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In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey explore Habit 1, Be Proactive, from their grandfather Stephen R. Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Featuring archival audio clips of their grandfather teaching in the 1980s and 90s, this "Power Principle" episode reveals the difference between proactive and reactive living. Dr. Covey shares Viktor Frankl's discovery of the "last human freedom," the power to choose your response to any circumstance, and the story of a nurse who realized she had chosen her own misery and could therefore choose otherwise. In the second clip, Dr. Covey introduces the Circle of Influence vs. Circle of Concern through the story of Ben, an employee who transformed his organization by focusing on what he could control. Stephen and Britain reflect on why taking responsibility is not daunting but deeply empowering and why this timeless wisdom is more urgent than ever. Tune in to hear Stephen R. Covey's own voice teach these powerful principles and discover how one simple shift in focus can change everything. What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction[00:40] What makes this episode different[01:58] Habit 1 explained[02:26] The opposite of proactive[03:18] Viktor Frankl and the last human freedom[05:20] The nurse story: from prison to liberation[07:26] Why taking ownership feels daunting but is ultimately empowering[08:56] The circle of influence and circle of concern[09:19] Where proactive vs. reactive people focus their energy[12:00] The story of Ben[14:24] ConclusionResources Paradigm Shifting Books PodcastInstagram YouTube Book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. CoveyStephen R. Covey LinkedInInstagramBritain Covey LinkedIn InstagramStephen H. Covey LinkedInMentioned Episode Viktor Frankl – Man’s Search for Meaning

In Part 2 of this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey continue their conversation with their father, Stephen M. R. Covey, bestselling author of The Speed of Trust. Picking up where Part 1 left off, this half dives deeper into what high-trust leadership looks like in practice, from boardrooms to family dinner tables, and why the companies that are already good at trust are the ones most determined to get better at it. Stephen M. R. Covey walks through real-world examples of organizations that used trust as a performance multiplier, including Frito-Lay's Al Carey and the iconic Doritos Locos Taco partnership with Taco Bell, a billion-dollar product launched without a contract because two CEOs trusted each other completely. He unpacks the five waves of trust and makes the case that everything starts from the inside out, beginning with self-trust. The episode also gets personal. Stephen and Britain revisit a teenage speeding ticket that became a masterclass in how trust is lost, owned, and rebuilt through behavior, not words. Stephen M. R. Covey shares his own story of having to restore trust with a colleague he had unfairly criticized as CEO, walking through what it actually looks like to behave your way back into a relationship. The episode closes with two immediately actionable takeaways for anyone who wants to increase trust this week. What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction[01:30] Why companies that are already good at trust want to get even better[02:53] Case study: Frito Lay, Taco Bell, and the billion dollar Doritos Locos Taco [08:56] The five waves of trust[16:17] Making and keeping commitments to yourself to rebuild self-trust[18:13] Rebuilding trust once it's been lost: two paradigm shifts[22:50] Britain's teenage speeding ticket story[26:56] Stephen M. R. Covey's personal leadership failure[32:54] Two practical takeaways to increase trust this week[38:59] Closing reflections from Stephen and BritainResources Paradigm Shifting Books PodcastInstagram YouTube  Book The Speed of Trust by Stephen M. R. Covey Stephen M. R. Covey LinkedIn Britain Covey LinkedIn Instagram Stephen H. Covey LinkedIn

In Part 1 of this 2-part episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey sit down with their father, Stephen M. R. Covey, to revisit The Speed of Trust nearly 20 years after it was written. Together, they explore the ideas behind the book, what Stephen M. R. Covey has learned after two decades of teaching trust around the world, and why trust remains one of the most important forces in leadership, business, teams, and relationships. Stephen M. R. Covey shares how the book grew out of his experience during the merger between Covey Leadership Center and FranklinCovey. Even though both companies had good people and strong values, years of competition created low trust inside the newly combined organization. Decisions slowed down, costs increased, people questioned motives, and the team became more internally focused than customer focused. That experience helped him see that trust is not just a social virtue, but a measurable economic force. The conversation unpacks two major paradigm shifts at the heart of The Speed of Trust: trust is financial, not just social, and trust is learnable. Stephen M. R. Covey explains how leaders and teams can intentionally build trust through credibility, behavior, language, frameworks, and practical action. Stephen and Britain also connect these ideas to sports, football, the Los Angeles Rams, and high-performing teams, showing why trust changes everything and why it can be built on purpose. What We Discuss 00:00 - Introduction00:43 - Revisiting The Speed of Trust with Stephen M. R. Covey08:18 - Why Trust Became Stephen M. R. Covey’s Life Work10:47 - The Big Shift: Trust Is Financial, Not Just Social12:36 - The Second Shift: Trust Is a Learnable Skill21:16 - What Sports Teams Reveal About High and Low Trust22:37 - The Backup Quarterback Test for Trust23:48 - Why Talent Alone Is Never Enough25:28 - The Power of Talent and Trust TogetherNotable Quotes [11:55] "Trust is financial, not just social. There's a business case for trust, and it's a compelling case." — Stephen M. R. Covey[12:55] “Trust is learnable. It’s a learnable skill. It’s a learnable competency.” – Stephen M.R. Covey[18:39] "Trust is the one thing that changes everything." — Stephen M. R. CoveyResources Paradigm Shifting Books PodcastInstagram YouTube Book The Speed of Trust by Stephen M. R. CoveyStephen M. R. Covey LinkedInBritain Covey LinkedIn InstagramStephen H. Covey LinkedIn

In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen Covey and Britain Covey dive into Daniel Pink's groundbreaking book Drive, which challenges everything we think we know about what motivates people. They explore why the traditional "carrot and stick" approach to motivation works for some tasks but actively undermines the kind of complex, creative work that defines most of what we do today. Drawing on decades of social science research, Pink lays out a compelling framework for understanding what truly drives human performance. Stephen and Britain reflect on how these ideas apply far beyond the office, from NFL locker rooms to families to personal growth. Britain shares a vivid story from his time as a scout team player in the NFL, illustrating how a simple moment of recognition from a coach unlocked a sense of purpose he had not felt before. Stephen ties the book's core principles, autonomy, mastery, and purpose, directly to leadership, noting that when leaders design environments around these three drivers, motivation follows naturally. This episode is a must listen for anyone who leads a team, raises a family, or simply wants to understand what makes us do our best work. What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction[00:35] Why Dan Wrote Drive[02:11] Carrots Sticks Problem[04:10] If Then Rewards: When They Work and When They Don't[06:43] Money as a Threshold Motivator, Not the Whole Story[13:09] Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose: The Three Core Motivators[16:00] NFL Story on Purpose[18:33] Connecting Drive to Leadership, Sports, and Life[21:05] Resume Virtues vs. Eulogy Virtues: Redefining Success Notable Quotes [04:30] "If-then rewards are very effective for simple tasks with short time horizons." – Daniel Pink[06:17] "The problem with if-then rewards is not the reward, it's the contingency, the if-thenness of it. Because if-thenness is a form of control." – Daniel Pink[08:37] "The best use of money as a motivator is to pay people enough to take the issue of money off the table." – Daniel Pink[13:14] "Once you're through the threshold, there are three core motivators for long-term performance on complex tasks: autonomy, mastery, and purpose." – Daniel Pink[22:59] "Find something you care about and get really good at it, because the act of getting good at something you care about is inherently satisfying." – Daniel PinkResources Paradigm Shifting Books PodcastInstagram YouTube Book Drive by Daniel Pink Daniel Pink WebsiteInstagramLinkedInYouTubeBritain Covey LinkedIn InstagramStephen H. Covey LinkedIn

In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey take a deeper dive into one of the foundational ideas behind The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: the maturity continuum. Building on their recent conversation with Dan Coyle about flourishing and human connection, they explore the progression from dependence to independence to interdependence, and why so much of modern self-improvement culture stops short of the ultimate goal. Drawing directly from the teachings of Stephen R. Covey, they unpack why independence is often celebrated as the highest form of growth, even though life itself is inherently interconnected. Stephen and Britain reflect on how these ideas apply to leadership, relationships, teamwork, and personal fulfillment. They discuss the dangers of victim thinking, the rise of hyper-individualism, and the growing appeal of “monk mode” culture in a world that increasingly rewards isolation and self-focus. Through personal stories, sports analogies, and timeless insights from The 7 Habits, they make the case that true flourishing happens not in separation from others, but through meaningful collaboration, trust, and shared growth. This episode is a powerful reminder that independence is not the final destination of maturity, but the foundation that allows us to fully thrive together. What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction[01:43] The maturity continuum explained[02:13] Dependence: the starting point[02:58] Independence: personal responsibility and discipline[03:55] Interdependence: the highest level of the continuum[05:25] Reading from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: the limits of independence[10:16] Self-reflection: where are you on the maturity continuum?[11:13] The role of “monk mode” and private victories[13:08] Modern life: isolation vs. interdependence[14:53] Conclusion Notable Quotes [03:41] "Independence is the paradigm of I can do it, right? I am responsible, I am self-reliant, I can choose." – Britain Covey[10:03] "Strength is found in differences more than it is in similarities in a relationship." – Britain Covey[13:02] "Growth doesn't stop at independence. That's really just the foundation." – Stephen Covey[10:56] "Interdependence is a choice only independent people can make." – Stephen R. CoveyResources Paradigm Shifting Books PodcastInstagram YouTube Book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. CoveyBritain Covey LinkedIn InstagramStephen H. Covey LinkedInMentioned Episode Why We Need Other People to Become Our Best Selves (Part 1) with Daniel Coyle

In Part 2 of their conversation on Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey dive deeper with bestselling author Dan Coyle into the practical, human side of flourishing. Dan reveals why being a great teammate is actually the highest form of leadership, shares his kids' brilliant insight that "annoyance is the price of community," and explains how AI for all its power can't ask a single good question.  The episode is filled with personal stories, from Britain's NFL experience helping a competitor to Dan's upcoming "battle of the bands" with his dad friends in Brooklyn. They close with two simple but profound questions anyone can ask to start flourishing this week: Who do I feel most alive with? and What am I helping to grow?  Tune in to hear the full conversation and discover how to start flourishing today. What We Discuss [02:25] Guardrails and Freedom: Why Living Systems Need Space to Breathe[05:21] The Elite Teammate Move: Looking Around for Someone to Help[10:30] Annoyance Is the Price of Community[13:30] AI and the Humanist Revival: What Artificial Intelligence Reveals About Us[15:41] Why Flourish Is Dan's Most Personal Book[18:06] Stupid Stuff With Friends: The Unexpected Gift of the Book[20:20] Red Doors, Green Doors, and Yellow Doors[21:35] Where to Start: Two Questions That Audit Your FlourishingNotable Quotes [06:20] " When there's a good leader, people say, oh, what a good leader. When there's a great leader, the people say, we did it ourselves.'" – Dan Coyle[10:34] "Annoyance is the price of community. And community is the only way you're gonna be saved." – Dan Coyle[21:37] "Who do I feel most alive with? And what am I helping to grow? Those two questions are a little spotlight, a little auditing you can do of your world." – Dan CoyleResources Paradigm Shifting Books PodcastInstagram YouTube Book Flourish by Dan CoyleDan Coyle WebsiteFacebookLinkedInBooks: The Talent Code, The Culture CodeBritain Covey LinkedIn InstagramStephen H. Covey LinkedIn

In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey sit down with bestselling author Dan Coyle, whose books The Talent Code and The Culture Code have already reshaped how we think about individual growth and team dynamics. Now, with his latest book, Flourish, Dan takes an even bigger step, exploring not just how we perform or collaborate, but how we build truly meaningful lives and communities. At the heart of it all is a radical reframe: flourishing isn't something you achieve alone. It's mutual, shared, and rooted in connection. Stephen and Britain reflect on how Dan's ideas echo their grandfather's concept of the maturity continuum, the journey from dependence to independence to interdependence, and how Flourish makes the case that interdependence, not independence, is the real destination. Dan shares vivid stories from his research, including the miraculous survival of the 33 Chilean miners, the New England Patriots' Super Bowl run, and a $90 million deli ecosystem in Ann Arbor, to illustrate how questions, pauses, and shared vulnerability unlock something in people that answers and productivity never can. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to move from self-improvement to shared flourishing in their teams, families, and everyday lives. What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction[02:09] What Does It Mean to Flourish? Redefining Success[04:28] The Backpack of Individualism and How to Put It Down[05:45] Task Attention vs. Relational Attention: The Toggle Switch in Your Brain[07:39] Why Questions Unite and Answers Drive People Apart[10:31] Life as Treasure Creation, Not a Treasure Hunt[11:11] The Four H Exercise and the New England Patriots[22:01] Lessons from the Chilean Miners[26:21] Embracing the Beautiful MessNotable Quotes [02:10] "The scientific definition of flourishing would be: joyful, meaningful, growth shared. And the piece that surprised me was that last word." – Dan Coyle[08:01] "The places that really end up flourishing are ones that are able to really dig into deep questions and create space for people to circle up and explore those questions together." – Dan Coyle[23:52] "Paradigm shifts only happen with questions. They never happen with answers." – Dan Coyle[27:36] "If you're gonna have a system that's alive, imperfection should be celebrated. If you're doing it all a hundred percent perfectly, you're not doing it right." – Dan CoyleResources Paradigm Shifting Books PodcastInstagram YouTube Book Flourish by Dan CoyleDan Coyle WebsiteFacebookLinkedInBooks: The Talent Code, The Culture CodeBritain Covey LinkedIn InstagramStephen H. Covey LinkedIn

Happy New Year! In this special episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey revisit a foundational principle from their grandfather, Stephen R. Covey, to set the tone for the year: "Life is not about accumulation, it is about contribution." Moving beyond typical New Year's resolutions focused on achievement and acquisition, Stephen and Britain explore why shifting your focus to giving rather than getting is the key to deeper happiness and lasting fulfillment. They unpack the difference between "Primary Greatness" (character, integrity, contribution) and "Secondary Greatness" (titles, fame, fortune), explaining that while pursuing external success is not wrong, building a life on the bedrock of contribution is what makes success meaningful and enduring. Britain shares a powerful personal story from the NFL, highlighting how veteran teammate Brandon Graham consciously fights a culture of transactional relationships by contributing to every new player. This serves as a model for choosing connection over comparison in any environment. Stephen reflects on a recent family experience serving at a local ministry, which recentered him on what truly matters as a parent. Backed by research from Harvard, UCLA, and thinkers like Adam Grant, this conversation is a timely reset for anyone feeling the pressure to constantly achieve and acquire. It is a call to find greater joy in 2026 by focusing on the unseen, noble work of contributing to the people right in front of you. What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction to Paradigm Shifting Books[00:57] Contribution over accumulation: a core principle[02:00] Research and studies supporting contribution[03:46] Primary vs. secondary greatness[04:46] Personal reflections on contribution[07:02] NFL insights: Brandon Graham's example[14:44] Family and community contributions[17:29] Conclusion and reflections for the new yearNotable Quotes [01:17] “Life is not about accumulation. It’s about contribution.” – Stephen R. Covey[04:02] “You can have secondary greatness without primary greatness, but it won’t last.” – Stephen R. Covey[05:24] “My happiness is greatly affected when I live out of a desire for contribution more than accumulation.” – Britain Covey[06:57] “ You don't have to be an extrovert to have contribution to other people.” – Britain CoveyResources Paradigm Shifting Books PodcastInstagram YouTube Britain Covey LinkedIn InstagramStephen H. Covey LinkedIn

In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey explore Disrupt Yourself with the author herself, Whitney Johnson, to discuss the powerful framework for understanding personal growth, career evolution, and why progress often feels uncomfortable before it feels rewarding. Drawing on Clayton Christensen’s theory of disruptive innovation, Whitney applies the same principles used to explain market shifts to individual lives, revealing how meaningful growth requires intentional disruption. Stephen reflects on why this episode is especially timely, inviting listeners to use moments of pause, like the holiday season, to reflect on where they are in their careers and lives. Through Whitney’s explanation of the S-curve of learning, the conversation unpacks why starting something new feels slow and discouraging, why momentum eventually accelerates, and why mastery can quietly become a trap. Growth, they explain, is not linear, it is cyclical. The episode also dives into the seven accelerants that move people up the S-curve, including taking the right risks, embracing constraints, stepping back to grow, and reframing failure as a tool rather than a verdict. Whitney shares deeply personal stories from her time on Wall Street and her decision to disrupt her own career, offering a model for navigating change with courage and clarity. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, restless, or ready for their next chapter, and for leaders seeking to better understand how growth unfolds in themselves and others. What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction[00:36] Holiday Reflection[01:33] Disrupt Yourself by Whitney Johnson[03:17] The S-Curve of Learning[08:15] Applying the S-Curve to Personal Growth[12:34] Seven Variables for Growth[16:08] Embracing Failure as a Tool for GrowthNotable Quotes [05:34] “Disruption isn’t just about products, it’s about people.” – Whitney Johnson[05:38] “If I'm going to accomplish what I feel I need to in life, I may need to disrupt myself.”– Whitney Johnson[09:13] “Every time I start something new, I am at the base of the S-curve, and growth is happening but it's not yet apparent.”– Whitney Johnson[10:56] “ When you know where you are, you increase your capacity to grow. You orient yourself and so that can impact you, and it can help you grow the people around you. So the S-curve is basically telling you where you are on the mountain..” – Whitney Johnson[16:46] “ Failure and mistakes are not actually the problem.It's the shame that we associate with the mistakes.” – Whitney JohnsonResources Paradigm Shifting Books PodcastInstagram YouTube Book Disrupt Yourself by Whitney JohnsonWhitney Johnson WebsiteInstagramLinkedInBritain Covey LinkedIn InstagramStephen H. Covey LinkedIn

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.”– BritainResources Paradigm Shifting Books PodcastInstagram YouTube Book The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierThe Advice Trap by Michael Bungay StanierBritain Covey LinkedIn InstagramStephen H. Covey LinkedIn

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 StanierResources Paradigm Shifting Books PodcastInstagram YouTube Book The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay StanierMichael Bungay Stanier WebsiteLinkedInInstagramBritain Covey LinkedIn InstagramStephen H. Covey LinkedIn

In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, Stephen and Britain Covey dive into the profound teachings of Viktor Frankl, the legendary Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor. This episode marks the first in the Legendary Series, where the two highlight timeless authors whose ideas have had a lasting impact. Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning serves as the foundation for a deep exploration of how suffering can be endured when individuals find meaning in it. Frankl’s insights are especially relevant in today’s world, as they demonstrate that even in the darkest circumstances, the human spirit has the power to choose its response. He shows that purpose can provide a lifeline through suffering. Whether navigating personal challenges or seeking deeper fulfillment, Frankl’s wisdom offers transformative guidance. This episode explores two of the most impactful paradigms from Frankl’s work, examining the power of personal freedom in choosing one’s response and the essential role that meaning plays in survival. What We Discuss [00:00] – Introduction to the Legendary Series[02:34] – Who is Viktor Frankl?[03:24] – The Freedom to Choose Your Attitude[06:42] – The Power of the Gap Between Stimulus and Response[13:10] – Finding Meaning in Suffering[15:04] – The Importance of ActionNotable Quotes [05:08] " Everything can be taken from a man, but one thing, the last of the human freedoms. To choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances to choose one's own way." – Viktor Frankl[07:44] "The most beautiful thing about the human condition is that there’s a space in between stimulus and response. In that gap lies our freedom and our growth." – Britain Covey [17:19] ”This book is a way that can help you realize that there is a meaning, there is a purpose for you in this life. There is something unique for you that only you can do.” – Stephen H. CoveyResources Paradigm Shifting Books PodcastInstagram YouTube Book Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklBritain Covey LinkedIn InstagramStephen H. Covey LinkedIn

In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey dive into the fascinating science behind how habits quietly shape almost half of what we do each day. Joined by The Power of Habit author Charles Duhigg, they explore how cues, routines, and rewards work together to create powerful loops in the brain. By understanding how these loops operate, we can start to take real control over them. Stephen and Britain unpack the “Golden Rule of Habit Change” and explain why relying on willpower alone often doesn’t work. They emphasize that habits can’t simply be erased; they need to be replaced with something new. To bring the science to life, they share personal stories, like Britain’s candy jar detours and how simple tools like phone-locking devices can make a real difference. They also connect Duhigg’s research to the ideas in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Atomic Habits, showing how these three books build on one another. This episode is a practical and inspiring listen for anyone who wants to build better habits, break old patterns, and take back control of their daily routines. What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction[00:34] The science of habits[02:34] "The Power of Habit" and foundational habit books[06:57] Why Charles Duhigg wrote "The Power of Habit"[09:18] The challenge of changing habits[12:09] The habit loop: cue, routine, reward[20:58] Awareness as the first step to change[24:43] The golden rule of habit changeNotable Quotes [21:25] "You can’t erase a habit. You can only replace it." – Charles Duhigg[06:25] "We all have these little habits. And some of them are positive, some negative, and some neutral." – Britain Covey[11:30] "Under pressure, you don’t rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your habits." – Stephen CoveyResources Paradigm Shifting Books PodcastInstagram YouTube Book The Power of Habit by Charles DuhiggThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. CoveyAtomic Habits by James ClearCharles Duhigg WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInBritain Covey LinkedIn InstagramStephen H. Covey LinkedIn

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.”— StephenResources Paradigm Shifting Books PodcastInstagram YouTube Books The Fearless Mind by Dr. Craig ManningThe Man in the Arena speech by Theodore RooseveltBritain Covey LinkedIn InstagramStephen H. Covey LinkedIn

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 WisemanResources Paradigm Shifting Books PodcastInstagram YouTube Book Multipliers by Liz WisemanLiz Wiseman The Wiseman Group WebsiteInstagramLinkedInBritain Covey LinkedIn InstagramStephen H. Covey LinkedIn