Reading List – December 2020

Quality Reading That Can Positively Impact Your Life.

Read just 10 pages a day and watch your life transform.

Stacks of books

Did you know that 58% of the people that graduate high school (but do not go on to college) NEVER READ ANOTHER BOOK IN THEIR LIFETIME?

If you’re reading this blog, my hope is that you’ll pick up a book or two that’s recommended and just read 10 pages a day.

That’s it.

Not one chapter a day.

Just 10 pages.

Seriously. That’s it.

Hand on book page corner

In most cases, reading just 10 pages a day equals one-and-a-half books per month.

If that’s more than you’re reading right now, then that’s a step in the right direction, don’t you think?

Investing in yourself is always worth it.

Happy Feeling Myself GIF by The Drew Barrymore Show

Each month, I’ll share the top three books I’ve read.

This month, these books helped me:

  • Focus on the positive
  • Introduced me to habit-breaking tools and methods
  • Broaden my overall consideration and thought process, when dealing with less-than-spectacular life circumstances

Book #1:

The Slight Edge (Turning Simple Disciplines into Massive Success and Happiness), by Jeff Olson

The Slight Edge, Turning Simple Disciplines into Massive Success & Happiness, by Jeff Olson

Hundreds of thousands of people have given this book a five-star rating/review.

For the record, I am not paid by this book, this author or Amazon for posting & promoting their link on this site.

Amazon on cell phone screen

I’m posting the link and this “review,” because I truly believe this book can help anyone who wants to restart, refocus and reinvent their life in the best way imaginable.

Best neon sign

In fact, as you read this book, you may recognize a similarity to some things that I’ve written with regard to my own starting-over process.

That recommendation of just reading 10 pages per day?

Yep, that came from this book.

Dachshund reading a book

Reading 10 pages a day is just as easy to do as it is not to do.

It’s a simple thing that has the potential to impact and improve your life…this is one of the many points that Jeff Olson brings to light.

This. Book. Changed. My. Life.

How’s that for a review?

Typewriter with review typed

I first read The Slight Edge in 2016.

Because of this book, I started writing goals, changed my thought process, saved my money and bought a house, lost 41lbs, started a business — the list goes on and on.

Go up and never stop

I was compounding positivity, and my life just kept getting better and better.

Here’s the thing about the slight edge, though:

It’s either working for you or against you.

There is no pause button.

unwind chill out GIF

Once my life was soaring, and I was doing so well, I subconsciously hit the “cruise control” button, and slowly stopped doing all of the things I had been doing that made my life so great.

Bird soaring

Essentially, I subconsciously self sabotaged myself.

When I quit doing all of the things that had put me on the “upward curve,” or the path to success, or whatever you choose to call it — that’s the exact moment that the slight edge started working against me, compounding negativity.

You're not lost.  You're here.

The Slight Edge is all about consistently compounding positivity, through doing the simple, daily disciplines that are just as easy to do as they are not to do.

Think big and don't listen to people who tell you it can't be done.  Life's too short to think small.

When you do the simple, daily, mundane, ordinary tasks consistently, a positive result is THE ONLY result.

And the opposite is equally true.

half white, half red brick wall

Regardless, I knew I had stopped doing those simple, mundane, daily tasks that needed to be done, as well as things that filled my heart with gratitude and happiness, and I felt like I needed to give The Slight Edge a thorough reread.

Spiderman reading a book

Boy, am I glad I did!

My negativity is quelled. That’s right! I said, “quelled”!

I broke up with Facebook and most of the “news,” and regained HOURS of my day.

I created this blog and started writing again every day.

“Grateful” is the feeling I experience more than any other; Followed by happiness, determination, hope and confidence.

Exercise is a part of my daily routine again.

I had nine interviews and two job offers in two weeks.

There is no way in the world I can make any guarantees that any of this will happen for you.

globe with faded lights in background

You have to do the work, put in the effort, and you have to believe in yourself.

Things to do today: 
1.  Own Today

But man-o-man, if you read this book and implement the philosophy and tools that Jeff Olson gives you…the sky is the absolute limit.

Book #2:

The Power Of Habit, (Why We Do What We Do In Life And Business), by Charles Duhigg

The Power of Habit, Why we do what we do in life and business, by Charles Duhigg

Again, a MONSTER bestseller, and understandably so.

On the bottom bunk, in a tent filled with 200 women, in Kandahar, Afghanistan is where I first read this book.

bunkbeds

Initially, I was reading to drown out the incessant noise of the tent, but it wasn’t long before I was reading this book because it genuinely interested me.

My Suggestion: Give any book four chapters to grab your attention and hold it.

girl with hat reading a book

This book covers everything from the NFL to Target Stores and the good and evil of our individual habits and how powerful they are.

If you’ve read my blog post Social Media – Starting Over, After 50, you know that I’ve already referenced this book.

Algorithms = Manipulation

Always.

stop painted on road

How our habits are ingrained within our brains and how we can break them, alter them or begin new, healthier habits is laid out, in detail, within this book.

Habits to be made neon sign

It sounds like watching paint dry, doesn’t it?

The author does an amazing job of keeping the reader engaged by addressing the reader in a personable and funny manner, while breaking down the power of habit within our lives.

Bored Dog Show GIF by NOWNESS

This is a fantastic read!

Book #3:

Think And Grow Rich! (For Men And Women Who Resent Poverty), by Napoleon Hill

Thin and Grow Rich!, For Men and Women Who Resent Poverty, by Napoleon Hill

Originally published in 1937.

Coming out of The Great Depression, this book was desperately needed.

1930's sepia city scape photo

More than likely, you’ll immediately notice the difference between the writing style of nearly 100 years ago and today, which is easy to adapt to.

That said, this book is 100%, PURE POSITIVITY.

Do something great neon sign

The author spent decades researching the book.

Thirteen chapters outline different scenarios, different tools and different companies and very famous, very wealthy men — and how they believed they’d reach their goals.

Believe in yourself, with child looking up and reading it

There are three points of focus within this book:

  • The power of positive thought, and its effects
  • Auto-suggestion thought processes
  • Subliminal mind and the impact that continuously-positive thoughts have on individual overall well being

Wow! That sounds pretty like it’s a pretty hefty read!

Bodybuilder lifting heavy weights with chain around his neck.

Relax. It’s not.

In fact, I read the book in less than a week.

The author even WRITES ALL OF THE POINTS THAT HE WANTS TO RESONATE WITH YOU IN CAPITAL LETTERS.

Give it a whirl.

colorful lights in whirling pattern

Chances are…your positive outlook may need a little tuneup, and this book will help.

Think positive script

Don’t forget…a great way to “read” on the go is to listen to audio books.

Restart. Refocus. Reinvent.

More soon,

-A

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