Call Her Brilliant

Multitasking is usually not a good thing. Rather than being more productive, you end up exhausted and making mistakes when you try to multitask. But… when I posted about this subject a few weeks ago on social media, a colleague made a really good point. 

He said that he uses multitasking when he’s procrastinating on a task he truly doesn’t like. This got me thinking, are there any situations in which multitasking would be a good thing? 

I realized I’m already doing this. 

Listen in to learn the ONE time multitasking might be a good thing, how I’m using this strategy in my own life, and how you can use multitasking to get out of the procrastination trap. 

Show Highlights

[01:57] Last summer I locked myself in a stairwell twice in one week, all because of multitasking. 

[02:24] What your brain is actually doing when you’re trying to multitask. 

[05:27] The exception to the “no multitasking” rule. 

[07:55] Multitasking is not a good strategy overall, but it can help you stop procrastinating. 

[09:05] Your challenge for this week. 

[10:06] A quick recap of the episode. 

Subscribe Today!

Apple Podcast

Spotify

Android

Stitcher

RSS

Links | Resources

IG: @DrNicoleByers

Facebook: Dr. Nicole Byers

Website: Drnicolebyers.com

Email [email protected]

Download Your Daily Productivity Checklist

In past episodes, we’ve chatted about how stress sometimes gets a bad rap. It’s not always a bad thing. In fact, sometimes stress helps us become more productive when necessary. 

There are, however, very important physical signs of stress that you shouldn’t ignore. For instance, this year I conveniently forgot about “second winter”, and found myself stuck in traffic, dealing with snow and ice, and my entire body started to tense up. My hands were clenched, my teeth were grinding together, my stress levels were off the charts. 

Listen in to hear all about the five physical signs of stress you can’t ignore and then head over to the website and take my Stress Personality Quiz! It’ll help you figure out what kinds of signs you should look for.

Show Highlights

[01:35] Do you have “second winter” where you live? It took me by surprise this year!

[03:29] Why stress is a misunderstood word. 

[05:44] No two people have the same signs that they’re stressed. 

[06:35] Tension is a sign of stress that you may not recognize. 

[08:16] Headaches are another sign of stress. 

[09:57] Have you been dealing with memory errors? 

[11:07] Dizziness is also associated with stress. 

[12:43] Stomach problems are normal reactions to stressors as well. 

[14:49] Your quick recap of the 5 common physical ways stress shows up. 

Subscribe Today!

Apple Podcast

Spotify

Android

Stitcher

RSS

Links | Resources

IG: @DrNicoleByers

Facebook: Dr. Nicole Byers

Website: Drnicolebyers.com

Email [email protected]

Download Your Daily Productivity Checklist

Take the Stress Personality Quiz

Episode 62: How Stress Can Make You MORE Productive!

I don’t know about you, but when I was a little girl I dreamed of being a professional dancer. Obviously that didn’t pan out, but for Kelli Youngman it did. Kelli started dancing at the age of three and never quit. Listen as she shares her story of building confidence and learning to believe in herself. 

Kelli started dancing when her mom took her and her sister to a mommy and me dance class, and now she’s a Broadway performer who has traveled the world performing in several productions. 

When she looks back on her road to Broadway, it wasn’t smooth sailing. There were plenty of times she thought it wouldn’t happen, but that’s when she started looking inside. 

Instead of living in the belief that performing on Broadway was impossible, she shifted her thoughts and achieved her dreams. 

Kelli is sharing her story and how she started living her dream before it ever came true, and strategies you can use to push past mental blocks and make your dreams a reality. \

Show Highlights

[01:17] When you were little did you ever dream of being a professional dancer or athlete? 

[02:25] Welcome Kelli Youngman to the show and learn more about her life and career. 

[03:50] How has she managed her time through the years? 

[05:35] In the busyness of things, you have to find moments to prioritize yourself. 

[07:46] Ways she has worked in making herself a priority.

[10:48] Identify as the person who has already made positive changes in your life. 

[11:00] “Beliefs are our most practiced thoughts.” - Kelli Youngman

[14:39] Our passion and purpose all comes down to what we’re willing to believe about ourselves. 

[16:26] What does it look like to live like you’re already there?

[18:59] You can know, be and have anything that you want, but you have to prepare and do the work.

[21:31] Learn about the resistance Kelli’s brain puts up for her. 

[24:17] We have to believe that our dreams are possible.

[25:05] It’s normal to not feel great in every step of the process.

[26:43] Give yourself permission to release the shame. 

[27:18] The one book Kelli recommends we all read.

[29:20] Connect with Kelli.

Subscribe Today!

Apple Podcast

Spotify

Android

Stitcher

RSS

Links | Resources

IG: @DrNicoleByers

Facebook: Dr. Nicole Byers

Website: Drnicolebyers.com

Email [email protected]

Download Your Daily Productivity Checklist

Kelli’s Website

Kelli on Instagram

You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero

Grit by Angela Duckworth

Happy Pocket Full of Money by David Cameron Gikandi

I can’t believe we did it, 100 episodes! To celebrate I’m revisiting one of my most popular topics on the show. What is that topic you ask? Procrastination. 

Why is it so easy to procrastinate? Because your brain is constantly telling you stories about all the things you need to do. That project I’m avoiding is too hard, it’ll take too much time, I don’t have the energy, I’ll start it tomorrow... 

These are stories your brain is telling you to keep you safe and comfortable. 

When you find yourself stuck in a loop of procrastination, use the three tips I share in this episode to get things back on track! 

Show Highlights

[01:40] Why I started The Bold Life.

[04:07] It’s easy to procrastinate because your brain loves it. 

[06:33] However, there are long term problems with procrastination. 

[09:07] Your brain is quick and clever at getting you out of uncomfortable situations. 

[10:05] Why writing things down is helpful in moving out of procrastination. 

[11:35] The three steps I recommend to get started when you’re procrastinating. 

[14:59] Your quick episode recap. 

Subscribe Today!

Apple Podcast

Spotify

Android

Stitcher

RSS

Links | Resources

IG: @DrNicoleByers

Facebook: Dr. Nicole Byers

Website: Drnicolebyers.com

Email [email protected]

Download Your Daily Productivity Checklist

Episode 37: How to stop procrastinating

I recently got asked by a listener whether consistency or flexibility is more important when you’re trying to be productive. For instance, if she’s having an important conversation with a family member but her schedule says it’s time to do something else, should she stop? Or can she be less rigid with her time? 

As I was reading through this question, I realized that while consistency definitely makes things easier on your brain, it’s not always most important. Yes, a schedule helps you be more productive, but sometimes life happens! 

Listen in to hear the three questions you should ask yourself when you’re trying to decide whether to be consistent or flexible. Remember, life is going to throw you curveballs, make sure you’ve allotted time to adjust and to relax when you need it. 

Show Highlights

[01:34] A listener question that I know you’ll want to hear. 

[03:49] Why you need a schedule for each week and day. 

[06:12] Urgent and unexpected things happen, so blank space in your calendar is needed. 

[08:40] When it comes to how we manage our time, it’s a balancing act. 

[09:48] The three questions you should ask yourself when you’re trying to decide if you should be consistent or flexible. 

[13:08] Your quick episode recap. 

Subscribe Today!

Apple Podcast

Spotify

Android

Stitcher

RSS

Links | Resources

IG: @DrNicoleByers

Facebook: Dr. Nicole Byers

Website: Drnicolebyers.com

Email [email protected]

Download Your Daily Productivity Checklist

A few years back I found myself working all the time. I’d work in the office then come home and work all night. I was burned out and stressed and when I finally started to correct my habits, I crashed. 

Little by little, I’ve pulled back and created space in my day. In fact, now it’s very unlikely that I work over 40hrs in a week. Imagine my surprise when this January I realized that even though I was working less, I still felt overworked. 

When I tracked my non-work time I realized the same habits that had me working all day every day were popping up in my home life. Juggling a million things at once, and rushing from one task to the next. 

No wonder I felt like I never had time for myself. 

Listen as I share three tips for organizing your non-work hours so you feel rested and recharged. 

Show Highlights

[02:02] A few years back I found myself working all the time. Needless to say I was burned out. 

[03:43] Step one for getting your work habits on track is to write them all down.

[04:59] In January of this year, I realized that even though I’m working less, I still feel overworked. 

[06:19] Here are some interesting numbers that have come out of multiple studies. 

[08:36] The things I learned when I tracked my non-work hours. 

[10:30] Learn what I’m focusing on now when I’m not at work. 

[12:01] Weekly challenge: track your time for one week. 

[14:02] Your episode recap. 

Subscribe Today!

Apple Podcast

Spotify

Android

Stitcher

RSS

Links | Resources

IG: @DrNicoleByers

Facebook: Dr. Nicole Byers

Website: Drnicolebyers.com

Email [email protected]

Download Your Daily Productivity Checklist

I Know How She Does It by Laura Vanderkam

Have you ever heard someone mention that we all have the same 24hrs in a day? It’s true. But when we look at social media feeds or Hollywood versions of successful people, we get the impression that we should be able to “do it all” on our own. That magically everything on our to-do list should fit in those 24 hours. And if we feel stretched thin, then we’re not measuring up.

Behind the scenes, most successful people have a lot of help. They have nannies or assistants or chefs or house cleaners or all of the above. The point is their 24hrs don’t involve working on tasks that detract from their goals. 

For most of us though, hiring someone to come in and take over a portion of our life or business doesn’t  make financial sense. 

Instead, I use automation to boost my productivity and delegate my mental load. Wondering what that means? 

Listen in to hear how I automate things at home and at work and why you have to delegate your mental load along with the tasks themselves. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and struggling to delegate, then this is the episode for you. 

Show Highlights

[01:43] One of the reasons I love Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming. 

[03:43] We all have the same 24hrs in the day and most successful people have lots of help. 

[05:35] When things change we often think we need to take everything on ourselves. 

[06:26] The first thing I do when I start to feel overwhelmed is to write it all down. 

[08:20] Ways I make things easier on myself. 

[10:05] How I automate tasks at home. 

[11:22] Why you should delegate the mental load. 

[14:16] All the ways I delegate at work. 

[17:09] Get comfortable with allowing others to do things their way as long as tasks are getting done. 

[18:29] Your quick podcast recap. 

Subscribe Today!

Apple Podcast

Spotify

Android

Stitcher

RSS

Links | Resources

IG: @DrNicoleByers

Facebook: Dr. Nicole Byers

Website: Drnicolebyers.com

Email [email protected]

Download Your Daily Productivity Checklist

Becoming by Michelle Obama

This past summer I locked myself in a stairwell, not once, but twice. Why? Because rather than focusing on what I was doing, my brain was focused on a million other things! I was thinking about my business, the pandemic, what to eat that night, everything but making sure I could get into my building. 

That’s what happens when we split our focus and try to manage too many things at once. Our brains aren’t designed to process chronic stress. Our stress response is meant to peak due to emergencies and then recede. 

Enter something like the global pandemic.

Not only are our lives upended due to constant changes, lockdowns, and mandates, but we’re bombarded with information about it on all sides. We’re hearing about it on the news, on YouTube, in ads, and on social media.

Listen in to hear my three stress relieving strategies for alleviating chronic stress. In a world full of constant change, you can find ways to reset and find equilibrium.

Show Highlights

[02:02] This summer I locked myself in a stairwell, twice, while juggling too much.

[04:03] Learn how your brain reacts to stress and danger. 

[06:52] How the pandemic has impacted our brains through chronic stress. 

[08:29] Our brains love consistency because and being on autopilot. 

[09:54] Take a look at the changes our brain has had to deal with in the last 2 years.

[11:29] Sleep is when your brain and body recharge. 

[13:41] Stop multitasking. 

[14:48] Constant media coverage of the pandemic has increased our stress response.

[17:35] The first strategy for relieving stress is to go back to your routine. 

[18:13] Fill your mental cup and exercise regularly. 

[18:53] Give yourself a mental break. 

[20:05] Your quick episode recap.  

Subscribe Today!

Apple Podcast

Spotify

Android

Stitcher

RSS

Links | Resources

IG: @DrNicoleByers

Facebook: Dr. Nicole Byers

Website: Drnicolebyers.com

Email [email protected]

Download Your Daily Productivity Checklist

Believe it or not, every single task on your to-do list is not urgent. In fact, when you make every task a priority you increase your stress response and make your perfectionistic tendencies worse. Listen in to hear my tips on how to properly prioritize and organize your to-do list. 

A few months ago, I was in a bootcamp from Adrienne Dorison, the founder of Run Like Clockwork. She was telling a story of a colleague who said “Look. We’re not creating oxygen here. Not everything is urgent.” 

That stuck with me. It’s true. Not everything on our to-do list is a fire that needs to be put out. Not every item needs to be done right now. We need to better learn how to prioritize our tasks so that our brains can process information properly. 

Listen in as I share three tips on how to properly prioritize and why it’s necessary. And how to reduce that chronic stress response in your brain and body.

Show Highlights

[02:30] We aren’t creating oxygen here. Not everything is urgent. 

[05:11] It’s very inefficient to view everything as urgent. 

[06:23] Our massive to-do lists are adding pressure unnecessarily. 

[07:44] It’s super overwhelming when everything is urgent or equally important. 

[08:26] When something comes up that is actually urgent, it creates even more stress. 

[09:21] This also leads to a chronic stress response in your body and brain. 

[12:27] How do you get your brain out of the habit of thinking everything is urgent? 

[14:10] Before I shut down for the day, I plan and color coordinate the next day’s schedule. 

[15:56] Your quick recap of the episode.  

Subscribe Today!

Apple Podcast

Spotify

Android

Stitcher

RSS

Links | Resources

IG: @DrNicoleByers

Facebook: Dr. Nicole Byers

Website: Drnicolebyers.com

Email [email protected]

Download Your Daily Productivity Checklist

Run Like Clockwork

If you’ve been listening to this podcast for a while, you know that I’m pretty clumsy. If I’m not slipping and falling, then I’m dropping things. Until recently however, those clumsy moments made my perfectionism spiral out of control. 

Over the holidays, we went to the Calgary Zoo Lights Festival and after warning my husband and daughter to be careful, I slipped and fell flat on my back. I wasn’t hurt and we laughed the moment off because, honestly, it was pretty funny. 

But years ago, when I was still at university, I had a similar slip and fall moment. At that time my perfectionism hounded my every step, and that slip and fall was a truly mortifying moment. I couldn’t get past the fact that “everyone” saw my mistake. 

Being too focused on your mistakes makes your brain react as if mistakes are the end of the world. Instead, use the three tips I share in this episode to get more done as a perfectionist and stop focusing on your mistakes. 

 Show Highlights

[01:37] Over the holidays we went to the Calgary Zoo Lights Festival and I landed flat on my back. 

[03:32] Which reminded me of a time at university when something very similar happened. 

[04:59] Perfectionism can make you less productive. 

[06:39] It also leads to procrastination. 

[07:56] Strategy number one to get more done as a perfectionist, give yourself time limits. 

[09:45] Everyone makes mistakes. Notice them to normalize making mistakes. 

[10:40] After you notice that others mess up too, get off the comparison train. 

[12:42] Your quick episode recap. 

Subscribe Today!

Apple Podcast

Spotify

Android

Stitcher

RSS

Links | Resources

IG: @DrNicoleByers

Facebook: Dr. Nicole Byers

Website: Drnicolebyers.com

Email [email protected]

Download Your Daily Productivity Checklist

Episode 62: How Stress Can Make You MORE Productive!

Episode 83: How to Stop a Bad Habit with Two Jars and Some Paper Clips