Change your life… by the books you read. The list below is from Stephen Heiner, “an American in Paris” who sold his business in Kansas City to move to Paris and start several more. I have read many of the books that Stephen lists, and although I may not have considered it before, I do believe that many of them have had an influence on my life. I thought you might enjoy reading what Stephen and I have read. From Stephen: What follows is a brief list for those interested in the life of travel and entrepreneurship you can create for yourself through deliberate and personal lifestyle design.
The Four Hour Workweek, Tim Ferriss — I’ve read this book several times (as is perhaps, necessary) because it helped to destroy many of the received ideas I accepted as gospel but are really expediencies. The first lesson I always share from this book is the question, “What is it that you want to do with your life?” If we can answer that question, we can figure out how to make money while accomplishing that. If we can’t answer that question, what are we doing?
The E-Myth Revisited, Michael Gerber — The first book only applies to current or aspiring business owners. It’s about how to create a business, not merely own a job. If you can’t leave your business for more than 14 days without it burning down, then you simply own a job. When you can be gone for more than 30 days and things are still running — and perhaps, even thriving — then you own a business, and that’s down to systems. This book hammers that home.
Daily Rituals, Mason Currey – Something I came across in Tim Ferriss’ Book Club. It chronicles the daily habits of artists, authors, inventors, et al. It makes the point that even the most creative in our society thrive by having a regular routine that made sense for their temperament and work. Do you have a morning routine that sets you up for a successful day?
Leisure the Basis of Culture, Josef Pieper — There are peripatetic people who simply can’t be happy in one place. They are happy when they travel. I rarely meet such people. if you’re always looking to “escape” perhaps you’re living the wrong life. This book asks the real questions about “recreation,” whether it’s in the backyard or in the Outback. We have to re-create. And leisure, the proper kind, is a true enabler of greatness.
The Personal MBA, Josh Kaufman — There is a part of me that wishes I had kept my money and skipped an MBA. But another part of me knows that a good part of the success I enjoy today is built upon that degree. Josh Kaufman’s book title is misleading. It’s much more than an “MBA equivalent” in content. He goes past coursework and gives you tools and book recommendations. He can’t give you his unbelievable work ethic but if he can inspire just a fraction of it in you, your life will improve.
The Lean Startup, Eric Ries — Before the crowdfunding era, I’m not certain that I believed “anyone” could start a business. But since I’ve spent time chatting with people who have successfully completed basic crowdfunders, I know that just the experience of operating a business even in a short-term, perhaps one-off instance, will help you see things differently. This book destroys the outdated notion that you need business plans to start a business. Read it to find out why not.
Essentialism, Greg McKeown, and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,Steven Covey — I see these books as companion pieces. Greg McKeown’s book asks why you do what you do and challenges you to do a mental house cleaning. What is it that is essential to your life? You’ll find when you remove the truly nonessential, and take steps to prevent them from re-invading your life, that you have time: perhaps the most precious commodity we have.
While I can’t profess to embody all of Covey’s listed habits, I do find myself constantly referencing his lessons, which is saying something given it’s been nearly two decades since I first read it. He lived what I consider to be the most important of his habits: First Things First. If you only took this one habit from this book the quality of your life would improve immediately.
How to Be Rich, J. Paul Getty — The clue is in the name. Getty was a billionaire before that sort of thing happened at an IPO. In this short and under-appreciated volume, Getty offers gentle but firm advice based on a life at the top which many don’t realize started at the bottom.
The New Testament — Would you learn patience? Kindness? Thoughtfulness? Care for others? Within these pages you will find a calling to be more than we are. The rise above our first, untrained instincts. Living a life that matters, whether you are in the public eye or are among the most anonymous in our society.
Honorable Mentions:
Vagabonding — Rolf Potts
The Art of Stillness — Pico Ayer
Small Giants —Bo Burlingham
How to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale Carnegie
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I’ve listed the works above in no particular order so feel free to start anywhere. Add to this list with favorites of your own so that I can learn more too!
A client recently asked me to identify what I am actively reading. I usually am reading a number of books at the same time. In my book bag today (not all that I am reading are in the bag) are Rocket Fuel (Gino Wickman), The Creator’s Code (Amy Wilkinson), The Lean Entrepreneur (Brant Cooper & Patrick Vlaskovits), Who Owns the Ice House? (Clifton Taulbert & Gary Schoeniger), and the Crash Course MBA (Lita Epstein).
What are you currently reading?
Will it change your life?
