Ryder Carroll on intention over productivity

As John Lennon put it, “Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.” As a loyal proponent of the Bullet Journal, I've seen first hand how the immensely popular analog system goes far beyond planning and teaches you to be more intentional with list-making – and life. If there is one person who understands intentionality beyond our plans it’s this week’s guest. Ryder Carroll is an author, digital product designer, and inventor of the Bullet Journal method. Diagnosed with learning disabilities early in life, Ryder was forced to figure out alternate ways to be focused and productive. Through years of trial and error, he developed a methodology that extends far being a simple organisation tool and into a philosophy.Best described as a “mindfulness and intentionality practice that’s disguised as a productivity system” it becomes whatever you need it to be. In this conversation, Ryder discusses empty goals and starting with the small ‘whys’, how journaling can help us capture and see patterns in work and life, creating your own structure as a freelancer and independent creative and more.Extraordinary Findings:– New to the Bullet Journal? Start here with a video tutorial– The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll– Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker PhD– Follow Ryder Carroll on Twitter or visit bulletjournal.com* * *Thank you for listening to Routines & Ruts, a labour of love fuelled by time and curiosity. If you'd like to support the podcast, please share with a friend, or say thanks with a coffee!To stay tuned, please subscribe or follow the podcast on your preferred listening platform and leave a review on iTunes.You can also sign up to the Extraordinary Routines newsletter, or follow along at @extraordinary_routines on Instagram.Special thanks to: Nelson Dore for the theme music, Scott Stronach for editing, Ellen Porteus for the cover art.