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Over the past year we can all agree that there has been very little to celebrate as the world was thrown into a tail spin with the current pandemic. As we look back, for many people, things were already tough or sometimes we complain that it is. Our current situations, whatever they were was compounded with a pandemic that saw failure of businesses that contributed to thousands of job losses, people getting sick , strain on economies and health care systems, and then when we thought that things couldn’t get worse, boom, a second wave of a deadly virus and a new variant. Thankfully at the same time there is the announcement of a vaccine.
In a time like this I would like to recommend that we explore the work of five writers that can and will transform our thought processes during a time that can be construed as if we are in second place in our lives.
Here are five powerful books that I recommend that you make a permanent fixture in your library:
Never Split the Difference
By Chris Voss
The Plot: Here is a decorated FBI hostage negotiator with more than 150 international negotiations, some of which made headlines. In this book Chris Voss subtly implore on the readers to call on their knowledge and experiences using his art and strategy of negotiation for success. The premise is that everyday lives, boardrooms and what we see as complex business transaction has more in common with international hostage negotiations than what we thought.
His art of negotiation got top brass recognition, whereby he ended up with many teaching roles including Harvard Law, The FBI and Scotland Yard to name a few. The mention of is successes in the book is to not gloat but to impose on readers the importance of speaking when you should and saying the correct phrases and how “NO” in not the end of the conversation but the beginning.
Why Read this book: For starter if your are a business person or aspiring to be a business leader, chances are that your current and future competition has already chewed up this book. Negotiation calls for finesse and correctness that is made better by preparedness, the author emphasize that successful negotiation is when you give the other party an illusion of you doing something to benefit them. Don’t miss out on a fantastic book by a decorated former FBI Agent.
Lincoln The Unknown
By Dale Carnegie
The Plot: This book is a vivid account of the life and time of one the greatest American president, number 16 Abraham Lincoln. This book is relevant because many think about Lincoln only as the president that abolish slavery and the president that was assassinated. What is unknown is the journey in becoming the 16th president. The scenery of his journey was not as glamourous, whiles being the president is envied by many, beyond any doubt his humble upbringing and struggles aren’t.
Why Read this book: Reading the details of the death of his mom at a young age, him walking miles to school in clothes that hardly fits and living in a three sided cabin with no beds then later failed at running a business but still manage somehow to become a lawyer and then president. This is why you should own this book. It will remind readers how much we can accomplish once we stay focus regardless what is happening around us. Carnegie style of researching and writing makes you feel so close to action you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
How To Think Like A Roman Emperor
By Donald Robertson
The Plot: Hearing about Roman Emperors like Marcus Aurelius in stories in one thing, however, reading how he approached life and running an empire made him more real. This Emperor was stoic philosopher that was adopted by his emperor uncle at an early age to be his successor. With long periods of learning how governments work and holding public roles he finally transitioned to becoming emperor of Rome which was the catalyst to greatness.
Why Read this book: According to many historian, after the reign of Marcus Aurelius the empire descended into civil war. Donald Robertson had to have invested heavily in researching to come up with this masterpiece. This is Robertson allowing us access to the emperor’s playbook so that we can apply the principles to our thought processes. it is like indirectly connecting with the emperor through his stoics and meditation. Have a read and i promise you life will change for the better.
UnFu*k Yourself
By Gary John Bishop
The Plot: This is great book that will aide you in the journey of crossing over as the author said , from your head into your life. The basic premise of this masterpiece is stop making imaginary barriers, pay less attention to what’s happening and more so, take action now, because the world is not going to wait on any of us, regardless of how airtight our excuses are.
Why Read this book: Gary Bishop is a great writer and had been an inspiration to many, his writing is blunt as you can see from the title of this and other books that he has written. He comes without any sugar coat, this book and his teaching is centrally focus on you, his student connecting with your real self to live your best life.
The Art of War
By Sun Tzu
The Plot: This one of the oldest strategy books , written by a Chinese military strategist, the intention was to cover all aspect of warfare, basically every minute detail. One of the teaching is to ” never underestimate the courage of desperation” .
Why Read this book: What was written as Chinese warfare strategy book is relevant in every aspect of life, Lawyers and businesses uses it’s principles in arguments and negotiations, coaches uses the strategy to compete and chances are, the people you are competing with for that job, promotion or business is already being schooled by Sun Tzu by reading this book, so have a read and get that competitive advantage.
Happy Reading!
