Google's former Chief Innovation Evangelist shares 3 key lessons for living a more meaningful life after over 12 years in the role.

Google has influenced Frederik Pferdt's work approach and daily routine after working there for 12 years.

Pferdt, as the first Chief Innovation Evangelist of the tech giant, aimed to establish a unified approach for fostering creativity among different divisions. He established the Innovation Lab and co-founded the Google Garage, where he inspired thousands of employees to work together and explore new concepts.

He learned several important lessons from co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin before deciding to leave Google in 2022, as he told CNBC Make It.

Pferdt says that the philosophies and routines he learned during that time helped him and others create a culture of innovation at the company. He elaborates on these ideas in his recent book, "What's Next Is Now: How to Live Future Ready."

His top three lessons are not only beneficial for tech professionals but can also help anyone lead a more significant life, according to him.

1. Embrace a 'Yes, and' mentality

Frequently, Pferdt observes that individuals tend to adopt a more pessimistic perspective, "identifying reasons why something couldn't succeed."

"By flipping our approach from 'No, but' to 'Yes, and,' we can transform our conversations and team dynamics, drawing inspiration from improv theater."

Pferdt's book highlights the significance of the "Yes, and" philosophy, which relies on curiosity and a readiness to continually experiment, in driving technological advancements at Google, including the development of Street View technology.

Larry Page contemplated the possibility of photographically mapping the entire planet. To achieve this, he mounted a camera on his car and captured video while driving around San Francisco. Pferdt notes in his book that Page's initial idea and the Google-funded work of Stanford researchers soon attracted others who contributed new features, such as spatial recognition and data collection.

2. Spend time with yourself

Both meditation and mindfulness are widely used to alleviate daily stress and anxiety. Studies have demonstrated that these techniques can enhance sleep quality and boost productivity. Google has been promoting meditation among its employees and even provides them with mindfulness courses.

Pferdt claims that daily meditation helps him stay receptive to fresh perspectives and avoid negative thoughts.

"Occasionally, take time for introspection," he advises. "It's crucial because otherwise you're simply operating on autopilot and reacting rather than responding. Our reactions are often negative, closed, non-empathetic, full of hate and blame. Breaking free from these requires mindful practices."

3. Visualize your future self

Google leaders suggest visualizing an ideal, successful self and then identifying practical actions and decisions to achieve that outcome.

"Visualizing your desired future is powerful, as it helps you understand your goals and influences your decisions in the present, says Pferdt."

Pferdt, who was an adjunct professor of design thinking at Stanford University for 10 years, has spent most of his career teaching others how to improve their thinking about and shaping of life's outcomes. He advises developing traits such as "radical optimism" and "expansive empathy."

According to psychologist Michele Borba, who spoke to CNBC Make It last year, science supports the idea that visualizing future success can boost optimism, which in turn increases self-confidence and leads to success.

Experts suggest that visualizing success can aid in planning and decision-making for achieving goals. According to Rainer Strack, senior partner emeritus at Boston Consulting Group, it is not necessary to have a complete plan, but it is important to have a general direction in mind.

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