Bookworm · Mike Schmitz and Cory Hixson

241: Intentional by Chris Bailey

January 30, 2026·1 hr 23 min·5 clips

Cory can't stand that Chris Bailey calls his productivity model a stack when it clearly looks like a funnel.

Hosts Mike and Corey discuss "Intentional" by productivity author Chris Bailey, a friend of Mike's who previously appeared on the show. The episode explores Bailey's latest book, which focuses on the concept of follow-through and finishing what you start. Mike explains his personal friendship with Bailey, stemming from a shared interest in productivity and a live podcast event in Chicago. The book begins with a statement on AI, positioning it as a tool for handling drudgery rather than creating art. A central model in the book is the "intention stack," a funnel visualizing how values, priorities, goals, plans, and present intentions are connected. The conversation covers the book's research-based approach, noting Bailey's access to academic journals through his wife. Chapter Two details 12 fundamental human values identified by researcher Shalom Schwartz, including self-direction, hedonism, and benevolence. Bailey argues these values are neither good nor bad but help explain personal motivations. In Chapter Three, Bailey critiques SMART goals, citing their origin in a brief 1981 article rather than robust science. He proposes that effective goals have three components: a predicted outcome, a defined process, and a measurable rate of progress. The chapter introduces a "goal inventory" exercise to connect personal goals to underlying values. Chapter Four introduces the concept of "ugly goals," which are worthwhile pursuits even if they are a struggle or not directly tied to core values. Bailey uses the analogy of a golf swing to argue that follow-through matters more than the initial wind-up. He also states that productivity is about doing what you set out to do, whether that's working or watching Netflix. An interesting insight is Bailey's perspective that a goal is ultimately a prediction, not a guarantee. The ideal ratio for planning versus action is presented as 20% planning to 80% doing. Mike shares that Bailey's highest personal value is hedonism, which gave him pause given certain religious contexts. The tone is conversational and friendly, with hosts openly discussing potential conflicts of interest due to Mike's friendship with the author. They maintain a critical yet appreciative lens, debating specific terms like whether "intention stack" should be called a "funnel." Listeners interested in productivity systems, goal-setting, and personal values will find this episode engaging. Those seeking a purely detached, critical review or who are averse to casual, meandering discussions might prefer to skip it.

As heard by us

A skeptical, useful look at values, goals, and why SMART goals deserve a harder look.

The review treats Chris Bailey's Intentional less like a neat productivity manual and more like a grounded argument about values and how to use them.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

If SMART goals make you roll your eyes, this conversation gives you cleaner language for that instinct.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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