Monthly Method

How to Run an Agile Sprint in a Notebook (Bullet Journal Style)

Polina Bee — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I sit down with Claudia — an architect from Germany — to talk about how to run an Agile sprint using nothing but a simple notebook.

No productivity apps.
No dashboards.
No digital overwhelm.

We revisit the idea of running sprints inside a bullet journal and explore the difference between analog tools and “digital infinity.”

Things mentioned in the episode:
The Monthly Method course Claudia took where I teach how to apply Agile and Scrum to non-tech projects and goals (it's free): https://monthlymethod.com/school/?utm_source=podcast
The Focus Room (my private membership where we run personal sprints together): https://monthlymethod.com/focus-room/?utm_source=podcast
Where to find Claudia:
https://lebe-weise.de/ (it's in German but you can always use built-in browser translator)
https://open.substack.com/pub/lebeweise
https://www.instagram.com/indivisuell_

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Your first sprint goal doesn’t matter (and what actually does)

Polina Bee — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:35:19 -0500

What if the reason you’re stuck isn’t the goal you picked — but the fact that you’re trying to pick the "perfect" one? In this episode, I share why your first sprint goal barely matters, what the first sprint is really for, and why messy starts often lead to the most meaningful progress. If you’ve ever felt busy but not truly moving forward, this might change how you begin.

Learn about my private membership where we cultivate a focused life: https://monthlymethod.com/focus-room/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_term=&utm_content=First-goal-doesn't-matter
Work with me 1-on-1: https://monthlymethod.com/meaningful-month/?utm_source=porcast&utm_medium=social&utm_term=&utm_content=First-goal-doesn't-matter

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Black Friday taught me why new year’s resolutions fail

Polina Bee — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I share a counterintuitive realization I had after noticing my own behaviour around Black Friday—and how it completely changed the way I think about New Year’s resolutions, procrastination, and consistency.

Book mentioned in the video: Oblomov by Ivan Goncharov
Video about chaotic ambition: https://youtu.be/o3XosnSnGPU

Learn about my private membership where we cultivate a focused life: https://monthlymethod.com/focus-room/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_term=&utm_content=Why I Didn’t Start on January 1st&utm_campaign=
Work with me 1-on-1: https://monthlymethod.com/meaningful-month/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_term=&utm_content=Why I Didn’t Start on January 1st&utm_campaign=

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:16 The Black Friday Story
02:37 How Black Friday is similar to New Year's Resolutions
04:46 My best decision of last year
05:53 New Year's resolutions never worked for me in the past
06:12 New Year - Old Me
07:42 Picking the hardest time to start
09:16 The most consistent year
10:39 Not needing a perfect start point
11:43 The parenting analogy
12:42 What are we teaching our brain?
13:55 Waiting can be great
15:38 What's so magical about January 1?
16:50 Practicing the new lesson daily
17:09 My favourite book about procrastination
20:48 My proposal

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The case against subtasks

Polina Bee — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:28:16 -0500

Everyone says to break goals into subtasks. But what if that’s exactly what’s slowing you down?

I show why this common productivity advice fails when you’re building something new—and what to do instead. You’ll learn a faster, lighter Agile-inspired system that:

- Cuts planning time to one hour

- Keeps you focused without overwhelm

- Builds clarity through action, not research

If you’ve ever fallen into the “perfect plan” trap, this video will change how you plan forever.

Learn about my private membership where we do monthly sprints together: https://monthlymethod.com/focus-room/

Videos mentioned in the video:
Agile goal management • Agile approach for managing your goals. Sp...
What is a sprint? • What is a sprint? How to use it in your life.
Choosing sprint goals • Choosing sprint goals. Definition of Done.

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A Different Way to Think About Goals

Polina Bee — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 10:07:10 -0400

Most people think of goals as boxes to check off. But what if they were something completely different?

In this episode, I share how I think about goals in a way that makes decision-making easier, life less overwhelming, and priorities much clearer.

👉 A free tool you can use right away to get crystal clear on your next 3 actionable purpose-driven goals https://monthlymethod.kit.com/focus-finder

⏱️ Chapters
0:00 – My view on goals
0:59 – Example: Dental appointment
1:55 – The purpose of a goal
3:38 – Example: Weight loss
4:50 – Example: Work clothes
5:21 –Example: Learning how to cook
6:15 – Example: Shopping
7:48 - Free guide to discover your next 3 goals

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Focus Room: Agile Sprint Community

Polina Bee — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Enrollment for the Focus Room October Sprint closes tomorrow! 🎉 In this episode, I share what the Focus Room is, how we run 3-week sprints with live planning, coworking, and reviews, and why it’s a calm, sustainable approach to productivity—tailored to your real life, not hustle culture. Join us before doors close Thursday to start your sprint this Friday!

Join the Focus Room → https://monthlymethod.com/focus-room/

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Fisher-Price Simplicity

Polina Bee — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 10:56:23 -0400

What if your life and projects were as simple and durable as a Fisher-Price toy?

In this episode, I talk about the Fisher-Price simplicity, how I've learned about it, and how it inspired me to apply it in my own life.

I talk about how my pursuit of elegance and optimization often led to unnecessary complexity, and why I’m choosing to rebuild my foundations on simplicity instead. Think: fewer frills, fewer moving parts, more durability, and more ease.

If you’ve been feeling paralyzed by over-optimization or weighed down by layers of complexity, this framework might help you get back to basics.

👉 Want support as you simplify and focus on what really matters? Join me inside the Focus Room, my membership where we work in 1-month sprints, keep each other accountable, and actually finish the projects we start: https://monthlymethod.com/focus-room/

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Enrollment for September Sprint is Open for 2 Days Only

Polina Bee — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 11:26:24 -0400

Learn more about the Focus Room: https://monthlymethod.com/focus-room/

Enrollment closes this Thursday.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Why You Need a Cool-Off Week: Lessons from Agriculture

Polina Bee — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I share a fresh perspective on why rest is essential for productivity—through the lens of agriculture. Just as farmers rotate crops and allow fields to rest to maintain soil health, we too need scheduled breaks to protect our focus, creativity, and long-term output.

I talk about:

The silent crisis of soil depletion and what it teaches us about sustainability.
Why rotating crops and letting fields rest is the perfect metaphor for how we should structure our own work.
The importance of proactively scheduling breaks (like cool-off weeks) before life forces us to rest through burnout, sickness, or accidents.
What a cool-off week actually looks like in practice: serving clients, answering emails, maintaining—but not pushing for new projects.
How to embrace being a “B minus” worker for a week and why your B minus is probably still a solid B.

This episode is about reframing rest not as laziness, but as a vital strategy for longevity, health, and sustainable productivity.

00:00 Introduction to the Cool Off Week

00:34 Understanding Soil Health and Agriculture

02:18 The Importance of Resting Fields

03:16 Government Initiatives and Soil Health

04:03 Applying Agricultural Principles to Productivity

05:24 Practical Tips for a Cool Off Week

07:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join the Focus Room: https://monthlymethod.com/focus-room/

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Redefining summers: Work and fun in harmony

Polina Bee — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:44:41 -0400

My complicated relationship with summer is about to end.

Learn more about the focus room here: https://monthlymethod.com/focus-room/

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Overcoming Overwhelm: The Three Levers Framework

Polina Bee — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 06:01:00 -0400

Polina from The Monthly Method discusses her hiatus from podcasting and introduces the 'Three Levers' framework, a concept she learned as a junior product manager. The framework helps simplify and streamline any project.

Learn more about the Focus Room: https://monthlymethod.com/focus-room

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

00:20 The Three Levers Framework

01:05 Applying the Framework to the Podcast

01:32 Exploring Resource Options

04:06 Adjusting the Timeline and Scope

06:28 Personal Insights and Changes

09:28 Normalizing and Optimizing

14:53 Final Thoughts and Invitation

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Cool-Off Week: Counterintuitive Secret to My Consistency

Polina Bee — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:01:00 -0500

The final ingredient of my Agile-inspired personal productivity system is the cool-off week. In this video, I share its origin story, explain what it is, describe what I do during this week, and reveal why it has been the key to staying consistent with my productivity system for the last 10 years.

The Calm Ambition Club: https://monthlymethod.com/calm-ambition-club/

Blogpost mentioned:
When feeling down, turn to aesthetics https://monthlymethod.com/aesthetics/

Timeline:
00:00 - Why I invented the cool-off week
01:44 - What is a cool-off week?
03:30 - What's the point of a cool-off week?
05:03 - I'd rather take the breaks on my own terms
06:33 - What do I do during the cool-off week?
09:50 - Benefit: No burnout in the last 10 years
10:52 - Benefit: Gult-free rest
11:31 - Benefit: Looking forward to the next sprint
13:27 - Benefit: Interesting projects get done
15:07 - Benefit: Time and space to think
15:42 - Benefit: Serves as a reward for my long-term efforts
18:17 - Benefit: Creates a nice rhythm in my life
19:30 - If you want to actually DO the things you want to do.

Learn how to apply Agile to your life in a free course: http://monthlymethod.com/school/

If you want to stay in touch:
💌 Newsletter (notes on applying Agile, calm productivity, and finding sanity in this hustle-culture obsessed world) - monthlymethod.ck.page/newsletter
💻 Blog - https://monthlymethod.com/blog
𝕏 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Agile_for_One

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Cultivating the Art of Living through Sprint Retrospective

Polina Bee — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 06:01:00 -0500

Sprint retrospective is the most important ritual in Agile philosophy. I'll share how you can build your own goal management system that is perfectly tailored to your life circumstances.

The Calm Ambition Club: https://monthlymethod.com/calm-ambition-club/

Blog posts mentioned:
Sprint-end celebration https://monthlymethod.com/sprint-end-celebration/
The baby shower story https://monthlymethod.com/failed-sprint-goals/
Optimizing life for a regular Tuesday https://monthlymethod.com/regular-tuesday/

Timeline:
00:00 - Overview
00:38 - What is a sprint retrospective?
01:07 - The shocking part
02:58 - Agile take on growth
04:03 - Sprint retrospective in teams
05:48 - Personal sprint retrospective
07:17 - Becoming your own guru and building your own system
08:51 - Cathedral Effect
09:18 - What got done?
10:46 - What didn't get done?
13:01 - How accurate was your sprint capacity calculation?
13:38 - Quality of life review
14:48 - Creating a Notes file for sprint retrospectives
15:50 - Example: Deeper Why
18:55 - Don't add to your to-do list
20:08 - Example: Making a promise
21:44 - Example: Leaving my phone at home
22:51 - Example: Reddit goal
25:54 - Going a level deeper into why we should do sprint retrospectives
26:54 - Life craftsmanship. The art of living.
28:50 - Curation in a function of time.

Learn how to apply Agile to your life in a free course: http://monthlymethod.com/school/

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Don't disappear for a year. Stay recognizable.

Polina Bee — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 13:53:29 -0500

Why the advice to disappear for a year is problematic. And what you can do instead.

Enrollment for the Calm Ambition Club - February sprint closes tomorrow https://monthlymethod.com/calm-ambition-club/

Chapters:
00:00 - YouTube, we have a problem
01:23 - The only way to change our lives
02:04 - What happens if you manage to disappear for a year?
03:00 - My favourite quote
03:43 - Celebrating limitations
06:26 - If you were feeling hopeless
07:56 - On young generation being lost
08:46 - If you can't escape your life

If you want to stay in touch:
💌 Newsletter (notes on applying Agile, calm productivity, and finding sanity in this hustle-culture obsessed world) - https://monthlymethod.ck.page/newsletter
💻 Website - https://monthlymethod.com

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Build a gym for your goals

Polina Bee — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 12:17:43 -0500

What a good gym membership can teach us about goal setting in other areas of our lives?

Learn more about the Calm Ambition Club: https://monthlymethod.com/calm-ambition-club/

Chapters:
00:00 - Have you ever wondered why people choose to pay for a gym membership in this day and age?
00:32 - What does it teach about our goals in general?
01:29 - Shopping for information
01:52 - Back to the initial question
05:26 - How to apply it to your goals for the New Year
06:29 - If you have creative or business goals that require a lot of deep work
09:59 - Become a founding member
13:12 - Who is the Calm Ambition Club for?

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The B- Work

Polina Bee — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 06:01:00 -0400

Ever feel like your work has to be perfect before hitting 'publish'? Discover how embracing B- work can actually accelerate success.

Blogpost with all the links mentioned: https://monthlymethod.com/b-work/

00:00 - My story of working in a tech startup
03:23 - Perfectionism and the B- work
05:19 - Done first. Improved later.
06:56 - The B- work can change the world.
09:39 - Time constraints help.

How to apply Agile to your life: http://monthlymethod.com/start-here/

If you want to stay in touch:
💌 Newsletter (notes on applying Agile, calm productivity, and finding sanity in this hustle-culture obsessed world) - monthlymethod.ck.page/newsletter
💻 Website - https://monthlymethod.com
𝕏 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Agile_for_One

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Choosing sprint goals. Definition of Done.

Polina Bee — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 06:01:00 -0400

I share the best tool I have found in Agile methodology for overcoming perfectionism and analysis paralysis. I talk about the process of picking your sprint goals and polishing them up with the Definition of Done.

Watch this episode is in video format: https://youtu.be/k7kR9OUn1B0

00:00 - Are you a perfectionist?
01:25 - Agile concepts we've already covered
02:25 - The purpose of your first sprint
03:16 - How do you pick your sprint goals?
03:25 - Can you get it done in one sprint?
04:00 - Account for your sprint capacity
04:20 - Had time to age
04:42 - You are still excited
04:55 - You are in full control of getting it done
06:53 - Finalizing your goals with the definition of done
09:35 - The Random Person Test
12:47 - The Definition of Done is not a collection of subtasks
13:58 - Where to find more examples of Definitions of Done

How to apply Agile to your life: http://monthlymethod.com/start-here/

If you want to stay in touch:
💌 Newsletter (notes on applying Agile, calm productivity, and finding sanity in this hustle-culture obsessed world) - http://monthlymethod.com/blog/
💻 Website - https://monthlymethod.com
𝕏 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Agile_for_One

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What is a sprint? How to use it in your life

Polina Bee — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0400

One of the core Agile concepts is working in short sprints vs. setting long-term goals and plans. Let's look into what a sprint is, how long it should be, how to calculate sprint capacity, and choose a sprint focus. As always, we'll discuss how you can apply all of this to your own personal projects and goals.

Timeline:
00:00 - Innovation in the tech industry
00:47 - What is a sprint?
02:07 - What is a good sprint duration?
04:36 - Sprint capacity
09:27 - Adjusting the scope of your sprint
10:15 - Calculating the sprint capacity is an investment in your future self
14:17 - Sprint capacity for the first sprint
15:49 - Sprint focus
20:29 - Topic for the next video
21:31 - Homework

How to apply Agile to your life: http://monthlymethod.com/start-here/

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Backlog: The Antidote to Chaotic Living

Polina Bee — Tue, 21 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Backlog is where an Agile sprint begins. It's the foundation of the Agile Framework. Let's dive into the deeper meaning behind a backlog, why you need one in your life, and how to build one from scratch.

Timeline:
00:00 Why Agile?
01:26 Backlog - what it is
01:58 Chaotic life filled with frantic action
03:00 How much time we actually have
04:10 How do we measure the quality of our goals?
06:56 The best time management hack
08:26 Agile tool for measuring the quality of your goals
09:22 Example of using backlog
10:06 That's how you stop the chaos
12:50 How to start a backlog
17:36 What you can do today
19:08 Unpopular opinion
21:35 The comment that made me record this video

How to apply Agile to your life: http://monthlymethod.com/start-here/

Or simply leave a comment!

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Agile approach for managing your goals. Sprint cycle overview.

Polina Bee — Mon, 06 May 2024 06:01:00 -0400

Let's review the core components and rituals of a sprint cycle and how you can apply those to your personal goals and projects.

Link to the video version of this episode.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - - Overview
(00:20) - - Creating backlog
(01:51) - - Calculating sprint capacity
(02:18) - - Deciding on the number of goals for the sprint
(02:57) - - Sprint planning and scrum board
(03:54) - - Duration of a sprint
(05:05) - - Daily standups
(05:37) - - Sprint retrospective
(05:57) - - Cool-off week
(08:18) - - Repeat the cycle
(09:15) - - Where to start
(10:19) - - If you don't want to wait for the next video

Useful links
- Subscribe to my newsletter for more frequent deep-dives into Agile life
- Recent newsletter entries
- Start Here page to see the blogposts on the core principles of Agile and how those can be applied to personal productivity
- Twitter for regular examples of my scrum board and how it looks throughout the sprint
- YouTube to 'Back to Agile Basics' type of videos
- Monthly Method School for step-by-step instructions on how to run your first Agile sprint ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

How I learned about Agile 10 years ago. Why traditional goal-setting doesn't work.

Polina Bee — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 06:01:00 -0400

In this episode I talk about why long-term goals don't work and how we've been mislead all this time by the traditional goal setting advice. I also share my story of finding out about Agile and how it changed my approach to personal productivity.

Link to the video version of this episode.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Traditional productivity advice
(00:32) - New Year's Resolutions
(00:55) - My first job at a fast-growing startup
(01:10) - Corporate world - how things are usually done
(01:40) - The time the status quo got questioned
(02:30) - Creation of Agile Framework for building software
(03:03) - How Agile works
(04:31) - My story of learning about Agile
(06:29) - I stopped creating long-term plans 10 years ago

Updates: Where I've been? What's new? What's the plan for the future?

Polina Bee — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 06:01:00 -0400

A quick episode to say hi and give you some updates on my life and the Monthly Method. Please let me know what you think about the group sprints I have in mind!

Timeline:
00:00 Intro
00:41 What happened last year? 2023 updates
04:13 What's happening this year? Summer 2024
07:59 Plans for the fall 2024

Links mentioned in the episode:
- Read blog posts from last year: https://monthlymethod.com/blog/
- Subscribe to my newsletter to receive the latest blogposts to your email: https://monthlymethod.ck.page/2dd14791c4
- YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AgileForOne
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Agile_for_One
- Email: polina@monthlymethod.com

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Applying Agile to New Year's Resolutions - Part 3

Polina Bee — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 04:01:00 -0500

Today we are discussing finalizing your sprint goals using the definition of done. 00:00 - Intro 00:51 - Recap of our progress so far 02:40 - Finalizing sprint goals 04:05 - Checkpoints 05:00 - Adding definition of done 10:08 - Recommendations of a successful first sprint 12:13 - If you want to launch a side hustle next year 12:55 - If you have questions about this series FREE Workshop "3 steps to launching your digital product or service in 3 months or less" https://monthlymethod.com/3-month-launch-workshop/ Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/new-years-resolutions-3/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles: https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

Applying Agile to New Year's Resolutions - Part 2

Polina Bee — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 04:01:00 -0500

Let's look at how you can apply agile principles to New Year's Resolutions. Today we are talking about using sprints, sprint capacity and backlog review to set new year's goals. 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - Sprints & picking sprint duration 08:15 - Don't plan the entire year 10:55 - Sprint capacity 17:30 - Backlog review 19:50 - When you have to many goals to choose from 22:00 - Homework 22:33 - If you want to launch something next year FREE Workshop "3 steps to launching your digital product or service in 3 months or less" https://monthlymethod.com/3-month-launch-workshop/ Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/new-years-resolutions-2/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles: https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

Applying Agile to New Year's Resolutions - Part 1

Polina Bee — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 04:01:00 -0500

Let's look at how you can apply agile principles to New Year Resolutions. Today we are talking about using sprint retrospective and backlog to start the new year goal-setting process. FREE Workshop "3 steps to launching your digital product or service in 3 months or less" https://monthlymethod.com/3-month-launch-workshop/ Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/new-years-resolutions-1/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles: https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

Don't Break The Chain Rule with Agile Twist

Polina Bee — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 10:41:25 -0500

Learn how you can apply the Don't Break the Chain Rule to managing your long-lasting projects. Sign up for the FREE workshop "3 steps to launching your digital product or service in 3 months or less": https://monthlymethod.com/3-month-launch-workshop/ Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/dont-break-the-chain/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles: https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

How to come up with creative ideas consistently

Polina Bee — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 04:01:00 -0500

I share my favourite tips on generating and shipping creative ideas. FREE Workshop "3 steps to launching your product or service in 3 months or less" https://monthlymethod.com/3-month-launch-workshop/ Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/creative-ideas/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

External Accountability

Polina Bee — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 04:01:00 -0400

If you find yourself procrastinating on your goals, external accountability can be the fastest solution to your problem. Learn how you can apply it today. Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/external-accountability/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

How to prioritize goals

Polina Bee — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 04:01:00 -0400

If you are confused about which goals you should focus on in the upcoming sprint, this episode is for you! Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/prioritize-goals/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

Strategies I used to finish master's degree early

Polina Bee — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 04:01:00 -0400

I'm sharing the main principles, agile and not, that I've used to finish my master's earlier. Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/finish-masters-degree-early/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

The new way to look at time blocking

Polina Bee — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 04:01:00 -0400

I would like to present a new way to look at time blocking. You might find time blocking being a lot more flexible, freeing and not as strict as before. Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/flexible-time-blocking/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

Sprint Capacity

Polina Bee — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 04:01:00 -0400

In today's episode, we are talking about another Scrum principle - Sprint Capacity. Listen to learn how you can apply it to your personal productivity. 00:00 - Intro 00:55 - How Sprint Capacity works in Scrum teams 04:50 - How you can apply Sprint Capacity to your personal projects and goals Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/sprint-capacity/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

Home Renovations using Agile/Scrum

Polina Bee — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 04:01:00 -0400

In this episode I am sharing Agile/Scrum principles I have been applying to my home renovation projects. 00:00 - Intro + Where I got the inspiration 03:50 - Sprint Planning 09:50 - Sprint Capacity 11:00 - Definition of Done 13:19 - Moving things to Done 16:05 - Daily standup 17:20 - About September sprint Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/agile-home-renovation/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

Mind trick for starting a new habit and building consistency

Polina Bee — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 04:01:00 -0400

I want to share the mind trick that can help you in building new habits. Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/start-habit/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

The Happy Path Concept

Polina Bee — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 04:01:00 -0400

Learn about a new product management concept that can be applied to your personal projects. Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/happy-path/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

How many sprints does it take to build a habit?

Polina Bee — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 12:10:20 -0500

Let's talk about habit building. How long does it take to build different habits? How can you build the habits faster? Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/build-habit/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

What I've learned about Scrum from being a Product Manager

Polina Bee — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 17:01:37 -0500

What did I learn about agile and Scrum from using it every day in my full-time job as a product manager? Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/scrum-from-pm/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

Experimental Mindset

Polina Bee — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 04:01:00 -0500

Think like a scientist and approach your goal setting and habit building from an experimental mindset. Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/experimental-mindset/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

Winter: The time to build new habits

Polina Bee — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 04:01:00 -0500

A new way to view your wintertime. Use it wisely to set the best foundation for the rest of your year. Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/productive-winter/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

The one-way to-do list

Polina Bee — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 04:01:00 -0500

A simple yet very effective to-do list technique for everyone who is stuck and needs something manageable to get started. Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/one-way-to-do-list/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method

On Motivation

Polina Bee — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 04:01:00 -0500

A listener asked, "What is your opinion about motivation? Is it helpful or is it just temporary?" Here is what I think about motivation. Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/motivation/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:51 - It's a trend 01:55 - Fact vs. Fiction Analysis 04:15 - Unrealistic expectations 05:43 - Not your goals 07:00 - Motivation is not even the best emotion to go after 09:35 - Ask better questions 10:50 - Test your hypothesis 12:46 - Conclusion & Recommendations

How I used Scrum to lose first 10 pounds

Polina Bee — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 04:01:00 -0400

In today's episode, I am sharing my story of losing the first 10 pounds using the Monthly Method principles. Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/first-10-pounds/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:48 - First 10lb are different 02:10 - Sprint Review 06:38 - Sprint 1 10:45 - Sprint 2 13:45 - Sprint 3 15:55 - Sprint 4 16:25 - The reason why weight loss worked this time 23:46 - Conclusion

How I used Scrum to find a job and change career

Polina Bee — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 17:44:24 -0400

I am sharing my story of finding a new job in a completely new role using the Scrum principles. Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/find-job/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - Listener's question 02:04 - Sprint #1 05:33 - Sprint #2 07:31 - Sprint #3 10:05 - One experiment at a time 11:00 - What to do when looking for a new job 15:13 - Other blog posts that you will find helpful

Updates + Launching Group Sprints

Polina Bee — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 04:01:00 -0400

Updates on what is happening behind the scenes in Polina's life and what changes are coming within Monthly Method. Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/group-sprints/ Submit your questions: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next group sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:52 - The old way of doing things was no longer working 03:02 - I want to hear from you 05:34 - Launching Monthly Group Sprints

Interview for The Skyward Spiral Podcast

Polina Bee — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 04:01:00 -0400

I am inviting you to listen to the interview I've done for The Skyward Spiral Podcast. https://skyward-spiral.pinecast.co/episode/81f60d1f/talking-scrum-with-polina-bee https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-skyward-spiral/id1533078721?i=1000535155940 Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Stop having this flawed assumption when setting goals

Polina Bee — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 04:01:00 -0400

Why can't you stick to your plan when setting goals? Why do you give up? Learn about the flawed assumption we all have that sets us up for failure. Corresponding blog posts with all the links: [blog post link] Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - How we usually set goals 02:01 - The flawed assumption we have when setting goals 05:10 - Applying the new assumption to my weight loss goal 12:50 - Finally understanding what self-care is Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

How to Start Side Project with Full-Time Job - Part 1

Polina Bee — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 04:01:00 -0400

Learn about the first step of starting a side project with a full-time job. Understand what you need to master to guarantee the success of your side project. Corresponding blog posts with all the links: [https://monthlymethod.com/side-project-1/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:03 - My story 03:00 - Foundation of starting a side project 04:20 - 2 main reasons why people can't stop working at 5 pm. 07:53 - How to address these issues 15:50 - Recap Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Sprint Retrospective for Personal Productivity

Polina Bee — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 04:01:00 -0400

What is Sprint Retrospective? How does it work in Scrum teams? How can we apply the best practices of a sprint review to boost our own productivity? Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/sprint-retrospective/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:55 - What is Sprint Retrospective? 06:20 - Advantages of sprint retrospective 10:25 - Sprint Retrospective for Personal Productivity 13:00 - Examples of STOP, START, CONTINUE answers 14:55 - Monthly Review Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Daily Standup for Personal Productivity

Polina Bee — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 04:01:00 -0400

A daily stand-up is one of the core meetings in Scrum/Agile teams. What can we learn from this practice? And how can we apply it to our personal life? Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/standup/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:56 - Daily standups in Scrum Teams 02:49 - Daily Standup Questions for Personal Life 10:15 - Daily standup the night before 12:28 - Pick this one question Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Not all habits are created equal

Polina Bee — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 04:01:00 -0400

What makes a good habit? What are some of the core productivity habits? Why are some habits net negative? What can you do instead of building new habits? Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/habits/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:57 - Common belief about habits 02:11 - The Core Productivity Habits 02:25 - Core Habit #1: Setting a clear definition of done. 03:34 - Core Habit #2: Acting in order of priority. 04:45 - Core Habit #3: Journalling as a tool to deal with resistance. 05:32 - Core Habit #4: Time blocking. 10:00 - Other core productivity habits 11:41 - How do we decide whether to build a new habit or not? 12:26 - Comparing different habits 13:44 - The cost of building a new habit 16:21 - Do less but better. 17:07 - Project-based goals Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

The importance of setting non-work goals

Polina Bee — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 04:01:00 -0400

Plan for fun, not just work. Let's look at some of the reasons behind setting goals in different areas of your life, not just your work. Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/non-work-goals/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:51 - Monthly Method Planning 01:42 - Benefit #1: Balance and Quality of Life 02:34 - Benefit #2: Stress reduction and burnout prevention 05:36 - Benefit #3: Energy Management 09:25 - Benefit #4: You become more efficient at achieving work goals. 11:30 - When you set work goals only 12:10 - Having fun as an adult requires time and planning Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Why my clients stop watching Netflix and YouTube

Polina Bee — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 04:01:00 -0400

Learn why my clients lose interest in watching Netflix and YouTube. How do they get here? And what do they do instead? It's not about controlling screen time. Corresponding blog posts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/stop-watching-netflix/ Free Guide to Plan Your Week using Monthly Method principles - https://monthlymethod.com/guide/ Enroll in the next sprint: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:05 - Mike & Netflix 02:48 - Lucy & YouTube 04:55 - My Story 05:49 - Creating vs. Consuming 08:40 - Conventional Advice 09:50 - A different approach to fixing digital consumption 12:35 - If you are constantly distracted 13:33 - How to do it Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Monthly Breaks From Productivity - 5 Benefits

Polina Bee — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 04:01:00 -0400

Discover why taking regular breaks from productivity is a good idea. Corresponding blogposts with all the links: https://monthlymethod.com/breaks-from-productivity/ Achieve your goals 3 weeks at a time: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - How we do montly breaks under the Monthly Method 01:55 - When you don’t take breaks from productivity 02:40 - Working during this week off 03:22 - Benefit #1: It prevents burnout. 04:57 - Benefit #2: It adds to the quality of your life. 06:24 - Benefit #3: You don’t rebel against the system. The key to consistency. 09:35 - Benefit #4: It gives you an opportunity to reflect on your sprint. 11:06 - Benefit #5: It allows you to think big. Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

The Need-to Want-To Cycle of Daily Life

Polina Bee — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 04:01:00 -0400

Find out how to have more energy throughout the day by engaging in your want-to activities in between your need-to activities. https://monthlymethod.com/need-to-want-to/ Achieve your goals 3 weeks at a time: https://monthlymethod.com/enroll/ Contribute: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - Need-to vs. Want-to tasks 04:00 - Need-to criteria 06:38 - Need-tos = inhale. Want-tos = exhales 08:30 - When you do too many need-tos 10:00 - When you do too many want-tos 12:00 - What is your rhythm? 25:47 - Conclusion https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Time blocking Q&A

Polina Bee — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 04:01:00 -0400

Get answers to your questions about time blocking. How to avoid exhaustion, how to time block with kids, how to deal with distractions and how to get started. Show notes and links mentioned in this episode can be found here: https://monthlymethod.com/time-blocking-qa/ Work with me: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Contribute: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:20 - What’s my ideal unit of time block? 02:17- How to avoid exhaustion when time blocking 04:06 - Proper Rest 06:40 - Helpful thoughts 08:19 - Tools I use for time blocking 10:21 - Dealing with distractions 13:34 - Time blocking with kids 15:11 - Fine-tuning time required for each task 17:17 - Time blocking as a business owner vs. an employee 20:46 - Example of my time blocks 21:10 - How to get started with time blocking as a beginner

Unconventional Productivity Tips from Reddit [June 2021 edition]

Polina Bee — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 04:01:00 -0400

My favourite productivity tips from Reddit found last month. Find all the links to the original posts here: https://monthlymethod.com/productivity-tips-reddit-2021-06/ Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Contribute: https://www.patreon.com/monthly_method Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 00:49 - Tip #1: Value your attention as much as Facebook values it. 01:44 - Tip #2: Quirky methods for getting things done. 05:32 - Tip #3: Morning routines done differently. 07:40 - Tip #4: Sometimes we buy a thing when what we want is the time to use it. 08:55 - Tip #5: Drink water (but not too much) to jump out of bed in the morning. 10:50 - Tip #6: Take breaks to restore your energy, not to drain it on distractions. 12:47 - Tip #7: Front-load your yucky feelings. 15:25 - Tip #8: Break down your day. Get back on track in the next quarter. 16:51 - Tip #9: You can trade your time for money but you can never buy your time back. Keep quality of life in mind with all decisions. 19:24 - Tip #10: What will your kids really value? 20:58 - Most popular Monthly Method ideas from June. Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Time blocking reduces stress

Polina Bee — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 04:01:00 -0400

Time blocking is not only an extremely efficient way of getting things done but it is also one of the best ways to reduce stress levels on a daily basis. Show notes and links mentioned in this episodes can be found here: https://monthlymethod.com/time-blocking-reduces-stress/ Work with me: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - How I started time blocking 03:07- Stress levels before time blocking & examples 08:06 - Focus on one thing at a time 10:03 - This is not a problem. This is a time block that needs to be scheduled. 12:19 - Showing up for your time blocks 13:16 - Do what you said you would do 15:24 - Different people embracing time blocking

Dream big. Go small.

Polina Bee — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 04:01:00 -0400

I share one of the lesson I've learned from working with over a dozen first Monthly Method clients. Learn about one factor that differentiated the one who achieved incredible success from the ones who struggled. Show notes and links mentioned in this episodes can be found here: https://monthlymethod.com/dream-big-go-small/ Work with me: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - The backstory & three types of goal setters. 06:20 - The overachievers. 13:30 - The realists. 17:40 - Dream big, go small group. 21:40 - One client that went from setting huge goals to setting small goals and the results he had.

The one question that turns a lazy day around

Polina Bee — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 04:01:00 -0400

Feeling sluggish, lazy, and unproductive? Do you want to throw in the towel on all your tasks for the day? This one question can turn your lazy day around. Shownotes and links mentioned in this episodes can be found here: https://monthlymethod.com/lazy-day-around/ Work with me: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - One lazy day turned around that proved the concept 02:33 - “Can I?” vs. “have to”, “need to”, and “should” 06:39 - “Can I?” in practice 12:12 - How to turn your lazy day around 14:48 - Warning 16:59 - Conclusion

Consuming vs. Producing

Polina Bee — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 04:01:00 -0400

Have you been stuck in the consumption phase? Do you want to start creating instead of consuming? Learn more about the Consuming vs Producing Principle. Shownotes and links mentioned in this episodes can be found here: https://monthlymethod.com/consuming-vs-producing/ Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:30 - Reaching the Point of Maximum Consumption 08:11 - The more you produce, the less interested you become at consuming. 13:50 - Consuming vs. Producing Principle in Content Creation 19:00 - What are you going to produce today? 20:41 - How to start producing instead of consuming 28:35 - Conclusion

Is long-term planning always bad?

Polina Bee — Mon, 24 May 2021 04:01:00 -0400

When is long-term planning good and when is it bad? When and how to use long-term planning? https://monthlymethod.com/long-term-planning/ Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:13 - The story behind embracing short-term planning 03:17 - Why I generally don't believe in long-term planning 04:24 - When long-term planning is helpful 05:28 - Do I have long-term plans? 07: 24 - What long-term planning is good for 08:54 - Short-term planning answers the question of HOW 11:27 - Sprint Planning in Action 12:32 - Clarity comes from action 14:46 - You are never stuck under short-term planning 16:37 - More reflecting under short-term planning vs. long-term planning 19:56 - Short-term planning is better at building new habits 22:57 - You feel like a failure most of the time under long-term planning 24:53 - Short-term planning makes you better at handling failure 28:17 - Conclusion Contact Us: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

The one question that will stop procrastination

Polina Bee — Mon, 17 May 2021 04:01:00 -0400

Learn the one question you can ask yourself when tempted to procrastinate. It will help you to show up for your goals and your schedule. https://monthlymethod.com/stop-procrastination/ Work with me: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:05 - The question 01:37 - Example #1 07:23 - Example #2 10:47 - Example #3 14:03 - Recommendation

How to be consistent. Normalize, then optimize. The Rule of 10.

Polina Bee — Mon, 10 May 2021 04:01:00 -0400

What to do when building a new habit? First, normalize. Then optimize. How do you normalize an activity quickly? Follow The Rule of 10 to build consistency. https://monthlymethod.com/how-to-be-consistent/ Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:10 - Normalize 03:00 - Optimize 03:20 - Why it's not a good idea to do it all at once 06:10 - When you want to start something 08:38 - The Rule of 10 16:44 - Conclusion Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Unconventional Productivity Tips from Reddit [April 2021 edition]

Polina Bee — Mon, 03 May 2021 04:01:00 -0400

My favourite productivity tips from Reddit found last month. Find all the links to the original posts here: https://monthlymethod.com/productivity-tips-reddit-2021-04/ Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 01:05 - Tip #1: 5 truths about our desires. 02:55 - Tip #2: [Method] Pretend your life is a movie. 05:05 - Tip #3: Realize that you’re currently in the good old days. 06:20 - Tip #4: Surfing the internet is just watching other people live their lives while you stay unproductive. 08:00 - Tip #5: Don't turn your life into a never-ending productivity rut. 11:40 - Tip #6: The "addition bias". 14:20 - Tip #7: Your high school ideas of what's "cool" might be holding you back. 15:50 - Tip #8: Pay yourself for being productive and control your shopping expenses. 18:00 - Bonus Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

The What, Why, and How of an Accountability Buddy

Polina Bee — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 04:01:00 -0400

Learn what an accountability buddy is. Why do you need one? And how do you find the perfect accountability partner for your goals? All the links can be found here: https://monthlymethod.com/accountability-buddy/ Written by Macgill Davis - the cofounder of rize.io - a simple, intelligent time tracker that improves focus and helps build better work habits. Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:09 - What is an accountability buddy? 02:25 - The power of external accountability 03:15 - Does an accountability buddy really help? 04:05 - Additional bonuses of accountability buddies 05:13 - Drawbacks of an accountability buddy 05:47 - Where to find an accountability buddy 07:01 - How to be a great accountability buddy 08:15 - Conclusion Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

When you don't achieve your monthly goals.

Polina Bee — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 04:01:00 -0400

5 practical things you can do when you don't achieve your monthly goals. https://monthlymethod.com/dont-achieve-your-monthly-goals/ Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Free Monthly Method PDF Guide "Plan Your Best Week" https://monthlymethod.com/plan-your-week/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - What happened in March. 02:56 - Lesson #1 Travel does affect your productivity a lot. 03:39 - Lesson #2 The importance of rest. 05:04 - Lesson #3 Don’t take this failed sprint personally 06:06 - Lesson #4 Embrace the concept of continuous improvement. 08:40 - Lesson #5 Don’t plan for the double load in the next sprint. 10:26 - Conclusion Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

What will people think?

Polina Bee — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 04:01:00 -0400

Do you want to do something or say something, yet the question of “What will people think?” stops you? In this episode I share the answer to this question I have recently discovered. https://monthlymethod.com/what-will-people-think/ Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:12 - My recent trip to my hometown 03:35 - People are not objective in their reactions. 05:13 - The answer to "What would people think?" 06:38 - Don't drop your standards. 07:26 - Example of an artist 09:29 - Why it is liberating 10:06 - Conclusion Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Unconventional Productivity Tips from Reddit [March 2021 edition]

Polina Bee — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 04:01:00 -0400

My favourite productivity tips from Reddit found last month. Find all the links to the original posts here: https://monthlymethod.com/productivity-tips-reddit-2021-03/ Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 00:44 - Tip #1: The price of creativity is the judgment of others. 01:18 - Tip #2: It is normal to be lazy sometimes. 02:59 - Tip #3: Focused on 3 tasks a day for a year. Depression is gone. 04:25 - Tip #4: Set a timer. 05:46 - Tip #5: Newton's First Law. 08:31 - Your favourite Monthly Method episodes from last month 10:25 - Most popular Monthly Method posts on Reddit Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

How to Use Definition of Done for Personal Productivity

Polina Bee — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 04:01:00 -0400

Learn about another concept adapted from Agile/Scrum that increases the chances of achieving your personal goals. How to use the Definition of Done in your life. https://monthlymethod.com/definition-of-done/ Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:50 - How Definition of Done is used in agile product development 3:18 - How to use Definition of Done in personal productivity 4:29 - Examples of Definition of Done being used for different personal goals 8:07 - Why is it worth taking the time to write down the definition of done for each of your monthly goals? 9:53 - Using Definition of Done in time blocking 12:10 - April sprint enrolment Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Now Not to Be Miserable in Achieving Your Goals

Polina Bee — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 04:01:00 -0400

In this episode I want to share some examples that illustrate why being miserable is actually counterproductive when it comes to achieving your personal and professional goals. https://monthlymethod.com/miserable/ Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Free Monthly Method PDF Guide "Plan Your Best Week" https://monthlymethod.com/plan-your-week/ Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 01:23 - Misery in achieving personal goals is one of the biggest productivity lies. 02:15 - Examples illustrating why misery is counterproductive to achieving your personal goals. 04:23 - The real reason why people exercise on a consistent basis. 06:28 - Why “no pain, no gain” advice doesn’t work. 07:25 - How these principles are applied in the Monthly Method. 08:53 - Conclusion Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Hustle culture. Why it doesn't work.

Polina Bee — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 04:01:00 -0500

10 reasons why the hustle culture doesn't work. Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Free Monthly Method PDF Guide "Plan Your Best Week" https://monthlymethod.com/plan-your-week/ Find show notes and recommended readings here: https://monthlymethod.com/hustle-culture/ Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:18 - The hustle culture 2:04 - Problem #1: It robs you of focus and the ability to think deep. 2:43 - Problem #2: The hustle culture makes you irritable. 3:20 - Problem #3: Impacts energy and health. 3:40 - Problem #4: Hustle culture makes people focus exclusively on one area of their lives. 4:20 - Problem #5: Hustle culture fails at prioritization. 4:44 - Problem #6: The focus is on false vanity metrics. 5:33 - Problem #7: Hustle culture doesn’t teach you to delegate. 6:06 - Problem #8: There is a ceiling of achievement. 6:35 - Problem #9: Self-worth of hustlers is based on how many tasks you get done. 8:28 - Problem #10: The hustle culture embraces complexity. 9:12 - The opposite of hustle is an intentional life. Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Unconventional Productivity Tips from Reddit [February 2021 edition]

Polina Bee — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 04:01:00 -0500

My favourite productivity tips from February. For this episode I wanted to focus on the productivity tips I have found on reddit last month. Find all the links to the original posts here: https://monthlymethod.com/productivity-tips-reddit-2021-02/ Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Free Monthly Method PDF Guide "Plan Your Best Week" https://monthlymethod.com/plan-your-week/ Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 01:33 - Tip #1: Logarithmic Goal Setting. 04:35 - Tip #2: Do not be afraid to be “cringy”. 06:49 - Tip #3: The problem with working too much. 08:03 - Tip #4: Invite people over or get other people involved when you feel lazy. 09:00 - Tip #5: Your company didn’t know you existed before you applied and won’t notice you when you’re gone. Take care of yourself. 10:25 - Most popular Monthly Method posts on Reddit Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Sprint Planning for Personal Productivity

Polina Bee — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 04:01:00 -0500

Let's talk about the concept of a sprint. It comes from the Agile project management methodology. I first saw it being used in a startup I worked for years ago. I saw the power of short-term planning and how fruitful it can be if implemented strategically. Back then I decided to find a way to adopt the idea of a sprint planning for my personal life. Today I want to share what happens when you choose to ignore the conventional productivity advice and focus on something completely different instead. Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Free Monthly Method PDF Guide "Plan Your Best Week" https://monthlymethod.com/plan-your-week/ Timestamps: Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:19 - How a sprint works in SCRUM teams. 5:14 - Implementing the idea of a sprint for my personal productivity. 06:50 - My sprint planning process Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

How To Stop Procrastinating

Polina Bee — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 04:01:00 -0500

The question of procrastination has been addressed from many angles by many people. Today I want to offer my opinion, even though it looks slightly unpopular. The solution is simple but very effective. Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Free Monthly Method PDF Guide "Plan Your Best Week" https://monthlymethod.com/plan-your-week/ https://monthlymethod.com/how-to-stop-procrastinating/ Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:12 - My history with procrastination & why I was doing it. 4:40 - The quickest way to get to the state of flow. 7:24 - How to start implementing this idea in your life. 9:44 - Conclusion Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Reading More Books Won’t Make You Successful

Polina Bee — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 04:01:00 -0500

Let's finally debunk the idea that reading books make you successful, so that we can finally read for the right reasons. Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Free Monthly Method PDF Guide "Plan Your Best Week" https://monthlymethod.com/plan-your-week/ https://monthlymethod.com/reading-more-books/ Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:20 - The first year I decided to read 50 books in one year. 2:12 - Your life will not change unless you start taking actions. 2:37 - Active vs. Passive Action 4:50 - Just-in-Time vs. Just-in-Case Information 8:25 - Nothing is hidden. 11:59 - Why I still read 50+ books a year. 14:46 - Episode recap. Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

How to Create and Follow Your Schedule

Polina Bee — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 04:01:00 -0500

How do you create a schedule that works? What can you do to finally stick to your schedule? How to take consistent steps towards your goals? What to do when you don't feel like showing up for what you've planned. Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Free Monthly Method PDF Guide "Plan Your Best Week" https://monthlymethod.com/plan-your-week/ Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:14 - Episode summary. 1:11 - The reason why you had failed in showing up for your goals. 4:37 - How can you implement this idea in your life? 7:40 - What to do when you don’t feel like doing the scheduled activity. 10:16 - Recap: The best advice for creating and sticking to a schedule. Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Why You Don't Need Another Productivity App

Polina Bee — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 04:01:00 -0500

Let’s look at the underlying promise of these apps and figure out why they don’t work for most people. Learn why productivity apps didn't work for you. https://monthlymethod.com/productivity-app/ Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Free Monthly Method PDF Guide "Plan Your Best Week" https://monthlymethod.com/plan-your-week/ Timestamps: 0:13 - Episode summary 1:05 - What’s wrong with all the productivity tools and Apps? 2:33 - Time management is a lie. 4:00 - What is self-management? 5:28 - What differentiates people who get things done vs. the ones who procrastinate? 6:20 - You don’t need another productivity app. Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Product Backlog for Personal Productivity

Polina Bee — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 04:01:00 -0500

Let's look at how the idea of a product backlog borrowed from SCRUM/Agile can be applied to personal productivity. I'll share why committing to the selected few tasks is so powerful. Using these principles will allow you to live a more intentional life with less overwhelm and anxiety. https://monthlymethod.com/product-backlog/ Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Free Monthly Method PDF Guide "Plan Your Best Week" https://monthlymethod.com/plan-your-week/ Time stamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:13 - Episode summary 1:18 - What is a product backlog? 2:08 - A product backlog in simple terms. 2:55 - How does the product backlog work? 4:00 - How is it different from the common approach seen in most organizations? 5:00 - How we can use the idea of a product backlog for our personal productivity. 6:02 - The true magic of backlog 6:53 - Example of how it work in practice 10:45 - Why is it so effective? 11:58 - How I use backlog in other areas of my life

Productivity in Times of Uncertainty

Polina Bee — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 04:01:00 -0500

How to stay productive and focused when the outside circumstances are changing at an enormous speed? https://monthlymethod.com/uncertain-times/ Free Monthly Method PDF Guide "Plan Your Best Week" https://monthlymethod.com/plan-your-week/ Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Get in Touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

Achieve Your Goals with Calm (10 Tips)

Polina Bee — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 04:01:00 -0500

Today I want to talk about why drama and productivity is a bad mix. I will also share my 10 tips on achieving your goals with calm. I love hearing from you! To get in touch with me, please use this form: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ I will answer your questions in the upcoming episodes. Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ Timestamps: 0:16 - Intro (Summary) 1:29 - No pain, no gain mentality. 2:03 - Requirements for the true success. 3:15 - Drama is optional. 3:44 - Tip #1 Rely on your practice, not the Outcome. Systems vs. Goals. 6:20 - Tip #2 Very few things are as urgent and important as you think. 8:37 - Tip #3 Check your email during scheduled times. 10:33 - Tip #4 Have a backlog of ideas and tasks. 12:13 - Tip #5 Work on your mindset daily. 13:07 - Tip#6 Go Analog. 14:43 - Tip #7 Think by walking. 16:03 - Tip #8 Limit your consumption 17:58 - Tip #9 Have fixed working hours. 18:32 - Tip #10 Don't obsess over what your competitors are doing. 19:41 - Final thoughts

Principles of the Monthly Method

Polina Bee — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 04:01:00 -0500

Let's look at the main principles behind the Monthly Method. Find out why I don't believe in long-term planning and what I do instead. Free Monthly Method PDF Guide "Plan Your Best Week" https://monthlymethod.com/plan-your-week/ Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/ I love hearing from you! To get in touch with me, please use this form: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/ I will answer your questions in the upcoming episodes.

5 Tips for Becoming a More Decisive Person

Polina Bee — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 04:01:00 -0500

The speed of your success depends on the speed of your decision making. Learn my HOWs of becoming a more decisive person.

Get in touch: https://monthlymethod.com/contact/

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Word of the Year & Why it's better than New Year Resolutions

Polina Bee — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 04:01:00 -0500

In today’s episode, I talk about the process of setting your own Word of the Year; why it’s better than the new year resolutions; and how to use your Word of the Year throughout the year. As a bonus, I share my Word of the Year and tell you how I am planning to use it in 2021.

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Trailer for the Monthly Method Podcast

Polina Bee — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 06:11:14 -0500

A short intro to the Monthly Method podcast. Achieve your goals with the Monthly Method: https://monthlymethod.com/services/