In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Anthony Verdino — a licensed clinical social worker and author of CBT Simplified. Drawing from both his professional expertise and personal story of resilience, Anthony shares how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be applied beyond the therapy room — into the way we think, act, and feel in our everyday lives.

We explore how small shifts in thought and behavior can create profound changes in productivity and well-being, especially in a world that often mistakes busyness for progress. Anthony offers practical ways to align mindset with action and shows how reframing, acceptance, and self-care can transform not just how we work, but how we live.

Six Discussion Points

• The core principles of CBT and how Anthony distilled them into a simple, visual model
• How self-monitoring and self-assessment connect directly to productivity and personal growth
• Why reframing “should” into “could” turns guilt into empowerment
• The danger of perfectionism and how embracing imperfection fosters balance and progress
• The role of self-care and mindfulness in preventing burnout and building resilience
• How to make CBT principles second nature through consistent reflection and small, mindful actions

Three Connection Points

1. Anthony's website
2. Anthony's book
3. My TEDx Talk: “How to Stop Time”

Our conversation reminded me how productivity and psychology share the same foundation: awareness and choice. Whether you’re managing your focus, emotions, or time, the work begins by observing your thoughts, reframing them, and then moving forward — not perfectly, but intentionally.