book recommendations part 2
February 20, 2020
notes
My mother -- a writer with an auto immune disorder-- taught me that money spent on two things was never wasted: Down Comforters & Books. Once, at Barnes & Noble, we had enough money to either pay the electric bill, or buy the 5 books I had picked out - she chose the books. My reading, though avid, has always gone in spurts and as my responsibilities have grown, I've even viewed it as an indulgence, something to feel guilty about.
But in January, when I took a few punches, I made a compromise with myself (after I first made myself extremely well-acquainted with my cloud-like down comforter and more TV than I will admit): I was allowed to read as much as I wanted without guilt as long as I threw in business-books alongside my historical fiction go-to's. Turns out there's plenty of good ones and luckily we didn't have to sacrifice Ragknarr's food budget to buy them.
On the list below, I included my most recent top five business and personal development reads, because I feel like this time of year calls for that. Maybe I'll do a fiction one for the summer :-). Each one is a quick read and has tangible, every-day useful ideas. These books all happen to fit in nicely with what I promised myself (a little ironically, I admit) before the marathon bed excursion: this year I won't play small. All of these books are straight forward and no-nonsense, but also gentle-hearted and compassionate; just like I like them. No gross 'how to get rich quick' schemes or diet fads, only things to tackle out of love for yourself and others. In other words, it's all about how to be HUMAN and connect better with other HUMANS. Sometimes those reads are set in Paris during the French Revolution and sometimes they're about how we live our day to day lives. Please enjoy and I'd love to know your opinions on any you choose to read (P.S. I specifically didn't link these to Amazon because, if possible support your local bookstore).
1. STORIES THAT STICK, Kindra Hall
This book has reframed how I go through my day. Absolutely essential for anyone in a job where you're trying to communicate something to someone. Vague, I know, but Kindra has convinced me (as have the past few weeks of using this strategy) that stories are the best way to communicated. PERIOD. It's obviously useful for business, but I have found it impactful to use storytelling in my everyday life to improve how and what I share with others. It's a new and fascinating lens through which to see the world and will change how you talk to friends, consume advertising, and even write instagram posts.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY: "Our differentiators -- the things that make us unlike anyone else--are exactly the same." It's our stories that make us unique.
2. Marketing Rebellion, Mark Schaefer
The subtitle says it all: THE MOST HUMAN COMPANY WINS. This book was such a joy to read on my part- the mix of topics and writing style that is just rock solidly aligned with my personality and goals as a business owner, yoga instructor, and person. While reading this, I constantly came back to the thought "pfew, it's not just me." Screw the status quo - it's changing and moving toward true human interaction.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY : Build a space. Invite others to belong. Lead.
3. Creative Calling, Chase Jarvis
This is for all creatives. And by "creatives" I (and Chase) mean everyone. Because CREATIVITY is integral to your well-being as a human, just like good nutrition and exercise. Whether you're creating a company, a photograph, a meal for your family, this books gives you permission to prioritize creating and offers practical advice on how to get started.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY : Give yourself permission to create something bad. "No action is ever wasted. This is the nature of the creative process : It all matters. It's all meaningful"
My mother -- a writer with an auto immune disorder-- taught me that money spent on two things was never wasted: Down Comforters & Books. Once, at Barnes & Noble, we had enough money to either pay the electric bill, or buy the 5 books I had picked out - she chose the books. My reading, though avid, has always gone in spurts and as my responsibilities have grown, I've even viewed it as an indulgence, something to feel guilty about.
But in January, when I took a few punches, I made a compromise with myself (after I first made myself extremely well-acquainted with my cloud-like down comforter and more TV than I will admit): I was allowed to read as much as I wanted without guilt as long as I threw in business-books alongside my historical fiction go-to's. Turns out there's plenty of good ones and luckily we didn't have to sacrifice Ragknarr's food budget to buy them.
On the list below, I included my most recent top five business and personal development reads, because I feel like this time of year calls for that. Maybe I'll do a fiction one for the summer :-). Each one is a quick read and has tangible, every-day useful ideas. These books all happen to fit in nicely with what I promised myself (a little ironically, I admit) before the marathon bed excursion: this year I won't play small. All of these books are straight forward and no-nonsense, but also gentle-hearted and compassionate; just like I like them. No gross 'how to get rich quick' schemes or diet fads, only things to tackle out of love for yourself and others. In other words, it's all about how to be HUMAN and connect better with other HUMANS. Sometimes those reads are set in Paris during the French Revolution and sometimes they're about how we live our day to day lives. Please enjoy and I'd love to know your opinions on any you choose to read (P.S. I specifically didn't link these to Amazon because, if possible support your local bookstore).
1. STORIES THAT STICK, Kindra Hall
This book has reframed how I go through my day. Absolutely essential for anyone in a job where you're trying to communicate something to someone. Vague, I know, but Kindra has convinced me (as have the past few weeks of using this strategy) that stories are the best way to communicated. PERIOD. It's obviously useful for business, but I have found it impactful to use storytelling in my everyday life to improve how and what I share with others. It's a new and fascinating lens through which to see the world and will change how you talk to friends, consume advertising, and even write instagram posts.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY: "Our differentiators -- the things that make us unlike anyone else--are exactly the same." It's our stories that make us unique.
2. Marketing Rebellion, Mark Schaefer
The subtitle says it all: THE MOST HUMAN COMPANY WINS. This book was such a joy to read on my part- the mix of topics and writing style that is just rock solidly aligned with my personality and goals as a business owner, yoga instructor, and person. While reading this, I constantly came back to the thought "pfew, it's not just me." Screw the status quo - it's changing and moving toward true human interaction.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY : Build a space. Invite others to belong. Lead.
3. Creative Calling, Chase Jarvis
This is for all creatives. And by "creatives" I (and Chase) mean everyone. Because CREATIVITY is integral to your well-being as a human, just like good nutrition and exercise. Whether you're creating a company, a photograph, a meal for your family, this books gives you permission to prioritize creating and offers practical advice on how to get started.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY : Give yourself permission to create something bad. "No action is ever wasted. This is the nature of the creative process : It all matters. It's all meaningful"
4. Playing Big, Tara Mohr
I told a friend (who is looking to change out of her lawyer career) she should buy this and she was like "okay, I'll check at the library and if they don't have it maybe I'll grab it". I feel so strongly about this book, I just bought it and shipped it to her on the other coast. I'd recommend this book to any woman who feel like they're holding themselves back (and no, I didn't know about the title before I recently set my intention of not playing small). The beginning tackles the now well-known inner critic, but I found it extremely interesting (and useful) that she discussed the development of a relationship with the inner mentor, plus a lot more.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY : "There is a voice in each of us that is unburdened by fear and untouched by insecurity, that has utter calm, that emanates love for oneself and others and that knows exactly who we would be if we were brave enough to show up as our true selves."
5. This is Marketing, Seth Godin
Marketing doesn't have to be icky unless you or what you're selling is. This is definitely straight up marketing book BUT Seth redefines the definition of marketing so it doesn't leave a bad taste in your mouth. If you're interested in up-leveling your marketing game or even want to know the way the marketing world is moving, get on this.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY : "Sharing your path to better is called marketing"
Honorable Mentions
Contagious, Jonah Berger
The Big Leap, Gay Hendricks
4. Playing Big, Tara Mohr
I told a friend (who is looking to change out of her lawyer career) she should buy this and she was like "okay, I'll check at the library and if they don't have it maybe I'll grab it". I feel so strongly about this book, I just bought it and shipped it to her on the other coast. I'd recommend this book to any woman who feel like they're holding themselves back (and no, I didn't know about the title before I recently set my intention of not playing small). The beginning tackles the now well-known inner critic, but I found it extremely interesting (and useful) that she discussed the development of a relationship with the inner mentor, plus a lot more.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY : "There is a voice in each of us that is unburdened by fear and untouched by insecurity, that has utter calm, that emanates love for oneself and others and that knows exactly who we would be if we were brave enough to show up as our true selves."
5. This is Marketing, Seth Godin
Marketing doesn't have to be icky unless you or what you're selling is. This is definitely straight up marketing book BUT Seth redefines the definition of marketing so it doesn't leave a bad taste in your mouth. If you're interested in up-leveling your marketing game or even want to know the way the marketing world is moving, get on this.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY : "Sharing your path to better is called marketing"
Honorable Mentions
Contagious, Jonah Berger
The Big Leap, Gay Hendricks
learn more about taking a class
book recommendations part 2
February 20, 2020
notes
My mother -- a writer with an auto immune disorder-- taught me that money spent on two things was never wasted: Down Comforters & Books. Once, at Barnes & Noble, we had enough money to either pay the electric bill, or buy the 5 books I had picked out - she chose the books. My reading, though avid, has always gone in spurts and as my responsibilities have grown, I've even viewed it as an indulgence, something to feel guilty about.
But in January, when I took a few punches, I made a compromise with myself (after I first made myself extremely well-acquainted with my cloud-like down comforter and more TV than I will admit): I was allowed to read as much as I wanted without guilt as long as I threw in business-books alongside my historical fiction go-to's. Turns out there's plenty of good ones and luckily we didn't have to sacrifice Ragknarr's food budget to buy them.
On the list below, I included my most recent top five business and personal development reads, because I feel like this time of year calls for that. Maybe I'll do a fiction one for the summer :-). Each one is a quick read and has tangible, every-day useful ideas. These books all happen to fit in nicely with what I promised myself (a little ironically, I admit) before the marathon bed excursion: this year I won't play small. All of these books are straight forward and no-nonsense, but also gentle-hearted and compassionate; just like I like them. No gross 'how to get rich quick' schemes or diet fads, only things to tackle out of love for yourself and others. In other words, it's all about how to be HUMAN and connect better with other HUMANS. Sometimes those reads are set in Paris during the French Revolution and sometimes they're about how we live our day to day lives. Please enjoy and I'd love to know your opinions on any you choose to read (P.S. I specifically didn't link these to Amazon because, if possible support your local bookstore).
1. STORIES THAT STICK, Kindra Hall
This book has reframed how I go through my day. Absolutely essential for anyone in a job where you're trying to communicate something to someone. Vague, I know, but Kindra has convinced me (as have the past few weeks of using this strategy) that stories are the best way to communicated. PERIOD. It's obviously useful for business, but I have found it impactful to use storytelling in my everyday life to improve how and what I share with others. It's a new and fascinating lens through which to see the world and will change how you talk to friends, consume advertising, and even write instagram posts.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY: "Our differentiators -- the things that make us unlike anyone else--are exactly the same." It's our stories that make us unique.
2. Marketing Rebellion, Mark Schaefer
The subtitle says it all: THE MOST HUMAN COMPANY WINS. This book was such a joy to read on my part- the mix of topics and writing style that is just rock solidly aligned with my personality and goals as a business owner, yoga instructor, and person. While reading this, I constantly came back to the thought "pfew, it's not just me." Screw the status quo - it's changing and moving toward true human interaction.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY : Build a space. Invite others to belong. Lead.
3. Creative Calling, Chase Jarvis
This is for all creatives. And by "creatives" I (and Chase) mean everyone. Because CREATIVITY is integral to your well-being as a human, just like good nutrition and exercise. Whether you're creating a company, a photograph, a meal for your family, this books gives you permission to prioritize creating and offers practical advice on how to get started.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY : Give yourself permission to create something bad. "No action is ever wasted. This is the nature of the creative process : It all matters. It's all meaningful"
4. Playing Big, Tara Mohr
I told a friend (who is looking to change out of her lawyer career) she should buy this and she was like "okay, I'll check at the library and if they don't have it maybe I'll grab it". I feel so strongly about this book, I just bought it and shipped it to her on the other coast. I'd recommend this book to any woman who feel like they're holding themselves back (and no, I didn't know about the title before I recently set my intention of not playing small). The beginning tackles the now well-known inner critic, but I found it extremely interesting (and useful) that she discussed the development of a relationship with the inner mentor, plus a lot more.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY : "There is a voice in each of us that is unburdened by fear and untouched by insecurity, that has utter calm, that emanates love for oneself and others and that knows exactly who we would be if we were brave enough to show up as our true selves."
5. This is Marketing, Seth Godin
Marketing doesn't have to be icky unless you or what you're selling is. This is definitely straight up marketing book BUT Seth redefines the definition of marketing so it doesn't leave a bad taste in your mouth. If you're interested in up-leveling your marketing game or even want to know the way the marketing world is moving, get on this.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY : "Sharing your path to better is called marketing"
Honorable Mentions
Contagious, Jonah Berger
The Big Leap, Gay Hendricks
4. Playing Big, Tara Mohr
I told a friend (who is looking to change out of her lawyer career) she should buy this and she was like "okay, I'll check at the library and if they don't have it maybe I'll grab it". I feel so strongly about this book, I just bought it and shipped it to her on the other coast. I'd recommend this book to any woman who feel like they're holding themselves back (and no, I didn't know about the title before I recently set my intention of not playing small). The beginning tackles the now well-known inner critic, but I found it extremely interesting (and useful) that she discussed the development of a relationship with the inner mentor, plus a lot more.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY : "There is a voice in each of us that is unburdened by fear and untouched by insecurity, that has utter calm, that emanates love for oneself and others and that knows exactly who we would be if we were brave enough to show up as our true selves."
5. This is Marketing, Seth Godin
Marketing doesn't have to be icky unless you or what you're selling is. This is definitely straight up marketing book BUT Seth redefines the definition of marketing so it doesn't leave a bad taste in your mouth. If you're interested in up-leveling your marketing game or even want to know the way the marketing world is moving, get on this.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY : "Sharing your path to better is called marketing"
Honorable Mentions
Contagious, Jonah Berger
The Big Leap, Gay Hendricks