The 5 AM Miracle with Jeff Sanders: Healthy Habits • Personal Development • Rockin' Productivity!

Are you a little behind schedule and looking for a few quick tips to get back on track? In this week's episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast I discuss the best GTD (Getting Things Done) strategies for optimal productivity. ← Previous Episode Next Episode → Photo Credit: bibendum84 via Compfight cc Getting Things Done (or GTD) is a fantastic framework, designed by author and coach David Allen, for being wildly productive and completely organized. Today, I will walk you through a few key strategies that make the GTD system simple and effective. Behind the Scenes There is no Behind the Scenes Segment this week, as I am now on vacation. When this episode goes live, I will be in Glasgow, Scotland. I will be posting my experience on Twitter, so follow along there at JeffSanders.com/twitter. Tip of the Week This week's tip is how to get to Inbox Zero when you just can't respond to every single message, every single day. * The Definitive Guide to Inbox Zero [blog post] * Holding Yourself to High Standards [my blog post about integrity and communication] * Equilibrium Zero: Cut the Clutter in Every Area of Life [episode #40 of The 5 AM Miracle] Featured Content In this week's episode I go in depth with the GTD system. Specifically, I discuss . . . * The 2-minute rule for getting small things done immediately. * How to implement the GTD system with my favorite task manager, Nozbe. * Why a weekly review process is critical for managing every task in your life. Resources Mentioned in the Show *

How much crazy energy do you have? This week's episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast features an interview with Robert D Smith, author of the book, 20,000 Days and Counting. Robert has more energy than you — and me — combined. ← Previous Episode Next Episode → Photo Credit: Robert D. Smith I have heard Robert D. Smith interviewed before and he has always had this incredible energy and optimism that seemed to blow away everyone else. Honestly, I didn't know whether he would bring that same enthusiasm to an interview with me. WOW! I was blown away. Today, you're in for a treat. Behind the Scenes In just a few days, my lovely wife, Tessa, and I will be heading out on a trip overseas to Glasgow, Scotland, London, and Paris. * Yes, I will still be posting new content while I'm gone. Yeah! * No, I will not be available to answer emails or respond to comments — but I'll do my best.

Do you always achieve every one of your goals? I sure don't. That's why I got an accountability partner. In this week's episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast I discuss what it takes to optimize an accountability partnership to achieve your goals. ← Previous Episode Next Episode → Photo Credit: Tambako the Jaguar via Compfight cc At the beginning of this year I began a weekly accountability meeting with Matt Frazier from No Meat Athlete. We “meet” via Skype every Friday morning for a 30-minute video chat and discuss many great topics to keep both of us on track to achieve our goals. I was really hesitant to begin this process because I really thought I didn't need anyone to hold me accountable to my own goals. Well, I was wrong. Today, I'll tell you why and show you how you can get the most out of meeting with your own accountability partner. Behind the Scenes 1. Last week I had the amazing opportunity to speak at my first conference, PodCamp Nashville, and it was a blast! * My Talk @ PodCamp, including the video, audio, slides, and photos! * Graduated and Clueless [my book] 2. I am considering using Patreon to support the production of this show. If you would be willing to pay even $1 an episode, leave a comment below or email me. * Patreon [donation service for content creators] 3. I am on the lookout for 5 AM Miracle Success Stories! In the last few weeks or months, if you have started getting up early and experienced great results, I want to hear about it! Email me and tell me how waking up early has changed your life for the better. * Are you healthier? * Are you more productive? * Do you have more energy now? * Are there other more subtle benefits you are seeing too? Tip of the Week This week's tip is a recommendation to read one of the best books for college graduates, career changers, and anyone seeking to get really good at what they do. * So Good They Can't Ignore You [book by Cal Newport] Featured Content In this week's episode,

How do you begin your ideal day? This week's episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast features an interview with Hal Elrod, author of The Miracle Morning. ← Previous Episode Next Episode → Photo Credit: Hal Elrod Hal has quite a devastating life story, which will likely blow your mind. But his advice for optimizing your morning routine may be even better. We discuss why Hal radically changed his life on multiple occasions and how he is getting really great results today. Behind the Scenes / Tip of the Week Since today's interview is longer than normal I decided to postpone the “Behind the Scenes” and “Tip of the Week” segments until next week. My previous survey revealed that most of my listeners prefer episodes that are less than an hour. This week's episode is just over an hour, but the interview is absolutely amazing because Hal Elrod is a rock star! Enjoy! Featured Content In this week's episode, I interview Hal Elrod and we discuss: * How he literally died for 6 minutes and then came back to life. * How the 5-minute rule can help you quickly overcame any tough situation. * How to begin an ideal day with the most effective strategies. Resources Mentioned in the Show * HalElrod.com [Hal's website] * @HalElrod [Hal on Twitter] * Miracle Morning Crash Course [from Hal] * The Miracle Morning [book by Hal Elrod] * Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod Podcast [hosted by Nick Palkowski] * The Miracle Morning Facebook Group [online community] * The One Thing [book by Gary Keller] * Vision to Reality [book by Honoree Corder]

Is your morning perfect in every way? Yeah, neither is mine. In this week's episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast I discuss how to absolutely ruin your morning routine with some very common tendencies. ← Previous Episode Next Episode → Photo Credit: mugley via Compfight cc My mornings used to be a bit crazy. It took multiple reinventions of my rituals to reach a place where I could be incredibly productive and have extraordinary energy every day. Today I will share some of the most common mistakes people make and how you can avoid these to create your own nearly-perfect morning. Behind the Scenes This week I share how to avoid chasing perfection with a simple and effective strategy called “80% of Perfect.” Tip of the Week This week's tip is a recommendation for a great podcast that I discovered a few weeks ago. * The Mental Mastery Moment Podcast [hosted by P. Desmond Adams] Featured Content In this week's episode, I discuss: * 10 effective strategies to destroy your morning rituals. * The Top 7 qualities of great morning rituals. * Where you can get a free copy of my morning ritual blueprint. Resources Mentioned in the Show * The Best Daily Rituals for High Energy and Rockin’ Productivity Podcast [episode #39] * How to Kill the Snooze Button Forever [blog post] Announcements * To join The 5 AM Club, get a FREE copy of The 5 AM Miracle eBook, AND jump-start your morning, visit 5amMiracle.com. * For my next podcast episode I will be interviewing Hal Elrod, author of the book, The Miracle Morning. Hal and I will be discussing his effective morning ritual that has helped thousands of people reinvent their day and get great results with a few simple strategies. Download the Script Here you have access to the script that I use to record each episode. This is not a complete word-for-word transcript, though it does provide you with a detailed account of what I do to produce every episode of this podcast. Download the script.

Do you suffer from self doubt? I do. This week's episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast features an interview with Jared Easley, host of the Starve the Doubts Podcast. ← Previous Episode Next Episode → Photo Credit: Jeff Sanders All of us suffer from some form of self doubt, which is why Jared Easley has been interviewing amazingly successful entrepreneurs to find out what it takes to overcome doubt and succeed anyway. In the interview, Jared and I discuss how to surround yourself with high achievers and how fear is the beginning of wisdom. Behind the Scenes My recent survey revealed that many people are on a mission to lose weight. Fortunately, I have a solution. * 4 Years Ago I Lost 40 Pounds Over the Summer – Here's What I Did [blog post] Tip of the Week This week's tip is how to gain more energy and be more productive after lunch. * How to Overcome the Dreaded Afternoon Slump [blog post] Featured Content In this week's episode, I interview Jared Easley and we discuss: * The most common fears and doubts that affect high achievers. * How to be truly remarkable. * Why you need to lean on others to get started on a big idea. Resources Mentioned in the Show * Starve the Doubts Podcast [hosted by Jared Easley] * Podcast Movement Conference [want to speak? — click here] * VA Game Plan [founded by Jared Easley] * Internet Business Mastery Podcast [hosted by Jeremy Frandsen and Jason Van Orden] * Shovel Cloud Show Podcast [hosted by Chris Murphy] * Jon Acuff [author] * Quitter Conference Conversations Podcast [hosted by Andy Traub] * Derek Halpern [founder of Social Triggers] * QBQ: The Question Behind the Question [book by John G. Miller] *

How much time do you spend each week on education vs. entertainment? In this week's episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast I discuss The E-v-E Ratio. Discover how to permanently kill your TV and spend more time getting smarter. ← Previous Episode Next Episode → Photo Credit: ** RCB ** via Compfight cc Is your television entertaining you or distracting you? My guess is both. The E-v-E Ratio is a great strategy to figure out how much of your time could be spent on enhancing your life and how much, if any, is needed for chilling out on the couch. Behind the Scenes I have started a new daily habit of push-ups and headstands that are rocking my world. Tip of the Week This week's tip is a simple solution to gain a fresh perspective on the way you live every day. Featured Content In this week's episode, I discuss the power of the E-v-E Ratio. * What is the E-v-E Ratio? * What does your ratio say about your daily habits? * Which habits are best for long-term success? Resources Mentioned in the Show * Brian Tracy [Brian's website] * The Power of the E-v-E Ratio [blog post] Announcements * To join The 5 AM Club, get a FREE copy of The 5 AM Miracle eBook, AND jump-start your morning, visit 5amMiracle.com. * For my next podcast episode I will be interviewing Jared Easley, host of the Starve the Doubts Podcast and founder of the Podcast Movement Conference. Download the Transcript Here you have access to the word-for-word transcript of the entire episode of the podcast. Actually, it's the exact outline and script I use to record the show. Enjoy! Download the Transcript. ← Previous Episode Next Episode →

Have you ever been really excited about starting a new habit and then frustrated a few days later when it didn't stick? This week's episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast features an interview with James Clear, a master of habit formation. ← Previous Episode Next Episode → Photo Credit: James Clear James has successfully formed many positive and healthy habits over the years that have allowed him to build businesses, travel the world, take amazing photographs, and stay incredibly healthy. This is a foundational episode of the podcast that you don't want to miss. Behind the Scenes This week I share my recent experience with an aerial yoga class. It was intense and totally awesome! See the pics here. Tip of the Week This week's tip is an easy way to focus, make people leave you alone, and get more work done. All you need is a pair of headphones (and they don't even have to work!). * Focus@Will [neuroscience-based focus music service] Featured Content In this week's episode, I interview James Clear and we discuss: * How to make each day a work of art. * How to finally make your new habits stick for good. * James' 3-step process for habit formation. Resources Mentioned in the Show * JamesClear.com [James' home base] * Transform Your Habits [James' free eBook] * The War of Art [book by Steven Pressfield] * Leo Babauta [author and zen blogger] * The Power of Full Engagement [book by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz] * The Beginner’s Guide to Intermittent Fasting [blog post by James Clear] * How to Stop Procrastinating on Your Goals by Using the “Seinfeld Strategy” [blog post by James Clear] Announcements * To join The 5 AM Club, get a FREE copy of The 5 AM Miracle eBook, AND jump-start your morning, visit 5amMiracle.com. * For my next podcast episode I will be discussing The E-v-E Ratio. I’ll show you how to kill your television and awaken your inner genius.

It's totally normal to be an amateur, but who wants to stay there forever? In this week's episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast I reveal why amateurs fail and how to turn pro. ← Previous Episode Next Episode → Photo Credit: szeke via Compfight cc A year ago I had a conversion experience, of sorts. I read an incredible book, made a few key decisions, and set off to create a new life for myself — one based on professionalism. This is how I went pro and how you can do the exact same thing, possibly even easier and faster than I did. Behind the Scenes This week I share my recent experience with oil pulling. I'm not sure yet whether I like it and I would love your advice. Tip of the Week This week's tip is a method to overcome the inertia to get started when you just don't want to. It doesn't take long — just 10 minutes. * Mastering the 10-Minute Momentum Method [blog post] Featured Content In this week's episode, I discuss how to go pro. * Why it's normal to be an amateur. * How to transition to a pro very quickly. * How going pro can change everything about how you live and work. Resources Mentioned in the Show * Turning Pro [book by Steven Pressfield] * The War of Art [book by Steven Pressfield] * Do the Work [book by Steven Pressfield] Announcements * To join The 5 AM Club, get a FREE copy of The 5 AM Miracle eBook, AND jump-start your morning, visit 5amMiracle.com. * For my next podcast episode I will be interviewing James Clear, a world-traveling photographer, weight lifter, and expert on habit formation. James and I will be discussing the fundamentals of making progress, morning routines that optimize intermittent fasting, and how to form new habits that actually stick. Download the Transcript Here you have access to the word-for-word transcript of the entire episode of the podcast. Actually, it's the exact outline and script I use to record the s...

Are you in need of some well-deserved time off? Yeah, me too. In this week's episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast I discuss the work hard play hard formula. This is how to be more productive AND carve out more time just for fun! ← Previous Episode Next Episode → Photo Credit: spDuchamp via Compfight cc If there is one thing we all need, it's more time off. I know what you're going to say, “But Jeff, what I really need is to be more productive! How can I get more done if I'm not working?!” Have no fear. Today I'll dive into the details and show you how you can have both. Behind the Scenes This week I share an effective mindset strategy I use to remind myself what I do best and how I overcome challenges when I lose focus. Tip of the Week This week's tip is a recommendation for one of my favorite podcasts that I listen to every week. * The Read to Lead Podcast [hosted by Jeff Brown] * Jon Acuff [author and blogger] Featured Content In this week's episode, I discuss the Work Hard Play Hard Formula: be more productive AND carve out more time just for fun!  * How to work when it's time to work. * How to completely enjoy your time off without thinking about work. * Why you need more time off than you may realize. The Work Hard Play Hard Formula * (Intense Work + Intense Relaxation) multiplied by X = 1 Full Day * X = daily rhythms or energy cycles Resources Mentioned in the Show * Why Working More Than 8 Hours a Day Can Kill You [Forbes article] * Do What Matters, Then Do Nothing [blog post] * Focused, Uninterrupted Blocks of Time [blog post] Announcements * To join The 5 AM Club, get a FREE copy of The 5 AM Miracle eBook, AND jump-start your morning, visit 5amMiracle.com. * For my next podcast episode I will be discussing why amateurs fail and how to turn pro. I’ll share the moment when I finally took myself seriously and how it changed everything. Download the Transcript Here you have access to the word-for-word transcript of the entire episode of the podcast. Actually, it's the exact outline and script I use to record the show. Enjoy!

It doesn't take long to realize that clarity and focus are only possible with extreme simplicity. In this week's episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast I discuss equilibrium zero, stellar productivity strategy to get better results by cutting the clutter in every area of life. ← Previous Episode Next Episode → Photo Credit: Jeff Sanders Equilibrium Zero is a a comprehensive zero-based perspective on the work you do. It includes everything from clearing your email inbox to finishing projects you've started. This is a practical solution to simplify everything AND get more done. Behind the Scenes This week I share how I dug myself into a rut by working too hard. Tip of the Week This week's tip is a great book recommendation for motivating yourself when nothing else will. * Do the Work [book by Steven Pressfield] Featured Content In this week's episode, I talk about Equilibrium Zero, a stellar productivity strategy to get better results by cutting the clutter in every area of life. * How to get to zero emails every day. * How to clear your desktop and keep it that way. * How to finish what you've started. Resources Mentioned in the Show * The Definitive Guide to Inbox Zero [blog post] * How to Master Desktop Zero and Home Base Zero [blog post] * The Weekly Review Checklist [blog post] * Project Management Zero [blog post] * The Best Productivity Strategy I Have Learned This Year [blog post] Announcements * To join The 5 AM Club, get a FREE copy of The 5 AM Miracle eBook, AND jump-start your morning, visit 5amMiracle.com. * For my next podcast episode I will be discussing the work hard, play hard formula: how to do better work AND have more fun. Download the Transcript Here you have access to the word-for-word transcript of the...

What you do every day matters — a lot. In this week's episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast I share the best daily rituals for amazing energy and incredible productivity. ← Previous Episode Next Episode → Photo Credit: morberg via Compfight cc Daily rituals matter both in the short-term and even more so over the long-run as the small choices you make compound into huge success. The daily rituals that I have implemented are both helpful for me and highly actionable for you — right now — today. Behind the Scenes This week I introduce a NEW segment in the podcast called Behind the Scenes. Every week I will bring you a personal story that highlights a recent success in my life or something I am struggling with. In my first Behind-the-Scenes segment, I make a quick announcement about my recent website re-design. Tip of the Week This week's tip is a great iPhone app that I use every day in the car to record my ideas with my voice and then email myself the transcription. * Say it & Mail it Recorder [iOS app] Here are two Android apps that offer similar features to Say it & Mail it. * Dragon Dictation [Android app] * Evernote for Android  [Android app] Featured Content In this week's episode, I share a few of the best rituals for daily success, including . . . * Why I get up early every day — even on the weekends. * 7 benefits of positive daily rituals. * How the right morning rituals make you more productive all day. Resources Mentioned in the Show * The Weekly Review Checklist [last episode of the podcast] * Daily Rituals Spreadsheet [download the template] * Eat That Frog [book by Brian Tracy] * Water Before Coffee [blog post] * Should I Buy a Vitamix? [blog post] * Inbox Zero [blog post] Announcements * To join The 5 AM Club,

Is your calendar in need of a reinvention and a detox? In this week's episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast I discuss the weekly review checklist. This is THE strategy I use to schedule what matters, cut what doesn't, and never forget anything again. ← Previous Episode Next Episode → Photo Credit: Jeff Sanders A formal weekly review is a simple process that can save you hours of unnecessary work every week. It's not hard and it's incredibly effective. Tip of the Week This week's tip is how to reinvent your lunch box with reusable grocery bags. * Reinvent Your Lunch Box [blog post] Featured Content In this week's episode, I discuss the power of a weekly review checklist: * 5 incredible benefits of a formal weekly review. * My recommended task manager, Nozbe. * A sneak peak into my daily rituals for optimal productivity. “Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein Resources Mentioned in the Show * Getting Things Done [book by David Allen] * Nozbe: My Favorite Task Manager [blog post] * The Sacred Weekly Review [blog post] * Superstar Daily Rituals [blog post] Download a Weekly Review Template UPDATE: Since the launch of this episode, the Weekly Review Template is has joined a package of FREE resources for anyone who buys my book, The 5 AM Miracle: Dominate Your Day Before Breakfast. In that package, you get all of these 7 templates for FREE: * The 5 AM Workbook * Daily Rituals Template * Ideal Week Template * Weekly Review Template * Monthly Review Template * Quarterly Review Template * Annual Review Template Announcements * To join The 5 AM Club, get a FREE copy of The 5 AM Miracle eBook, AND jump-start your morning, visit 5amMiracle.com. * For my next podcast episode I will be discussing the best daily rituals for consistent success. I will cover the best strategies to optimize your morning routine, evening ritual, and even a few tips to streamline your progress and energy in the middle of yo...

I have written about kombucha multiple times in the past: what is it?, how to brew it, and results from my experiment. See all the posts here. Are you ready to try something a bit radical? In this week's episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast I discuss the health benefits of kombucha and exactly how you can start brewing it at home yourself, step-by-step. Get Started Now! If you want to get started right away with your home-brewing kit, I highly recommend you try one of the stellar packages from Kombucha Kamp. Everything you need to brew the best kombucha in your own kitchen is right there. ← Previous Episode Next Episode → Photo Credit: missbossy via Compfight cc Today I go in depth and share my 2-year history with brewing this sexy Chinese tea at home. You're gonna love it! Tip of the Week In this week's tip I share the power of minimalism and simplicity. Here is a picture I took while ice hiking last week at Percy Warner Park in Nashville. Featured Content In this week's episode, I discuss why kombucha tea is so amazing and how you can brew it at home. * What the heck is kombucha? * Benefits of drinking kombucha. * Why you should brew kombucha at home. * Step-by-step directions to brew kombucha yourself. * Where to get a SCOBY. * What supplies you will need for home brewing. * What options are available for getting creative with your brew. Get Started Now! If you want to get started right away with your home-brewing kit, I highly recommend you try one of the stellar packages from Kombucha Kamp. Everything you need to brew the best kombucha in your own kitchen is right there. Resources Mentioned in the Show * What is Kombucha? [blog post] * How to Brew Kombucha at Home [blog post] * Kombucha Every Day for a Year: Results from My Experiment [blog post] * GT's Kombucha [popular kombucha found in many stores] *

How flexible do you feel today? This week's episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast features an interview with Chaz Rough, founder of the popular video podcast, YOGAmazing. ← Previous Episode Next Episode → Photo Credit: Chaz Rough I have been watching Chaz's video podcast for over 6 years and he is THE reason I practice yoga regularly. I LOVE his podcast and I'm sure you will find him as approachable and funny as I do. Oh, and his podcast has over 440 video episodes! Tip of the Week For this week's tip I discuss how much I love Swiftkey, an iPhone app that integrates with Evernote and makes note taking on the fly so much easier! Featured Content In this week's episode, I interview Chaz from the YOGAmazing podcast and we discuss: * What famous singer inspired Chaz to begin his yoga practice. * The enormous benefits of daily yoga. * Why Chaz started his famous video podcast, YOGAmazing. * What the most challenging aspect of yoga is for Chaz. * Chaz's favorite yoga pose. * How Chaz uses high intensity training in his yoga practice. * How you can get started with yoga in 3 easy steps. Resources Mentioned in the Show * Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga [classical Indian yoga] * Tabata Yoga Video [similar to Burst Training] * Hii Yoga [high intensity interval yoga] * Hatha Yoga [physical exercises and breathing control] * Downward-Facing Dog [Chaz's favorite yoga pose] * Crow Pose [a more challenging yoga pose] * Standing Forward Fold [another of Chaz's favorites] * Cobra Pose [one more favorite] * Coconut Oil [a healthy oil that Chaz loves] * 99Designs [the logo design company I used] Where to Find Chaz * YOGAmazing Podcast [hosted by Chaz] * YOGAmazing.