I used to hate reading. My summer reading lists for school ended up with a trip to the book store to buy Cliffs Notes.
Not only did I not enjoy reading….I wasn’t a big fan of school either.
My sister was always the “smart” one (seriously- she’s a genius), and I’ve always been the “athletic” one.
Besides my family, I’m pretty sure no one expected me to amount to anything.
I even landed myself in academic probation my freshman year of college.
That’s a fun conversation to have with your Mom.
When I was in college, I had NO idea what I wanted to be. I took classes in just about every department.
In fact, I didn’t even declare my major until senior year! I just happened to have enough credits in Exercise & Sports Science to finish up my requirements and graduate on time.
I LOVED learning about fitness…and I only did it because I enjoyed it.
Randomly, I also ended up with a minor in religious studies.
It was funny, because as soon as I wasn’t being forced to read… I actually wanted to.
I started reading ALL of the time.
I even read real estate books, stock market books, and “how to start a business on ebay” books. (this was about 13 years ago!)
Yes- it’s true. I’ll save my e-bay stories for another time.
Fast forward to 2016, I truly believe in this quote:
“You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.”
Because for ME, this is true.
I’ve met incredible people who have helped and inspired me on my journey, and I’ve also read some amazing books.
I owe a LOT of my success to other people and to the ideas I’ve learned along the way.
I’d bet that the same is true for you as well.
So- just for fun, I wanted to share some of the books that are on my personal reading list for February 🙂
Here’s what’s on deck for me next month:
1. Viralnomics by Jonathan Goodman (I’m reading this one not because Jon has created one of the largest personal trainer development sites in the world (PTDC), but because he is a master at what he does.) I’m already 75% done with this book and HIGHLY recommend you picking it up!
2. How to Fly a Horse by Kevin Ashton (this one’s about creativity and innovation and shares stories from some of the most influential creators we’ve come to know)
3. Evolved Enterprise by Yanik Silver (I LOVE Yanik and have been to a few of events in the past. He’s an incredible entrepreneur and role model. The tag line on the book is: How to Re-Think, Re-Imagine & Re-Invent your Business to Deliver Impact & Even Greater Profits.” – enough said!)
4. The Compass and the Nail by Craig Wilson (this is all about Patagonia and how they’ve created intense customer loyalty and a positive social and environmental impact.)
5. The Revenue Growth Habit by Alex Goldfayn (how to grow your business by 15% in 15 minutes a day. Honestly, the title grabbed me and this was an impulse buy thanks to Amazon Prime. I’ve thumbed through it already, and there’s some great info in there.)
6. Presence by Amy Cuddy (this one is about how to bring your authentic, true self into important situations, instead of feeling anxious and worrying about the impression you’re making.)
I’m pretty sure my teachers would fall over if I told them I’ll be reading 6 books next month.
Leave a comment below and let me know what some of YOUR fav books are and what you’ll be reading next month!
I read every single comment, and I’d love to see what you’re up to!
