The Performance Paradox by Eduardo Briceño Summary
Overview of The Performance Paradox
In "The Performance Paradox," Eduardo Briceno reveals why obsessing over performance actually limits success. Named a "Must Read" by Next Big Idea Club, this multi-award-winning guide asks: What if slowing down to learn is the secret to breakthrough results that top companies like Johnson & Johnson embrace?
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Key takeaways
Why Trying Harder Is Making You Worse
Stop me if this sounds familiar: You're working longer hours than ever, checking off tasks like a machine, yet somehow you're not getting ahead. You might even feel like you're falling behind. Here's the uncomfortable truth-you're caught in what's called the performance paradox, and it's more common than you think. Consider Anjali, a consultant who bristles when her manager offers feedback. She assumes the solution is working harder, when her manager actually wants to make her life easier. Or Gino Barbaro, a restaurant owner convinced that only he can maintain quality standards, refusing to delegate and ultimately capping his own growth. These aren't lazy people-they're trapped in "chronic performance," racing through tasks, hiding uncertainties to appear knowledgeable, and avoiding feedback that might slow them down. Here's what makes this paradox so insidious: it feels productive. You're busy, you're executing, you're getting things done. But like swimming directly against a rip current, all that effort pulls you further from shore. The solution isn't to swim harder-it's to change direction entirely. Improving performance requires something counterintuitive: stopping the relentless execution long enough to actually learn.
The Two Mental States That Separate Good from Great
Learning While Doing: The Art of Growing Without Stopping
Six Strategies That Turn Ordinary Performers Into Masters
The Surprising Truth About Mistakes and Growth
Building a Life and Organization That Learns
The Ripple Effect: From Personal Growth to Global Change
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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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