Calling BS On Busy

01/01/24 • 34 min

The Happiness Practices with Phil Gerbyshak

Introduction:In this enlightening episode of Happy AF Show, Phil Gerbyshak sits down with renowned author and efficiency expert, Andrew Mellen, to delve into the themes of his latest book, "Calling B******t on Busy." Known for his insightful and practical advice, Mellen shares his unique perspectives on productivity, time management, and the modern myth of being perpetually busy.

Two quotes worth considering:

Andrew Mellen on Embracing Introversion in a Busy World:"As a major introvert, I've learned that success isn't about constantly pushing against your nature, but rather understanding and working with it. Even in our fast-paced, 'always-on' culture, there's immense power in stepping back, reflecting, and choosing engagements that truly matter."

Phil Gerbyshak on the Illusion of Busyness:"In our pursuit of success, we often fall into the trap of equating busyness with productivity. But as Andrew brilliantly points out, it's not about how many hours we fill; it's about the impact of what we do in those hours. That's a game-changer in the way we approach our work and life."

Main Discussion: 1. The Myth of Busy: - Mellen begins by challenging the common notion that being busy equates to being productive. He articulates how this misconception leads to a counterproductive cycle of stress and inefficiency. - Phil resonates with this, discussing how in the sales and consultancy field, the 'busy badge' is often mistakenly worn as a mark of success.2. Introversion and Interaction: - Mellen shares personal anecdotes, revealing his major introverted nature. He discusses the challenges he faced in communicating with others, particularly in unfamiliar situations. - He highlights how introverts can effectively manage their energy and engage in meaningful interactions without feeling overwhelmed.3. Asking for Help: - A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the discomfort many people feel when asking for help. Mellen provides practical strategies to overcome this barrier.4. Efficiency Vs. Effectiveness: - Mellen distinguishes between being efficient and being effective. He suggests that prioritizing effectiveness leads to more meaningful productivity. - Phil and Mellen engage in a thought-provoking dialogue about how this concept applies in various professional scenarios, including sales and consulting.5. Implementing Mellen's Advice: - Mellen offers actionable steps from his book that listeners can implement to call out their own 'busy b******t'. - Phil reflects on these strategies, discussing how they can be integrated into daily routines for better personal and professional outcomes.Conclusion:The episode wraps up with Mellen providing a succinct summary of the key takeaways from his book and the discussion. Phil thanks Andrew Mellen for his valuable insights and shares how the conversation has offered a fresh perspective on managing busyness in a productive and healthy way.Get a copy of Andrew's book Calling B******t on Busy and learn more from him on his website.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyaf.substack.com/subscribe

Two quotes worth considering:

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyaf.substack.com/subscribe

Previous Episode

"Making This Year Your Best Ever"

Hey there, awesome listeners! I'm Phil, your enthusiastic guide on this journey to joy, and you're tuning in to the very first episode of "The Happy AF Show." Today, we're kickstarting something special – a year that's not just good, not just great, but absolutely amazing. Let's roll up our sleeves and dive into this year with all the energy of spring – the season of hope and new beginnings. And guess what? Our spring starts right now with this podcast!

Picture this: Spring. It's all about vibrant flowers, those soothing warm rains, and that feeling of everything coming back to life. It’s a time when the world seems to wake up and say, 'Hey, let's start afresh.' And that's exactly what we're doing here. We're hitting the refresh button on our lives, starting from this very moment.

Now, let's chat about summer. Ah, summer, traditionally the season of vacations. But here’s a thought: Instead of pushing all your chips in for that one big getaway, why not sprinkle little vacation moments throughout the year? Imagine, instead of a single break, you get to recharge multiple times, keeping that summer spirit alive all year round. It’s about savoring those small escapes, those moments of relaxation that rejuvenate us, right when we need them the most.

But let's be real for a moment. This might not be the smoothest year. With the presidential elections coming up in November, things could get a bit rough – noisier, more negative. I think of this time as the 'winter' of our year. It's cold, it's challenging, but here's the thing about winter – it always ends.

And after winter? Well, spring comes back around. It's the cycle of life, the rhythm of our world. Spring, with its promise of renewal, always returns. It might take a bit longer sometimes, but it never fails us. That's the beauty of it. So, even if we hit a few bumps along the way, remember, the fresh start of spring is just around the corner.

So, here's to making this year truly ours. It's about embracing every season, every moment. Let's fill it with positivity, growth, and, of course, a whole lot of happiness. This is not just any year, my friends – it's THE year. The year we rise above, the year we shine brighter than ever. Are you ready to make it phenomenal? Because I sure am!

Thanks for tuning in to "The Happy AF Show." Stay tuned for incredible stories, inspiring talks, and tips on how to live your happiest life. Remember, happiness isn't just a feeling; it's a way of life. And it starts right here, right now. Until next time, keep smiling, keep shining, and let's make this year unforgettable!

Catch you on the next episode, where we'll dive deeper into making every day count. Cheers to a fantastic year ahead!

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyaf.substack.com/subscribe

Next Episode

Inexpensive AI for Sales and Marketing - Katie King

This episode provides a comprehensive overview of how AI can transform sales and marketing, offering practical advice for professionals at all levels.

While Katie shared some really smart stuff, here are 3 of my favorite quotes:

"The only people that have imposter syndrome are people who are competent. Idiots never think they're a fraud." - Katie King discusses the importance of overcoming self-doubt and embracing one's abilities in professional growth.
"AI is changing the game in every industry, and we've got to keep learning. Whether you've just graduated or have been in the field for 30 years, AI is reshaping our understanding and approach." - Katie King highlights the continuous impact of AI on various sectors and the necessity of lifelong learning.
"AI doesn't replace strategy; it complements it. You still need to understand your customer, their challenges, and how your solutions can uniquely address their needs." - Katie King emphasizes the crucial role of strategic thinking in effectively leveraging AI for business success.

Key Topics and Timestamps:

- [0:00-1:30] Introduction of Katie King and her new book.
- [1:30-5:00] Katie's journey from growing up in North London to overcoming imposter syndrome, and advice from her first boss.
- [5:00-10:00] Insights into AI's role in changing the landscape of various industries and Katie's transition into AI.
- [10:00-15:00] Discussion on the potential risks and regulations around AI, including generative AI like Bard, DALL-E, and ChatGPT.
- [15:00-20:00] How Katie stays updated with AI developments and her approach to continuous learning.
- [20:00-25:00] The affordability of AI for businesses, especially for HR and marketing, and the balance between technology and human interaction.
- [25:00-30:00] Deep dive into AI-driven personalization in marketing and its impact on customer segmentation and strategy.
- [30:00-35:00] AI's influence in sales and CRM, and using AI tools like ChatGPT effectively in sales strategies.
- [35:00-40:00] Closing remarks on embracing AI in various sectors and the importance of having a clear strategy.

Resources Mentioned:
- Katie King's book: "AI Strategy for Sales and Marketing"
- Katie King's website
- Katie's LinkedIn profile for further thought leadership content.

Closing Thoughts:

Katie King emphasizes the need for businesses to embrace AI, not just as a technological tool, but as a strategic component to drive growth and efficiency. Her personal story and professional insights offer valuable lessons in adapting to and leveraging AI in various business functions.

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