If we’re being honest, my to-read list is quite a bit longer than this — but these are some of my favorite must-reads for the year. Some are newer than others, but all have a unique lesson that intrigues me. From living a well-balanced life to taking cues from some of the biggest names in business, I’m looking forward to diving into these.
What’s on your list?
Pick Three: You Can Have it All (Just Not Every Day) by Randi Zuckerberg
Is there such a thing as a “well balanced” life? My friend Randi looks at this concept and argues that we need to reject the unrealistic burden of balance and enjoy success in our own lives by picking the three most important areas to focus on in any given day. Great stuff here.
AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order by Kai-Fu Lee
Dr. Lee is one of the world’s top experts on AI and China. In this book, he looks at how dramatic changes in AI are (and will continue to be) happening much sooner than many of us expected. He also explores how this will impact blue-collar and white-collar jobs in the U.S. and abroad.
21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harrari
So many people have this on their “must read” list for 2019. Harrari looks at some of today’s most pressing issues and explores how to make sense of them. How do computers and robots change “what is human”? Are nations and religions still relevant? What should we teach our children?
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz
Chriss Voss is a former international hostage negotiator for the FBI. He offers a new, field-tested approach to high-stakes negotiations — that applies both to the boardroom and at home. We’re all negotiating something, and I think this is going to be a great read!
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
We’ve always been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy life, but Mark Mason believes that we should cut through the crap to see that being “positive” all the time is keeping us from being truly better, happier people.
The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene
This book is all about decoding the behaviors of the people around you — whether in business, family life, or just generally. Knowing why people do what they do is one of the most important tools we can have in our arsenal. I’m pumped to read this one!
Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins
Have you heard David Goggin’s story? Amazon says: “For David Goggins, childhood was a nightmare - poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse colored his days and haunted his nights. But through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work, Goggins transformed himself from a depressed, overweight young man with no future into a U.S. Armed Forces icon and one of the world's top endurance athletes. The only man in history to complete elite training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller.”
The Third Door: The Wild Quest to Uncover How the World’s Most Successful People Launched Their Careers by Alex Banayan
This is the crazy story of how an 18-year-old college kid set out from his dorm room to track down Bill Gates, Lady Gaga, Larry King and more to uncover how they broke through and launched their careers.
Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone by Mark Goulston
I think we could all benefit from reading this book. Whether we’re trying to persuade a colleague, a client, a spouse or friend, it’s all about getting them to hear you — and that starts with listening. This book has been around for a while, and I’m excited to dive in.
The Dop: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick) by Seth Godin
One of my favorite all-time authors. This is an oldie but goodie from Godin that looks at how winners are really just the best quitters. He says that winners quit fast, quite often, and quit without guilt — until they commit to beating the right Dip.