In this episode, Stephen and Britain Covey dive into Getting Things Done (GTD) by David Allen, a groundbreaking book that redefines productivity. They explore how GTD isn’t just about checking off tasks but about creating a trusted system to free your mind, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters.

Stephen shares his personal connection with David Allen, having worked closely with him early in his career. Together, they unpack the core principles of GTD, from "appropriate engagement" to the five-step workflow, and how these concepts can transform your work, relationships, and daily life.

Through engaging storytelling and practical insights, this episode challenges the traditional view of productivity and offers a paradigm shift for managing your mind and tasks with clarity. Let's jump in!

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction
• [05:44] Appropriate engagement: clear mind ⇒ full presence
• [09:13] Structure × freedom on the playing field
• [13:15] GTD as an “installed thought-process” for teams
• [17:37] The 5 steps: Capture · Clarify · Organize · Reflect · Engage
• [25:36] Next-action thinking stops mental “open loops”
• [28:52] Procrastination: signal of high stakes, not laziness
• [32:59] Paradigm shifts: presence over productivity & minds for ideas

Notable Quotes

• [05:44] “The methodology is about being appropriately engaged with your life… Are you appropriately engaged with your cat? …with your career and your future?” — David Allen
• [07:05] “Productivity has a lot of baggage: work harder, sweat harder, clock more hours… Real productivity is doing what clears your mind so you can stay focused and present.” — David Allen
• [19:15] “Your brain is a crappy office—it can juggle about four things before it’s hijacked by the latest and loudest.” — David Allen
• [25:36] “If you haven’t nailed the next physical, visible action, you haven’t finished thinking—so your mind keeps looping: What about the Saturday meeting? The cat food?” — David Allen

Resources

Paradigm Shifting Books

• Podcast
• Instagram
• YouTube

Books

• Getting Things Done by David Allen
• Deep Work — Cal Newport
• Four Thousand— Oliver Burkeman

David Allen

• Website

Britain Covey

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Stephen H. Covey

• LinkedIn

In this episode, Stephen and Britain Covey spotlight one of the most transformational ideas from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Habit 1: Be Proactive. Featuring rare, archival audio from Stephen R. Covey himself, this episode explores the foundational mindset behind personal growth, empowerment, and leadership.

Stephen R. Covey’s voice rings through decades to offer one of the most important paradigm shifts: that between what happens to us and how we respond, there lies our ultimate freedom. With stories from Viktor Frankl to frontline caregivers to corporate leaders, the episode shows how taking responsibility isn’t just a behavioral shift, it’s a life-altering lens for viewing the world.

Whether you’re navigating career setbacks, relational challenges, or societal pressures, this episode will help you reclaim your agency and expand your influence.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to power principle episodes
• [01:09] The legacy of Stephen R. Covey and Habit 1.
• [03:03] Viktor Frankl and the last human freedom
• [07:26] Why taking ownership is empowering, not daunting
• [08:56] Circle of Concern vs. Circle of Influence
• [10:19] The rise of Ben: How one proactive employee changed everything

Notable Quotes

• "Between stimulus and response is a space. In that space lies our power and our freedom to choose our response." — Stephen R. Covey
• "Your life is a product of your values, not your feelings... your decisions, not your conditions." — Stephen R. Covey
• "Proactive people work on the inner circle. Reactive people focus on the outer circle." — Stephen R. Covey

Resources

Paradigm Shifting Books

• Podcast
• Instagram
• YouTube

Books

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R, Covey

Britain Covey

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Stephen H. Covey

• LinkedIn

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
• Instagram
• YouTube

Books

• Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

Britain Covey

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Stephen H. Covey

• LinkedIn