One of our most commonly asked questions in our DM’s is, “what books do you recommend?“
And tbh, we LOVE this question because, as a team here at GC HQ, we’re always looking to learn and grow and one of the easiest ways to do that is through reading.
While we could recommend TONS of books, we’ve wrapped our top 9 to help you get started and moving in the right direction.
Because we know that knowledge without action is useless, we’ve also included our top takeaway and #1 tip to help you get a quick win as soon as TODAY!
#1: Psychology of Winning by Denis Waitley
Takeaway: Winners always expect to win in advance AND dwell on the rewards of success, NOT the penalty of failure.
Tip: Start saying and believing “I am a winner”.
Pro Tip: Think back to a time where you felt a taste of victory – etch it into your mind and feel that as you take on new and challenging goals!
#2: Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Takeaway: Authenticity means everything that you say and everything that you do, you ACTUALLY believe. Authenticity produces relationship which produces trust. And with trust comes loyalty!
Tip: Write down what you believe – everything from your faith to “I believe exercise is important.” Here’s what’s cool – when you truly believe certain things and start to communicate those beliefs, you will come off authentic and connect with the RIGHT people.
#3: The Slight Edge by Jeff Olsen
Takeaway: The things that are most impactful over time are easy to do and (EEK) even easier NOT to do. You’ll either pay the price now or later.
Tip: Think about the person you want to be in 10 years. Write a “thank you” letter from that person to the past year, saying how you’re thankful for the [insert specific habits] that got you where you want to go even though it didn’t feel important at the time.
#4: You Squared by Price Pritchett
Takeaway: You can “think positively” all day long, but positive ACTION is what counts.
Tip: Take one of your 3-5 year goals and move it up to 2022 (or current year). What you want to achieve is not as far off as you think.
Takeaway: Now more than ever, everyone is expected to be a leader. The status quo is boring, and the marketplace demands you be extraordinary.
Tip: Next time you’re working on a project, ask yourself if you’re doing it “the way it’s always been done” or because it best serves the customer or recipient in an extraordinary way.
#6: High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard
Takeaway: Habits that matter most are not natural- they require conscious effort. Comfort needs to overruled by purpose.
Tip (from the book): Next time you sit down to do some work, ask yourself, “who needs me on my A game right now?” This ensures you’re giving selfless, best effort in that present moment.
#7: Intentional Living by John Maxwell
Takeaway: It’s not more time you need, it’s more intentionality toward the things that really matter.
Tip: Write a list of priorities in your life and start scheduling uninterrupted time for them. If you want to be more intentional with a relationship, plan a date where all phones are put away and plan on asking thoughtful questions. In no time you will deepen that relationship.
#8: How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Takeaway: To be interesting to others, be interested in others. Ask questions people will enjoy answering. Encourage people to talk about themselves and their accomplishments.
Tip: Next time you meet someone new ask them an open-ended story drawing question like, “How did you end up at your job? How did you meet your husband/wife?”.
Pro Tip: When they answer keep it about them, not how you alsooooo met your spouse at a bar. You see what I’m saying?
#9: Scripture
Takeaway: To be disciplined is to be wise and thinking about your future.
Tip: Read one proverb each day for a full month- there are 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs.
Like I said, we could go on and on with all the recommendations between the 6 of us on the GC team, but this will give you a great starting point.
If you get through this list (AND are truly implementing what you’re learning) and you’re ready for more, we link all of our favorites HERE!
– Kat (co-CEO at GUIDE Culture)
