'Spend time within yourself': Former Google executive shares 3 major lessons for leading a meaningful life
Frederik Pferdt spent 12 years as Google's first chief innovation evangelist in California, where he trained thousands of Googlers in developing and experimenting with new ideas. He also taught groundbreaking innovation and creativity classes at Stanford University for over a decade. In his new book, What¡¯s Next Is Now: How to Live Future Ready, Pferdt shares his top three lessons for living a more meaningful and future-ready life.
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Here are the life lessons he shares:
1. 'Yes, and' mentality instead of 'No, but'
"People often focus on why things won't work, always finding reasons to say 'No, but¡'" Pferdt said. "If you switch to a 'Yes, and¡' mindset, inspired by improv theater, it really changes the dynamic of your conversations [and] of the teams you're working on,¡± CNBC MakeIt quoted him as saying.
2. Dream of your success
Pferdt explained that Google leaders encourage employees to visualise their ideal future self and figure out the realistic steps to achieve that vision.?
He shared with CNBC MakeIt, "Really try to envision how you want to be in the future," adding, "That is very powerful, because that really helps you with understanding where you actually want to go and influences your choices in the moment."
3. Spend time with yourself
Pferdt emphasised the importance of self-reflection, saying, "From time to time, spend time within yourself," and added that this practice is essential because otherwise you are driven by autopilot reactions, which are often negative and blameful.?
He explained that: "Our reactions are usually negative, they're closed, they're non-empathetic, they're full of hate [and] blaming."?
Mindfulness practices are necessary to break free from these patterns, which is why Google offers meditation and mindfulness courses to help employees stay open to new ideas and avoid negativity, Pferdt said.
In his book, Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt argues that instead of merely bracing for what comes next, you can actively shape it. He explains that you can turn unexpected challenges¡ªbig or small¡ªinto opportunities by adopting a "future-ready mindstate"?characterised by optimism, openness, curiosity, experimentation, and empathy.
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