Recently, the folks from Living Waters commented on self-development books and how Christians should treat them. Here are my thoughts on what they had to say, where I agree and perhaps disagree with their criticisms.

Watch the original video from Living Waters

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A dead-simple weekly review strategy for Christians who want to get more done. Follow this step-by-step plan to more intentionally steward your weeks.

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A step-by-step process for becoming a more faithful steward in every area of life.

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Imagine if individuals partnered with their churches to reach the online world for Christ. What might that look like? Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Read More Than Influencers. Show Notes: 0:00 Welcome5:04 The opportunity gap11:17 How the apostles would use the internet19:03 Online ministry is missions20:50 How to get started

In this episode, I outline the steps I’m taking to manage my tasks and time so that I stay productive now that I’m working for myself. Links: Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. Things 3 – https://culturedcode.com/things/ Drafts – https://getdrafts.com/ Show Notes: 0:00 – Welcome2:04 – Why you need a plan3:59 – Start work early5:26 – Keeping the goals in front of me6:13 – The brain dump8:10 – Clarify, organize, and reflect12:39 – Reminders for everything18:37 – Hide the phone20:09 – When you hit a wall, take a walk22:06 – Conclusion

Most modern people spend a lot of time trying to avoid thinking about death. Many want to pretend it doesn’t exist at all. But for Christians, thinking about our inevitable demise can be one of the best ways to get inspired to tackle the day’s work. Let’s talk about getting morbid to get motivated.

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Show Notes:

• 0:00 Welcome
• 3:27 Living for Your Legacy
• 9:48 Christians Don’t Fear Death
• 18:14 Having Confidence in How It Ends, Gives Us Confidence in the Present
• 23:00 Conclusion

“Do what you love” is a common piece of advice. But is it something Christians should follow? Plus, a very big announcement.

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Links Mentioned on the Show:

• Ask Pastor John: Should I Ever Pursue My Dreams?
• 3 Lies Money Tells

Timestamps:

0:00 Welcome
0:49 A BIG Announcement
5:35 Pursuing Your Dreams
10:47 Obedience & Happiness are Unlikely Bedfellows
17:45 Doing Something Because It Will Make Me More Money is Wrong
22:33 The Will of God for My Life Is a Secret to Be Cracked
30:25 Conclusion

If you struggle to make decisions, or feel stuck between two goals, that may be a sign of a bigger issue. It may actually be a sin issue. Let’s talk about indecision and double-mindedness. Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Episode about the fear of man: Episode #58 — Overcoming the Fear of Other People’s OpinionsUndone by Indecision: How the Fear of Man Paralyzes Us | Desiring GodBook on Willpower: https://amzn.to/3pBHCgB Show Notes: 0:00 Intro3:02 An epiphany13:05 Why do we do this to ourselves?16:26 We’re talking about double-mindedness24:06 Our single-minded purpose31:35 Indecisive people are ineffective people32:34 Conclusion

The self-improvement and personal productivity industry is massive. It’s worth well over $10 billion a year. At any given moment many of the books on the best sellers list are personal development books. And many of the best selling books of all time are books about personal productivity or self-improvement. People are looking for answers. But can the personal productivity provide them? Or has it failed to deliver on its promises? Has the personal productivity movement failed us? Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Show Notes: 0:00 Welcome1:53 Why this question matters7:29 Personal productivity cannot give you peace11:31 Personal productivity cannot give you meaning17:30 Conclusion Transcript Read and listen via a fully-interactive transcript of this episode.

Risk is part of life. Every time we lace up our shoes and leave the house, we are taking on some level of risk. We could be humiliated, we could be robbed, we could even die. But if we are to live faithfully or do anything useful with our lives we need to get comfortable with risk. Watch on YouTube: How to Take Sermon Notes Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Show Notes: 0:00 Welcome5:08 1. This World Is Terrified of Risk8:08 2. We Are Terrible at Calculating Risk13:01 3. Risk is the Pathway to Reward17:28 4. Christians Must Learn to Tolerate More Risk24:57 5. Risks Taken on Principle for God & His Glory Are No Risk at All28:58 – Outro Transcript Read and listen via a fully-interactive transcript of this episode.

A lot of times we think that be more productive, we need to add things to our lives. Another habit, another app, a new routine, etc. But, actually, the very opposite is true. If you want to add to your productivity, the best place to start is by subtracting things from your life. Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Show Notes: 0:00 – Welcome2:10 – What is via negativa?9:04 – Why does via negativa work?15:19 – Is it biblical?19:33 – How to effectively employ via negativa in your life33:43 – Keep it simple & a challenge34:34 – Conclusion

We are all optimizing our lives for something, health, money, relationships, etc. But as we try to become more productive, the smartest thing to optimize for is eternal reward. Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Show Notes: 0:00 Welcome0:16 Everyone optimizes for something2:06 Some people optimize for the wrong things3:51 What will you spend all that redeemed time on?6:21 It’s the same thing as walking by faith8:17 Seeking eternal reward is the best way to glorify God12:49 Personal productivity is just plain old faithfulness14:64 Show up every day16:19 Conclusion Transcript Read and listen via a fully-interactive transcript of this episode.

Why you constantly take on more than you can handle, and how viewing commitments as debt can help you slow down.

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It’s a New Year. Maybe you made some resolutions. But were they all about you or all about Jesus? Let’s talk about how you can make sure the goals you set for 2021 are aimed at glorifying God.

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Show Notes:

• 0:00 Welcome
• 5:03 Rethink your resolutions
• 8:08 Reframe your resolutions
• 13:04 Recommit to your resolutions
• 17:36 Make 2021 the best year yet
• 19:09 Conclusion

Transcript

Read and listen via a fully interactive transcript of this episode.

As we look ahead to a new year, I took some time to look back at what the Lord has taught me in the previous one. This episode is admittedly a bit self-indulgent, but hopefully, it will spark some ideas for you. Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Show Notes 0:00 – Intro1:13 – 1. Family trumps nearly everything else.4:02 – 2. You can’t do it all well.5:58 – 3. You and you alone are responsible for your priorities.8:19 – 4. Politics do matter.10:30 – 5. Stop being scared and start speaking up.13:16 – 6. If not now then when?16:21 – 7. The natural world is marvelous up close.19:23 – Conclusion Transcript Read and listen via a fully-interactive transcript of this episode.

A victimhood mindset is antithetical to the gospel and to personal productivity. People who think of themselves as victims are trapped in a prison of their own mind, always waiting for someone to come save them. If you adopt a victimhood mindset, you will never get anywhere. This self-pitying mind trap must be destroyed whenever it rears its ugly head. Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Show Notes 0:00 – Intro7:45 – Defining the Victim Mindset10:40 – A Victim Mindset is Not the Same as Being a Victim12:22 – The 4 Features of a Victim Mindset16:16 – A Victim Mindset is Antithetical to the Gospel18:14 – A Mindset of Victimhood is Cancerous at the Macro Level22:04 – A Mindset of Victimhood is Cancerous to Personal Productivity26:36 – How to Slay a Victim Mentality31:39 – Practical Strategies for Fighting a Victim Mentality33:32 – Conclusion Transcript Read and listen via a fully-interactive transcript of this episode.

Christians are to strive for quality in all that we do, but it’s not always possible to do everything with excellence. So, how do we decide where to skimp? Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Show Notes: 2:21 – What is Excellence?4:42 – We Should Do Everything with Excellence, But We Can’t7:21 – God Defines Excellence11:47 – Quality Should Be Our Default14:38 – When to Do Less Than Excellent Work17:22 – Get Your Heart Right and Quality Will Come Naturally19:47 – Ask the Lord for Help Transcript Read and listen via a fully-interactive transcript of this episode.

Here are 8 practical strategies to help you build discipline in your life.

Links

• Read this as an article, 8 Strategies for Developing Christ-Honoring Self-Discipline
• Listen to part one: RPS #61 — You Need to Learn Discipline
• Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter.

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Show Notes:

• 3:08 – 1. Remember that maturity does not come overnight.
• 6:22 – 2. Don't let emotions in the driver's seat.
• 8:36 – 3. Start by disciplining your mind with the truth.
• 11:23 – 4. Strive to have discipline mature into habit.
• 13:27 – 5. Remember that discipline always requires sacrifice.
• 15:52 – 6. Build on habits that are already working.
• 18:02 – 7. Harness waves of motivation to create a system that lasts.
• 22:05 – 8. Always do the right thing, the first time, no matter how small.
• 24:12 – Conclusion

Transcript

Read and listen via a fully interactive transcript of this episode.

Summary Discipline is a rare commodity. In business, those who have it succeed consistently, those who don’t just get by or get lucky. For Christians, however, discipline is a necessity. But what is discipline, why do we need it, and how can we learn it? Links Read this as an article, Self-Discipline Is the Gateway to Christian Maturity.Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Show Notes: 0:00 – Welcome5:22 – What is Discipline?11:36 – Why You Need Discipline22:32 – Teasing Practical Steps in the Next Episode Transcript Read and listen via a fully-interactive transcript of this episode.

Do you ever have those days where you come home and think, “that was a really productive day”? Imagine if you could make every day feel productive and let that momentum carry you through, not just days, but weeks of productive work. Links My new employer, Not the Bee.Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Show Notes: 0:00 – Welcome2:57 – The Problem7:06 – Closing the Loops9:39 – Make a Plan to Finish the Right Tasks12:07 – How to Write a Book17:23 – Principles for Breaking Your Projects Down24:31 – Creating Reusable Project Templates25:46 – My Process for Writing a Blog Article29:20 – Conclusion Transcript Read and listen via a fully-interactive transcript of this episode.

Your outlook on life is one of the biggest factors in deciding the quality and success of your work. But should Christians be optimists? And what does biblically-based optimism even look like? Links My new job: Not the Bee.Read the post this episode is based on, “Should I Be Optimistic?” on The Master’s Seminary blog.Listen to my testimony.Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Show Notes: 0:00 – Welcome2:18 – Optimism vs. Pessimism3:20 – The Right Kind of Optimist5:16 – Evangelical Eeyores7:52 – Every Believer Should Be an Optimist10:19 – Reasonably Happy12:53 – Eternally Optimistic16:27 – Joyfully Long-Suffering17:17 – More Than a Personality Trait19:17 – Optimism Is True and It Gets Results22:18 – Conclusion Transcript Read and listen via a fully-interactive transcript of this episode.

Where would you be today if you weren’t so afraid of other people’s opinions? That’s the question that drove me to look for biblical answers to my fear of man. In this episode, we discuss how destructive living in the fear of others can be to our lives and personal productivity, and how Scripture provides a way out of this snare. I also share a big life update. Links How to Stop Being Afraid of People, So You Can Start Getting Stuff DoneEp. 12 – Interview with Adam Ford, Creator of The Babylon BeeSign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Show Notes: 0:00 – Welcome, and Major Life Update4:16 – Why You Should Fear the Fear of Man8:41 – How to Attack the Fear of Man12:12 – What Fear of Man Does to Us14:01 – The Fear of Man Is Beatable16:58 – Rightly Ordered Fears20:02 – First, Fear God24:25 – Second, Love People28:43 – Outro Transcript Read and listen via a fully-interactive transcript of this episode.

In this episode, we talk about the joy of reading, note-taking, Roam Research vs. Notion, and applying note-taking techniques to writing and idea creation.

Links

• Episode 55 – Bible Notetaking Systems with Matthew Everhard
• Relearning the Joy of Reading (Blog)
• How to Take Smart Notes by Sönke Ahrens
• Track book series for students – Track is a series of books designed to disciple the next generation in the areas of culture, doctrine, & the Christian life. While the topics addressed aren’t always simple, they are communicated in a manner that is.

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Time Stamps

01:42 Relearning the Joy of Reading
02:17 How to Take Smart Notes
04:39 Trying Roam Research (Again)
06:53 Roam Research vs. Notion
09:44 Applying Smart Note to My Book Project
14:17 Smart Notes for Idea Creation

Episode Transcript

A replay of our live event on the 5 keys to faithful time stewardship. Get the slides and watch the video version. Go Deeper:

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No matter how well we plan, organize, and delegate, sometimes we drop the ball. Sometimes we let people down. Sometimes we fail to live up to our commitments. And sometimes we make matters worse by failing to communicate. This can lead to broken trust and people losing respect for you. So, how do we drop the ball gracefully? Today I’m going to give you five ways.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction
03:10 – Why we drop the ball
07:33 – 1. Don’t Overcommit to Begin With
10:27 – 2. Develop a System to Track Your Commitments
12:11 – 3. Communicate Early
15:30 – 4. Be 100% Honest
20:47 – 5. Ask for Forgiveness
23:45 – 6. Learn from Your Mistakes
25:56 – Believe the gospel when we drop the ball

Links

• Getting Things Done by David Allen
• Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter.

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Episode Transcript

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Matthew Everhard who is a Jonathan Edwards scholar. We discuss the productivity habits of the Puritan pastor, particularly his unique approach to knowledge management. Links Check out Matthew Everhard’s YouTube ChannelRead his article at Modern ReformationSign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content.

Envy destroys our ability to do pleasing work for God. Instead of looking around at the “success” of others, we need to faithfully labor at what the Lord has put before us. Links Watch Redeeming Productivity on our YouTube channelSign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:21 Thank you to you supporters 05:16 The article that inspired this episode 07:48 Jealousy in the workplace 09:33 Envy is a sin 10:54 Envy is strongest when you see the wicked succeeding 13:10 You are not alone 14:45 We have a choice to make when we see the wicked succeeding 15:56 Don’t envy the damned 19:14 The dangers of envy 21:19 How Christians view success 23:14 The meek shall inherit the earth 25:05 You don’t have to be type-A to be successful 27:55 Conclusion

Have you ever felt guilty for listening to the Bible instead of reading it? In this episode, I try and answer whether or not it’s “cheating” to listen to the Bible on audio instead of reading it. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different modalities of Bible consumption. And at the end I share some of my picks for the best way to listen to God’s Word on audio. Links Watch Redeeming Productivity on our YouTube channelSign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter.2016 Study on Audio Learning Bible App by YouVersionStudy Bible by GTYDwell Audio Bible AppESV Hear the Word Audio BibleESV Daily Bible M’Cheyne Podcast If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Time Stamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:01:40 Is listening to the Bible on audio “cheating”?00:03:40 Where does this question come from?00:07:12 Reading the Bible at difference speeds00:11:01 Listening to the Bible is the historic norm.00:14:11 Dangers of listening to the Bible on audio.00:16:31 Make sure you’are actually listening.00:19:02 Only reading the Bible because you feel like you have to00:21:22 Advantages to listening to the Bible.00:23:21 The Bible is a book for life.00:25:50 Ways to listen to the Bible.00:27:52 Conclusion Transcript Welcome to another episode of the Redeeming Productivity Show. This is the podcast that helps Christians get more done and get it done like Christians. And I’m your host Reagan Rose. Well, guys, we have a excellent episode for you today. What are you talking about? The subject of listening to the Bible? So audio Bibles, when we talk about apps, we’re going to talk about audio books, websites, that kind of thing. But actually the main thing I want to dwell on is the question of, is it okay to listen to audio books, audio Bibles? Is it okay to, uh, to listen to the Bible instead of reading it? Is it cheating before we get into that? I also just want to let you know that at the end of this episode, there’s going to be a little bit extra, a little bit of a Patreon exclusive. So if you are one of my Patreon supporters, there’ll be an extended clip from this episode that only you can hear. And if you’re not one of my Patreon supporters, consider signing up, it’s just patreon.com/redeemingprod. And for a few bucks a month, you get access to an exclusive feed. I’m trying to share more and more there. I actually have some goodies coming up soon. I’m gonna upgrade what I’m doing on Patreon and yeah, it also just helps support the show. So if you liked the show, you want to help me keep going, please check out my Patreon. And thank you to my Patreon supporters. You guys are the best, keep up the good work. So, is listening to audio Bibles cheating? And I think that a lot of you—I’ve, I’ve actually kind of run this by a few people and asked them if they knew what I meant by asking that question. So I asked my wife, I said, “if I ask you if listening to the Bible on audio is cheating, do you know what I mean?“ She said, “yeah, I know what you mean.“ You kind of have the sense that you should be reading the Bible with your old hose, with your eyes. And if you don’t, then your kind of cheating yourself out of studying the Word of God…or something like that. In fact, I think this is something a lot of people think about audio books or books on tape in general is that it’s not quite the same. I remember talking to, somebody was asking—this was years and years ago—they were asking for recommendation for where to get a good copy of an old book. And it was a specific title. And I linked to them that, “Hey, there’s actually an audio version of this on sale right now.“ And they came—I was trying to be helpful—but they came back and they actually mocked me. Th

Life hacks are simple shortcuts to help get everyday tasks done more efficiently. But Christian contentment is the ultimate life hack. In this episode, we explore what contentment is, how you can get it, and how it allows Christians to change their attitudes without changing their circumstances. Links Watch Redeeming Productivity on our YouTube channelBook: The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs. Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Transcript Welcome to the Redeeming Productivity Show.This is the podcast that helps Christians get more done and get it done like Christians. And I’m your host Reagan Rose.Well, in this week’s episode, we’re going to be talking about the subject of Christian contentment. Namely, why contentment is the Ultimate life hack. More on that in a minute, but before we get into it in earnest, I just wanted to tell you that I am back at it with a video version of the podcast. So a lot of you—I know most of you—listen to this via audio podcast on Apple Podcasts or something like that. Well, there’s also a video version on YouTube and there has been going back for quite a while actually, but I stopped doing them when it got too hot. Because I shoot this in the garage and it gets too hot in the garage. And so it was, it was too hard to make it pretty and not be sweating. So now it’s cooled off a little bit. So I’m back at it. So if you are not subscribed to the YouTube channel, go on YouTube, go to Redeeming Productivity, just search it or just click the link in the description here.And you will find me there. And I have other videos there as well, in addition to the podcast content. So you’ll want to check that out. And also of course, as usual, if you’re not subscribed to this podcast on your podcast player, you ought to go ahead and do that. A special shout out to the Patreon supporters. Appreciate you guys so much! There are now 11 of you, which is amazing to me and really does help offset the cost of this. So if you are a listener to this or a watcher of this with your ojos, and you want to help support the efforts of Redeeming Productivity, do check out my Patreon page. That’s patreon.com/redeemingprod. And you can become a monthly supporter for as little as three bucks a month. And I hop on there from time to time, give some exclusive content and also do early releases of episodes from time to time. So check that out. More coming soon over there…soon. So keep your eyes peeled and your ears…ears peeled, uh, ears…ears…open ears, unclogged ears? Peeled. Okay. Let’s get into the topic of today’s show. So earlier this week I tweeted, I tweeted, um, a tweet. I tweeted a tweet that just said that “contentment is the ultimate life hack.” And over on my Instagram, I shared a little bit more about what I meant by that. And I figured, you know what? I should do a whole episode about what that means. So why would I say that contentment is the ultimate life hack? That’s what I want to talk about today. And so we’re going to do three things, hopefully, depending on how long this takes. I might have more material than I have your attention. So I might split this up, but we’ll see. So three things we’re going to do. We’re going to say, why contentment is the ultimate life hack. Then we’re going to look at what exactly contentment is, biblically, where I get a little theological on you. I looked up some Greek words. So hold onto your hats lady and gents. Lady and gents, because there’s only one lady who listens to this and it’s my mom. And then lastly, we’re going to answer a question—and that is one that often comes up. You might be wondering at the end of this episo

These days there are thousands of options when it comes to productivity tools. But one great debate still persists: Which is better, paper or digital productivity tools? I think there’s a place for both. In this episode, I demonstrate that it’s not a question of either/or, but rather of which/when. And I give some principles for choosing which productivity tasks are better done on paper and which are better done using apps. Links This episode is based in part on the blog post, Paper vs. Digital Productivity Tools.Checkout the LifeJournal that I mentioned in today’s episode. Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content. Transcript 00:00:08 – Welcome to the Redeeming Productivity Show. This is the podcast that helps Christians get more done and get it done like Christians. And I’m your host Reagan Rose.00:00:22 – Well, thanks for listening in. We’ve got an interesting episode for you today. When we talking about paper versus digital productivity tools and kind of the pros and cons of each and how you can sort of mix and match, uh, some paper planning tools with digital tools and even just kind of some high-level principles to think through what would be best for what types of activities, uh, productivity-wise. Um, but before I jump into that, just want to do the little preamble I always do, which is to say, if you’re listening and you like this, please do subscribe to your favorite podcast thing. So you get notified if the next one, for example, if one doesn’t come out on Monday, like normal and instead comes out way later in the week, like right now, uh, you will just get it in your podcast player. Well, I don’t need to explain podcasts to you.00:01:16 – You’re listening to one and also a special thank you to the Patreon supporters, guys. Thank you so much for supporting the podcast. Um, it is encouraging to me and helps me pay the bills to keep this going. And if any of you who are listening would like to become a patron supporter, throw a couple of bucks in the hat. Uh, it is patrion.com/redeeming prod. Okay, let’s get into the meat of the episode. Um, so paper versus digital tools. So with productivity, there are, um, many, many tools available to us. Uh, the, you can go as simple as just a hit a, a to-do list or setting goals on a piece of paper, but, uh, so much of productivity is about what tools you use. And especially now in the digital era, there are countless types of tools you can use in the computer, countless apps, countless services, countless automation that you can use to increase your productivity.00:02:24 – And it can get a little bit overwhelming, to be honest. I’ve mentioned before that when I do as doing college ministry, I think even when I was a college student, I did, this is, I just had a little tiny notebook with a little tiny pen, and I would just write in there some boxes and some little tasks for the day. And I tick off the boxes, uh, to make sure I got everything done. I needed to do that day. And that was a productivity tool. It was small, it was rudimentary, but that was, that was all I did with it. Uh, and then after I read, um, David, Allen’s getting things done, I realized, Oh, I’m basically using his sort of getting things done system, but not as smartly. And so then I was using the paper to record those tasks and, and migrate them to the next day, make sure that, that I had a place to capture everything and process it and, and put it into the right category.00:03:17 – And I was doing that all paper-wise. Now, though, fast forward to today, I suffer from a condition that doctors call shiny new tools syndrome. And that is, uh, my excuse for that is that I write and do a podcast on productivity. And so I can ex

In this episode, Reagan discusses how Christians can create a strategy for practicing the "one another" commands of Scripture. He talks about the pros and cons of different forms of communication, creating a "Personal CRM", and why letter writing is still relevant.

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Fresh back from vacation, Reagan shares some musings on the nature of Christian productivity, insights from the book of Ecclesiastes, “Chronological Optimism,” and changes he’s making in life to accommodate a broadening understanding of personal productivity. Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content.

What if you had the ability to perfectly recall anything you had ever learned? Imagine what you could do for the Kingdom! Well, as far as I know, that’s not possible yet but in this week’s episode, I talk about the subject of how we organize our notes into a knowledge management system. I cover some of the different approaches to the subject as well as some of the software options that are available. I also discuss the theological ramifications of knowledge management and what it means for Christians to develop a “second brain.” Links Mentioned in this Episode ZettelkastenEvernoteNotion, my review of Notion, how I use NotionObsidianRoam Research Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content.

In this week’s episode, I reflect on a recent interview with John Piper in which he offered up seven lessons on productivity that he’s learned over the years. Links Mentioned in this Episode Seven Lessons for Productivity from John Piper on Desiring GodThis week on the blog: Unconfessed Sin Is Killing Your ProductivityEp. 44 – Making the Most of Motivation Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter. If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content.

A Christian perspective on Cal Newport's Slow Productivity.

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In this episode, I talk about why you should plan your day, what the elements of a good day plan are, and a step-by-step of how I plan my day each morning.

Links Mentioned in this Episode

• Listen to my interview with James Parker in Episode 37
• Read Emily Maxson’s article on the Bullet Journal Method
• Check out Notion, my favorite all-in-one productivity app
• I’ve really been enjoying using the app NotePlan 2 to keep a digital Bullet Journal

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In this episode, I get more personal and share how the Lord saved me, and how He used trials to teach me the importance of cherishing His Word and making the most of this brief life. Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter.If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content.

We all have those days where we wake up feeling energized and motivated. But no sooner do we launch into our work than the motivation is gone again. The problem with bursts of motivation is that they are elusive and fickle. So, how can we find ways to work even when we aren’t feeling overly motivated, and make the most of motivation when it does come?

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A shorter episode today as I’ve been sick. I just share a couple of insights the Lord’s been teaching me during this time. But be sure to check out the interview I did with Reformed Youth Ministries on their podcast The Local Youth Worker. Lord willing, I’ll be back next week with a full episode.

We live in an age where true friendship is hard to find. But what does the Bible say makes for a true friend? And how can deep friendships make us more productive in bringing glory to God?

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It seems that every week brings more alarming news. So, how can we stay focused on being good stewards of our responsibilities when the world seems to be falling apart around us? Sign-up for the Redeeming Productivity Newsletter.If you enjoy Redeeming Productivity, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content.

If those of us who have been placed in leadership positions are to lead well, we must lead with confidence. And to lead with confidence we need first be assured that we indeed do have the right to lead. So, how can we secure such assurance? Based in part on the blog post How to Lead with Confidence.

In this episode of the podcast, I offer 7 biblical reasons why Christians need to work hard at whatever they do.

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Last week we talked about the value of good counsel. And that got me thinking, “What advice would I give to a younger version of me?” What are the things I’m glad I pursued and what the pitfalls I wish I had avoided? I think it's a helpful exercise that causes us to reflect on God's providence and learn from our mistakes.

What advice would you give to your past self?

Links

• Sponsor: Today's episode is brought to you by Words of Hope, a 5-minute daily devotional podcast. Subscribe to Words of Hope wherever you get your podcasts.
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Solomon said, “the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” In this episode, we talk about the value of surrounding yourself with good advisors—as well as being a good counselor to others. I also share a bit of advice that I’ve been learning in my own life. Links Sponsor: Today’s episode is brought to you by Words of Hope, a 5-minute daily devotional podcast.I mentioned Episode 6 where we talked with Drew Dyck about habits and self-discipline. If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting my work on Patreon, where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content.

Consistency is character. Here's a three-step plan for growing in consistency in every area of life, starting with prayer.

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This week I’m joined by James Parker owner of Parker Productivity Coaching which helps people focus on, and accomplish, what matters most. We talk about the principles of The ONE Thing, what Proverbs teaches about planning, and much more. Links Sponsor: Today’s episode is brought to you by Words of Hope, a 5-minute daily devotional podcast.Parker Productivity CoachingThe ONE ThingHow James sets up his iPhone home screenTrelloOvercast If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting my work on Patreon where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content.

In this episode, I discuss the book Ploductivity: A Practical Theology of Work & Wealth by Douglas Wilson. I give you my top takeaways as well as my own thoughts on Wilson’s unique approach to Christian productivity. Links Sponsor: Today’s episode is brought to you by Words of Hope, a 5-minute daily devotional podcast.Get the book Ploductivity: A Practical Theology of Work & Wealth.Sign-up for our twice-weekly Redeeming Productivity Newsletter.If you like what I’m doing with this podcast, consider supporting my work on Patreon where you’ll get exclusive updates and early releases of new content.

Do you constantly put things off until the last minute? Can you not focus unless there’s a deadline? Do you find that stress is the only thing that motivates you? Then you might be an urgency addict. In episode 35 of the Redeeming Productivity Show we talk about the problems of being addicted to urgency, and how Christians can overcome this crutch. Sign-up for The Redeeming Productivity Newsletter to get more help on your journey to become a productive Christian: https://www.redeemingproductivity.com/newsletter I also wrote an article on this subject. Check out That Drug Urgency.

Everyone is feeling the effects of COVID-19 and the quarantine. Some are feeling it in life-and-death trials or financial hardships. Others are becoming lonely or just plain bored from being stuck at home. And all of us are feeling the tension of the uncertainty. In any trial, big or small, the temptation to complain and grow discontent is powerful. So how can Christians be content in the midst of a crisis? That’s what we talk about in this, episode 34 of The Redeeming Productivity Show. Sign-up for The Redeeming Productivity Newsletter to get more help on your journey to become a productive Christian.Support the work of Redeeming Productivity on Patreon.