I get asked all the time “How do you get so much done?” Well…
If you’ve been around my community for any length of time, you know that I emphasize taking effective action as one of the main keys to success.
And my actions become more effective by reading for self-improvement. Now before you assume you must read 10 books a month, let me be clear…
- I read on average 15 minutes a day (and that might be a high estimate)
- Sometimes I listen to the books on audio
- I rarely take notes
- If someone recommends a book on a topic I want to learn, but it’s boring or I don’t like the author’s approach, I stop reading it and find a different book on the topic
- Bottom line: make reading simple and enjoyable
Here’s a list of my faves to get you started…
1. Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Read this if: you’re constantly getting caught up in trivial stuff, spinning your wheels, and want to be more productive. Expect to feel more present, intentional and successful.
2. You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
Read this if: you have mindset issues around money, you aren’t offended by swearing, and want the most humorous and badass approach to changing your money story for good. Expect to laugh, to set monster money goals, and laugh some more.
3. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Read this if: you don’t understand how to allocate your income so you have cash on hand for taxes, expenses, vacations, and everything else. Expect to implement a simple money management system that will make you give a big sigh of relief around money (this book paired with the Badass book will massively shift your money situation).
4. The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
Read this if: you get overwhelmed by thinking you have to do SO MUCH in order to succeed. Expect to be convinced at a deep level that small consistent action will get you the results you want.
5. The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale
Read this if: you are a bit put off by the “woo-woo” that often accompanies any teaching on the law of attraction. This is my favorite, old timey, plain spoken, SHORT book on why focusing on what you want is critical to success. TIP: listen to this book read by Earl himself, available on Audible or YouTube.
6. Rejection Proof by Jia Jiang
Read this if: you fear rejection and want to break through your fears. Expect to be entertained by stories that will start to melt your fears around rejection.
7. So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport
Read this if: you’re exhausted by hearing about “finding your passion” and the subtitle of this book (Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love) piques your curiosity. Expect to read story after story of brilliant people who found their “passion” through action rather than introspection.
8. The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey
Read this if: you’ve tried time management methods and there’s just something missing. Expect to get a smorgasbord of productivity options so you can pick and choose to apply what feels natural to you!
9. Smarter Faster Better by Charles Duhigg
Read this if: you are fascinated by what makes people make decisions and how that impacts your productivity. Expect to learn to succeed with less stress and struggle.
10. Smile When They Call You Sleazy by Mary Cravets
Read this if: you run into times during your day when you could use a little pick-me-up for your attitude, your clarity, or your confidence. Expect to be able to pick up this book, turn to any page, and find a 3-minute read that will cure what ails you! Available on Amazon – 5 stars! https://www.amazon.com/Smile-When-They-Call-Sleazy/dp/1539352099
