It’s time for a classic that both Mike and Joe have failed to read until now. But they have completed their duty and are no longer in the dark.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

rolls MS111 Mic Switch

Mizage – Shush

Heil Sound PR 40

Shure BETA 87A

Shure BETA 58A

Auphonic

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Theoretical Accountability

My Morning Routine

Discourse League

The Go-Getter by Peter B. Kyne

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett, Dave Evans

Do You Talk Funny? by David Nihill

Recommend A Book

Bookworm Book List

Twitter List of Authors

Subscribe on iTunes

Discuss on Productivity Guild

Mike's Rating: 5.0
Joe's Rating: 4.5

Your mindset can change how you respond to pretty much everything. The question is whether or not yours is a good one or a bad one. But there are also ways to change them, which is what Mike and Joe go over this week.

Sure Beta 87A

Rode Podcaster

The (57 Word Title)

Cortex

The Productivity Show

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Mindset by Carol S. Dweck

The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday

Billy Beane

Lenny Dykstra

John McEnroe

Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven

The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer

Hurry Slowly

Deep Work by Cal Newport

The 4 Disciplines of Execution by Sean Covey

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Whims That Work

Productivity Guild Podcast

Algorithms to Live By by Brian Christian

Work the System by Sam Carpenter

Recommend a Book

Bookworm Book List

Mike's Rating: 5.0
Joe's Rating: 5.0

Mike loves his coffee and he’s trying to drag Joe along. But that still doesn’t stop them from talking checklists and the power they hold.

Ruby Coffee Roasters

Bitsbox – Super Powers Kit

The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande

BrainChains by Theo Compernolle

QBQ! The Question Behind the Question by John G. Miller

Dave Ramsey

Decisive by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Recommend A Book

Bookworm Book List

Twitter List of Authors

Subscribe on iTunes

Mike's Rating: 4.5
Joe's Rating: 5.0

Knowing your purpose and finding meaning in life can save your life. This episode covers the challenging topic of World War II and escaping concentration camps alive.

Headspace
Brett Terpstra
Macstock
Homepod
Mike’s Instagram
IFTTT
Day One
Mac Power Users
Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
OmniFocus 3
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
30 Lessons for Living by Karl Pillemer
Night by Elie Wiesel
The Tyranny of Convenience – The New York Times
Bookworm on The Productivity Project
Thou Shalt Hustle by Mike Schmitz
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Asian Efficiency
Mike’s statement about the book:

Why do we read books? Is it to learn how to do new things? Is it to be inspired by the actions of others? Is it simply to be entertained? I believe we read books for the experience. A good book, even a non-fiction book, takes you on a journey. It tells you a story, and evokes an emotion. A good book does not just speak at you, but it speaks to you. It challenges and motivates you. It makes you wrestle with the question of what would YOU do if you were placed in a similar situation. Would you have the courage to act heroically and save the day? Or would you give in to the pressure, the problems, and the pain? But the best books encourage you that it is at least possible for you to act heroically, that you at least have a chance to make the shot, rescue the princess, or save the day.

This book does just that, but I’m not even sure how. It’s not a work of fiction, but at times you wish it was. What I have difficulty comprehending is how Victor Frankly is able to maintain a positive attitude and a will to live in the circumstances that he describes. I’d like to think that I’d be able to act the same way – to help those who are suffering around me – but I’m not qualified to make such a statement. I can only hope and pray for that kind of strength, but Victor shows us that it is at least possible.

Not often do I find myself with nothing to say in response to an author, but that is indeed the case here. I am not qualified to challenge any of this great man’s opinions; I can only shut up and listen to what he has to say. And he has earned that right, to speak freely and to have those who are not tested in the fire of adversity pay attention. This is one of the best books I have ever read, and believe that everyone should read this. I am humbled and challenged to do better in my responses to my “problems,” even if they are insignificant compared to what Victor Frankl went through.

The Art of Exceptional Living by Jim Rohn
What’s Best Next by Matt Perman
Busy by Tony Crabbe
Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker
Anything You Want by Derek Sivers
Recommend a Book
Bookworm Book List

Mike's Rating: 5.0
Joe's Rating: 5.0

Can small habits really transform your life and deliver amazing results? Author James Clear believes they can. In today’s episode, Joe and Mike revisit a familiar topic to tackle one of Bookworm’s most requested books and see if it lives up to the hype.

Links
– Bookworm sweatshirt
– 10% Happier w/ Gary Vaynerchuk
– Bookworm #62: The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
– Procourse
– Atomic Habits by James Clear
– Leadershift by John Maxwell
– Will it Fly by Pat Flynn (Audible)
– Bookworm #52: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
– Bookworm #16: The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
– Deep Work by Cal Newport
– The One Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
– Bookworm Club
– Productivity in Tech interview
– Yamaha Method
– Streaks
– Bookworm #43: Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
– Personal Retreat Handbook
– Bookworm #49: Peak by Anders Ericsson
– Personality Test
– Faith-Based Productivity
– Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
– Drunk Tank Pink by Adam Atler
– It Doesn’t Have Be Crazy at Work by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
– Recommend a Book
– Book List
– Leave a Review

Mike's Rating: 5.0
Joe's Rating: 5.0

Your brain is an incredibly powerful computer, rapidly processing information to help you make better decisions – except when it doesn’t. Should you really trust your first impressions? Join Joe & Mike as they dive into the world of rapid cognition and thinking without thinking.

Links
– Bookworm shirts
– Prodcon
– GoodNotes
– The Focus Course
– Faith-Based Productivity
– Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
– Bookworm #52: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
– Implicit Association Tests
– Bookworm #16: The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
– Herman Miller Aeron chair
– Pepsi Challenge (YouTube)
– SCAA Coffee Taster’s Flavor Wheel
– Coffee Grading criteria
– The Best Grocery Store Coffees, Ranked by a Barista
– Bookworm #56: Hyperfocus by (and with) Chris Bailey
– The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
– Atomic Habits by James Clear
– Everyday Millionaires by Chris Hogan
– Bookworm Club
– Book List
– Leave a Rating

Mike's Rating: 3.0
Joe's Rating: 3.5

What causes us to act the way we do? Today’s book offers a comprehensive look into the depths of behavioral science. Join Joe & Mike as they examine their own cognitive biases in an effort to understand why they have a tendency to make dumb decisions.

Links
Support the Show
Mastering Mind Maps (Mike’s new course)
Brett Terpstra
Faith-Based Productivity
Bookworm #84: Indistractable
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Moneyball (film)
Bookworm #80: Principles
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Bookworm #76: Rnage
Bookworm #18: Decisive
Cortex
Die Empty by Todd Henry
Bookworm #57: Predictably Irrational
It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work
Zen & The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
Take the Day Off by Robert Morris
Join the Club
Recommend a Book
Book List
Leave a Review

Mike's Rating: 3.0
Joe's Rating: 3.5

It’s been said that for a writer, nothing is as intimidating as a blank page. But the author of today’s book says that doesn’t have to be the case. Join Joe & Mike as they look at how to take better notes and automate the writing process.

Links
– Support the show
– Bookworm Shirts
– Macstock (use code FOCUSED to save $70)
– Bookworm 67: Quiet
– How to Take Smart Notes by Sönke Ahrens
– Zettelkasten
– 30 Days to Better Writing
– Drafts
– Bullet Journal
– Bookworm 56: Hyperfocus by (and with) Chris Bailey
– Bookworm 38: Mindset by Carol Dweck
– How (and Why) I Take Notes on Books That I Read
– MindNode
– Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
– Hook
– Bookworm 32: The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli
– Notion
– Ulysses
– Bookworm 42: How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler
– Zettelkaasten.de
– nvALT
– Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
– Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt
– A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
– Company of One by Paul Jarvis
– Join the Club
– Recommend a Book
– Book List
– Leave a Review
– Faith-Based Productivity

Mike's Rating: 4.5
Joe's Rating: 2.5

For many writers, few things are as intimidating as staring at a blank page – but it doesn’t have to be this way. If you’re looking for some solid writing advice, today’s book is for you. Join Joe & Mike as they confront perfectionism, shine the light on the monsters within, learn to quiet the radio station in their heads, and seek to discover their own unique writing voice.

Links
– Support the show
– Twitter: @bookwormfm
– Instagram: @bookworm.fm
– YouTube: Bookworm
– Bookworm #70: Free to Focus
– Send us your library photos
– Macstock (use code FOCUSED to save $70)
– Spark
– Superhuman
– Airmail
– Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
– On Writing by Stephen King
– Tim Ferriss
– Brain Pickings (Maria Popova)
– Patrick Lencioni
– Art of Manliness
– Craft and Commerce
– Mark Manson
– Molly Burke
– Marie Kondo
– Faith-Based Productivity
– How to Start Your Own Mastermind Group
– Focused
– 7 Habits of Highly Successful People
– How to Win Friends and Influence People
– Day One in Depth
– Make Time by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky
– The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
– Linchpin by Seth Godin
– Essential Manners for Men by Peter Post
– A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
– Join the Club
– Recommend a Book
– Book List
– Leave a Review

Mike's Rating: 3.5
Joe's Rating: 4.5

It’s finally here. An episode about how to read a book. And what better way to cover the topic than to read a book about it.

168 hours by Laura Vanderkam
David Sparks on Hyper-scheduling
The Kolbe A Index
Conative Connection by Kathy Kobe
How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Bookworm on The Innovator’s Dilemma
Mindnode
Mike’s mindnode
Maria Popova on the Tim Ferriss Show
Bear
Blinkist
Bookworm on Getting Things Done
Deep Work by Cal Newport
The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran
The Art of Exceptional Living by Jim Rohn
Overdrive
Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer
Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Recommend a Book
Bookworm Book List

Mike's Rating: 4.0
Joe's Rating: 5.0

It can be difficult to measure, but the topic of emotional intelligence is a worthwhile study for anyone with a desire to reach their full potential. In today’s episode, Joe & Mike take a deep look at a different way to be smart.

Links
– Support the show
– Macstock (use code FOCUSED to save $70)
– Bookworm 68: How to Take Smart Notes
– Vim
– Drafts
– Notion
– Ulysses
– zettelkasten.de
– nvUltra
– Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
– Success Profiler
– Research on Soft Skills accounting for 85% of success
– Bookworm 67: Quiet
– Kolbe Index A
– Emotional Intelligence and You (Infographic)
– Bookworm #59: Being Mortal
– Bookworm #38: Mindset
– Bookworm #25: Grit
– MoodNotes
– Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves
– Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt
– Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
– Company of One by Paul Jarvis
– Faith-Based Productivity
– Healing Lyme by Stephen Buhner
– Join the Club
– Recommend a Book
– Book List
– Leave a Review

Mike's Rating: 4.0
Joe's Rating: 4.0

Lifelong learning is a noble goal – but is ultralearning really the best approach? Today’s book aims to help you achieve your goals faster, future-proof your career, and maximize your competitive advantage. Join Joe & Mike as they unpack the principles the author promises can help you learn anything deeply and quickly, without teachers or budget-busting tuition costs.

Links
Support the show
Bookworm #77: Creativity, Inc.
Instagram (bookworm.fm)
Ultralearning by Scott Young
Bookworm #63: Atomic Habits
Bookworm #21: The Personal MBA
$100 MBA
Bookworm #73: The 4-Hour Workweek
Bookworm #7: Deep Work
Aaron Beverly (2019 World Championship of Public Speaking)
10% Happier
Headspace
Calm
Duolingo
Duolingo Effectiveness Study
Mental Rehearsal and Visualization Research
Bookworm #76: Range
Bookworm #49: Peak
The Man Who Knew Infinity (Netflix)
Bookworm #25: Grit
Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone
The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard: Advantages of Longhand Over Laptop Note Taking
Fofused #83: Ideas Over Art with Mike Rohde
Instagram (joebuhlig)
The Complete Guide to Self-Control (Scott Young)
SuperBetter by Jane McGonigal
Bookworm #2: The Willpower Instinct
Untitled Goose Game
Principles by Ray Dalio
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Join the Club
Recommend a Book
Recommend Margin
Book List
Leave a Review

Mike's Rating: 3.0
Joe's Rating: 4.0

Reality is broken. In today’s book, author Jane McGonigal attempts a fix by applying a gameful approach to personal growth. Join Mike & Joe as they examine the idea that playing games can make us better.

Links
Support the show
The Pen Addict (Podcast)
Sheaffer 300 (Mike’s fancy pen)
Leuchtturm Notebooks
Baron Fig
James Clear Habit Journal from Baron Fig
Rhodia Notebooks
Focused #85: The Depth of Our Madness
GoodNotes
The FOCUSED Calendar (NeuYear)
Tools & Weapons by Brad Smith
SuperBetter by Jane McGonigal
SuperBetter app
Sorry!
Castles of Mad King Ludwig
Bookworm #72: Make Time
Bookworm #78: Ultralearning
Bookworm #14: 12 Week Year
Personal Retreat Handbook
Habitica
Streaks
Bookworm #54: Work Clean
Principles by Ray Dalio
You Are Awesome by Neil Pasricha
Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday
Join the Club
Recommend a Book
Recommend Margin
Book List
Leave a Review

Mike's Rating: 4.0
Joe's Rating: 4.0

It’s time for another classic that both Mike and Joe are a bit embarrassed they haven’t read previously. And it turns out to be a book where the title doesn’t do it justice.

Discuss on the Club
Anything You Want by Derek Sivers
Make Your Bed by William McRaven
Goulet Pens
Bookworm on The Three Big Questions for a Frantic Family 
EntreLeadership Summit
How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen
The 30 Lessons for Living by Karl Pillemer
Flow by Millay Csikszentmihalyi
Peak by Anders Ericsson
Put Your Dream to the Test by John Maxwell
Bookworm Club
Recommend a Book
Bookworm Book List

Mike's Rating: 4.5
Joe's Rating: 5.0

What does radical truth and radical transparency have to do with personal and professional success? Everything, argues today’s author. Join Joe & Mike as they dive deep on the systems and principles of life and business in their quest to understand the idea meritocracy.

Links
Support the show
The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
Bookworm #10: Start With Why
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
The Weekly Impulse (Joe’s Newsletter)
ScreenCastsOnline
MindNode
Principles by Ray Dalio
Bookworm #38: Mindset
Bookworm #66: Extreme Ownership
The Best Meditation App (The Sweet Setup)
Headspace
10% Happier
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
Focused podcast
Bookworm #12: The Productivity Project
Bookworm #79: SuperBetter
Bookworm #25: Grit
Meyers-Briggs
Kolbe Type A
StrengthsFinder
Blinkist
Bookworm #15: BrainChains
You Are Awesome by Neil Pasricha
Margin by Richard Swenson
Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday
Join the Club
Recommend a Book
Book List
Leave a Review

Mike's Rating: 5.0
Joe's Rating: 5.0

If you’re looking for a way to set goals and achieve a year’s worth of work in 12 weeks, then The 12 Week Year is an excellent choice and structure to try.

The Day On Paper – joebuhlig.com

The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran, Michael Lennington

Asian Efficiency Dojo

Training Yourself to Get to Work, the Pavlovian Way – Extratextuals

BrainChains

The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande

Recommend A Book

Bookworm Book List

Twitter List of Authors

Subscribe on iTunes

Mike's Rating: 4.5
Joe's Rating: 4.0

One of the most valuable tasks you can begin is the development of your self-awareness. This week Mike and Joe delve into the questions posed by Peter Drucker that prompt you to learn how to manage yourself.

12: The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey – Bookworm

Mike’s Launch Center Pro Journaling Action

Sean Wes

Managing Oneself by Peter Drucker

Cortex – Relay FM

Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud, Dr. John Townsend

Shelf on the App Store

The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran, Michael Lennington

BrainChains by Theo Compernolle

Recommend A Book

Bookworm Book List

Twitter List of Authors

Subscribe on iTunes

Mike's Rating: 5.0
Joe's Rating: 5.0

Whether it’s writing or building a business, we all struggle to put in the work to create. Mike and Joe discuss going pro with their art and overcoming resistance.

Calm App

Calm on the App Store

Don’t Break The Chain

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D

Mike’s Book

Joe’s Book

Jeff Goins – You Are A Writer

Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones

Shawn Blanc

The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday

Essentialism

Subscribe on iTunes

Mike's Rating: 4.5
Joe's Rating: 4.5

Today’s book promises to help you escape the 9-5, live anywhere, and join the new rich. But is it really that simple? Join Joe & Mike as they examine what a millionarie lifestyle looks like (with or without the millions) and unpack the concept of lifestyle design in creating a life worth living.

Links
– Support the show
– All Marketers are Liars by Seth Godin
– Essential Manners for Men by Emily Post
– High Performance Habits by Brendon Bruchard
– Make Time by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky
– Mike’s iPhone
– The Bible App
– Echo Prayer App
– Calm
– MindNode
– Day One
– Drafts
– 10% Happier by Dan Harris
– Joe’s fancy new website
– The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
– Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss
– Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss
– Lifeonaire by Steve Cook & Shaun McClosky
– Why You Should Define Your Fears Instead of Your Goals (TED talk)
– The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey
– Dave Ramsey
– Your World-Class Assistant by Michael Hyatt
– Virtual Staff Finder
– Zirtual
– Faith-Based Productivity
– Duolingo
– The Second Mountain by David Brooks
– Getting Results the Agile Way by J.D. Meier
– The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
– Join the Club
– Recommend a Book
– Book List
– Leave a Review

Mike's Rating: 3.0
Joe's Rating: 4.0

Is it true that less is more? When it comes to goal achievement, Gary Keller & Jay Papasan say, “Aboslutely!” In today’s episode, Joe & Mike dive into the surprisingly simple truth behind extraordinary results to see if the answer really is that profound or if Mike is just remembering one of his favorite books through sentimental, rose-colored glasses.

Links
– Das Keyboard Model S Professional
– Mike’s Mac Mini
– Synology DS418
– OWC 32GB RAM upgrade for Mac Mini
– Bookworm #59: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
– Free Agents #63: Lessons Learned
– Bookworm #1: Getting Things Done by David Allen
– Mac Power Users
– Bookworm #50: 2018 Bookworm Draft
– Domino Chain Reaction (YouTube)
– Goal Setting Workshop (Replay)
– Bookworm #56: Hyperfocus by (and with) Chris Bailey
– Atomic Habits by James Clear
– Bookworm #14: 12 Week Year by Brian Moran & Michael Lennington
– Faith-Based Productivity
– Bookworm #38: Mindset by Carol Dweck
– Personal Retreat Handbook
– Bookworm #49: Peak by Anders Ericsson
– The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
– 30 Lessons for Living by Karl Pillemer
– Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
– The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
– The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz
– Bookworm Club
– Book List
– Leave a Rating

Mike's Rating: 5.0
Joe's Rating: 4.0