ask a question!

As a recent college grad, I am faced with the debate between entering the corporate world and trying to figure out how to achieve my goals on my own terms.

Where would you start if you were someone looking to live life as you do in The 4-Hour Work Week in 2024, but with no current business or income?

I would be truly grateful for any advice at all.

noman
noman
1 year ago

your blog are so beautifull and helpful for me thanks for sharing 


Coyote

A card game by Tim Ferriss and Exploding Kittens

COYOTE is an addictive card game of hilarity, high-fives, and havoc! Learn it in minutes, and each game lasts around 10 minutes.

For ages 10 and up (though I’ve seen six-year olds play) and three or more players, think of it as group rock, paper, scissors with many surprise twists, including the ability to sabotage other players. Viral videos of COYOTE have been watched more than 250 million times, and it’s just getting started.

Unleash your trickster spirit with a game that’s simple to learn, hard to master, and delightfully different every time you play. May the wit and wiles be with you!

Keep exploring.