My Current BEST Book List
Readers are leaders, PERIOD. A book is truly an open door into the knowledge, experience, lessons, successes and failures of the author. There's really no other place that you can experience such isolated instruction. You can take a course from that author or read a blog, but the amount of time and energy that goes into writing a book is unlike any course you'll ever take.
But, as with everything, it's not just about reading. It's about taking action with what you read. If not, then why read it in the first place?
If these new things that you're learning don't in someway change the way you operate, move through life, treat others, do business, think about the world, parent, stay motivated, etc... then all you're doing is consuming. It's a one sided relationship. No one is benefitting.
The other variable to note in your literary journey is WHAT you read. This is just as important as taking action with your new found knowledge. Each book takes time to read through. A few weeks to a few months depending on the length and your reading speed. You don't want to waste that time with something that isn't worth your time. Don't be afraid to start a book and then stop it because it's not what you wanted it to be. There is NO shame in putting a book down and starting another.
The philosopher, Seneca goes into this even more by saying ⬇️
Be careful, however, lest this reading of many authors and books of every sort may tend to make you discursive and unsteady. You must linger among a limited number of master-thinkers, and digest their works, if you would derive ideas which shall win firm hold in your mind. Everywhere means nowhere
With the help of some AI, here is what he meant translated into modern English... full transparency, it translated it once and I asked it to go even simpler. I think this translation works
Be careful not to read too many different authors and books, as it might make you lose focus and become unstable in your thoughts. It's better to focus on a few important writers and really understand their work if you want to have strong and lasting ideas. Trying to do everything often leads to achieving nothing.
The Takeaway
This quote goes hand in hand with my point; READ, but be intentional about what you're reading. Guard your mind and your time. And then when you read, use it. Go out there and put it into action and genuinely, intentionally work to BE BETTER.
My Most Recent Favorite Reads (As of January 2024)
The Dream Machine By Dane Espegard
I first heard about this book on THIS episode of Front Row Dads. Dane is the man and his book is Ian incredible illustration of how YOU and your company can start thinking bigger. it was written for the CEO in mind, but this book is for anyone and everyone. We do not dream big enough. This book shows us how.
A Calendar Of Wisdom By Leo Tolstoy
I am so thankful to have found this rec. I read about it HERE on Ryan Holidays reading list. Did you know that he owns and operates a bookstore in Texas?? I mean that's the dream, am I right? Anyway, this book is fantastic! It is literally a collection of the best quotes and statements from philosophers, scholars, religious figures, etc. and their thoughts on life, love, experience, wisdom and truly all aspects of life worth learning about. It's meant to be read 1 page a day everyday through the year to take that knowledge with you each and every day. I love this book so far!
Four Thousand Weeks By Oliver Burkeman
In a world full of TIME MANAGEMENT experts, gurus and coaches this book work of art stands out from the crowd. Oliver takes the road less traveled int his space and instead of telling you how to fit all this crap into 24 hours, he encourages you to do more by doing LESS.
Shoe Dog By Phil Knight
One of my ALL TIME favorite reads. I can't say enough about this one. Phil Knight is a warrior of an entrepreneur. In a time that no one believed in his vision, he did. He bootstrapped his way into a company worth BILLIONS. But furthermore, Nike has truly changed the game. The shoe game, the sports game, the business game, to name a few. It's wild to think about the gravity of Nike and the size of it's reach... Especially after reading this book and seeing how small it started and how hard the battle was for Phil for SO many years.
Anything You Want By Derek Sivers
Not only is this one of my favorite books of all time, but Derek is one of my favorite people. Check him out HERE and try and tell me that he's not awesome. Anything You Want is all about - 40 lessons for a new kind of entrepreneur does a deep dive about Dereks journey in entrepreneurship as well as lessons from a HIGH level of success that he shares in such a simple way. The entire book is so easily digestible and can/ should be read annually.
WANT MORE?
👉 HERE is the link to my entire reading list, including all time favorites, my nightstand stack and the rest of my current reads. 📚
Final Note:
Not everyone will agree with me, but I believe that books have super powers that each one of us has the ability to harness.
The problem is that it takes time to read them and most people don't feel that they have that time to spare. I get it, I do. And not everyone likes to read. I understand that as well.
It doesn't HAVE to be books. I'm a sucker for holding the physical copy in my hands, but maybe Audible is more your jam. Maybe you're a podcaster. Whatever form of media you choose to consume, do it and take action from it. Consume with consciousness and then take swift and intentional action with what you've learned. Not sure what that looks like, email me back and let's chat further. Maybe I can help.