In this episode, Stephen and Britain Covey revisit a modern classic: Essentialism by Greg McKeown. They dive into the core message of doing “less but better,” exploring how prioritizing what truly matters can lead to a more meaningful, purpose-driven life.

Stephen reflects on his friendship with Greg McKeown, sharing stories that highlight the man behind the message. Together, the hosts explore how essentialism isn't just about time management; it's a fundamental paradigm shift. They unpack how this mindset applies in careers, early adulthood, leadership, and even family life.

Through thoughtful storytelling and personal insight, this episode challenges listeners to rethink the constant pursuit of more and instead, embrace the transformative power of intentional living.

What We Discuss

• [00:02] Introduction to essentialism
• [02:26] Greg's personal story that gave birth to essentialism
• [04:40] Principle of prioritizing your life
• [08:09] Life as a diamond mine
• [09:11] Less but better
• [13:04] Essentialism as a paradigm and not a hack
• [17:21] Essentialism for early career
• [21:22] Detecting life's mission
• [25:21] Reflection and experience
• [27:28] Prioritization and control

Notable Quotes

• [03:54] “If you don't prioritize your life, someone else will.” — Greg McKeown
• [08:04] “Life is much more akin to a diamond mine where it's not about how much stuff you get out. It's whether you can identify those few things that are exceptionally valuable.” — Greg McKeown
• [13:04] “If you try to do it all, all the time for everyone, you don't get it all. You get exhausted, you get burned out.” — Greg McKeown
• [13:24] “The essentialist is waking up in a way, a little bit like a Matrix moment, but you just wake up and you go, what? This isn't how it works at all.” — Greg McKeown
• [21:30] “There is an essential and unique mission in life that needs to be detected, not just designed, not just selected.” — Greg McKeown

Resources

Paradigm Shifting Books

• Podcast
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• YouTube

Books

• Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

Britain Covey

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Stephen H. Covey

• LinkedIn

In this special episode, Stephen and Britain Covey sit down with their father, Stephen M. R. Covey, to explore the real origin story behind The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. From childhood family councils to a 20-year publishing journey, they uncover the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped one of the most influential personal development books of all time.

The episode dives deep into how the habits evolved over time, why paradigms matter more than behavior, and how primary greatness, not just success, leads to lasting fulfillment. With heartfelt stories, insightful breakdowns, and meaningful listener questions, this episode brings the 7 Habits to life in a way you’ve never heard before. Let's dive in!

What We Discuss

• [03:01] How the 7 Habits began as stand-alone principles
• [07:13] How the habit names and structure evolved
• [12:02] Why the 7 Habits took over 20 years to develop
• [16:08] Choosing purpose over profit: Stephen M. R. Covey’s career decision
• [27:11] Private victory as the key to public victory
• [29:38] Mental resilience in competitive environments
• [32:46] The hardest habit to live consistently
• [37:16] What would the 8th habit be?
• [39:19] Are the 7 Habits still relevant today?
• [57:28] Practical applications to live more effectively

Notable Quotes

• [04:47] “You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage pleasantly, smilingly, unapologetically to say no to other things.” — Stephen H. Covey

• [20:53] “Secondary greatness is success. Primary greatness is character.” — Stephen M. R. Covey

• [25:21] “Peace doesn’t come from accumulation. It comes from contribution.” — Britain Covey

Resources

Paradigm Shifting Books

• Podcast
• Instagram
• YouTube

Books

• The 8th Habit by Stephen R. Covey
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R, Covey

Stephen M. R. Covey

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Britain Covey

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Stephen H. Covey

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In this relaunch episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey share exciting updates about the podcast's new direction while blending personal stories with profound insights. Britain, a Super Bowl champion, reveals what winning the Super Bowl really feels like (including a hilarious kindergarten project involving "Flat Stanley"), while both hosts explore their grandfather Stephen R. Covey's timeless wisdom about paradigm shifts and why changing your perspective alters everything.

As part of the relaunch, they’re revisiting the 15 transformative books and authors already featured on the show—mining them for deeper insights and fresh relevance—before continuing their journey toward uncovering 40 must-read books for personal and professional growth. With new weekly episodes, this reboot promises a more structured and thoughtful approach to transformation, one paradigm at a time.

Tune in to discover why Britain's teammates laughed at Flat Stanley, how to apply Einstein's problem-solving principle to daily life, and what makes this podcast's approach to personal growth unique. Let's jump in!

What We Discuss

• [00:02] Introduction to Paradigm Shifting Books
• [01:20] Super Bowl Experience
• [03:24] Flat Stanley in the Super Bowl
• [06:03] Podcast relaunch
• [12:52] Why "paradigm shifting"?
• [14:45] Listening to Stephen R. Covey and Einstein's secret
• [17:50] Roots vs. branches concept
• [19:36] Invitation to join the journey

Notable Quotes

• [00:11:08] “What we'll do initially is go back through the 15 books and then get back into the ultimate goal of reviewing 40 books that everyone should read when it comes to personal and professional development.” — Stephen Covey

• [00:14:00] “Changing your paradigm will change your behavior far quicker than trying to fix the behavior itself.” — Britain Covey

• [00:18:23] “Focus on the roots, not the branches. That’s where real transformation happens.” — Stephen Covey

Resources

Paradigm Shifting Books

• Podcast
• Instagram
• YouTube

Britain Covey

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Stephen H. Covey

• LinkedIn