The period from 2019 to 2022 witnessed a remarkable surge in my revenue, escalating from $18k to an impressive $84k.
It was the knowledge gleaned from the following 10 enlightening books that paved the way for this remarkable advancement.
1. How to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale Carnegie
At the heart of this book is a simple idea: Learning to win friends and sway others is a skill that can be acquired.
I had long ignored this book, believing it taught manipulative tactics. How wrong I was. This book serves as a primer for understanding human bonds. In the digitally dominated, Post-Covid world we live in, it is essential reading for everyone.
It is a book I revisit annually and have recommended to countless individuals.
Your sales, communication and conflict management abilities will all stand to improve drastically from its insights.
2. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones — James Clear
The fundamental principle conveyed by this book is that achievement stems from routinely practised behaviours, which are, in fact, simple to develop.
The crux of life is wrapped around these practices, taking hold of them means taking command of your life.
The book offers an analytical and applicable perspective on habit formation. Constructing beneficial practices and disassembling harmful ones does not have to be an intricate, elongated task. Techniques such as Habit-Stacking are swift and uncomplicated to implement.
After reading The One Thing, this book serves as an excellent follow-up as it arms you with the strategies needed to convert your identified goals into routine practices.
3. Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t — Simon Sinek
The fundamental principle of this book: Leadership comes through service.
Initiating the act of service is crucial before expecting others to reciprocate in kind. This is the distinguishing factor that sets apart exceptional leaders.
When you prioritize others, they will reciprocate the favor. Raised in religious surroundings, I was familiar with this ethos, though it was seldom put into practice by many.
4. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High — Kerry Patterson
The primary idea of this book centers around the inevitability of challenging dialogues. However, the lack of a structured approach can exacerbate them.
Drawing heavily from psychology but remaining grounded and pragmatic, this book has contributed to my approach to every tough conversation since I read it. This encompasses professional dialogues too. The methodologies have proven effective, resulting in less stormy exchanges.
Stepping into a challenging conversation without the insights this book provides is akin to marching into conflict blindly. When your usual communication tactics fall short, this book guides you on handling those complicated discussions.
5. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us — Daniel Pink
This book revolves around a fundamental principle: There exist 3 ubiquitous triggers for motivation.
The conventional “carrot or stick” method of motivation is outdated. Concentrate instead on targeting these 3 universal combustion points to amplify your impact.
This is valuable for steering groups and guiding your family. But personally, I discovered it paramount in leading myself. Whenever I grapple with a task, I inspect these 3 global motivators, and typically, I find one or two lacking.
6. So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love — Cal Newport
The guiding principle of this book holds that true liberation is derived from honing skills, rather than chasing novelty.
This text revolves around growing your earnings; however, the insight holds true for every facet of life.
Instead of venturing out to initiate something new, capitalize on what is presently fruitful. The skills you possess were instrumental in landing your current role – strive to be unrivaled in your organization (or even globally) for those skills. Such mastery renders you indispensable, which can be utilized to obtain more autonomy (or wealth).
7. Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win — Jocko Willink
The central premise of this book is encapsulated in the idea that you are the crux of all happenings, irrespective of the situation.
This book has made a significant impression on me, revealing many uncomfortable realities in a powerful way.
Drawing wisdom from the battlefield, these insights are presented in a way that is germane to all facets of life.
Your participation in life’s events is a given, and acknowledging your contribution helps in embracing the circumstances and advancing towards the future.
The crux is to claim responsibility for every result, even if you are not directly accountable for it.
8. The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results — Gary Keller
The primary principle of this book: There’s always a SINGLE step that can simplify everything or render it redundant.
Every action is not created equal. Rather than filling our days with tasks, pinpoint the one that fuels everything else. This is referred to as the “single triggering domino” that sets off a chain reaction, toppling all the other dominos.
Investing your time in this will optimize your outcomes without depleting your time.
9. The Compound Effect: Multiply Your Success One Simple Step at a Time — Darren Hardy
The central idea of the book is that significant outcomes don’t always arise from mammoth efforts, rather they spring from minor actions, consistently performed over extended periods.
Taking an additional step to validate your partner, exercising diligence in your work, or pushing yourself to follow up again are small but significant steps that can yield immense benefits in the long run.
After reading The One Thing and Atomic Habits, this provides an insightful perspective on the impact of making that vital ‘One Thing’ a continuous habit.
10. Ready, fire, aim; Zero to $100 Million in No Time Flat — Michael Masterson
The central idea of this book is: Our lives often transpire between “fire” and “aim”.
This work serves as an essential tool for business development. But if this doesn’t pique your interest, then consider this instead:
Adopt a mantra for life: Prepare your ammunition, trigger the gun, and then focus on the target.
If you’re satisfied with your initial attempt, you’ve probably delayed too much. Prepare yourself, initiate action, and then reassess later.
For those endeavoring to establish a business, this book is indispensable.
