In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun explores a surprising truth: comparison is the enemy of gratitude—and one of the fastest ways to drain your motivation, confidence, and momentum.

Instead of measuring yourself against impossible standards or other people’s timelines, Chris breaks down a healthier, more empowering model: Competing only with your past self.

This gratitude-driven mindset shift helps you recognize your progress, build resilience, and create sustainable motivation—without the toxic side effects of comparison culture. Through relatable stories, insights from The Gap and the Gain, and practical tools like the Momentum Matrix, you’ll learn how to reframe success and celebrate the growth that’s already happening in your life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why comparison always focuses on what’s missing, not what’s been gained
• How gratitude helps rewire your focus toward progress
• The difference between “living in the gap” vs. “living in the gain”
• How to measure success in a healthier way
• Why rewarding small wins fuels long-term productivity
• How the Momentum Matrix builds motivation and consistency
• Why accountability works—and how to choose the right partner
• A weekly challenge to help you break free from comparison

This episode will help you dream big, plan smart, and live fully by redefining success on your own terms.

Show Links

Listen to other episodes in the 2025 Gratitude Series:

• Episode 34 - How Practicing Gratitude Transforms Your Life & Productivity with Guest Dr. Will Johns - https://wholisticproductivity.com/34
• Episode 35 - Self-Care Is Gratitude in Action: How Rest, Connection, and Joy Fuel Productivity - https://wholisticproductivity.com/35

Episode 17 - How to Redefine Success With a "Gain" Mindset - https://wholisticproductivity.com/17

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 
03:35 The Toxicity of Comparison
07:16 Shifting Focus: From Gap to Gain
10:33 Defining Success and Celebrating Wins
12:26 The Momentum Matrix: A Tool for Progress
15:55 The Power of Accountability
17:20 Practicing Gratitude in Self-Improvement
19:44 Recap and Final Thoughts

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Free Offer

Get my Sunday Strategy for FREE when you subscribe to my weekly newsletter. 

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

Gratitude isn’t just something you say; it’s something you practice. And one of the most powerful ways to express gratitude is by taking care of your body, mind, and soul.

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, host Chris LeBrun explores why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. He breaks down what self-care truly means (and what it doesn’t), and how intentional habits in your health, relationships, and routines create the foundation for sustainable productivity and fulfillment.

This episode dives deep into how caring for yourself helps you show up better for everything and everyone that matters most.

You’ll learn:

• Why self-care is a form of gratitude—not indulgence
• How to create healthy rhythms for rest, nutrition, and exercise
• Practical ways to unwind before bed and protect your peace
• Why connection and community are essential to emotional health
• How hobbies and simple joys can recharge your motivation

If you’ve ever struggled to balance achievement with well-being, this episode will remind you that real productivity starts with gratitude for your life and yourself.

Show Links

Episode 8 - Gratitude and Self Care: The Secret Weapons of Wholistic Productivity - https://wholisticproductivity.com/8

Episode 34 - How Practicing Gratitude Transforms Your Life & Productivity with Guest Dr. Will Johns - https://wholisticproductivity.com/34

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:24 Defining Self-Care: What It Isn't
05:47 Practicing Self-Care as a Form of Gratitude
10:43 The Importance of Mental Rest and Breaks
14:54 Connection and Community as Self-Care
19:19 Finding Joy in Hobbies and Personal Time
22:41 Recap: Self-Care as Gratitude in Action

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Free Offer

Get my Sunday Strategy for FREE when you subscribe to my weekly newsletter. 

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good idea — it’s a powerful productivity multiplier and mindset tool that shapes your life, your energy, and even your long-term success.

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun sits down with Dr. Will Johns, executive pastor and author of Everything Is Better Than You Think, to explore how gratitude rewires your mindset, builds resilience, and helps you live and work with more clarity, joy, and purpose.

You'll learn:

• Why our brains default toward negativity — and how gratitude shifts your focus
• How gratitude improves decision-making, creativity, and resilience
• Practical, simple ways to practice gratitude daily (without forcing toxic positivity)
• Why comparison steals contentment — and how to reclaim joy in a social media world
• How gratitude supports grieving, life transitions, and emotional balance
• What it really means to “live fully” in your professional, personal, and purpose-driven pillars

Whether you're building a business, developing healthier habits, or simply trying to show up better for the people you love, this episode will help you cultivate a gratitude-based mindset that fuels wholistic, sustainable productivity.

🎧 Listen now to learn how gratitude can transform your mindset, your results, and your life.

Show Links

Get Dr. Johns' book "Everything is Better Than You Think" - https://wholprod.link/everythingisbetter

Check out Dr. Johns' podcast - https://wholprod.link/gratitudepodcast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 
04:24 The Journey into Gratitude Research
05:41 Transformative Power of Gratitude
11:38 Everything is Better Than You Think
14:16 Gratitude as a Lens
16:57 The Importance of Intentional Gratitude Practice
19:46 Gratitude in Relationships and Marriage
21:50 Gratitude is a Lifelong Journey
24:33 Simple Practices for Gratitude
27:39 Integrating Gratitude into Daily Life
29:07 The Benefits of Gratitude
32:37 Overcoming Obstacles to Gratitude
35:56 Social Media's Impact on Gratitude
42:20 Gratitude in Times of Pain
46:20 Final Thoughts and Reflections

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Free Offer

Get my Sunday Strategy for FREE when you subscribe to my weekly newsletter. 

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

In Episode 33 of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, host Chris LeBrun explores how world-building—the storytelling method used by creators like Tolkien, Disney, and Marvel—can completely reshape how you think about productivity, business, and life design.

Just like the best fictional universes have depth, dimension, and connection, your goals and systems need to work together as part of an intentional ecosystem.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Apply world-building principles to design a balanced, multi-dimensional life.
• Build a business “universe” with multiple touchpoints that attract and engage your audience.
• Align your professional, personal, and purpose-driven goals into one cohesive ecosystem.
• Use the concept of transmedia storytelling to create connection and loyalty—both in your business and in your habits.

Chris also challenges you to complete a World-Building Audit for your life—rating key areas like career, relationships, wellness, and purpose—and to design your own integrated life system for long-term fulfillment.

🎧 Listen to the full episode to learn how world-building can help you Dream Big. Plan Smart. Live Fully.

Show Links

Principles of Transmedia Storytelling - https://wholprod.link/transmedia

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
04:07 World Building: A New Perspective
06:22 Transmedia Storytelling: Expanding Narratives
11:34 World Building in Business
19:03 World Building and Wholistic Productivity
23:56 Practical Applications: Building Your World

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Free Offer

Get my Sunday Strategy for FREE when you subscribe to my weekly newsletter. 

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

Productivity isn’t about choosing sides — it’s about balance.
In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, host Chris LeBrun explores the ongoing debate between paper and digital productivity tools — and why the answer isn’t one or the other.

Chris breaks down the pros and cons of each method, shares the science behind why handwriting improves memory and focus, and explains how to combine both mediums for your best results.

Whether you’re a paper-planner loyalist or a digital-app enthusiast, this episode will help you create systems that actually work for you — helping you plan smarter, focus better, and save hours in the long run.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why paper still matters for memory, focus, and mindfulness
• The hidden downsides of relying only on digital apps
• How to create a hybrid workflow that blends reflection with execution
• Practical tips for choosing tools intentionally (not out of habit)
• Chris’s personal system using the Wholistic Productivity Planner and digital apps

🎧 Listen now and learn how to choose productivity tools that align with your values and your lifestyle.
 👉 Subscribe to the Wholistic Productivity Podcast for more episodes on balanced, non-toxic productivity that helps you dream big, plan smart, and live fully.

Show Links

Book your free 20-minute Strategy Call - https://wholprod.link/strategy

Get the Wholistic Productivity Planner - https://wholprod.link/shop

Get Capacities, the digital notetaking app I use - https://wholprod.link/capacities

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:01 Aligning Goals with Values and Vision
04:32 Exploring Paper vs. Digital Productivity Tools
07:01 The Benefits of Paper Productivity Tools
10:43 The Advantages of Digital Productivity Tools
15:49 Hybrid Model for Productivity
20:24 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Free Offer

Get my Sunday Strategy for FREE when you subscribe to my weekly newsletter. 

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

In this episode of The Wholistic Productivity Podcast, host Chris LeBrun breaks down the four essential ingredients of sustainable productivity — Planning, Performance, Time Management, and Systems — and shows how each one contributes to a more balanced, goal-driven life.

Through relatable cooking analogies and practical takeaways, Chris explains how true productivity isn’t about grinding harder but about creating the right recipe for success. You’ll learn how to align your goals with your values, execute with purpose, manage your time by focusing your attention, and build systems that make productivity second nature.

He also shares how perfection is the enemy of progress — and why many of the best systems are born from failure, iteration, and self-awareness.

Whether you’re refining your daily routines, designing better workflows, or simply trying to get more done without burning out, this episode will help you blend these four key ingredients into your most productive life yet.

🔗 Show Links

Join the Wholistic Productivity on Skool https://wholprod.link/skool

Episode 9 - Getting into the Habits of Routines https://wholisticproductivity.com/9

Get Sunday Strategy https://mysundaystrategy.com

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:33 The Four Ingredients of Productivity
05:57 Planning: The Recipe for Success
10:16 Performance: The Act of Doing
15:15 Time Management: Controlling Your Attention
22:09 Systems: The Glue of Productivity
24:38 Recap and Conclusion

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Free Offer

Get my Sunday Strategy for FREE when you subscribe to my weekly newsletter. 

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

What does true financial wellness look like—and how can you start building it today, no matter your age or income?

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, host Chris LeBrun sits down with financial educator Nicki Parra for a powerful and practical conversation about financial literacy, saving, and long-term planning. Together, they unpack how money fits into a balanced life and why taking control of your finances is essential to achieving your professional, personal, and purpose-driven goals.

You’ll learn:
 💡 Why financial wellness looks different for everyone—and how to define yours
 💡 The truth about saving, investing, and compound interest (even if you’re starting late)
 💡 How to overcome fear and financial illiteracy that hold people back
 💡 Simple steps to start building an emergency fund and planning for retirement
 💡 How risk tolerance changes over time—and how to protect your long-term future

Whether you’re closer to the start of your professional career or closer to retirement, this episode will inspire you to start where you are, take control of your financial future, and live with greater confidence and balance.

🎧 Tune in now to The Wholistic Productivity Podcast — where we help you dream big, plan smart, and live fully.

Show Links

• Connect with Nicki on LinkedIn - https://wholprod.link/nickiparra
• Join the Prosperity Project on Skool - https://wholprod.link/prosperityproject

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 
05:07 Defining Financial Wellness
11:09 The Importance of Financial Education
13:08 Misconceptions About Financial Success
15:28 Planning for Retirement
20:18 Starting Your Financial Journey
22:57 Balancing Short-term and Long-term Financial Goals
25:13 Building a Strong Financial Foundation
27:28 Overcoming Financial Overwhelm
29:29 Understanding Risk Tolerance
33:01 Navigating Investment Strategies
36:31 Personal Insights and Reflections

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Free Offer

Get my Sunday Strategy for FREE when you subscribe to my weekly newsletter. 

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

Distractions are one of the biggest killers of productivity—every interruption can cost you up to 23 minutes of focus time. In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun dives into the science and strategies behind protecting your attention so you can get meaningful work done.

Here’s what you’ll learn in Episode 29:

• Why focus is a finite resource and how to spend it wisely
• The hidden costs of distractions on clarity, energy, and even IQ
• How deep work creates high-value results and a competitive edge
• Practical strategies like time blocking, the Pomodoro method, batching, and the two-minute rule
• The difference between high-priority projects and “maintenance tasks” that drain your attention
• When to defer, delegate, or delete tasks to protect your focus

If you’ve been struggling with constant interruptions, multitasking, or shallow work, this episode will show you how to reclaim your focus and unlock your best productivity.

🎧 Listen now to learn how to minimize distractions, sharpen your attention, and build habits that let you dream big, plan smart, and live fully.

🔗 Show Links

• Deep Work by Cal Newport - Hard Cover https://wholprod.link/hc/deepwork
• Deep Work by Cal Newport - Paper Back https://wholprod.link/pb/deepwork
• Deep Work by Cal New Port - Kindle https://wholprod.link/k/deepwork
• Getting Things Done by David Allen - Paper Back https://wholprod.link/pb/gettingthingsdone
• Getting Things Done by David Allen - Kindle https://wholprod.link/k/gettingthingsdone

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:19 The Importance of Focus
06:20 Understanding Distractions
09:29 Deep Work: A Superpower for Productivity
13:58 Managing Maintenance Tasks
17:18 Strategies for Dealing with Maintenance Tasks
19:18 The Two-Minute Rule
20:40 Tools and Techniques for Focus
24:07 Homework Assignment and Recap

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Free Offer

Get my Sunday Strategy for FREE when you subscribe to my weekly newsletter. 

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

Are you drowning in digital files, scattered notes, and endless bookmarks? In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun unpacks Tiago Forte’s PARA Method and the concept of a Second Brain — powerful tools for organizing your life and taming information overload.

You’ll discover:

• The four pillars of PARA: Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives
• How to use PARA across files, notes, bookmarks, and even physical storage
• Why personal knowledge management matters in a world of constant tech change
• Practical tips for setting up your own Second Brain without over-complicating it
• Common pitfalls (and how to avoid wasting time on the wrong system)

Whether you’re dealing with decades of digital clutter or just looking for a smarter way to manage your ideas and tasks, this episode will give you the foundation to build a Personal Knowledge Management system that actually works.

🔗 Show Links

• Join the Wholistic Productivity community on Skool https://wholprod.link/skool
• Get Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte - Hard Cover https://wholprod.link/hc/secondbrain
• Get Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte - Paperback https://wholprod.link/pb/secondbrain
• Get Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte - Kindle https://wholprod.link/k/secondbrain

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:09 The Challenges of Change for Gen X
08:16 Discovering the PARA Method
09:46 Projects
10:37 Areas
11:08 Resources
11:43 Archives
12:10 Pros and Cons of PARA
14:35 Implementing the PARA System
15:45 Capturing Information with CODE
17:39 Personal Knowledge Management
19:30 Second Brain & Prooductivity
24:41 Conclusion 

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Free Offer

Get my Sunday Strategy for FREE when you subscribe to my weekly newsletter. 

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

In this inspiring episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun sits down with Mike Meyers — U.S. Army veteran and co-founder and Commissioner of the Military Basketball Association (MBA).

Mike shares his journey from 23 years of active duty service, including his deployment to Iraq, to building a nationwide league that now includes a thousand active duty service members and veterans. The MBA isn’t just about competition — it’s about life through basketball: creating community, strengthening resilience, and addressing the mental health crisis among military personnel.

From national championships and CBS Sports coverage to life-changing partnerships with organizations like the VA, Wounded Warrior Project, and Amazon, Mike reveals how passion, vision, and persistence turned a grassroots effort into a movement saving lives.

This conversation is a reminder that no dream is too big — and that purpose-driven leadership can make a lasting global impact.

🔗 Show Links

• Connect with Mike on LinkedIn https://wholprod.link/mikemeyers
• The Military Basketball Association website https://wholprod.link/MBA
• Follow the Military Basketball Association on Instagram https://wholprod.link/MBAIG
• Watch Life Through Basketball on Prime Video https://wholprod.link/MBAprime
• Visit the Veterans Crisis Line 988 https://wholprod.link/Veterans988

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
03:14 Mike's Military Service and Personal Journey
07:44 Service Goes Beyond Military Members
11:38 The Birth of the Military Basketball Association
15:35 Other Military Leagues
16:26 The Growth of the MBA
18:34 Life Through Basketball
21:40 The Impact of the MBA
25:38 The Epidemic of Military Suicides
27:40 Understanding Mental Health Support for Veterans
28:08 How Civilians Can Support Veterans 
31:52 Building Partnerships for Veteran Support
35:59 Future Goals for the Military Basketball Association
37:55 The Method Behind the Madness: Creating the MBA
43:06 Personal Insights and Reflections

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Free Offer

Get my Sunday Strategy for FREE when you subscribe to my weekly newsletter. 

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool