(originally published on www.tomosman.com)
One on my goals from last year was to read more. I wanted to share 5 impactful books that stood out for various reasons over the last 12 months.
I use the word ‘read’ pretty loosely as most the books we’re actually ‘listened to’ but pretty sure that counts.
As both a marker to myself for next year and as a something that may add value to someone, I thought I’d write them down and share.
My 5 Impactful Books of 2016.
Although others were consumed, the ones on this list are ones that did one of two things. It either expanded my understanding surrounding a particular topic or impacted my life in a positive way.
In no particular order here they are.
Ego Is The Enemy by Ryan Holiday
Whether we know it or not our own ego has a huge impact on most of the decisions we make. Sometimes we let ego effect us in a which either paralyses us or leads us down the wrong path.
In an era that glorifies reality tv stars, the battle against ego must be fought on multiple fronts. The fear of failing has never been greater because failing means failing in front of everyone in a way that couldn’t be more public.
Key Message:
Ego inhibits learning, magnifies self-doubt and blinds us to our shortcomings.
Read this book to learn how to stop ego working against you. Practical advice, tactics and strategies.
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
As one of the best-selling books of 2016 Sapiens brings fresh perspectives and multiple counter-intuitive ideas on evolution and social systems.
Key Takeaway:
Most of what we understand about how nations, organisations, money and cultures were formed are all false. Look back far enough and you will find that they are nothing more than simple ideas put forward by powerful people who convinced others in their ideas.
It still applies today.
If you create a story powerful enough and get enough people to believe in it, this story becomes reality. Eventually.
#AskGaryVee — Gary Vaynerchuk
For those who have never heard of Gary Vaynerchuk, I can’t recommend him highly enough. A successful entrepreneur and all round value machine. I won’t go into detail about his spiel, it’ll be more impactful to discover for yourself.
Gary’s 4th book, #AskGaryVee is a book compiled of all answers given by Gary over the course of the #AskGaryVee show. The questions asked by members of his community. Expect practical business advice and tactics rolled in with some of the most motivational sh*t on the internet.
Key Takeaway:
There is no substitute for hard work. If you really want success, punt everything that doesn’t bring you closer to your goals. You’ll also finish thinking 8 hours work in a day is part time.
Zero to One — Peter Thiel
Known for being on the most successful venture capitalists of all time, Peter is one of the world’s biggest thinkers.
As one of the first investors in Facebook, Peter Thiel talks about the power of exponential thinking.
Key Takeaway:
Ask yourself, ‘What valuable company is nobody building?’
If you are thinking about doing something that has already been done or even a minor improvement you are not thinking big enough.
Every truly new creation goes from 0 to 1.
Start With Why — Simon Sinek
You may have only become aware of Simon Sinek late on in 2016 or in the last couple of weeks. A video of an interview on the subject of millennials went viral recently. If you haven’t seen it, you can find it below.
This books put across the idea that unless you know and believe in why you are doing what you are, you will never do it to a high standard over time.
Key Takeaway:
It doesn’t matter what you do, it matters why you do it. Once you discover the why you inspire the others around you naturally.
This is why people are able to replicate success while others fail consistently.
This video is worth a few mins of your time.
So they are the books which had a major effect on me over the last 12 months.
What were the books that had a positive effect on you?
Here is the first book being tackled in 2017.
Deep Work by Cal Newport
If you’ve read any of the above drop me a message as I’d love to know what you think.
Tom
