Many of you know that I am rarely, if ever, caught without a book. I am a committed lifelong learner, and one of the ways I live out that value is by reading as much as possible. My library is dominated by books on leadership, business, and personal development, but I’ll read anything that piques my interest. Reading has made me the man I am today, and I pride myself on the countless hours I’ve spent learning about the world through books.
This might sound a little arrogant, but if you are looking to raise your game in leadership and personal development, you ought to ask “What is Ralph reading?” I’ve covered just about every subject and author in those genres, and written a book on it myself!
So, I thought I would have a little fun by stringing together the book titles I have read so far this year to create a few inspiring sentences. I will use this statement to guide my behavior going forward, just as the books I’ve read have guided my thinking. Feel free to use it yourself, and see below for a list of the titles referenced and a few of my thoughts on each.
Slow Down to Go Faster to achieve your American Dreams. Build your leadership on Strong Ground and Have a Little Faith. Practice The 5 Second Rule while Living Untethered, and know when you misstep you can do things Twice because Wisdom Takes Work.
Slow Down to Go Faster by Ralph Simone and Renny Simone
I know, it’s probably bad form to list my own book. But I have read it a few times since it was published, and continue to learn from the words my son and I put to paper. It explores the paradox of achieving more by doing less, with pragmatic tips and interesting stories that help you find the rhythm to life. And it’s available for sale!
American Dreams by Studs Terkel
This was a gift from my son, and a bit outside my usual wheelhouse. The book presents many different perspectives on what the American dream means and how individuals have achieved it. I found it inspiring and down-to-earth.
Strong Ground by Brené Brown
Brown has always been a favorite of mine. In this offering, she describes the tension of paradox and explains the importance of daring greatly.
Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom
This is a touching true story about the author’s relationship with two religious men: his childhood rabbi and a Protestant minister. It explores the challenges and rewards of believing in something, and reminds us that we can learn from unlikely sources.
The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
Robbins lays out a method for propelling ourselves into action even when we don’t feel like it. Learn to trust your instincts before thinking stops you.
Living Untethered by Michael Singer
Singer has been a favorite of mine for a long time. In this follow-up to The Untethered Soul, he teaches us to let go and make peace with the present moment. Experience moments fully with no resistance or clinging.
Twice by Mitch Albom
Another by Albom, this one fictional. What if you could do everything in your life twice? This book illustrates the value of the wisdom we gain from experience. While doing things over may not change the outcome, it might change you.
Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan Holiday
Holiday hosts The Daily Stoic podcast, and has great reverence for the philosophers of the past. In this book he studies the journey to wisdom through the lives of different leaders and thinkers. Wisdom cannot be achieved easily, and is cultivated through reading, self-education, and learned experience.
I challenge you to choose at least one of these books to read this month. Take your time with it; underline the passages that strike you, and keep a notebook handy to record your insights. When you’re finished, send me an email at [email protected]. I’d love to read your reflections.
Comments (0)