Asian Efficiency

Asian Efficiency

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Asian Efficiency episodes

  • Losing Momentum? Here’s the Fix

    Ever set a goal, feel unstoppable at first, and then watch your progress fizzle out? You start strong, you’re doing all the right things, and then one small setback snowballs into weeks (or months) off track. It’s frustrating, and it’s the silent killer of so many great intentions.

    The truth is, most people don’t lose momentum because they’re lazy or undisciplined. They lose it because they skipped one critical step when setting their goal.

    In this encore episode, you’ll learn the simple, proven method to reignite your drive and keep it burning, even when challenges hit. If you’ve been struggling to regain focus, this is the practical, no-fluff fix you need to finish what you start.

    This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

    Links:

    Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

    • 25X Productivity Coaching
    • If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

      4 min
    • Personal Knowledge Management Revisited: How AI is Changing the Game (TPS573)

      Discover how AI is revolutionizing Personal Knowledge Management (PKM). Join Thanh and Brooks as they discuss their evolving PKM systems, exploring new AI-first tools, the future of Evernote, and the impressive AI capabilities within Obsidian. Learn when to embrace new AI tools and when to stick with proven systems for maximum productivity.

      Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/tps.

      Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

      You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes at theproductivityshow.com/.

      Cheat Sheet:

      Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

      • Top 3 Productivity Resources [02:34].
      • The deceptively simple idea that could transform how you handle information [04:46].
      • The surprising reason Thanh keeps a “story bank” (and how it actually works) [07:12].
      • The search upgrade that finds what you mean, not just what you type [09:34].
      • Why our old tagging habits might be holding us back [12:16].
      • The tricky choice between “AI-first” apps and tried-and-true tools [14:22].
      • The modular note-taking system you can bend to your will [21:03].
      • The behind-the-scenes tech that lets AI talk to your tools like magic [26:50].
      • How your current PKM apps are quietly becoming AI-powered [31:12].
      • Which tools we think will thrive in the new AI era—and which might fade away [33:32].
      • A simple starting point if PKM feels overwhelming [37:45].
      • The biggest pitfalls to avoid when letting AI into your workflow [40:16].
      • Links:
        • Shopify
        • Indeed
        • 25X Productivity Coaching
        • Obsidian
        • Stouchi Continuity Camera Mount
        • Practical PKM
        • Personal Knowledge Management w/ Nick Milo (TPS387)
        • Notion
        • Evernote
        • How Claude + Obsidian + MCP Solved My Organizational Problems
        • Productivity Academy
        • The Productivity Show on Youtube
        • The Productivity Show Youtube Clips
        • Become a member of TPS+
        • Take the Productivity Quiz
        • If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

          46 min
        • The 10 Before 10 Strategy To Avoid Procrastination

          Start your day with momentum using the “10 Before 10” tactic. In this Wisdom Wednesday episode, you’ll learn how doing 10 minutes of small wins before 10 AM can create mental clarity, build confidence, and give you a head start on the rest of the day.

          This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at work, and have an extra 5 hours a week of free time.

          Links:

          Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

          • 25X Productivity Coaching
          • If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

            5 min
          • Weekly Planning When You Wear Many Hats: Strategies for Juggling Multiple Roles (TPS572)

            Feeling overwhelmed by multiple roles and responsibilities? This episode dives into practical weekly planning strategies designed for busy professionals and entrepreneurs. Discover how to simplify your approach, prioritize ruthlessly, and optimize your energy to get important things done without sacrificing your well-being. Learn to leverage constraints and focus on fundamentals for massive productivity gains.

            Masterclass.com/TPS for an additional 15% off any annual membership.

            You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes at theproductivityshow.com/.

            Cheat Sheet:

            Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

            • Top 3 Productivity Resources [02:21].
            • What it really feels like to juggle too many hats at once [05:47].
            • Weekly planning essentials when life pulls you in every direction [11:20].
            • Thanh’s method for locking in your “Big 3” priorities [12:51].
            • Should you theme your week by role to stay sane? [15:53].
            • Do fancy task manager “focus” tools actually help—or just complicate things? [21:30].
            • When AI meets task management: the MCP experiment [26:05].
            • Why being “too busy” might secretly make you more productive [28:09].
            • The overlooked key to productivity: managing energy, not just time [34:16].
            • Step‑by‑step moves to finally get a handle on your week [39:44].
            • Links:
              • 25X Productivity Coaching
              • Book: Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick
              • Patagonia Black Hole® Duffel
              • Omnifocus
              • Todoist
              • Jon Morrow
              • Weekly Review Blueprint
              • Productivity Academy
              • The Productivity Show on Youtube
              • The Productivity Show Youtube Clips
              • Become a member of TPS+
              • Take the Productivity Quiz
              • If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

                46 min
              • Turn Your Voice Memos Into Tasks (Without Lifting a Finger)

                Got a great idea or reminder in your head? Don’t lose it. In this Wisdom Wednesday episode, you’ll learn a simple voice-first workflow that captures your thoughts instantly and turns them into tasks without needing to sit down at your desk.

                Life insurance is never cheaper than it is today. Get the right life insurance for YOU, for LESS, and save more than fifty percent at selectquote.com/tps.

                Links:

                Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

                • SelectQuote
                • 25X Productivity Coaching
                • Otter
                • If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

                  9 min
                • Inside Our Pockets: The Everyday-Carry Gear Fueling Our Productivity (TPS572)

                  Ever wonder what a productivity pro and a tech workflow wizard actually carry every day? Thanh Pham and Brooks Duncan unzip their bags, empty their pockets, and compare the tools that keep them moving. Listen for lightning-round reveals, real-world stories and a friendly roast of each other’s gear choices.

                  Life insurance is never cheaper than it is today. Get the right life insurance for YOU, for LESS, and save more than fifty percent at selectquote.com/tps.

                  AI Workshop Live –  save hours a week, make better decisions, and finally get AI working for you.

                  You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes at theproductivityshow.com/.

                  Cheat Sheet:

                  Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

                  • Top 3 Productivity Resource [02:15]  
                  • Brooks’ can’t-leave-home-without-it picks [05:05]  
                  • Thanh’s ultra-optimized everyday carry setup [07:33]  
                  • Brooks empties his backpack [12:53]  
                  • Thanh’s unexpected backpack choice (and why it works) [17:50]  
                  • Smart glasses that actually are smart [20:14]  
                  • Tactical tools, AirTags, and the tiny item that saved Brooks’ phone [23:12]  
                  • How to turn airline toiletry bags into travel productivity gold [30:46]  
                  • Pens, notebooks, and analog favorites that still make the cut [31:27]  
                  • Links:
                    • SelectQuote
                    • AI Workshop Live
                    • 25X Productivity Coaching
                    • Warp – command line with AI + code editor
                    • Claude Code
                    • Nitecore EDC29 Tactical Flashlight
                    • Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows
                    • Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
                    • Apple AirTag (4-pack)
                    • Vaultskin NOTTING HILL Wallet
                    • GORUCK GR1
                    • ROAV Lennox Folding Sunglasses
                    • LUENX Polarized Sunglasses
                    • Field Notes Memo Book (Kraft)
                    • Pilot G2 Gel Pen 0.5mm (12-pack)
                    • Apple EarPods (3.5mm)
                    • Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
                    • Gerber Dime Mini Multitool
                    • Anker 622 MagGo 5,000mAh Battery
                    • MacBook Pro
                    • Anker Prime 100W GaN Charger
                    • Tom Bihn Small Snake Charmer
                    • Anker PowerCore 26,800mAh Battery
                    • Kindle Paperwhite (Signature Edition)
                    • iPhone 16 Pro
                    • NORQAIN Wild ONE Skeleton Watch (Turquoise)
                    • Grand Seiko “Shunbun” SBGA413
                    • Hermès H08 Watch Collection
                    • Louis Vuitton Men’s Wallets
                    • Goyard Saint-Sulpice Wallet
                    • Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
                    • Oura Ring
                    • Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
                    • Gentle Monster JADE 01 Sunglasses
                    • Bao Bao Issey Miyake Liner Backpack
                    • Hatton Labs Jewelry
                    • Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000mAh)
                    • MacBook Air
                    • Montblanc Meisterstück Fountain Pen
                    • Parker Sonnet Rollerball Pen
                    • Zebra F-301 Stainless Ballpoint Pens
                    • Moleskine Classic Notebook (Large, Ruled)
                    • LMNT Variety Pack (12-pack)
                    • Productivity Academy
                    • The Productivity Show on Youtube
                    • The Productivity Show Youtube Clips
                    • Become a member of TPS+
                    • Take the Productivity Quiz
                    • If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

                      40 min
                    • The Sleep Rule That Changed My Mornings & Energy Levels

                      Sleep doesn’t start when you hit the pillow…it starts hours before. In this Wisdom Wednesday episode, Thanh shares a simple sleep formula (10-3-2-1-0) that helps you wind down, fall asleep faster, and wake up with more energy.

                      This episode is brought to you by AI Workshop Live –  save hours a week, make better decisions, and finally get AI working for you.

                      Links:

                      Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

                      • AI Workshop Live
                      • 25X Productivity Coaching
                      • If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

                        6 min
                      • How To Do Deep Work In A Distracted World (TPS570)

                        We live in a world of distractions, meetings, and constant pings but deep work is still possible. In this episode, we’ll show you how to protect time for deep, focused work even if your calendar feels full and your brain feels scattered.

                        You’ll learn small changes that lead to massive clarity and productivity.

                        ProlonLife.com/TPS: Get 15% off sitewide plus a $40 Bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Nutrition Program.

                        AI Workshop Live –  save hours a week, make better decisions, and finally get AI working for you.

                        You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes at theproductivityshow.com/.

                        Cheat Sheet:

                        Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

                        • Top 3 Productivity Resources [02:03]
                        • How we each schedule deep work (and why it’s so essential) [04:10]
                        • What to do when your calendar feels impossibly full [08:47]
                        • Is 60–90 minutes of deep work really necessary? [16:25]
                        • Why your deep work sessions keep falling through—and how to fix it [19:36]
                        • The real reason we can’t seem to focus anymore [21:00]
                        • Simple habits and rituals that flip your brain into focus mode [23:41]
                        • How Thanh uses AI and automation to track deep work (and plan his week) [31:35]
                        • Links:
                          • Prolon
                          • AI Workshop Live
                          • Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
                          • TPS88: Deep Work w/ Cal Newport
                          • Freedom
                          • Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction
                          • Get in the Zone: Enter Flow State with Five Essential Strategies (TPS512)
                          • 25X Productivity Coaching
                          • Productivity Academy
                          • The Productivity Show on Youtube
                          • The Productivity Show Youtube Clips
                          • Become a member of TPS+
                          • Take the Productivity Quiz
                          • If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

                            36 min
                          • Why Everyone Needs a “Slow Day” on Their Calendar

                            Back-to-back meetings and nonstop tasks leave no room to think. In this Wisdom Wednesday episode, you’ll learn how to create a simple buffer day that protects your focus, recharges your energy, and helps you make smarter decisions.

                            This episode is brought to you by AI Workshop Live –  save hours a week, make better decisions, and finally get AI working for you.

                            Links:

                            Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

                            • AI Workshop Live
                            • 25X Productivity Coaching
                            • If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

                              7 min
                            • Boost Your Productivity Using Just Your Voice (TPS569)

                              Typing is slow. Voice is fast. In this episode, we’ll show you how to use your voice as a modern productivity tool—from note-taking to delegation. You’ll learn how to build the habit, where AI fits in, and how to overcome the awkwardness.

                              Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/tps.

                              Visit Indeed.com/tps to start hiring now.

                              Go to Zocdoc.com/TPS and download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for FREE and book a top-rated doctor. #sponsored

                              AI Workshop Live –  save hours a week, make better decisions, and finally get AI working for you.

                              You can find links to everything that we share in the show notes at theproductivityshow.com/.

                              Cheat Sheet:

                              Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

                              • Top 3 Productivity Resources [03:34]
                              • Why voice tech is suddenly actually useful—even if it flopped for you before [07:25]
                              • How voice unlocks a new part of your brain and helps beat procrastination [10:46]
                              • The surprising way Thanh writes most of his emails using voice (and barely edits) [13:34]
                              • Voice notes: Love them or loathe them? Here’s our unfiltered take [25:04]
                              • Thanh’s voice-only AI email assistant for people who live in their car [33:07]
                              • How Thanh uses voice to do his weekly reviews (and get smarter feedback over time) [36:09]
                              • Links:
                                • AI Workshop Live
                                • Shopify
                                • Indeed
                                • Zocdoc
                                • 25X Productivity Coaching
                                • Wispr Flow
                                • AudioPen
                                • Otter.ai
                                • Lindy
                                • Productivity Academy
                                • The Productivity Show on Youtube
                                • The Productivity Show Youtube Clips
                                • Become a member of TPS+
                                • Take the Productivity Quiz
                                • If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

                                  47 min

                                About Asian Efficiency

                                From the publisher's feed

                                Asian Efficiency is the leading website on time management and productivity. Learn how to be efficient, get things done (GTD), and stay motivated.