Below is a list of some of my favorite books. I included a few comments about each book so you can determine if you think the book would be of any interest. I’d love to hear your feedback and other book recommendations.
Inspiration
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins: this guy is a beast! Hi journey from a troubled kid to becoming a Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete is nothing short of inspirational. His relentless mindset and determination to push beyond limits are motivating for anyone seeking personal growth and resilience.
Halftime by Bob Buford – Buford’s reflection on transitioning from success to significance in the second half of life offers profound insights for those seeking greater purpose and fulfillment. It’s a thought-provoking read that encourages readers to reevaluate their priorities and make intentional choices for the future.
Mission Impossible by Tim Tebow – Tim Tebow’s story of perseverance and faith amidst challenges provides a refreshing perspective on leadership and resilience. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, his journey is bound to leave a lasting impression.
Vietnam – One Week in December 1969 by Tom Gillespie: Gillespie’s gripping account of courage and sacrifice during one week in the Vietnam War offers a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. It’s a compelling read that leaves a profound impact.
Leadership & Team
The Advantage by Patrick Lincioni – Lencioni explores the importance of organizational health and its impact on a company’s success. With practical strategies and compelling insights, this book provides a roadmap for building cohesive and high-performing teams.
Death by Meetings by Patrick Lencioni – In this concise yet impactful book, Lencioni tackles the common pitfalls of meetings and offers practical solutions for making them more productive and meaningful. It’s a must-read for anyone tired of wasting time in unproductive meetings.
Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly – Kelly presents a compelling case for investing in employees’ personal and professional growth through the concept of dream management. By helping individuals align their personal dreams with organizational goals, this book offers a transformative approach to leadership and team development.
Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni – Through a captivating fable, Lencioni explores the root causes of team dysfunction and provides actionable strategies for fostering trust, communication, and collaboration. It’s an engaging read that resonates with anyone striving to build effective teams.
Lincoln on Leadership – Drawing lessons from Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during one of the most challenging periods in American history, Phillips offers timeless principles for effective leadership. This book is a treasure trove of wisdom for aspiring leaders of any generation.
Rules for a Knight by Ethan Hawk – Yes, Ethan Hawk the actor. Ethan Hawke’s modern-day fable imparts essential life lessons on courage, integrity, and resilience. Through the lens of chivalry, this book offers valuable insights for navigating life’s challenges with honor and grace. This book is one of my team’s Core Values. It’s another book that I’m going to mandate that my girls read this before they leave for college.
Mindset
Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell – Martell’s practical guide to leveraging time effectively offers valuable insights for maximizing productivity and achieving work-life balance. With actionable strategies and thought-provoking insights, this book empowers readers to reclaim control of their time and priorities.
Nine Figure Mindset: How to Go from Zero to Over $100M in Net Worth” by Brandon Dawson – This is an awesome books about thinking bigger. Dawson’s transformative approach to wealth mindset challenges readers to think bigger and pursue their financial goals with confidence. With a focus on abundance and empowerment, this book inspires readers to unleash their full potential for financial success.
With Winning in Mind by Lanny Bassham – Bassham’s championship mindset strategies are applicable not only to competitive sports but also to business and personal success. Through practical techniques and real-life examples, this book offers a roadmap for achieving peak performance and overcoming obstacles.
Money
100-Baggers by Mayer – Mayer’s in-depth exploration of stock investing offers valuable insights for identifying and investing in companies with the potential for extraordinary growth. With a focus on long-term value creation, this book provides a roadmap for building wealth through savvy stock selection.
Just Keep Buying by Nick Maggiulli – This insightful guide to stock investing offers valuable tips for building long-term wealth through disciplined investing. With a focus on consistency and patience, this book empowers readers to navigate the complexities of the stock market with confidence.
Money Unmasked by Garrett Gunderson – Gunderson’s unconventional approach to understanding money challenges conventional wisdom and offers a fresh perspective on wealth accumulation. Through insightful analysis and practical advice, this book encourages readers to reevaluate their beliefs and habits around money.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert K – Kiyosaki’s seminal work on financial literacy and wealth building has inspired millions to rethink their approach to money. With timeless principles and actionable strategies, this book offers a blueprint for achieving financial independence and prosperity. This book changed my life. I read this in college. Fast forward 20 years and I owned 16 rental properties. I sold them at the peak of COVID and made a bit of money. It’s another book that I’m going to have my kids read before leaving the nest.
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill – Hill’s classic treatise on success and prosperity remains as relevant today as it was when it was first published. With timeless wisdom and practical advice, this book empowers readers to harness the power of their thoughts and beliefs to achieve their goals.
Personal Development
Atomic Habits by James Clear – James Clear’s comprehensive guide to habit formation offers practical strategies for building good habits and breaking bad ones. With actionable advice backed by scientific research, this book provides a roadmap for achieving lasting change and personal transformation.
Compound Effect by Hardy – Darren Hardy’s exploration of the power of small actions offers valuable insights for achieving success in any area of life. With practical strategies and actionable advice, this book empowers readers to harness the compound effect to create lasting change and achieve their goals.
Forty Days of Being an Eight by Holly Shivers – This insightful exploration of the Enneagram personality type offers valuable insights for self-discovery and personal growth. With practical exercises and real-life examples, this book empowers readers to deepen their understanding of themselves and others. To understand this book, you need to know about the Enneagram Personality Test. Both my wife and I’m are 8’s. For that reason, I read the “8” book. It’s like having the secret code to someone’s personality. It was really helpful. Figure out what you are, your spouse is, your team, etc. and learn amount them.
Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod – A must read and must do. You can’t have a great day without having a great morning. Hal Elrod’s transformative morning routine has helped millions of people unlock their full potential and achieve success in all areas of life. With practical strategies and actionable advice, this book offers a roadmap for creating a fulfilling and productive life.
The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick – This relationship guide offers practical challenges for strengthening marriages and deepening intimacy. With daily exercises and heartfelt insights, this book empowers couples to reignite passion and cultivate lasting love. If you’re in a romantic relationship, this is a great way to “date your wife.”
Sales
$100M Offers by Alex Hormozi by Alex Hormozi’s – Alex’s unconventional approach to sales challenges conventional wisdom and offers fresh perspectives on generating high-value offers. With practical strategies and real-world examples, this book provides a roadmap for achieving breakthrough results in sales and business.
7 Levels of Communication by Michael J. Maher – Michael J. Maher’s comprehensive guide to communication offers valuable insights for building strong relationships and driving business growth. With actionable strategies and practical tips, this book provides a roadmap for achieving success in sales and beyond.
Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf – Medcalf’s inspirational parable offers valuable lessons on the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving success. With timeless wisdom and practical advice, this book empowers readers to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Fanatical Prospecting by Jeb Blout by Jeb Blount – Jeb Blount’s practical guide to prospecting offers valuable insights for building a pipeline of qualified leads and driving sales growth. With actionable strategies and proven techniques, this book provides a roadmap for achieving success in sales.
Switch by Chip Heath and Dan Heath – Chip Heath and Dan Heath’s exploration of change management offers valuable insights for navigating transitions and overcoming resistance. With compelling stories and practical advice, this book empowers readers to lead change effectively and drive organizational success.
Tactics
4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling – This practical guide to execution offers valuable insights for turning strategic goals into tangible results. With actionable strategies and real-world examples, this book empowers leaders to drive accountability and achieve breakthrough performance.
E Myth Revisited (and E Myth Mastery) – Michael E. Gerber’s timeless guide to business systematization offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs seeking to scale their ventures. With practical strategies and actionable advice, this book provides a roadmap for building a successful and sustainable business. These books are oldies but goodies.
Kiss Theory Good Bye: Five Proven Ways to Get Extraordinary Results in Any Company by Bob Proson – Bob Prosen’s straightforward approach to business management offers valuable insights for achieving extraordinary results. With practical strategies and actionable advice, this book provides a roadmap for driving performance and maximizing impact.
Living Your Best Year Ever: Achievement Management System by Darren Hardy – Darren Hardy’s comprehensive workbook offers valuable tools and exercises for setting and achieving meaningful goals. With practical strategies and actionable insights, this book empowers readers to take control of their lives and create lasting success.
Scaling Up by Verne Harnish – Verne Harnish’s comprehensive workbook offers valuable tools and frameworks for scaling businesses effectively. With practical exercises and real-world examples, this book empowers entrepreneurs to navigate growth challenges and achieve sustainable success.
The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran – Moran and Lennington’s innovative approach to goal-setting offers valuable insights for achieving more in less time. With practical techniques and actionable advice, this book provides a roadmap for accelerating performance and achieving breakthrough results.
Traction by Gino Wickman – Gino Wickman’s practical guide to business management offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs seeking to streamline operations and drive growth. With a focus on simplicity and clarity, this book provides a roadmap for achieving traction and realizing your vision. This book changed by business. It’s meant for bigger teams and I don’t think it provides as much value to a solopreneur. It helps create a one-page business plan and provides a structure for dealing with “big rocks”.
Must Reads (for my kids)
The following books will be “required reading” for kiddos once they’re seniors in high school. These are great “principle” books that reinforce a solid foundation of morals, principles, and mindset. All books have notes about them above in their respective sections.