Top 10 Best Books

best booksThinking you might be looking for a good read over the holidays or need some last minute gift ideas, I’ve pulled together a list of Top Ten Best Books. Regular readers of this blog will recognize some familiar titles. The insight in these books is timeless and timely! There are a few new surprises as well and some that have reviews forthcoming. So peruse away and lose yourself in a good book over the holidays! Note that this will be our last message for the year so you will have plenty of time for reading.

Morning Inspiration

If it is not the Bible for you, then check out this recommended read.   Short chapters and words of wisdom are great for the first read of the day. Get a copy of How To Succeed by Orison Swett Marden for just this purpose. The book was originally published in 1896 and you can find it on Amazon for $0.00 for the Kindle version or $6.94 paperback. Don’t let free make you think it is not valuable. It could be the greatest gift you give yourself or someone else.

Impact

Inspiration is powerful, yet how do you direct it to you and your life. Where will you get the most results from your efforts? There are lots of things you do well, yet where do you excel? Most of us don’t truly know, so get to know your strengths in StrengthsFinder 2.0. by Tom Rath.

Focus – it would be impossible to recommend a favorite here. Check out the reviews to decide what is best for you.

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown. Why is this book important to you?  Unless you are one of the rare few that are NOT living in a state of overwhelm, you will benefit from the principles outlined in the book.  Even more importantly, for those of you who have enjoyed some level of success, you’ll begin to understand why your success may not be the “happy point” you envisioned.

First Things First that is the first premise of this book; that one must understand what truly matters most. First things cannot be first if we do not know what they are. Our struggle comes when we sense a gap between what we are doing on a daily basis and where we want to go or be in a broader sense; when we are guided by the clock instead of the compass. Read this classic by Stephen R. Covey.

The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan starts with one of my favorite movie scenes. It is from the movie City Slickers, featuring Billy Crystal and Jack Palance, and it is the scene about the meaning of life. Keller, of Keller Williams Realty International, relates to readers through his own learnings, his own story of too many things on his plate, burnout and dissatisfaction – all of which prepare you to learn from his experience.

In his book Start with Why author Simon Sinek challenges us to redefine why we do anything and everything. Our simple rote answers of “to make money” or “to lose weight” are obvious in their intention, yet far from inspiring. Get your inspiration here.

Execution

Do The Work! by Steven Pressfield – This book made my Top 10 list for 2013. If you haven’t yet read it, I highly recommend you get a copy, particularly if you want to accomplish something. Most people I know want to accomplish something — often many “somethings.”

Me, Inc. by Gene Simmons. Yes, that Gene Simmons of KISS. What can you learn from a musician famous for his musical talent and make-up? A lot and most importantly that whatever it is that you want, it is up to you to make it happen.

Deepening Everything

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. The book is eye-opening and mind-opening.  Much as we like to think we all speak a common language in our everyday conversations, our love languages can be just as different as well.

Getting Naked – you are intrigued aren’t you? The 5 Love Languages followed by Getting Naked? A book review is forth coming. In the meantime, you can learn more here from author Patrick Lencioni about authenticity and vulnerability.

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