“Here’s to those who inspire us and don’t even know it.” – Anonymous
BOOKS
Here are my favorite books for 2019.
Each of these helped me see the world in a better way.
Stillness is the Key (by Ryan Holliday) Is it possible to be poised, calm and focused even on our most hectic days? Ryan Holiday shows us how. Holiday distills 2+ years of research on ancient philosophy and modern neuroscience to deliver a playbook on how to live a more meaningful life. My favorite book of 2019.
Digital Minimalism (by Cal Newport) The average person spends over 2 hours a day staring at their phones. That’s over 30 days each year. That’s crazy. Cal Newport shows how to control our technology, so it doesn’t control us. (Favorite idea: Remove all social media apps from your phone.)
Wise Guy: Lessons from a Life (by Guy Kawasaki) Guy Kawasaki was Apple’s chief evangelist under Steve Jobs. He is a legend in Silicon Valley and one of its ultimate consigliere’s . Kawasaki shares a series of personal stories on family, career, and how to live a meaningful life. So good. Get the audible version.
Leadership in War (by Andrew Roberts) Winston Churchill said that if someone wanted to understand politics and leadership they needed to “Study history. Study history. Study history”. Andrew Roberts proves Churchill’s point in one of the best leadership books I have ever read. The good (Churchill, Napoleon, & Margaret Thatcher) and the bad (Hitler & Stalin) are on full display. (PS – Napoleon was one of the OG ballers.)
The Art of Simple Living (by Shunmyo Masuno). Page a day books were one of the new genres I really dove into in 2019. This one was my favorite daily reader. Masuno, a practicing Zen Monk, gives 1 idea each day on how to live a more focused, joyful life.
Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations (by Admiral William McRaven) William McRaven wrote a memoir that reads like a Brad Thor novel. McRaven was part of some of the most famous US military operations of the past decades: capturing Saddam Hussein, rescuing Captain Richard Phillips, and the special forces mission that killed Osama bin Laden. Get the audible version that is read by McRaven.
Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter and Organize to Make More Room for Happiness (by Gretchen Rubin) Clutter is everywhere. Rubin shows why getting rid of things we don’t use, need, or love, frees up our minds (and closest) for what we truly value.
Gridiron Genius (By Michael Lombardi) Lombardi had the unbelievable good fortune to be mentored by 3 NFL legends: Bill Walsh, Al Davis, & Bill Belichick. That’s 12 Super Bowl rings of knowledge showing you the ropes. This is a fascinating look into what separates good teams from great ones and champions from dynasties. (PS – Fly Eagles Fly).
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show | Jim Collins — A Rare Interview. Forbes calls Jim Collins “one of the 100 Greatest Living Business Minds”. Collins’ books have sold more than 10 million copies. This podcast is master class on how to build and lead an organization.
YouTube Clip
Warren Buffett, Bill Gates on the Charlie Rose Show. Maybe the most knowledge ever dropped in 90 seconds on YouTube. Buffett and Gates tell us why we have to guard our most precious resource – time.
Happy holidays.
Thank you for reading my blog.
Wish you a massive success in the new decade!
#InspireSomeone
– Joe Ciccarone
The Vibe 