It’s becoming a lost art to read genuine paper books. I urge you to get in the habit of reading more. It will improve your life. Reading more books is desperately needed now more than ever. Books will help you accelerate your meaningful work to benefit both yourself, and those around you. Books help you focus your brain on one topic and allow you go deep to be a better person.
Focus on Yourself and Get Clear
I am in the process of outlining a new book. While I was batting around different names, I thought I would share some thoughts about reading over the holidays. Writing and reading helps you clarify your thoughts because when you start writing your ideas down, you realize sometimes, that what you thought was true is really not true at all. You get really clear when you read and write.
I have 13 books on my desk right now I’m reading. But before I share them, I’d to ask you a question.
What are you reading over the holiday?
If the answer is “I’m not sure?”, or “Nothing” or “I hate reading”, then maybe this blog post can help. As we are entering the holiday season, here are some book ideas for you.
Make 2021 and Beyond Great
The holidays are the perfect time to read because chances are, you need to take time for yourself, and time for your family. After the crazy year, you need to take your wellness and mind to the next level so you can have energy and knowledge to make 2021 and beyond the best years ever.
Let Go of Devices
You could get out a Kindle, but I recommend reading a genuine paper book. Why? Because you will be able to physically focus your attention and not get distracted with your device. You will save your eyes, and you will feel the love again of reading books. I have a Kindle loaded with books because I started off with a philosophy that I was going to read books electronically first, and if I read a good book, then I could buy a hard copy. But over time I realized that I could not focus and deeply learn reading a Kindle. I also found that my creative juices flowed much more reading a real book.
Now I'm going to show you a few books on my desk right now. The first book is
“Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand”
If you are not familiar with Ayn Rand, she is not only an excellent novelist she is also a philosopher. Much of her philosophy was influenced by Aristotle, but with interesting differences that are practical for an artist or business person. I have read this book once before, but I'm reading it again, I've got highlights and underlining all over it because there are so many concepts and nuggets of wisdom in this book, and I need to remind myself about them. If you are an Ayn Rand fan and haven't read this one, I encourage you to check it out.
Another book I’m reading is “The Practice, Shipping Creative Work” by Seth Godin”. What I like about this book is there is no table of contents, but the inside cover has single sentences that outline the major concepts of the book. I find Seth Godin’s work very relaxing because it helps me as a businessman and artists, feel at ease with the struggles and benefits of creating worthwhile work for other people’s benefit.
Read Concise, No-Nonsense Authors
I've been working with a great author by the name of Jeffrey Gitomer on my next book. You may know some of his books. He authored many best sellers like, “The Little Red Book of Selling”, “Getting Sh*t Done”, “Little Gold Book of Yes! Attitude”, “The Sales Bible”, and contributing to Napolean Hill’s timeless work. Now is a great time to read some of his work.
His style is easy-to-read and very helpful in the real world. He's got a great knack for writing books that are very clear and concise AND… he's funny.
Jeffrey Gitomer has encouraged me to study humor. So one of the books he recommended to me is by Steve Allen. It’s called “How to Be Funny.” My son thought it was funny that I bought a book called How to Be Funny. In fact, I told him, “You know, I'm studying humor.”, and he said, “What are you going to do? Go buy a book called, How to Be Funny?” And I said, Actually, yeah, I am. So that worked out pretty good.
Read Older Books, Biographies, History, and Spirituality for a New Perspective
I like going to used book stores to pick up older books at bargain prices. The last time I was in Florida I picked up a few. In this category of books I like historical and spiritual books because they give new perspective and shines a light on your thinking. I picked up “The Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank”,“Psycho Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz”, “Lateral Thinking, by Edward de Bono”, and “Man's Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl“. Napoleon Hill’s work is also a great source for inspiration for the new year.
Other Books
“People, Pattern, Power by Wyatt Woodsmall” This book is interesting because Wyatt Woodsmall is an Neurolinguistic Programming expert who has taught influential people like Tony Robbins. His insights are deep and useful in busines and relationship
“Jewish Meditation, by Aryeh Kaplan” This book has some deep meditation based on Jewish philosophy and prayers also including some Kabbalistic ideas. It could help center your mindfulness.
“Einstein and the Rabbi: Searching for the Soul, by Naomi Levy” This book is starts with a story about Einstein’s relationship with a specific person that led to much meaning and each chapter has helpful spiritual understanding about life and relationships.
“Thinker Toys, by Micheal Michalko” If you are looking to increase your creativity, this is a must read. It has been slow going for me because I have stopped to let the exercises sink-in so I can use them in real time.
Turn off the TV, Stop Scrolling Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube and READ.
What good has watching the TV done for you in the last year? Might I suggest reading physical books instead. You will be better off if you do. Please tell me what you’re reading. I’d like to know.
My Holiday Wish for You
I hope you have a great Christmas if you're celebrating Christmas. And if you celebrate Hanukkah, you have already had a great Hanukkah. I have a wish for you and your family. First I appreciate each and every one of our clients, my friends and my family. And second, we all know 2020 has been a rough year. But I predict and I hope for an amazing 2021! I really just want to encourage you to think about doing some great things in 2021 and turning yourself around regardless of how things are working out around you. Here is to an amazing 2021!
If you would like talk to us, please go to www.talktolouisllanes.com to schedule a time to chat.
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
Louis Llanes, Wealthnet, holiday reading, Ayn Rand, Jeffrey Gitomer, Seth Godin, Anne Frank, Maxwell Maltz, Edward de Bono, Viktor Frankl, Napolean Hill, Wyatt Woodsmall, Aryeh Kaplan, Naomi Levy, Michael Michalko