We are delighted to welcome Ari Meisel, the king of efficiency and productivity, as our guest today.
Ari has written a book called Less Doing More Living. Everything he writes and shares is about efficiency, and there is always something relevant for small business owners to apply.
So, if you own a small business and are looking for ways to increase your productivity and operate more efficiently, stay tuned. You are in for a real treat!
His Journey
Ari’s path to productivity began as a response to a personal health challenge. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in his twenties, he turned to biohacking, process optimization, and self-experimentation to regain control of his life. That laid the foundation for his unique approach to productivity, ultimately leading to the development of his Less Doing methodology. He now coaches entrepreneurs across the globe, helping them build businesses that run without them.
The Early Podcasting Advantage
During the early days of podcasting, Ari gave a talk to a group of seasoned entrepreneurs who all had podcasts. Podcasting was not yet saturated, and many still relied on traditional, manual production methods. Ari stood out by introducing automation and systemization to podcast workflows. His podcast, The Less Doing Podcast, was the proof of concept for Ari’s techniques.
The Liberty Paradox
Ari explains that the Liberty Paradox is a shift in mindset from seeking freedom from constraints like debt, burnout, or rigid jobs to embracing the freedom to grow, create, and step away from the business when needed. He emphasizes that leadership is about designing systems so that the business thrives in your absence rather than you, as the founder, being irreplaceable.
Common Misconceptions About Productivity
High-achieving entrepreneurs often believe some tasks must be done by them. Ari challenges that idea. Instead, he pushes his clients to identify and question their routines, asking them whether what they do is, in fact, necessary. His Optimize, Automate, Outsource framework encourages people to look closely at how they spend their time before trying to delegate or automate anything.
Using Tools Intentionally
Ari relies on Trello, Voxer, and Google Calendar to stay organized. Trello manages all his projects, Voxer allows him to coach clients asynchronously, and his color-coded Google Calendar pulls in over 27 schedules to manage his large household and multiple roles. Those tools, used with intention and clarity, form the backbone of his productivity.
Scaling Coaching in an Unusual Way
Instead of offering traditional one-on-one coaching via scheduled calls or Zoom, Ari scaled his coaching using the Voxer app, which allows him to coach dozens of clients in 17 time zones asynchronously, often in just 20 minutes a day. He credits this model for offering greater freedom while providing personalized and high-impact guidance.
No More Virtual Assistants
Despite having worked with hundreds of VAs in the past, Ari now runs his entire operation solo, using AI tools like ChatGPT to handle everything from admin tasks to brainstorming. He has not needed a virtual assistant in two years and believes most entrepreneurs can achieve the same if they understand what they need to do.
A Highly Structured, Flexible Life
Ari juggles his family life with five kids, civic duties, nonprofit work, and overnight ambulance shifts. His days are structured around family and community, with his work woven into spare pockets of time, like when driving or standing on the sidelines of his kids’ activities. His lifestyle proves that productivity requires systems and clarity, and not rigid hours.
Looking Toward the Future
Ari does not foresee much changing over the next ten years, except perhaps bringing a humanoid robot into the house to help out. He envisions a life where systems continue to support growth, freedom, and purpose.
For Ari, productivity is not about doing less. It’s about achieving more of what truly matters.
Bio: Ari Meisel
I Help Entrepreneurs Become Replaceable
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Summary:
Hello, I’m Ari Meisel- a world-renowned productivity expert, author, and passionate advocate for optimized living. My journey began with my own struggles against chronic illness, leading me to develop the Less Doing, More Living productivity system. Today, I’m fortunate to share my insights with thousands of individuals and organizations worldwide, empowering them to achieve more by doing less. Authorship: Published works in the field of productivity, efficiency, and stress management. My writing serves as an influential guide for those aiming to reclaim their time and energy.
Woodworking Enthusiast:
Beyond my professional life, I have a deep-rooted love for woodworking. The craftsmanship involved is not just a hobby; it’s a practice that also informs my philosophy about the importance of focus, detail, and dedication in all pursuits. Community Service: As a volunteer EMT and Lieutenant at our local rescue squad in Princeton, New Jersey, I’m committed to giving back to the community. These experiences have imbued me with valuable leadership and crisis-management skills.
Future Ambitions:
I plan on running for local office to drive transformative changes at a community level. My vision includes improved healthcare access, innovative education programs, and sustainable practices that can make Princeton an example for other cities to follow.
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