The Bible
Been exploring, studying and meditating on this, the most popular book of all time, book my whole life. There are lots of versions, and I used the NIV for much of my life, but not mostly use the ESV.
You can also use the free and excellent YouVersion iPhone/iPad app which is free and contains a bazillion different versions.
Biggest takeaway: That God so loved us he didn’t leave us to figure it out on our own.
Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey almost stopped me from doing DFL because its simple principles covers so much of what makes you better. It taught me to Begin With An End in Mind, to be Proactive…ok I can’t just list the habits. A book well worth your time.
Biggest takeaway: So many, but figure out where you want to be before you start. (Begin With an End In Mind)
Four Hour Work Week
The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris showed me what a business should be, and that you can live the life you want if you design it that way. It also introduced me to the concept of a mini-retirement, which is why my wife and I spent 3 months in the UK instead of a quick vacation to London in 2014.
Biggest takeaway: You can design your lifestyle by being clever.
The Game
A happily married man reading a book about how to pick up women….Mmmm. Saying The Game by Neil Strauss changed my life is a little provocative, but true. Before that book I thought being good with people was something you were born with. Only a certain personality type could start a conversation with a stranger, especially a pretty woman. But this book showed me a nerd can learn social skills.
Biggest takeaway: I remember sitting with the book about half finished and saying to introverted self, “You can learn this stuff.”
I don’t really recommend it to people wanting to learn social skills because it isn’t a how to book, and there is a lot of prurient content. Now I’d recommend Captivate By Vanessa Van Edwards.
Never Eat Alone
It isn’t just what you know that will make you a success. It is who. Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi showed me how to build a personal network without being that guy, and to enjoy the process.
Biggest takeaway: Building a network is about making friends. Not gathering contact information.
Photo by freddie marriage on Unsplash
