One trait of highly successful people is that they are constant learners and invest in personal development. An inexpensive investment is reading non-fiction books. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am today without reading, learning and applying.
I have always been an avid reader as I love to learn but when I heard of people reading 50+ books a year I realized I didn’t read nearly that many and took a good look at the stack of books I had collecting dust.
I decided to challenge myself to read 52 books in a year. I started end of April of 2014 and did really good up to October and managed to read 29 books during that time. Then I sort of fell of the wagon. I didn’t take the time to read and well, when you don’t take time to do something it doesn’t get done.
I managed to read 11 books October through April leaving me with a total of 40 books read in a year. 12 books short of my goal but still, 40 books are more than none.
Here’s a quick summary on the 11 books I read:
1. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
This is a book I have recommended many times as I’ve scanned through it but I finally finished reading it! This book shows how to start a business for $100 or less and that you don’t need fancy business plans and investors. It’s one of my top recommended books!
2. The Other 72: Lessons I Learned From Losing My Dream Job
This is a cute little e-book that reminds us that a layoff can turn into a positive event by opening our eyes to opportunities we never thought of.
3. Make Money with Facebook Groups
This requires you to pay attention and implement as you are reading it. I’m still struggling with the idea to monetize and make money on a Facebook group. That said, if you provide value to the people in the group and your primary goal is to help people then I can see making money becoming a secondary result. Great book for learning more!
4. Redefine Rich: A New Perspective on the Good Life
Matt is in an online group I belong to and has a really neat and captivating story on how he learned from a dying family member what being rich really means. He shares a lot of valuable lessons throughout this book. This book falls under the Christian category but no matter what faith you are or not the book holds value to anyone. You will never think of the word “rich” the same again!
5. The Suitcase Entrepreneur: Create freedom in business and adventure in life
This book holds a lot of value for those that wants to be traveling entrepreneurs. Natalie truly lives out of a suitcase and knows what she is talking about. Tons of great tips, resources and more. This book is a keeper together with Rolf Potts Vagabonding book. Highly recommend it if you want to take your business on the road.
6. Internet Business Shortcuts: Make Decent Money Online without Taking Years to Get There
Buck Flogging is behind Buck Books, a free email service that alerts you of books that are 99 cents or less every day. Everyone is paying attention to the success he has had with Buck Books and in this book he shares how he spent years trying to make money blogging. This is a great read for 99 cents that will give you some ideas as you are working on your online business.
7. The Fire Path: Where your passion and our guidance unite!
Kate is the other half of Entrepreneur on Fire and shares the steps she and John Lee Dumas took creating their incredibly successful online business. This is an excellent book for anyone starting out. I wish I would have had this kind of short but valuable read when I started.
8. Do Over: Rescue Monday, Reinvent Your Work, and Never Get Stuck
I pre-ordered the book and got an early release copy to read. I love all of Jon’s previous books. This book will give you permission to do a do-over. Not just starting over but a do-over. If you’re not happy with where you are going, Jon shows you the step to create your own do-over.
9. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth
I learned the concepts in this book a while back but never took the time to read the actual book, so I finally did. It’s now on my must-read list. This is a game changer kind of book and if you only take the time to read one book this year – read this one!
10. Dream Year: Make the Leap from a Job You Hate to a Life You Love
Extremely well-written, no extra fluff and full of awesome, applicable information. If you are familiar with the process of going from your day job to your dream job you will still pick up helpful information but if that process is brand new to you then this book need to be a book your add to your reading list.
11. Wisdom Meets Passion: When Generations Collide and Collaborate
I’ve had this book on my shelf for over a year! If you follow my blog you know I’m a huge fan of Dan Miller. No difference here. I absolutely love this book and wish I had read it sooner. This book is co-written with his son Jared and is full of great tidbits that will stretch your thinking.
And here are the remaining books I read during my 52 book challenge:
12. Brand YOU New by Mike Loomis
13. Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel
14. Think and Grow Rich
15. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
16. The Happiness of Pursuit: Finding the Quest That Will Bring Purpose to Your Life
17. Podcasting Good to Great: How to Grow Your Audience Through Collaboration
18. Hit The Mark!: Improve Your Focus Boost Your Energy Make the Most of Your Time
19. Go Solo: How to Quit the Job You Hate and Start a Small Business You Love!
20. 6 Week Declutter Challenge: Rid your home of the clutter once and for all
21. Smart Money Smart Kids: Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money
22. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
23. You Already Know How to Be Great: A Simple Way to Remove Interference and Unlock Your Greatest Potential
24. The Fitness Mindset
25. Day Job to Dream Job: Practical Steps for Turning Your Passion into a Full-Time Gig
26. The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do
27. Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World
28. See You at the Top
29. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
30. The Simplicity Project: Win Your Battle With Chaos & Clutter So You Can Live a Life of Peace & Purpose
31. Stronger Than Coffee: The Power of Community
32. The Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World
33. Ready Aim Fire!: A Practical Guide To Setting And Achieving Goals
34. 25 Tips for Productivity
35. You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One)
36. The Productive Person
37. No Brand Is an Island
38. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
39. Be a People Person: Effective Leadership Through Effective Relationships
40. No More Dreaded Mondays: Ignite Your Passion – and Other Revolutionary Ways to Discover Your True Calling at Work
You can read my review on these books from earlier posts I did during May, June, July and Aug/Sept.
I’m not sure how many books I plan on reading this year but you can always check the “What I’m Reading” box in the sidebar to stay up-to-date for good books. And I love to hear from you on books you felt impacted you in a positive way so that we can learn together.
What great books have you read lately? Share in the comments below.
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Lots of great books here! The best book I’ve read recently is The Art of Work by Jeff Goins. It helped me to look at the direction of and place I was in my life to figure out my “calling” and not just rely on my passions. And I realized a calling doesn’t have to be one thing – it’s often many things.
I read that one last year as it was being developed and then now as finished and it’s a great book! Did you read the blog post I wrote about your calling? In there I talk about that I don’t believe we only have one calling but many. And they change and develop throughout our life.
Yes, you nailed it Camilla!
That is a great list! I need to check some of those out. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve read many of these. What a great list!