ISBN 978-1-923589-12-4
PAPERBACK
ISBN 978-1-923589-16-2
HARDCOVER
Substitution Effect
The Art of Intentional Choices with Your Time
Most leaders assume their people just don’t work hard enough. Wrong. The real problem is purpose. When teams struggle to connect today’s work to tomorrow’s success, they often pursue quick wins. They trade real progress for shortlived satisfaction.
The result? Busywork. Burnout. And no real progress.
In Substitution Effect, Philip Daniels reveals why your past productivity hacks failed. Our brains prefer quick rewards over long-term benefits. This bias, known as hyperbolic discounting, is holding your company back.
But you can flip it. Philip demonstrates how reflection and mindful decision-making enable employees to recognise when they’re settling. This way, they can shift their focus to what truly matters.
This isn’t another “work harder” playbook. It’s a reset button for how work actually works. You’ll learn to build systems that fit human psychology. You’ll create habits that last under pressure. Plus, you’ll develop teams that seek meaning, not just empty metrics
AI is reshaping work. Winning companies will solve the Substitution Effect. They’ll help their people trade comfort for impact.
Stop asking if your team should work harder. Start helping them stop settling for less.
About the Author
Philip Daniels is a 37-year-old writer based in Adelaide, Australia.He attended Marden Senior College before completing his studiesat Flinders University.
Philip draws on his interests in Economicsand Philosophy, which he studied at Flinders. This gives his worka thoughtful and engaging voice.
When he’s not writing, he enjoysbrewing beer and watching Premier League football.