295. The Power of Mindset with Dr. Josh Axe (Part 1)

Have you ever been so busy addressing peripheral issues but have that sinking feeling that the real core of the issue is not being addressed? This is part one of a four-part solo series on that subject, and upcoming guest episodes will also be providing more insight on the same subject. By the end of today's episode, you will understand that the seminal research was produced on the distinctive difference between problem finding and problem solving, and you'll begin your journey of improving skill in this essential area. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About the Guest: Ryan Kugler is an embodiment of passion turned into a successful career. Starting his journey with a stark fascination for filmmaking and Hollywood magic, Ryan was networking and producing his own film assignments by the age of 13. His early interest in film set the stage for his entrepreneurial journey. A seasoned entrepreneur, Ryan has forged a path that spans film, entrepreneurship, strategic business development, and more. Known for his tenacity to make things happen, he approaches challenges with a mindset where anything is achievable. Today, he stands as a testimony to effective communication, kindness, and an unyielding drive, with a portfolio that includes running a wholesale business and organizing large-scale events through his event company. Episode Summary: In this episode, Greg McKeown and Ryan Kugler discuss the importance of execution and how to become an executionist. They explore the qualities and skills required to be an effective executor, including the ability to make quick decisions, take initiative, and prioritize tasks. They also share insights on how to identify and hire executionists, as well as strategies for motivating and empowering employees to become more execution-oriented. The conversation highlights the significance of purpose and context in driving execution and offers practical tips for improving execution skills in various professional settings. Key Takeaways: Executionists are individuals who excel at getting things done quickly and efficiently. They possess the ability to make quick decisions, take initiative, and prioritize tasks effectively. Hiring executionists involves assessing their decision-making speed and ability to take immediate action. Indecisiveness and overthinking are red flags that indicate a lack of execution-oriented mindset. Providing purpose and context is crucial in motivating individuals to become executionists. By explaining the reasons behind tasks and projects, leaders can help employees understand the importance and urgency of their actions. The one-three-one method is a decision-making tool that can help individuals transition from non-executionists to executionists. It involves naming one problem, generating three possible solutions, and making one recommendation based on research and analysis. Compatibility between leaders and employees is essential for effective execution. Leaders should seek individuals who align with their execution-oriented mindset and can work well within the organization's execution-focused culture. Notable Quotes: "Someone who can make a decision quickly will make a decision 90% of the time correctly. And if it's not correct, they will fix it and make it 100% correct within five minutes." - Ryan Kugler "The ability to make things happen is surely one of the primary skills in all of life." - Greg McKeown Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About the Guest: Ryan Kugler is an embodiment of passion turned into a successful career. Starting his journey with a stark fascination for filmmaking and Hollywood magic, Ryan was networking and producing his own film assignments by the age of 13. His early interest in film set the stage for his entrepreneurial journey. A seasoned entrepreneur, Ryan has forged a path that spans film, entrepreneurship, strategic business development, and more. Known for his tenacity to make things happen, he approaches challenges with a mindset where anything is achievable. Today, he stands as a testimony to effective communication, kindness, and an unyielding drive, with a portfolio that includes running a wholesale business and organizing large-scale events through his event company. Episode Summary: In this episode I dive into the captivating life story of Ryan Kugler, whose early days on the set of iconic productions shaped his future in entrepreneurship and event organization. As an enigmatic figure who believes in the essence of persistence, Ryan's journey from mingling with film stars as a teenager to masterminding large-scale events is nothing short of inspirational. The conversation uncovers Ryan's innate ability to execute with precision, his transition from the creative aspirations of a director to the orchestration skills of a producer, and the relentless pursuit of bringing visions to life. Discussing the mechanics of networking and action, Greg McKeown and Ryan Kugler explore how a mix of curiosity and chutzpah can overcome challenges and create exceptional outcomes. With a tone that's both aspirational and grounded, the episode is a treasure trove for aspiring entrepreneurs and creators alike. Key Takeaways: Ryan Kugler's early exposure to film and sets led to a pivotal encounter with Ted Danson, resulting in an opportunity to direct a short film at the age of 13. Ryan's talents lean more toward production and getting things done, showcasing an ability to handle logistics and persevere through challenges. The value of face-to-face networking and bold initiative is vital in Ryan's success, breaking through conventional barriers and accessing opportunities. The episode highlights the concept of holding '5000 things in your head' and the notion of instant productions, where Ryan excels in his event planning business, creating temporary, intricate setups for diverse events. Execution as an art form is underscored by the interview, demonstrating that bringing a great idea to life involves seamless collaboration, perseverance, and constant learning. Notable Quotes: "If you just keep persisting in your goal and your passion... you're going to get what you want." - Ryan Kugler "Everyone has a passion for something... you just have to persist and just keep going after it." - Ryan Kugler "Execution... it's about bringing all this talent together... and they knock off all the edges... and eventually you've got something that's polished and it's beautiful." - Greg McKeown Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Josh Axe is a certified doctor of natural medicine and a clinical nutritionist. He is passionate about helping people use food, lifestyle, and mindset to heal and prevent illness. Dr. Axe graduated from Johns Hopkins University and earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. He founded a functional medicine center in Nashville, which grew to become one of the most renowned clinics in the world. Dr. Axe is the founder of the website draxe.com, one of the top natural health websites globally. He also hosts a fast-growing show and podcast, "The Dr. Axe Show," where he covers topics related to health, mindset, personal growth, and spiritual growth. Dr. Axe has interviewed notable guests such as Carrie Underwood, Dave Ramsey, and Jamie Kern Lima. He recently authored a book titled "Think This, Not That," which explores mindsets that can lead to breakthroughs in life. Episode Summary: Greg welcomes Dr. Josh Axe for part two of a profound discourse on personal growth, fulfilling one's potential, and the overarching importance of adopting the right mindset. This episode promises to unravel the enigmatic threads connecting beliefs, accomplishments, and the essence of a life well-lived, instilled with purpose and meaningful relationships. Josh delves into the concept of 'telos,' a Greek term for ultimate purpose, while sharing a touching narrative about his grandfather's life. Through this poignant story, he imparts the crucial distinction between achieving success through material accomplishments versus fostering robust, impactful relationships. Greg and Josh converge on the notion that at the core of truly transformative mind shifts lies the relentless pursuit of truth, emphasizing that uncovering falsehoods can unlock barriers to personal growth. Key Takeaways: Relationships should be prioritized over achievements, with a focus not just on their importance but also discerning which relationships matter most. True success is not measured by what one accumulates or achieves, but by who they become and the relationships they foster. The single most potent mindset shift is the commitment to relentlessly uncovering truth, unearthing deeper realities beneath surface appearances. Essentialism teaches the elimination of non-essentials to reveal what's fundamentally important: relationships. The courage to seek, speak, and act upon truth paves the way for significant life upgrades and authentic self-realization. Notable Quotes: "Success is not what I accomplish. It's who I become." "The best way to find truth is by looking at who has the best results towards the good of the world.” “If you just try and accomplish something for the sake of accomplishing it, you could hurt feelings. You could ruin relationships." Resources: Website: draxe.com Book: "Think This, Not That" by Dr. Josh Axe Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Josh Axe is a certified doctor of natural medicine and a clinical nutritionist. He is passionate about helping people use food, lifestyle, and mindset to heal and prevent illness. Dr. Axe graduated from Johns Hopkins University and earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. He founded a functional medicine center in Nashville, which grew to become one of the most renowned clinics in the world. Dr. Axe is the founder of the website draxe.com, one of the top natural health websites globally. He also hosts a fast-growing show and podcast, "The Dr. Axe Show," where he covers topics related to health, mindset, personal growth, and spiritual growth. Dr. Axe has interviewed notable guests such as Carrie Underwood, Dave Ramsey, and Jamie Kern Lima. He recently authored a book titled "Think This, Not That," which explores mindsets that can lead to breakthroughs in life. Episode Summary: In this episode, Greg interviews Josh Axe about the power of mindsets and mind shifts in achieving personal growth and making a significant impact in the world. Josh shares two personal stories of mind shifts that transformed his life—one involving a life-threatening medical condition and another related to his academic abilities. He emphasizes the importance of adopting growth mindsets and seeking inspiration from individuals who have achieved greatness in various fields. The conversation delves into the role of limiting beliefs, the impact of the medical profession's fixed mindset, and the need to challenge societal narratives. Josh also discusses the significance of character development and the pursuit of one's unique gifts and talents to maximize personal growth and make a positive difference in the world. Key Takeaways: Mindsets and mind shifts are crucial for personal growth and making quantum leaps in life. Limiting beliefs can hinder individuals from fulfilling their potential and achieving their goals. Seeking inspiration from individuals who have achieved greatness can help shape positive mindsets. Combining character development with the pursuit of one's unique gifts and talents leads to maximum personal growth and impact. Creating space for silence and reflection is essential for hearing one's conscience and calling. Notable Quotes: "If we sit here and believe that we can only get as good as what others tell us, we won't experience breakthroughs or miracles." - Dr. Josh Axe "We constantly have people in our lives telling us we're not smart enough, not good enough, not worthy. If we believe it, it can put a cap on our potential." - Dr. Josh Axe "The people who do the most in this life are the ones who think most about the next life." - Dr. Josh Axe "Busyness and noise can drown out our conscience and calling. Creating space for silence and reflection is crucial." - Dr. Josh Axe Resources: Website: draxe.com Book: "Think This, Not That" by Dr. Josh Axe Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About the Guest: Laura Martin is the Executive Productivity Advisor at Google and the author of the book, Uptime: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing. She started her career at Google, where she taught people how to manage their inbox effectively. This passion grew into a full-time role, and she now works with executives one-on-one and runs the productivity program at Google. Laura is the author of the book. Episode Summary: In this episode, I interview Laura Mae Martin, a productivity expert and author, about the importance of setting boundaries with technology and creating systems to enhance productivity. Laura shares her personal experience of implementing a tech-free evening once a week and the positive impact it has had on her overall well-being. She also discusses the various systems she has put in place to minimize distractions and maximize focus, such as setting up email labels and notifications, using wearable devices, and customizing her digital environment. The conversation delves into the challenges of technology addiction and the need for intentional use of devices to align with personal priorities. Key Takeaways: Implementing a tech-free evening once a week can provide a much-needed break from constant connectivity and allow for quality time with loved ones. Creating systems and setting boundaries with technology can help minimize distractions and increase focus on essential tasks. Customizing email labels and notifications can help prioritize important messages and reduce the overwhelm of a cluttered inbox. Using wearable devices can provide a way to stay connected without getting caught up in the distractions of a smartphone. Taking control of personal intention and being intentional about technology use can empower individuals to make conscious choices and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Notable Quotes: "Your intention is your only power that you carry. If you are applying intention to the way you use that device, to the way that you use your time, all of those things become your control." - Laura Martin "No tool is going to solve all your problems. People are looking for the hottest new productivity tool. No device is going to be your biggest problem. It's always about how you are using your own intention, your own systems within all of those things, that makes the biggest difference in your overall well-being and your productivity." - Laura Martin Resources: Laura Martin's website Laura Martin on LinkedIn Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About the Guest: Laura Martin is the Executive Productivity Advisor at Google and the author of the book, Uptime: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing. She started her career at Google, where she taught people how to manage their inbox effectively. This passion grew into a full-time role, and she now works with executives one-on-one and runs the productivity program at Google. Laura is the author of the book. Episode Summary: In this episode, Greg McKeown interviews Laura Martin, a productivity expert at Google. They discuss the importance of aligning your current self with your future self and making decisions that your future self will thank you for. Laura shares practical tips on how to apply this concept in your daily life, such as reviewing your schedule and making adjustments to prioritize what truly matters. They also delve into the power of defining your top three priorities and aligning your calendar with those priorities. Laura shares insights from her work with executives, including the CEO of Warner Music Group, who successfully implemented this system. The episode concludes with a discussion on the courage to be rubbish and the importance of making strategic trade-offs to focus on what truly matters. Key Takeaways: Aligning your current self with your future self is crucial for living a fulfilling life. Ask yourself, "What will future me wish I had done right now?" to make decisions that prioritize what truly matters. Defining your top three priorities and aligning your calendar with those priorities helps you focus on what truly matters. Communicate these priorities to your team and delegate tasks accordingly. Use the rule of three to remember and prioritize information. Our brains seek patterns and grouping things in threes helps with memory and focus. Saying no is essential to protect your time and energy. Ask yourself, "What is the worst thing that would happen if I never do this?" and consider if there are alternative ways to accomplish the task or if it can be half-done and moved on from. Embrace the courage to be rubbish and make strategic trade-offs. Not everything needs to be perfect or optimized. Focus on what truly matters and let go of non-essential tasks. Notable Quotes: "What will future me wish I had done right now?" - Laura Martin "Don't tell me your priorities, show me your calendar." - Laura Martin Resources: Laura Martin's website Laura Martin on LinkedIn Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me as I continue my enriching dialogue with Emmy Award-winning creator Topaz Adizes. Together, we explore the profound art of meaningful conversation through the lens of Topaz's compelling questions from his card game and book. Discover how to craft questions that not only initiate dialogue but also create a narrative journey, leading to intimacy and understanding in our most significant relationships. Hone your conversational skills with us as we examine the subtleties of question formulation. I share strategies for asking more impactful questions and offer a framework that can transform the way you approach dialogues. The episode culminates with a heartfelt invitation to reflect on the essence of love and connection by considering the profound questions posed in Topaz's "12 Questions for Love." Tune in to this thought-provoking episode and equip yourself with the tools for fostering deeper relationships and conversations that truly matter. Visit Topaz's website. Buy Topaz's book and card game. Follow Topaz on LinkedIn. Follow Skin Deep on YouTube and Instagram. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me and the visionary Topaz Adizes, as we explore the profound influence of intentionality in crafting sacred spaces within our lives. Topaz, an Emmy award-winning expert in experience design, shares his insights on how the spaces we inhabit and the questions we pose can shape our relationships and deepen our connections. Together, we uncover the essence of creating meaningful interactions, emphasizing the necessity of being present and mindful with those who matter most. In our enlightening discussion, we illuminate the space between individuals through the art of asking transformative questions. By sharing the methodology behind curating these questions, we invite listeners to grasp the power of shared understanding and the lasting change it can bring to our relationships. Tune in to this heartening dialogue, and be inspired to take immediate action, applying the insights gained to enrich your life and the lives of those around you. Visit Topaz's website. Follow Topaz on LinkedIn. Follow Skin Deep on YouTube and Instagram. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About the Guests: Noah Kagan is an accomplished entrepreneur, the founder, and CEO of AppSumo, a company aimed at enabling entrepreneurs by providing them with tools and resources to grow their businesses. He's a recognized leader in the field, renowned for his innovative approach to business and entrepreneurship. Noah is the author of the book "Million Dollar Weekend," where he shares insights on launching a successful business promptly. Taylor Wallace is an employee at AppSumo who brings a unique perspective to the entrepreneurial landscape. Rather than helming his own venture, he thrives within the structure of an established company, contributing his expertise and enjoying the security and dynamics that come with being part of a team. Episode Summary: In this "Restate Debate", we unpack the intricate dynamics between entrepreneurship and employment with guests Noah Kagan and Taylor Wallace. The dialogue delves into the compelling narrative of Noah's book "Million Dollar Weekend," an exploration of the initial steps to creating a thriving business and the exhilarating potential of a founding weekend. However, the conversation takes a fascinating twist, questioning not only how to launch a successful business but also the less-often considered – should you? In a candid and introspective exchange, Noah and Taylor navigate the dichotomies of their experiences within the workforce. They engage in a dialogue format that emphasizes empathy and understanding by having participants articulate each other's viewpoints before defending their own. With Noah advocating for the nuanced benefits of entrepreneurship and Taylor reflecting on the stability and growth opportunities found in employment, the discussion illuminates a spectrum of work and business ideologies. Key Takeaways: Starting a business carries unique creative gratification in manifesting an idea into existence and impacting lives. The stability, structure, and outlined expectations in an employee role can be as satisfying as the control and flexibility entrepreneurship affords. Personal seasons of life, risk tolerance, and lifestyle preferences play critical roles in one's choice between entrepreneurship and employment. Restate debates can foster deeper understanding and empathy by challenging individuals to fully comprehend and articulate opposing viewpoints. Entrepreneurship and employment are not binary options but rather points on a continuum of professional fulfillment and personal life choices. Notable Quotes: "The hardest part about starting a business is doing the work and starting." - Taylor "I like the structure of being an employee... They only owe me mentally till 05:00 p.m." - Noah "If you offered me Noah's salary, I would say yes. But if you offered me Noah's job, I would say no, thank you." - Taylor Resources: "Million Dollar Weekend" book by Noah Kagan AppSumo.com - Noah Kagan's platform for entrepreneurs Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices