I am such a sucker for the “number list” title I decided to use it.
This time of year, people and organizations do planning. As a planning facilitator, I spend a great deal of time reading other thought leaders to stay current on planning, motivation, communication, etc.
Prepping for some upcoming retreats, I started inventorying what books I had read this year to see what I should bring to the engagements. (Green and growing or Red and dying…) My prep led me to a full case of frustration. The number of unread books piling up around my reading chair, bed, and office was overwhelming. And I have three unused Audible credits.
I did notice one positive in this process: how many books I reread this year. These were books that make me smile when I see them yet remind me that I remember only a few of the nuggets they contain. They drew me back this year for another helping of wisdom, wit, and strategy.
As I dived back into them, I discovered the truths and wisdom started bringing up memories of my earlier reads, places and events, clients, and trips.
The aha moment was realizing how much I had changed while the value of wisdom remained the same. Led Zeppelin just popped into my head.
The takeaway: Wisdom and truth are timeless, but their applicability changes as you move on down the road.
My 7
Proverbs – “Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight.”
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – “Begin with the End in Mind” is such a great chapter I should read it monthly. Important but not Urgent is always a great destination.
How to Win Friends and Influence People – Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain. Try doing that for a day.
Leaders Eat Last – People catch what you do, not what you say. Enough said.
The Daily Maxwell Reader – Five years running, and every day is different each year.
Never Split the Difference – Saved me $5k in a lawsuit ready negotiation. Too many nuggets to go over.
Jesus Calling – So glad I fill my tank each morning with this wisdom and love. Scary to think how I would behave without it.
Honorable mention
Built to Last – Still a classic on what you should think about as you build your Business Map Canvas.
The Daily Drucker – Warning: You may have to re-read some days twice to realize how prescient and visionary Peter Drucker was in the 70’s and 80’s.
Tiny Habits – Celebration is the key to realization of every aspiration. Emotion trumps repetition every time.
The Normal Christian Life – Leave it to a mid-20th century Chinese teacher to bring the Gospel home in a totally understandable way. C.S. Lewis has nothing on Watchman Nee.
Romans – If you gave me one book and only one chapter of it to read throughout eternity, Romans 8 would be plenty.
The Road Less Travelled - The perfect vaccine for mass hysteria and fear. Love is all you need.
The Advantage – Success is downstream from culture. Hire for values before skills.