Productivity Book Group

Productivity Book Group [ http://productivitybookgroup.org ] discussed Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending, [ http://amzn.to/1rCNBR8 ] by Elizabeth Dunn, PhD, and Michael Norton. Enjoy the discussion!

Our next reading selection is Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience [ http://amzn.to/1lE8nPz ] by Dr. Mihalyi Czikszentmihalyi. The first discussion (Chs. 1-6) date is March 14th at noon Eastern, and the second discussion (Chs. 7-10) will be March 28th at noon Eastern.

Elizabeth Dunn is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, where she conducts original research on self-knowledge and happiness. Michael Norton is a Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School.

Dunn and Norton claim that people admit that they need assistance with earning, saving and investing money, but few people seek out the same help in how to spend their money. The authors take us on a journey of behavioral science on how to spend the money we have better for our emotional well-being. They propose five principles for smarter spending for happier people:

* Buy Experiences (large and small).

* Make it a treat (limiting things to enhance pleasure).

* Buy Time (e.g., outsourcing our most disliked tasks).

* Pay Now, Consume Later.

* Invest in others, by choice, to make a connection with impact.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Q1. Before we get into the specifics of each of the five principles, what did you think about the book, Happy Money, overall?

Q2. The concept of buying experiences, both large and small, instead of things is intriguing. How can this principle influence our personal productivity?

Q3. When Dunn and Norton talk about the “Make it a treat” principle or Silverman’s mantra “abundance is the enemy of appreciation,” how might we utilize this in our lives for greater well-being and perhaps perspective on our own personal productivity?

Q4. Chapter 3’s principle, Buy Time, seems to be the most attuned to us in the productivity community. We are (sometimes overly) aware of our time and ability (or inability) to get things done. But, there seems to be a substantial benefit to thinking about time saved for the money spent. How do you feel like this principle can work into your life?

Q5. The Pay Now, Consume Later principle is a strategy of deferred gratification, similar to saving money. What are your thoughts about buying something now for some later enjoyment of the purchase? Do you have examples in your own life where that’s enhanced your productivity?

Q6. The authors commit two or more chapters in the book to the Invest in Others principle of Happy Money. Where might this fit into your own life? How might you use this to your advantage? How might you like to see your own company acknowledge and use this information for a better work environment?

NOTES:

(Please listen to understand the context of the resources provided. If we missed something,

Productivity Book Group [ http://productivitybookgroup.org ] discussed The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business [ http://amzn.to/1rbOMCW ] by Charles Duhigg.

Amazon description:

In The Power of Habit, Pulitzer Prize–winning business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. Distilling vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives that take us from the boardrooms of Procter & Gamble to sidelines of the NFL to the front lines of the civil rights movement, Duhigg presents a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential. At its core, The Power of Habit contains an exhilarating argument: The key to exercising regularly, losing weight, being more productive, and achieving success is understanding how habits work. As Duhigg shows, by harnessing this new science, we can transform our businesses, our communities, and our lives.

Charles Duhigg is a Yale undergrad, Harvard MBA and award-winning staff reporter at The New York Times, where he writes for the business section. Prior to 2006, he was a staff writer of the Los Angeles Times. He lives currently in Brooklyn, NY. Duhigg published The Power of Habit in 2012, and it spent 60 weeks on the NYT bestseller list; that’s quite an achievement and more importantly, it hints at a shift in society’s perception and openness to personal productivity, especially habit formation. It’s this popularity that has brought many of you here onto the call today.

We discussed the Habit Loop, habit formation, keystone habits, and much more in this call. Enjoy the discussion!

NOTES:

* Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength [ http://goo.gl/NhQijd ] by Dr. Roy Baumeister (We discussed an equally engaging read The Willpower Instinct [ http://amzn.to/1KgXp95 ] by Dr. Kelly McGonigal (Part 1 and Part 2) here on ProductivityBookGroup.org, so you may want to give that a listen!)

* Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity + Sleep Wristband [ http://goo.gl/mS8GYj ]

* The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal [ http://goo.gl/BaP7MR ] by Tony Schwartz and Jim Loehr

* TaskClone [

Productivity Book Group [ http://productivitybookgroup.org ] discussed Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else, Chapters 7 through 11 [ http://amzn.to/1hPHp5Z ] by Geoff Colvin. The author is the Senior Editor at Large of Fortune Magazine, and he proposes a new take on talent and high performers. He proposes that deliberate practice creates world-class performers, not innate talent.

As the book description on Amazon.com notes:

According to distinguished journalist Geoff Colvin, both the hard work and natural talent camps are wrong. What really makes the difference is a highly specific kind of effort-“deliberate practice”-that few of us pursue when we’re practicing golf or piano or stockpicking. Based on scientific research, Talent is Overrated shares the secrets of extraordinary performance and shows how to apply these principles. It features the stories of people who achieved world-class greatness through deliberate practice-including Benjamin Franklin, comedian Chris Rock, football star Jerry Rice, and top CEOs Jeffrey Immelt and Steven Ballmer.

Enjoy the discussion!

Our next call discusses Happy Money: The New Science of Smarter Spending on February 28, 2015 at noon Eastern!

Call-in Information: 1-712-432-3100 PIN: 629891

NOTES:

(Please listen to understand the context of the resources provided. If we missed something, please comment on the episode and let us know!)

* Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School [ http://goo.gl/AwLjPI ] by John Medina

* The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload [ http://goo.gl/FypzYY ] by Daniel J. Levitin

* “Evernote: The Power of the Extended Mind” [ http://www.orderyourlife.net/2014/12/evernote-power-extended-mind/ ] | Order Your Life [ http://orderyourlife.net ]

* Evernote [ http://evernote.com ]

* John Cleese on Creativity [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMpdPrm6Ul4 ]; 

Productivity Book Group [ http://productivitybookgroup.org ] discussed Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else, Chapters 1 through 6 [ http://amzn.to/1hPHp5Z ] by Geoff Colvin. The author is the Senior Editor at Large  of Fortune Magazine, and he proposes a new take on talent and high performers. He proposes that deliberate practice creates world-class performers, not innate talent.

As the book description on Amazon.com notes:

According to distinguished journalist Geoff Colvin, both the hard work and natural talent camps are wrong. What really makes the difference is a highly specific kind of effort-“deliberate practice”-that few of us pursue when we’re practicing golf or piano or stockpicking. Based on scientific research, Talent is Overrated shares the secrets of extraordinary performance and shows how to apply these principles. It features the stories of people who achieved world-class greatness through deliberate practice-including Benjamin Franklin, comedian Chris Rock, football star Jerry Rice, and top CEOs Jeffrey Immelt and Steven Ballmer.

Enjoy the discussion!

Our next call to finish our discussion (Chapters 7-11) will be November 22nd at noon Eastern!

Call-in Information: 1-712-432-3100 PIN: 629891

NOTES:

(Please listen to understand the context of the resources provided. If we missed something, please comment on the episode and let us know!)

Benjamin Zander: The transformative power of classical music [ http://www.ted.com/talks/benjamin_zander_on_music_and_passion ]

Note: All registered service marks, trademarks and other copyrighted materials mentioned on the podcast are that of their respective owners. This group is not affiliated with or officially endorsed by those copyright owners.

Productivity Book Group [ http://productivitybookgroup.org ] discussed Instant Influence: How to Get Anyone to Do Anything–Fast [ amzn.to/1r4oWqy ] by Michael V. Pantalon, PhD, faculty member at Yale School of Medicine, coach, and therapist.

The Instant Influence process offers six questions that fundamentally respects and reinforces a person’s autonomy, unlocks their own internal motivations for doing something that genuinely benefits him or her, and gives that person the next small step to moving toward change.

* Why might you change?

* How ready are you to change, on a scale from 1-10 where 1 means “not ready at all” and 10 means “totally ready”?

* Why didn’t you pick a lower number?

* Imagine you’ve changed. What would the positive outcomes be?

* Why are those outcomes important to you?

* What’s the next step, if any?

We discussed the underlying principles and our own thoughts on the questions in this episode. Enjoy the discussion!

Our next discussion is November 8th where we will be discussing Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin, chapters 1 – 6. Join us!

NOTES:

(Please listen to understand the context of the resources provided. If we missed something, please comment on the episode and let us know!)

* Project Decision Tool

Note: All registered service marks, trademarks and other copyrighted materials mentioned on the podcast are that of their respective owners. This group is not affiliated with or officially endorsed by those copyright owners.

Productivity Book Group [ http://productivitybookgroup.org ] discussed Monday Morning Choices: 12 Powerful Ways to Go From Everyday to Extraordinary, Chapters 7 through 12 [ http://amzn.to/1q58YKX ] by David Cottrell. Enjoy the discussion!

Our next discussion is November 8th where we will be discussing Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin, chapters 1 – 6. Join us!

NOTES:

(Please listen to understand the context of the resources provided. If we missed something, please comment on the episode and let us know!)

* Lewis Black’s commencement speech at Marshall College [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCP8OHq7w4Q ]

* LinkedIn Connections [ https://www.linkedin.com/contacts/ ]

* Conquering Adversity by Chris Novak [ http://amzn.to/1t6Fax4 ]

Note: All registered service marks, trademarks and other copyrighted materials mentioned on the podcast are that of their respective owners. This group is not affiliated with or officially endorsed by those copyright owners.

Productivity Book Group [ http://productivitybookgroup.org ] discussed Monday Morning Choices: 12 Powerful Ways to Go From Everyday to Extraordinary, Chapters 1 through 6 [ http://amzn.to/1q58YKX ] by David Cottrell. Enjoy the discussion!

Our next discussion is October 11th where we will continue the discussion of the book, chapters 7 – 12. Join us!

NOTES:

(Please listen to understand the context of the resources provided. If we missed something, please comment on the episode and let us know!)

* Shut up! Announcing your plans makes you less motivated to accomplish them. | Derek Sivers [ http://sivers.org/zipit ]

* Positive Intelligence (book) by Shirzad Chamine [ http://amzn.to/1vpK8F4 ]

Note: All registered service marks, trademarks and other copyrighted materials mentioned on the podcast are that of their respective owners. This group is not affiliated with or officially endorsed by those copyright owners.

Productivity Book Group [ http://productivitybookgroup.org ] discussed The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work [ http://amzn.to/Z3yxBs ] by Shawn Achor on August 9, 2014. Shawn Achor taught at Harvard University for 12 years, including one of the most popular courses of all time at Harvard on positive psychology. He’s gone on to start a consulting firm, Good Think, and teaches positive productivity principles around the world. This book was written and released in the midst of the Great Recession, as we in the United States have coined it. Achor states his premise in a simple yet profound way: conventional wisdom tell us that if we are successful, then we’ll be happy, and yet, science contradicts this. As Achor puts it, “the only problem is that this formula is broken. …the formula is broken because it is backward.” Happiness precedes success, and Shawn Achor makes a convincing argument in The Happiness Advantage as you’ll hear in our discussion below. Enjoy the discussion!

NOTES:

* Shawn Achor: The happy secret to better work (TED Talk) [ http://goo.gl/eQqMIj ]

* Tiny Habits® program, by BJ Fogg, PhD [ http://tinyhabits.com/ ]

* 18 Minutes by Peter Bregman [ http://amzn.to/1ph0nPv ]

* 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey [ http://amzn.to/1rHwMGW + PBG episodes ]

* Sleep Cycle (iOS app) [ http://goo.gl/JA93KK ]

(Please listen to understand the context of the resources provided. If we missed something, please comment on the episode and let us know!)

Note: All registered service marks, trademarks and other copyrighted materials mentioned on the podcast are that of their respective owners. This group is not affiliated with or officially endorsed by those copyright owners.

Productivity Book Group [ http://productivitybookgroup.org ] discussed The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks Than Others Do in 12 Months [ http://amzn.to/1bXq6fk ], Chapters 14 through 21, by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington, finishing out the conversation on this book. Enjoy the discussion!

NOTES:

(Please listen to understand the context of the resources provided. If we missed something, please comment on the episode and let us know!)

* Team Accountability Project

* One-on-One’s – Manager Tools

Note: All registered service marks, trademarks and other copyrighted materials mentioned on the podcast are that of their respective owners. This group is not affiliated with or officially endorsed by those copyright owners.

Productivity Book Group [ http://productivitybookgroup.org ] discussed The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks Than Others Do in 12 Months [ http://amzn.to/1bXq6fk ], Chapters 1 through 13 by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington. Enjoy the discussion!

NOTES:

(Please listen to understand the context of the resources provided. If we missed something, please comment on the episode and let us know!)

* Moves [ http://www.moves-app.com/ ] (as Michelle noted, they were recently purchased by Facebook)

* Wonderful Day [ http://www.wonderfuldayapp.com/ ]

* Sleep Cycle [ http://www.sleepcycle.com/ ]

* Quantified Self [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantified_Self ]

Note: All registered service marks, trademarks and other copyrighted materials mentioned on the podcast are that of their respective owners. This group is not affiliated with or officially endorsed by those copyright owners.