Every year, I get excited when I reflect on the books I read last year and can prepare for what the next year looks like regarding what I plan to read. I\u2019m not going to lie I do a lot more buying that reading (I get pocket money each week and it literally is the only place it goes). So, as we kick off the new year, I\u2019m sharing the books I\u2019m stacking my reading list with books and excited to share with you that will challenge my thinking, expand my perspective, and help me become a better leader, coach, and person to you and those who I have the privilege of coaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This blog post is dedicated to the five books I plan to tackle in the first few months of the year, plus a bonus one I just added yesterday and why each one caught my attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Poor Charlie\u2019s Almanack<\/em> by Charlie Munger<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I have been told to read this by many people in real life and recommended plenty on podcasts. Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett\u2019s right-hand man, is one of the most brilliant thinkers of our time. Apparently, this book is packed with Munger\u2019s mental models, life lessons, and practical wisdom. I have been told it\u2019s not just about business\u2014 but it is about how to think better and make smarter decisions in every area of life, which I\u2019m hoping to sharpen my decision-making skills and gain fresh perspectives on long-term success. This is jumping to the front of the cue, for sure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. The Quest of the Historical Jesus<\/em> by Albert Schweitzer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As someone who values spiritual growth and intellectual inquiry, I find this book to intrigue me 100%. I heard about this on the Bart Ehrman Podcast \u2018Misquoting Jesus, and he said it was probably one of the most essential books, other than the bible, to read. According to Ehrman, Schweitzer\u2019s deep dive into the historical figure of Jesus isn\u2019t just about religion\u2014it\u2019s about understanding how history and belief shape our worldview. The curiosity to see how this book might refine my views on faith, purpose, and how we live out our values is brimming to the edge of this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. The Outsiders<\/em> by William Thorndike<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another \u2018Must Read book,\u2019 But this time from the Founders Podcast Host David Senra. This book is meant to profile eight unconventional CEOs who achieved extraordinary results by breaking traditional management rules. As someone who runs a gym and prides himself on having a tight-knit community and being extraordinary, I\u2019m interested in how bold leadership and outside-the-box thinking can drive success. \u00a0This read will be all about seeing what lessons I can apply to Vasse Strength and Conditioning, life and what it really takes to become extraordinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. No Limits<\/em> by John Maxwell<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I love anything John Maxwell. Known mostly for his ability to break down personal growth and leadership into actionable steps, this book is sold as a book all about breaking through self-imposed limits to reach your full potential. Whether in fitness, business, or personal development, I\u2019m always looking for ways to push beyond what I think is possible, and this book feels like a guide to doing just that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Wonderhell<\/em> by Laura Gassner Otting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The title alone grabbed me. Wonderhell<\/em> is meant to explore the tension between achievement and the pressure that comes with it. As someone who thrives on pushing boundaries but understands the weight of high expectations, I\u2019m curious to learn how to navigate that balance without losing sight of what truly matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bonus: How to Be Perfec<\/em> by Michael Schur<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This was a late addition to my list\u2013 like I literally heard about it yesterday \u2013 but I couldn\u2019t resist including it. Written by Michael Schur, the creator of The Good Place, this book is said to dive into big philosophical questions like how to be good, do the right thing, and live a fulfilling life\u2014without losing your mind in the process. After listening to the first chapter already on Audible, the author’s blend of humour and wisdom promises to make these deep topics approachable and entertaining. I\u2019m excited to see how his insights might inspire me to live more intentionally and purposefully. Something I am always working on these days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each of these books speaks to a different facet of growth\u2014intellectual, spiritual, professional, or personal. Together, they will form a roadmap for what I want to focus on this year: sharpening the mind, deepening my faith, leading with courage, and embracing the challenges and joys that come with striving for more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is my view that books allow us to step into new worlds, grapple with fresh ideas, and engage in conversations with brilliant minds, sometimes long after they\u2019re gone. They challenge us to question, reflect, and grow in ways that few other activities can. Reading isn\u2019t just about gaining knowledge; it\u2019s about nurturing our mental and emotional health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this modern world full of distractions, picking up a book is such a good act of self-care. It slows us down, gives us perspective, and inspires us to think beyond the limits of our day-to-day routines. Whether it\u2019s uncovering timeless wisdom, tackling life\u2019s big questions, or simply finding joy in a beautifully told story, I am truly passionate about how reading feeds the mind and soul like nothing else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, as I dive into these books this year, I challenge you to find a few that resonate with you. Let\u2019s make this the year to grow stronger, \u00a0wiser, calmer, and more inspired and creative. After all, the art of reading isn\u2019t just about what we learn; it\u2019s about who we become.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, the question is, what\u2019s the first book you\u2019ll pick up this year? Let me know\u2014I\u2019d love to hear what inspires you!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Every year, I get excited when I reflect on the books I read last year and can prepare for what the next year looks like regarding what I plan to read. 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