“Here’s to those who inspire us and don’t even know it.” – Anonymous
2020 was the kind of year that sent you to the wine store or the book store.
Sometimes both on the same day.
It was a year we had to think differently.
Our homes became our offices.
Outside became the new gym.
We all had to ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES.
One of the silver linings of the pandemic was the opportunity to read and listen to some incredible books.
Each year I share the very best of what I came across.
You can check out the best of lists I shared in 2019, 2018, 2017, & 2016.
BOOKS
These books made me think.
They changed my mind.
Some got under my skin.
But that’s what great books do.
They help you see the world in a different way.
Can’t Hurt Me (By David Goggins): One of the most powerful stories of self-transformation you will ever read. Goggins turns a childhood filled with racism, depression, poverty and abuse into a future with the US Special Forces. Goggins is the only person in history to complete the training of the Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and Air Force Tactical Air Controllers. Get the audio book. It’s one part book, one part podcast where Goggins riffs the backstory of each chapter and drops more “F” bombs than the bar scene in Goodfellas.
Eleven Rings (By Phil Jackson): This book is a master class on leadership. Phil Jackson has won more championships than any coach in the history of pro sports. He is the winningest coach in NBA history. Known as the “Zen Master”, Jackson reveals his unconventional leadership style that brought out the best in superstars (Jordan, Kobe), unpredictable personalities (Dennis Rodman) and the average role player. Favorite Quote: “Things never get solved, they just come together and then fall apart again, then the process starts over.”
Shoe Dog (By Phil Knight): If it is possible to earn an MBA from studying a single book, this would be it. Phill Knight borrowed $50 from his dad in 1963 and turned it into the $30 billion monster called NIKE. The stories Knight tells are amazing. The struggles and obstacles Knight had to fight through were incredible. One of the best memoirs I ever read.
Greenlights (By Matthew McConaughey): This book caught me by surprise. I had low expectations and was blown away. McConaughey tells the funny and candid stories that led him from a blue-collar family in Texas to one of the most famous people in Hollywood. The stories resonate with you long after you put the book down. The audio book is killer. Narrated by McConaughey, it gives you the feeling of being bellied up to a bar with the actor as he tells stories while you share a bottle of whiskey.
Lives of the Stoics (By Ryan Holiday): Holiday examines the lives of the most influential philosophers of the ancient world. The book is made up of 26 mini biographies that synthesizes a modern day lesson of each philosopher’s life. No one is better at making ancient wisdom relevant to the modern world than Holiday.
The Practice (By Seth Godin): This little book will challenge you to show up each day to do your best work and share it with the world. Godin, who has the most read business blog in the world, has a way of getting under your skin and inspiring you at the same time.
PODCAST
Tim Ferris Show: Brene Brown (#409 – Feb 04, 2020) Striving versus Acceptance, Saving Marriages, and More. Every time Ferris talks to Brene Brown I learn something about relationships, how to better interact with people, and myself. An amazing 90 minutes on how to make relationships work while being your authentic self.
Thank you for reading my blog.
Wish you a remarkable 2021!
#InspireSomeone
Until next week,
Joe Ciccarone
The Vibe 