Brent presents the idea of "your highest aspiration", the reason you're here, and the reason you do what you do. This is the root of your motivation, your belief in your own daily practice.

David speculates on the artist's drive to create art, and anyone's reason to produce and create in general. They both agree that the best work comes from pursuit of the thing itself, not from the search for approval or recognition.

Brent and David discuss what makes someone "officially" achieve a role or reputation, concluding that, ultimately, status is conferred by consensus. Brent presents the notions of subjective and objective ambitions, and the idea of "grip" on ambition, and what the appropriate amount of grip should be.

Today's 3 Takeaways

1. Take the time to get clear on your highest subjective and objective aspirations.
2. Be prepared and willing to change as a person, and for your aspirations to change with you.
3. Monitor your enjoyment. Align your enjoyment of life with your ambition.

Our links

https://twitter.com/skyward_spiral

http://davidwhitechapel.com/

https://brenthuras.com/

Find out more at https://skyward-spiral.pinecast.co

Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-2c8cb3 for 40% off for 4 months, and support The Skyward Spiral.

David and Brent are back with the first episode of the second season of the podcast.

David and Brent discuss "focus", what it is and how to attain it. David talks about his recent diagnosis of ADD, and how this changed affected his productivity. He brings up the idea of "Deep Work" as presented in the book by Cal Newport, but also mentions the surprising value of "shallow" work.

Two definitions of focus are presented:

• Focus as "freedom from distraction"
• Focus as "one-pointedness"

Brent talks about his idea of "bamboozlery", sneaky distractions that interfere with productivity.

David and Brent discuss ways to attain focus, including the idea of a "temple" of focus, a designed space that is most conducive to productivity.

Today's 3 Takeaways

1. If you've always considered yourself unforgivably lazy, it might not just be "laziness". Consult experts and friends and family, and see if there might be more to what's holding you back.
2. Be aware of, and account for "bamboozlery". Set dedicated time aside for distraction-free, focused work.
3. Understand and appreciate your "temples" of focus. Learn what they are and how to build them and work in them.

Our links

https://twitter.com/skyward_spiral

http://davidwhitechapel.com/

https://brenthuras.com/

Find out more at https://skyward-spiral.pinecast.co

Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-2c8cb3 for 40% off for 4 months, and support The Skyward Spiral.

Today's guest is Polina Bee the founder of Monthly Method - a SCRUM-based framework for personal productivity.

David and Polina talk about SCRUM, Agile, sprints, and the monthly method. How can you apply Scrum methodology to your life? How can it help your professional and personal goals?

Polina's top tips:

1. Set goals in these different areas of your life (and don't neglect any!):
   • Career and Growth
   • Health and Key Relationships
   • Quality of Life
   • Keep a backlog. Both for ongoing projects, and ideas for new ones.
   • Ensure you have a proper definition of "done".

The Monthly Method

Find out more about the Monthly Method at these links:

https://monthlymethod.com

hello@monthlymethod.com

@monthly.method on Instagram

Our links

https://twitter.com/skyward_spiral

http://davidwhitechapel.com/

https://brenthuras.com/

Find out more at https://skyward-spiral.pinecast.co

Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-2c8cb3 for 40% off for 4 months, and support The Skyward Spiral.