Orion's World®

When it comes to your work in the world, you can't spend too much energy worrying about being liked. When you're operating in the role of a leader, odds are people will either love you, or won't like you at all. Jeffrey Van Dyk joins me today to share this and many more insights into leadership. In our conversation today, we'll talk more about leadership, as well as how to upgrade from a wound-driven operating system to a purpose-driven operating system, finding and connecting with your tribe, and how to bring who you truly are into your work and into your life.

Jeffreyvandyk.comJeffreyvandyklive.comTribalmarketing.biz Jeffrey Van Dyk on LinkedIn@jeffreyvandyk on Twitter

• [02:56] - Jeffrey starts off the conversation by telling us a little bit about himself.
• [04:20] - Who are the people who have influenced Jeffrey the most as far as what he teaches today?
• [08:17] - Orion shares her story of wanting to be liked when she came to the United States after spending several years in Japan.
• [09:56] - Jeffrey ties what Orion has been saying into the concepts of magnetism and marketing.
• [15:32] -- If we stay on the surface level of the drama of struggling against ourselves, we can stay stuck there for years, Jeffrey points out.
• [19:02] - All of our wounds have both an expiration date and a purpose, Jeffrey explains, and explores how he reacted to his own wounds.
• [22:12] - Jeffrey points out that there's a void that occurs when something is painful and it doesn't make sense.
• [24:23] - We learn more about how our wound-driven operating system works, and that it's fueled by reactivity.
• [28:12] - Jeffrey explains what he meant by saying that what used to be purposeful can become poison.
• [31:16] - We hear about Jeffrey's experience with his parents when he was young.
• [33:45] - How do you clean out your emotional wounds?
• [37:01] - Jeffrey talks about moving from a wound-driven operating system to a purpose-driven operating system.
• [40:44] - We hear about a few specific sessions and conversations that Jeffrey has had with clients.
• [42:56] - Orion talks about the shadow work that she does with her clients.
• [44:19] - What are Jeffrey's three top tips for living a stellar life? #1. Grace, and remembering that there is a redemptive love in the world. #2. If you feel alone or like you don't belong, recognize that you do have a tribe. #3. Realize that it's not all work.
• [47:01] - Orion reveals that she just came back from Budapest, and points out that she has achieved a lot just because she took some time to have fun.
• [47:35] - Where can people find and connect with Jeffrey?

• jeffreyvandyk.com
• jeffreyvandyklive.com
• tribalmarketing.biz
• Jeffrey Van Dyk on LinkedIn
• @jeffreyvandyk on Twitter

Lisa Shield posted her first online profile when online dating was still considered taboo. She went on a hundred first dates, one after another, over the course of the next two years. Finally, she met and married the love of her life. 16 years later, she still describes herself as one of the happiest women on the planet. Her success led her to become one of the first dating and relationship coaches in the nation. She's a sought-after relationship expert who loves helping couples and singles use their emotional nakedness to attract and keep a life partner.

Lisa Shield@LisaShield on TwitterLisa Shield on FacebookLisa Shield on LinkedInLisa Shield on Yelp

• [03:26] - Lisa talks a bit about herself and how she got to the point where she is today as a love coach.
• [06:54] - We learn that Lisa's first husband, who she was with for 13 years, was a pathological liar.
• [08:14] - When Lisa started coaching, no one else was doing it and she had to do it on her own.
• [08:34] - What does Lisa think has changed the most between the time she started coaching and now?
• [10:38] - Lisa talks about whether people are commitment-phobic these days.
• [12:32] - Orion shares the story of finding her own soulmate, and the total surrender involved in the process.
• [15:23] - Lisa brings us into the world of a 40-year-old single lady in the big city, whose competition is the young girls, who hangs out with married friends with kids.
• [20:02] - When you have such a fixed idea of what you think you need, you shut yourself off from possibilities that you haven't even considered.
• [23:41] - Lisa shares her thoughts on women who live more in their masculine energy.
• [27:46] - What are some of Lisa's top tips for dating?
• [30:49] - When you meet your soulmate and really fall in love, you'll never have enough time with him, Lisa explains.
• [33:45] - Lisa's work is called "emotionally naked dating," she reveals, and talks about the process that she walks her clients through.
• [35:15] - What are some ways of communication that don't sound needy or desperate?
• [37:40] - Lisa describes some destructive behaviors.
• [41:48] - We hear about Lisa's rules for sleeping with guys, including her theory that you need to share your head before you share your bed.
• [44:40] - What is "good company" for a man? In her answer, Lisa emphasizes the importance of mirroring a man's masculinity back to him.
• [47:21] - Orion shares a tradition that she and her husband do every night before bed.
• [49:08] - Lisa talks about how she brings the agreement of not taking anything personally into her relationship.
• [53:35] - What are LIsa's three top tips to living a stellar life? #1. Do not quit until you find your man. #2. Grow, grow, grow. #3. Gratitude. Be grateful.
• [56:53] - Where can listeners find Lisa to learn more or work with her?

• Lisa Shield
• @LisaShield on Twitter
• Lisa Shield on Facebook
• Lisa Shield on LinkedIn
• Lisa Shield on Yelp
• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
• Don Miguel Ruiz

My incredible guest and partner in this conversation about sex is Kongit Farrell, a licensed marriage, family, and sex therapist who specializes in helping people get the healthy lives, lasting love, and great sex they deserve. Kongit originally focused on helping women have the best possible lives and relationships before she transitioned to sex therapy. Whether or not you're currently in a relationship, this episode is packed with good information that you need to know.

Kongit Farrell @KongitFarrell on Twitter Kongit Farrell on Instagram @KongitFarrell on Facebook

• [03:18] - Kongit talks about sex therapy, explaining that it's very normal and not taboo.
• [04:11] - How did Kongit get into sex therapy?
• [05:40] - We hear about some of the most common complaints that people share with Kongit.
• [07:55] - Kongit talks about when couples decide they need sexual therapy, and what it generally looks like.
• [10:26] - Does Kongit believe that the majority of sexual pleasure is in the mind?
• [15:45] - Kongit responds to what Orion has been saying about Jaiya's blueprints.
• [18:51] - Kongit shares a story of where the things she and Orion have been talking about have saved a relationship.
• [22:47] - We hear Kongit's response to Orion's journey to discovering her feminine, sensual self.
• [25:07] - How does Kongit help her clients connect to their own sensual selves?
• [27:19] - In Cuba, women feel very desirable regardless of age or weight, Orion points out.
• [28:56] - Kongit points out one of the great gifts of being a therapist: you see a side of life that most people don't see.
• [31:27] - Kongit adds a couple of points to what Orion was saying about women in Cuba a moment earlier.
• [34:17] - How would Kongit approach an older woman who feels less sensual or desirable than she used to be?
• [36:54] - Orion shifts the conversation to the more physical side of things.
• [40:31] - Kongit reiterates something she mentioned earlier: there are solutions for almost any sexual struggle now.
• [41:28] - How can people voice their desires more?
• [47:07] - Kongit points out that someone sharing their fantasy with you is incredibly intimate and means that they trust you deeply.
• [47:57] - What advice does Kongit have for igniting passion in a relationship?
• [49:13] - What are Kongit's three top tips for living a stellar life? #1. Live with intentionality. #2. Live with compassion. #3. Be ethical and have integrity with how you treat people.
• [50:35] - Kongit talks about where listeners can find her online.

• Kongit Farrell
• @KongitFarrell on Twitter
• Kongit Farrell on Instagram
• @KongitFarrell on Facebook
• Vaginismus
• Dyspareunia
• Jaiya on Stellar Life
• Dr. Amy Killen on Stellar Life
• Dr. Harry Adelson on Stellar Life

Adam Markel is a transformational teacher, success coach, motivational speaker, and author. He guides people all over the world to live authentically, purposefully, and powerfully from their hearts. He dedicates himself to helping others make equally profound pivots and live at their best. This awareness gives us the option to challenge our mindset and stop playing the game of life on defense. This is one of the most powerful mental changes you can make. The fear or discomfort with change is the root cause of many of the problems we endure.

Adam MarkelAdam Markel on Facebook@adammarkel on TwitterAdam Markel on LinkedIn

• [03:17] - Adam starts off the conversation by sharing a bit about himself, and sharing the story of the day that convinced him to change his life.
• [09:08] - We learn that Adam's reaction to being given a reprieve was giving a name to the source of that reprieve.
• [13:08] - Orion has pivoted many times in her life, she explains. She then shares a story that illustrates that many people are okay with living a mediocre life.
• [15:03] - How does Adam influence people to create change in their lives?
• [17:27] - Adam makes a powerful point that in most cases, the root cause of many challenges is a discomfort with change, or unwillingness to change.
• [20:11] - We learn about one of the reasons that most of us don't embrace change.
• [22:28] - What was Adam's process to finding his true calling? In his answer, he points out that when you know what you don't want, you also know what you do want.
• [26:27] - Orion brings up the work of Esther and Abraham Hicks, and their points about contrast.
• [27:37] - Adam digs into the idea of identity, as well as pivoting into different identities.
• [33:33] - What are some tools that Adam recommends for listeners that can create a shift in identity?
• [36:29] - Adam talks about how important it is to be present in each moment as your authentic self.
• [37:54] - We hear about one of the elements in Adam's book Pivot: resilience. He talks about the three steps in the resilience process.
• [43:58] - The third step in Adam's resilience process takes at least 21 days to form a habit, and involves saying "I love my life" three times every day when you wake up or get up.
• [45:15] - Adam offers Stellar Life listeners a free gift! You can get your gift by going to this link.

• Adam Markel
• Adam Markel on Facebook
• @adammarkel on Twitter
• Adam Markel on LinkedIn
• Pivot: the Art and Science of Reinventing Your Career and Life by Adam Markel
• Abraham Hicks
• Start My Pivot (free gift for Stellar Life listeners!)

Amy Killen offers patients cutting-edge treatments for bodily optimization, as you'll hear all about in our conversation. She's also the medical director of an integrated medical practice in Salt Lake City. Tune into this episode to learn more about the role of stem cell treatment in sexual and skin health, youthful appearances, and (somewhat) reversing the aging process.

Dr. Amy KillenDr. Amy Killen at Docere MedicalDocere MedicalDr. Amy Killen on Facebook@amybkillen on TwitterAmy Killen MD on LinkedIn

• [03:50] - Amy shares a bit about herself, explaining her history in the medical field as well as what she does now. She then discusses what kinds of people typically come to her.
• [05:38] - What type of medicine does Amy do, exactly?
• [06:52] - Amy talks about the procedure that she did with Orion, and shares how she got into using these sorts of techniques.
• [07:37] - Why do lots of people have negative impressions of stem cell therapy?
• [09:51] - After her stem cell procedure, Orion has wondered whether the stem cell supply in her bones was depleted after they were harvested. Amy answers this question.
• [12:29] - Amy explains that stem cell joint injections can be painful for a few days after the procedure.
• [13:37] - We learn about the sexual health injections that Amy does for both men and women.
• [15:47] - Amy talks about the gifts that she gives to patients to take home with them after their procedures.
• [17:35] - Has Amy had the procedure done herself?
• [19:11] - We hear more about what procedures Amy did on Orion's skin and hair.
• [20:36] - Amy shares her thoughts on Botox, which she explains that she does for some of her patients.
• [21:26] - Does Amy use any lasers or energy devices?
• [22:10] - Amy talks about what the ultimate facial is, specifically for looking more youthful. She recommends combining several different therapies.
• [23:05] - What's good for wrinkles under the eyes?
• [24:07] - We go back to the topic of Botox, with Amy discussing whether it's dangerous to put something unnatural in your skin.
• [25:13] - Depending on the cause, some dark spots can be treated very effectively with lasers, Amy explains.
• [26:04] - How do balanced hormones affect skin, hair, and sexual health? Amy answers, then discusses her approach to hormones.
• [28:09] - Amy talks about the ideal age at which people should come see her for the first time.
• [29:55] - We hear more about the role of a healthy lifestyle in having the procedures that Amy offers.
• [31:21] - We can reverse our age to some degree, but not completely, Amy explains.
• [31:47] - What are Amy's three top tips to living a stellar life? #1. Having close connections with people. #2. Making good choices regarding diet and exercise. #3. Learning how to deal with stress.
• [33:39] - Amy shares some final words of wisdom for listeners.
• [34:13] - How can listeners find Amy or get treatment from her?

Links and Resources:

• Dr. Amy Killen
• Dr. Amy Killen at Docere Medical
• Docere Medical
• Dr. Amy Killen on Facebook
• @amybkillen on Twitter
• Amy Killen MD on LinkedIn
• Dr. Harry Adelson on Stellar Life
• Botox

Idit Sharoni joins me to talk topics related to relationships and fidelity. She's a relationship expert and a licensed marriage and family therapist in Miami, Florida. She specializes in affair recovery, communication issues, and helping couples who sense they are drifting apart. Idit loves helping couples in committed relationships strengthen their communication or rebuild trust and heal after infidelity. If you're at a place where you're having a hard time with your partner or there's something missing, this is the episode for you.

Idit SharoniRelationships Uncomplicated podcastIdit Sharoni on FacebookIdit Sharoni on LinkedIn@IditSharoni on Twitter

• [04:25] - Idit shares a bit about herself and explains why she does what she does.
• [06:47] - What is the main obstacle that people are encountering in their relationships?
• [08:08] - After infidelity, people are shattered, Idit explains. She points out how valued monogamy is in the modern world.
• [09:42] - Men used to cheat more than women, but we're rapidly closing that gap.
• [10:57] - Idit explains that most of the reasons that people cheat can be divided into two categories.
• [12:43] - Idit shares a case study to illustrate why somebody might cheat even in a really good relationship where nothing is fundamentally wrong.
• [14:44] - Orion shares a story of going to a conference with her husband a few months ago. Idit then offers her suggestion for what Orion could have done in the situation she describes.
• [17:26] - American society makes it seem like being a jealous wife is a terrible thing, and you should hide it as much as you can. Idit shares a different perspective.
• [19:12] - Idit talks about the shock that people can feel about infidelity, and recommends that people not believe that infidelity isn't something that can happen to them.
• [22:46] - There are three phases to moving through infidelity: the initial shock phase, a reattachment phase, and a rebuilding or restart phase.
• [25:57] - There's a lot of work you need to do as a couple before you can rebuild, Idit explains.
• [26:23] - What are some of the steps that Idit gives people to work on it as a couple?
• [29:30] - Idit explores the difference between interrogative questions and investigative questions.
• [34:14] - For people who have been together for a long time, what are some tools for good communication to reduce the chances of cheating on each other?
• [36:55] - Idit talks about creating rituals of connection, and makes some specific recommendations.
• [40:56] - What are the most surprising rituals that Idit has seen people do? Orion shares one of her own.
• [45:31] - Idit shares her thoughts on polyamory and open relationships, discussing whether they're healthy.
• [47:26] - How can people know whether they're ready for an open relationship or polyamory if they're looking to transition from a monogamous relationship?
• [48:44] - Idit shares her three top tips to living a stellar life: 1. Make sure that you're doing everything you can to make your relationship thrive. 2. Make sure you like your partner, not just love them. 3. Put humor back into your relationship.
• [50:48] - Where can people get in touch with Idit?

• Idit Sharoni
• Relationships Uncomplicated podcast
• Idit Sharoni on Facebook
• Idit Sharoni on LinkedIn
• @IditSharoni on Twitter
• Esther Perel
• Bulletproof conference
• NLP
• Harville Hendrix
• Imago therapy
• Dr. John Gottman

The best way to keep yourself safe in a world that can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous is to be aware, alert, and prepared. I've invited my good friend David Nance onto the show in order to discuss these issues. David is a personal safety expert who has been featured on many TV channels, and knows all about protecting and defending yourself. He started off by creating the law enforcement training division for SABRE Security Equipment Corporation, the largest manufacturer of pepper sprays, personal safety equipment, and products for law enforcement, and today he's ready to share his twenty-plus years of wisdom.

PersonalSafetyExpert on Facebook@DavidNancePSE on TwitterDavid Nance on LinkedInSABREPersonal Safety Expert

• [02:32] - David starts things off by sharing a bit about himself and his history in the personal safety industry.
• [04:49] - What do listeners need to know about self-defense? David answers, then Orion discusses her own experiences with safety issues in Israel.
• [09:12] - David responds to the experiences that Orion has shared, then the two of them discuss the vulnerability of people who often aren't present (due to being on their phones, for example).
• [13:19] - Orion shares a more recent experience that illustrates that scary things can happen even in safe areas.
• [14:39] - We hear David's thoughts on the Santa Monica episode that Orion has just mentioned.
• [17:06] - David shares his thoughts on gun policy and discusses the importance of training and responsibility.
• [20:35] - What should listeners do to prepare themselves for any type of situation?
• [22:20] - Orion shares the origin story of Krav Maga. She then talks about a powerful exercise she learned in Krav Maga to help prepare your body to react powerfully in dangerous real-life situations.
• [26:32] - Has David ever encountered a dangerous situation?
• [28:30] - David talks about learning how to take a punch, and what it feels like the first time you're hit square in the jaw.
• [29:52] - Orion talks about whether she has used (or consider using) pepper spray for self-protection.
• [31:38] - David discusses how using pepper spray would work in relation to the specific hypothetical scenario that Orion has just provided.
• [33:22] - We hear about the difference between pepper spray and pepper gel.
• [34:21] - What are some of David's top tips for women in regard to safety?
• [37:58] - David shares some tips and techniques for creating physical distance and keeping yourself safe.
• [40:39] - When using pepper spray, aim to go from ear-to-ear (meaning side-to-side) across the eyes rather than just trying to dot the eyes.
• [41:21] - What does pepper spray actually do to the person who gets sprayed? And if you get attacked, what body parts should you go for when fighting back?
• [42:50] - David talks about how to recognize whether someone is dangerous. He then shares his thoughts on home security systems.
• [45:34] - What should you do when somebody knocks on your door?
• [46:45] - David shares his three top tips for living a stellar life: 1. Have a plan. 2. Do what's necessary. 3. Live well, be healthy, and be happy.
• [47:15] - Where can people reach David or find and buy his products?

• PersonalSafetyExpert on Facebook
• @DavidNancePSE on Twitter
• David Nance on LinkedIn
• SABRE
• Personal Safety Expert
• Jeff Cooper's Awareness Color Code Chart
• Krav Maga

Elisa Camahort Page was a marketing person in Silicon Valley before co-founding a company called BlogHer in 2005. Since then, this scrappy startup has turned into a global women's media company. One of her strengths is knowing the secret weapon in building a business or growing a community: empathy. This strategy can help you get what you want without acting like what the other person wants is "wrong". This is just one of the many gems of wisdom that today's incredible guest will share in our conversation.

Elisa Camahort Page Elisa Camahort Page on LinkedIn Elisa Camahort Page on Twitter Elisa Camahort Page on Facebook

• [02:17] - Elisa starts things off by sharing a bit about herself, her background, and her mission in life.
• [04:08] - We hear about Elisa's experience with growing a community from scratch with BlogHer.
• [07:55] - What happens if you build a community, and you give and give and give, but don't see fruits from your labor?
• [11:47] - For Elisa, it's deeply personal to help other women share their stories, especially because so much of history is written by men.
• [12:56] - Orion has heard a recommendation to record an interview your parents and ask them questions about their lives.
• [15:42] - Looking back, what were the biggest lessons that Elisa took away from building her blogging community?
• [20:46] - Elisa talks about how to prepare herself to be in the situation she has been describing, and suggests getting over the automatic emotional response.
• [22:32] - Orion takes a moment to recap the three pieces of advice that Elisa has just offered to listeners.
• [23:45] - We hear more of Elisa's thoughts on failure, with her asking when we decided that failure was to be avoided at all costs.
• [25:29] - What are some of the secrets and challenges of women collaborating together?
• [29:12] - Elisa has a conflicted relationship with the word "girl" when it refers to adult women, she explains.
• [30:38] - We learn about Elisa's forthcoming book, which will be available in September 2018 and is already available for pre-order!
• [32:51] - Orion just recently got dual citizenship because of what's going on politically. Elisa then points out that if people got engaged more in their own communities, it would help address some of the polarization.
• [34:32] - What are some of the tips or issues that Elisa touches on in her forthcoming book?
• [39:01] - Elisa believes that we cannot be happy if we're not activating on behalf of the things that we believe in. She also discusses her perspective on boundaries.
• [41:55] - Orion shares her experiences in coming from Israel, which is a very direct culture, and sne and Elise discuss culturally different communication styles.
• [45:11] - Elise tends to err on the side of being direct and forthright.
• [47:36] - What are Elise's three top tips for living a stellar life? 1. Behave in alignment with your values. 2. Appreciate your own boundaries. 3. Respect what drives you and what doesn't drive you.
• [49:09] - Elisa talks about where people can find her and her new book.

• Elisa Camahort Page
• Elisa Camahort Page on LinkedIn
• Elisa Camahort Page on Twitter
• Elisa Camahort Page on Facebook
• Roadmap for Revolutionaries: Resistance, Activism, and Advocacy for All by Elisa Camahort Page
• BlogHer
• SheKnows
• Giftology: The Art and Science of Using Gifts to Cut Through the Noise, Increase Referrals, and Strengthen Client Retention by John Ruhlin
• Elisa Camahort Page at TEDxOlympicBlvdWomen
• Sarah Michelle Gellar
• Patrisse Cullors
• Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Here to explore complexities behind spirituality and unravel the confusion is one of my spiritual mentors, the extraordinary Douglas Bentley. Spirituality is about finding inner happiness, feeling love, and coming to a place where you're authentically at peace. Douglas' passion is helping people flower on the journey of spiritual awakening, and that's exactly what he does in our amazing conversation today. Listen in and learn about how to integrate spirituality and awakening into everyday life!

Douglas Bentley Douglas Bentley on Facebook The Eternal Moment on YouTube

• [04:49] - Douglas talks about what his guru told him, and how he ended up getting sent home to help others.
• [06:00] - How did Douglas become a monk?
• [09:46] - We hear about Douglas' transition from being a monk to living in the Western world again, which in some ways was surprisingly easy.
• [12:15] - Douglas discusses why he loves and respects his master so much, and raves about how special it is to spend time around him.
• [13:45] - What's a being, or an avatar? And is Douglas himself an avatar in the sense that he has been describing?
• [16:33] - Orion takes a moment to share a powerful experience that she had at Oneness University in India. Douglas then explains some of what happened in the experience that Orion has described.
• [20:48] - Douglas points out that high states of consciousness are not the end goal, but they're very special things that change your perception forever.
• [21:41] - What is Douglas' definition of spirituality, and what is it to be spiritual?
• [26:10] - Orion has a hard time accepting things when they're hard, or when there's a major gap between reality and expectation. Douglas points out that she's not alone.
• [29:55] - The first step is just to understand that you happen to be in a physical, animal body that has a brain that constantly labels, assess, and compares sensory inputs.
• [34:11] - Douglas always tell people that they've been duped by the mind for their entire lives. The key is to fall out of resistance and not get sucked back into being engaged as the mind fighting the mind.
• [36:04] - Something that really helped Orion to be present with her body in the moment was taking pole dancing classes.
• [39:06] - Why can't we just stop suffering? In his answer, Douglas shares something that his teacher told him once: unless you start staying in the present moment, there is no more growth.
• [43:38] - Douglas talks about how to react proactively in the moment when someone treats you badly.
• [46:29] - What's the difference between being spiritual in the sense of being present in the moment and expressing your feelings (including anger), and being a destructive jerk?
• [50:22] - Douglas discusses how we can live more in awakened states.
• [53:22] - When Orion was younger, she used to do what Douglas has been recommending.
• [54:32] - One of the things that's important, but that people have to discover in their own way, is how incorrectly you're breathing.
• [60:35] - What are Douglas' three top tips for living a stellar life? He doesn't have three, but rather one powerful message: realize that you can come out of suffering internally by stepping out of daydreaming and stepping into a state of vast beingness.
• [61:13] - Douglas talks about where listeners can find him.

• Douglas Bentley
• Douglas Bentley on Facebook
• The Eternal Moment on YouTube
• Oneness University
• Sheila Kelley on Stellar Life
• 40 Years of Zen

Mike Vardy, my friend and mentor, joins me today to talk about scheduling your life. Mike helped me organize my business and projects, and I believe his advice and framework can be life-changing for you too. He's the founder of Productivityist and the host of the Productivityist podcast, as well as a three-time author and a regular contributor to outlets including Lifehacker and The Huffington Post. Tune in to learn how you can harness time to achieve your fullest potential and make the most of your days, months, and years!

Productivityist Mike Vardy @mikevardy on Twitter @Productivityist on Twitter Mike Vardy on Facebook

• [03:55] - Believe it or not, Mike used to struggle with organization and keeping things in perspective, and still finds it challenging.
• [05:51] - How does Mike go about planning his year? In his answer, he talks about when his year starts and the concept of giving themes to each month.
• [10:09] - Mike gives a specific example of how his monthly theme applies to the things he decides to do.
• [15:02] - Orion points out that what Mike has been talking about is the difference between being task-oriented and goal-oriented.
• [15:58] - Mike explores another way that themed days can be helpful, and explains that people have more control over their time than they think.
• [20:50] - What are some examples of Mike's themed months, weeks, and days, and what is the horizontal way of blocking time?
• [24:58] - Mike gives an example: instead of saying "get fit" in January, your monthly theme might be decluttering, which would involve decluttering your pantry.
• [26:17] - Weekly sprints override monthly themes, Mike explains, and talks about how this can function.
• [28:50] - Mike talks about how he decides which day of his week has which theme, and shares a story about a request his wife made.
• [31:17] - Mike digs into the topic of horizontal themes, which override daily themes.
• [33:09] - For listeners who aren't familiar with the framework by Dr. Michael Breus, Orion explains the context of the four animals that she and Mike have been talking about.
• [37:05] - A real problem for lots of people is hyper-scheduling, where people put too much specificity (and not enough choice) into their calendars.
• [38:58] - We hear about some of Mike's favorite productivity apps and how he uses them, as well as how to "focus on the app within first."
• [44:07] - Mike offers a quick example of what Evernote is good for.
• [46:04] - What does Mike do on the days when he doesn't feel like doing anything?
• [48:57] - Mike takes a moment to recommend The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin, and talks about his own tendencies.
• [52:55] - To foster desire, planning is part of it, but reflecting is another huge part, Mike points out.
• [54:52] - What are Mike's three top tips for living a stellar life? #1. Capture everything and regret nothing. #2. Give your days and time more definition. #3. Journal your life.

• Productivityist
• Mike Vardy
• @mikevardy on Twitter
• @Productivityist on Twitter
• Mike Vardy on Facebook
• The Productivityist podcast
• David Allen (and Getting Things Done)
• Tony Robbins
• Alex, Inc.
• Life in Pieces
• Lao Tzu
• How to Be Everything by Emilie Wapnick
• The Power of When by Dr. Michael Breus
• Dr. Michael Breus on Stellar Life
• Todoist
• Asana
• All The Things by Shawn Blanc
• Evernote
• The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
• The Five Minute Journal by Intelligent Change