{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Modern Manager","title":"368: The 7-Step Focus Formula Highly Productive People Swear By with Mridu Parikh","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1829,"description":"Self-distraction is one of the biggest productivity challenges we face today. It’s easy to get lost in the constant flow of thoughts. A simple “I need to remind Kevin to send me that document,” takes us away from our current activity, preventing us from completing the tasks that matter most. No wonder we feel overwhelmed and constantly rushing.But here’s the good news: Today’s guest is on a mission to help managers and teams break free from this cycle of overwhelm and start getting things done effectively and efficiently.Meet Mridu Parikh. Mridu is a productivity coach who helps busy professionals take control of their time, energy, and focus—so they can perform at their best without feeling overwhelmed. She empowers leaders and teams to reduce stress, prioritize effectively, and create lasting systems for success. She’s also the host of the top-ranked Productivity on Purpose podcast.In this episode, we dive into Mridu’s ACTION framework—a seven-step approach to increasing productivity by minimizing distractions, committing to Power Hours, time blocking effectively, systemizing your approach, and more. Beyond individual productivity tips, we also cover how teams can build a culture of focus and how to respectfully say no (even to your boss).Join the conversation now!Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Conversation Topics(00:00) Introduction(01:52) The surprising reason most of us are overwhelmed(04:02) How to get things done using the ACTION framework(16:26) Tips for getting everything out of your head(18:42) Start small with focused work blocks(20:45) Using technology to stay focused, not distracted(22:49) How to say no to a team member and even your boss(27:43) Why time planning is important(28:27) A great manager Mridu has worked for(29:36) Keep up with Mridu(29:55) [Extended Episode Only] Time blocking vs. time planning(33:12) [Extended Episode Only] How to build...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/vh03-o0OUKG7JnFjtDqtJmV0y385f5sQOifebswPa_E/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQzNjM5LzE2OTA1/Nzg4MDYtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}