Paradigm Shifting Books

In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, Stephen and Britain Covey return to the foundational principles behind Michael Bungay Stanier’s bestselling book The Coaching Habit. Building on their previous conversation about The Advice Trap, they unpack why most people jump too quickly into giving answers and how learning to “stay curious longer” transforms leadership, mentoring, and everyday conversations.Stephen walks through the seven core coaching questions that form the backbone of Michael’s work, explaining how these simple prompts help leaders shift from advice givers to effective guides. Britain brings a unique perspective from the world of professional sports, reflecting on what great coaching looks like in high-pressure environments and why the best coaches help players discover insights for themselves.Together, they explore how these seven questions create clarity, empower others, and strengthen relationships, whether in the workplace, on the field, or at home. This episode is a practical, wisdom-packed guide for anyone who wants to influence others in a more meaningful and effective way.What We Discuss[00:00] Introduction[00:46] Overview of Michael Bungay Stanier’s books[01:51] The seven coaching questions[03:13] Brit’s perspective: Athlete’s perspective on coaching[05:27] Guiding others to their own solutions[07:20] Applying coaching in leadership[08:13] When direct advice is neededNotable Quotes[01:22] " The main principle is this, which is to stay curious longer and to rush to advice a little more slowly." – Stephen[02:49] " Literally, if you just ask these questions, then you automatically are, in a way, like a pretty effective coach." – Stephen[05:12]  I've always loved that concept of like, in order for you to influence someone, you almost have to help them come up with this idea or their own version of it organically.”  – Britain[05:27] “ All these questions, they’re a guide to help other people come up with their own solutions. Because those solutions will always stick more.”– BritainResourcesParadigm Shifting BooksPodcastInstagram YouTube BookThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierThe Advice Trap by Michael Bungay StanierBritain CoveyLinkedIn InstagramStephen H. CoveyLinkedIn

In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey explore Michael Bungay Stanier’s transformative work, The Advice Trap, a companion to his earlier book, The Coaching Habit. Michael delves into the concept of the “Advice Monster,” explaining how the impulse to offer quick solutions often leads to ineffective problem-solving. Instead, he advocates for staying curious longer to encourage deeper understanding and foster self-sufficiency in others. This approach not only enhances leadership and coaching skills but also improves personal relationships and parenting.Throughout the episode, Michael breaks down the three types of advice monsters: Tell It, Save It, and Control It, and offers practical tips on how to tame them. By shifting the focus from providing answers to asking the right questions, you’ll learn how to empower others to think critically and solve problems on their own. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their coaching, leadership, and communication skills, especially in work environments, parenting, or coaching settings.What We Discuss[00:00] Introduction[03:50] Three types of advice monsters and how they manifest in everyday life[07:40] How giving advice too quickly leads to solving the wrong problem[12:18] The art of asking questions instead of offering solutions[15:01] How the advice trap shows up in parenting, and how space can empower others[19:13] Why seeking control prevents growth and what true empowerment looks likeNotable Quotes[03:25] "The advice monster is a sneaky impulse that wants to jump in with answers before we truly understand what’s going on." – Michael Bungay Stanier[10:29] "We all rush to solve problems, but sometimes the first problem isn’t even the real problem." – Michael Bungay Stanier[12:00] "Advice is everywhere, but what people really need is space to think and explore for themselves." – Michael Bungay Stanier[19:13] "The act of listening to understand is not about being smart, it’s about giving up control and empowering the other person." – Michael Bungay StanierResourcesParadigm Shifting BooksPodcastInstagram YouTube BookThe Advice Trap by Michael Bungay StanierMichael Bungay StanierWebsiteLinkedInInstagramBritain CoveyLinkedIn InstagramStephen H. CoveyLinkedIn

Dive into the transformative insights of Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor who teaches us about finding meaning in suffering. Discover the power of choosing your attitude and how it shapes your response to life’s challenges. Explore how having a sense of purpose can aid survival, especially in extreme circumstances. Frankl's views on motivation emphasize that meaning, not just pleasure, drives human actions. This discussion inspires listeners to reframe their struggles and take meaningful action in their lives.

Join Charles Duhigg, a journalist and author known for his insights on habit formation, as he dives into the science behind why we do what we do. He discusses how our daily actions are often guided by powerful habit loops consisting of cues, routines, and rewards. Duhigg shares the 'Golden Rule of Habit Change,' emphasizing that habits can't just be erased—they must be replaced. With relatable anecdotes and practical advice, he reveals strategies for building better habits and breaking old ones. A must-listen for anyone wanting to regain control of their routines!

In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, Stephen and Britain Covey explore a core principle from Dr. Craig Manning’s The Fearless Mind, how to turn fear into focus. Drawing from Dr. Manning’s work with Olympians, NBA champions, and top business leaders, they unpack the truth that fear cannot be eliminated but it can be reframed and redirected.Britain opens up about one of the most pressure-filled experiences in sports: returning punts in the NFL before a stadium of 80,000 fans. He shares a deeply personal poem, Your Bravest Self, written as a reminder that courage is not the absence of fear, but the choice to move forward despite it. Together, they discuss how learning to carry fear rather than silence it, can unlock calm, clarity, and confidence.They close with three simple, actionable steps inspired by Dr. Manning’s teachings: breathe, anchor, and act. They explain how these can help anyone, whether you are facing a high-stakes meeting, a big presentation, or a defining moment in life.Tune in to discover how to reframe fear as your invitation to focus and perform at your best when it matters most.What We Discuss[00:00] Introduction[00:17] Turning fear into focus from The Fearless Mind[02:22] Britain’s real-life experience facing fear in the NFL[04:33] The poem “Your Bravest Self” and its meaning[08:19] Redirecting fear[10:02] Three steps to turn fear into focus[11:51] Free throw routine analogyNotable Quotes[01:33] “You can't eliminate fear, but you can train your mind to handle it differently.” — Stephen[08:17] “It's okay to feel fear. Stop trying to silence it, stop trying to get rid of it. You just redirect it.” — Britain[09:00] “'I think the best version of you is the one who feels all the fear and the struggle and still goes through it.” — Britain[14:07] “Do not see fear as your enemy. It's your invitation to focus.” — Stephen[10:47] “I literally reminded myself when I was feeling the fear to take a deep breath, anchor myself, and then take action.”— StephenResourcesParadigm Shifting BooksPodcastInstagram YouTube BooksThe Fearless Mind by Dr. Craig ManningThe Man in the Arena speech by Theodore RooseveltBritain CoveyLinkedIn InstagramStephen H. CoveyLinkedIn

In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey are joined by leadership expert Liz Wiseman, author of ‘Multipliers’. Together, they dive into the powerful principles that distinguish "multipliers", leaders who amplify the intelligence and abilities of others, from "diminishers," who, despite good intentions, unknowingly hold people back. Liz shares her research and experiences, revealing how leadership can either bring out brilliance or unintentionally stifle growth. This conversation highlights how these concepts can apply not only in the workplace but also in teams, families, and everyday life.Stephen and Britain reflect on how these insights have shaped their own approaches to leadership. They discuss the importance of seeing potential in others and creating environments where people feel empowered to contribute their best. Stephen points out that it's not about being the smartest leader, but about finding ways to help others shine, while Britain shares how creating space for both safety and challenge is key to unlocking peak performance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to foster growth, collaboration, and leadership in all areas of life.What We Discuss[00:00] Introduction[01:23] The Power of Contributorship[04:10] Multipliers vs. Diminishers[13:35] Safety and Stretch: The Core of Leadership[20:10] The Importance of Viewing Genius in Others[22:36] Contribution over CompetitionNotable Quotes[06:34] "Sometimes really, really smart people don't make the best managers." – Liz Wiseman[24:59] "People want to come to work every day wanting to contribute everything that they have." – Liz Wiseman[15:37] "What these leaders do is they create an environment where people feel safe, but then they create stretch." – Liz Wiseman[24:20] "Multipliers believe people are smart, and there is a way they are smart. It's my job to find it and use it." – Liz WisemanResourcesParadigm Shifting BooksPodcastInstagram YouTube BookMultipliers by Liz WisemanLiz WisemanThe Wiseman Group WebsiteInstagramLinkedInBritain CoveyLinkedIn InstagramStephen H. CoveyLinkedIn

In this episode, Stephen and Britain Covey focus on one transformative principle from Greg McKeown’s Essentialism, the 1-2-3 Method. This simple yet profound system is designed to help you cut through distractions and live each day with greater clarity and purpose.The 1-2-3 Method encourages you to choose one essential project to focus on deeply, two urgent and essential tasks that must be completed to stay on track, and three maintenance items that prevent life from spiraling into chaos. Stephen and Britain explore how this daily practice can bring structure to even the busiest schedules.Hear how Britain naturally experiences the 1-2-3 rhythm as a professional athlete through practice, film study, and recovery. Stephen shares how he applies the method both in his work life and on weekends with family, demonstrating that it works in every setting, from corporate offices to family trips to Disneyland.They also address why some critics dismiss the method as “too simple,” and explain why simplicity itself is the secret to its power in a world overloaded with notifications, meetings, and demands. By linking the 1-2-3 Method to James Clear’s Atomic Habits, they show how building the right system helps you succeed even on your hardest days.Tune in and discover how the 1-2-3 Method can help you design your day and lead your life with clarity and purpose.What We Discuss[00:00] Introduction to Paradigm Shifting Books[00:36] Today’s focus: the 1-2-3 method from Essentialism[01:55] Explaining the 1-2-3 method[04:25] Applying the 1-2-3 method in sports[08:50] Real-life examples of the 1-2-3 method[13:45] Final thoughts and challenge to listenersNotable Quotes[00:06:35] “Our schedule is naturally built out for us around this 1, 2, 3 method. In life, I feel like it's a lot harder because we wanna say yes to everything. There's so much gray area in life and we wanna say yes to everything.” — Britain Covey[00:08:25] “If you don't do something like this, and if you're not intentional in the morning when you plan your day, then your day will absolutely be hijacked by other people.” — Stephen Covey[00:11:14] “What's my number one priority today? It's to be present with my kids. That is the number one thing for this Saturday.” — Stephen Covey[00:12:35] “Even for non-work days, you feel like you apply this method.” — Britain Covey[00:13:13] “If you implement some kind of intentional planning system like this in the morning, even on a bad day and you just fall to the level of your base system, you're gonna have a much better day than if you just kind of throw your hands up and say, well, today's out the window.” — Stephen CoveyResourcesParadigm Shifting BooksPodcastInstagram YouTube BooksEssentialism by Greg McKeownAtomic Habits by James ClearBritain CoveyLinkedIn InstagramStephen H. CoveyLinkedIn

In Part 2 of our conversation with social psychologist and best-selling author Amy Cuddy, we delve deeper into the transformative science of presence and its impact on our confidence, success, and personal growth. Known for her groundbreaking TED Talk and book Presence, Amy shares the power of body language and its profound impact on our emotional states and performance. From power poses to overcoming self-doubt, this episode explores practical tools for embracing your personal power, connecting authentically, and overcoming life's challenges with unshakable confidence.Tune in to discover how small changes in posture and mindset can help you tap into your fullest potential when it matters most, whether in the boardroom, on stage, or in daily life. Amy's insights on how our bodies influence our minds and the world around us will leave you empowered to take on any challenge with poise and assurance.What We Discuss:[00:00] Introduction to the Science of Presence[03:00] The concept of power posing and how it affects both our internal confidence and how we are perceived by others.[08:40] Amy discusses how power posing has made its way into popular media, from Ted Lasso to Grey's Anatomy, and what these portrayals teach us about confidence.[13:06] Practical ways to apply power posing and mental visualization techniques in everyday situations to boost personal power.[19:09] Amy reflects on the societal struggle with self-doubt and confidence, offering insights on how we can reconnect with our authentic selves to cultivate true inner power.[28:11] Amy shares a practical exercise to help listeners identify their core values and affirm their true selves for greater confidence and reduced stress.Notable Quotes:[25:59] - “Presence is about getting people to a place where they really see each other and can affirm them in that way.” - Amy Cuddy[26:18] - “When we are present with somebody else, we invite them to be present with us. Genuine attention is so rare, and it’s a gift we can give.” - Amy Cuddy[13:26] - “Confidence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about owning who you are, flaws and all, and embracing the power you already have within you.” - Amy Cuddy[20:59] - “To avoid criticism, do nothing. But when you’re focused on growth, even mistakes become part of your progress.” - Amy CuddyResourcesParadigm Shifting BooksPodcastInstagram YouTube BookPresence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest ChallengesAmy CuddyWebsiteInstagramLinkedInBritain CoveyLinkedIn InstagramStephen H. CoveyLinkedInX

Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist and author known for her work on confidence and presence, joins Stephen and Britton Covey to discuss how we can unlock our best selves in high-stakes situations. She highlights the importance of preparation in building confidence and warns against the pitfalls of over-preparation. Cuddy explains the concept of self-affirmation, illustrating how anchoring personal values can enhance performance and mitigate self-doubt. Join them as they explore practical ways to embrace challenges with calm and confidence.

In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey continue their thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Craig Manning, author of ‘The Fearless Mind’. In this second part, Dr. Manning expands on how understanding your core identity and staying true to your strengths is the key to unlocking consistent high performance in any area of life. This episode digs deep into the concept of "task orientation" vs. "ego orientation" and how to shift your mindset for success.Dr. Manning, a performance psychologist, provides a masterclass on building mental resilience, explains the profound impact of fear on human performance, and gives practical advice for overcoming insecurity in both professional and personal contexts. Whether you’re an athlete, a business leader, or someone looking to improve everyday performance, the principles discussed here are universally applicable.What We Discuss:[00:00] Introduction[00:17] How task-oriented focus leads to better performance[01:41] Trust is earned through competence, not titles[05:08] How staying present and focused on tasks reduces anxiety and improves performance[15:11] How to overcome insecurity and trust yourself more deeply[17:39] Why focusing on the process, not the outcome, is essential for sustained success[18:26] Dr. Manning’s final advice on embracing your strengths and continuing the journey to self-improvementNotable Quotes:[00:06:45] “When you know who you are and you trust yourself, you don’t care what others think, you just perform.” — Dr. Craig Manning[00:10:29] “Fear is a concept we create. The opposite is learning. A learning mentality opens up new possibilities.” — Dr. Craig Manning[00:13:42] “Focus on the process, not the outcome. The outcome will take care of itself when you execute the process well.” — Dr. Craig Manning[00:19:08] “Flow state is a superpower. Knowing who you are is the gateway to unlocking it.” — Dr. Craig ManningResourcesParadigm Shifting BooksPodcastInstagram YouTube BookThe Fearless Mind: 5 Steps to Achieving Peak PerformanceDr. Craig ManningWebsiteInstagramLinkedInBritain CoveyLinkedIn InstagramStephen H. CoveyLinkedInX