Books that I've read and my thoughts about them

One thing I loved about this book is how the author shared so many lessons that he learned the hard way throughout his career. Disney has a phenomenal culture of hospitality and it was very interesting to see some behind the scenes with that. This book gave me several ideas that I want to implement, and is a book I recommended to someone that I work with in the hopes that they find it as insightful as I did when it comes to leadership philosophy and building company culture.

It felt like this book started off with a lot of negativity, but it grew on me as it progressed. The beginning set the stage for a change in mindset, starting with how everyone else is a problem and how problem people ruin your day (which is a belief that I have never had). But it provided some useful ways to get along with people that are different than you... getting to know them better and finding common ground to build a better relationship on. I have successfully used this a few times now.

This was such a fantastic book because the author finds a way to be relatable while speaking on profound topics. This is definitely a life changing book that I am so glad I read. The focus is spread to Me and My Mind, Others and My Mind, Me and the Mind of Others, and The Universe and My Mind.

"If the focus is on what we don't have, it takes away value from what we do have. Happiness is not just about having more, but also about focusing more on what we do have."

This book provided tons of examples from many different disciplines on the difference between givers, matchers, and takers. Those who give and create value for those around them end up being the most successful. Matchers tend to form transactional relationships, which aren't as deep and impactful. And takers... well nobody likes selfishness.

One of the most interesting concepts was that givers can avoid burnout by giving in ways that they find purpose and fulfillment in.

Read this from a recommendation, and got a lot out of it. Similar to Atomic Habits... a small change done consistently will end up having great results. A small extra effort in everything you do will help to magnify this effect.

The key to greatness is patience. Most success is not overnight, but a compounded effect of good habits done consistently for a long period of time.

This is the first one I did as an audiobook. Normally, I have to physically read things, but this one was incredible. I don't think reading would have the same effect. I put it on during my walk, and ended up walking 10 miles so I could finish it. I had to run the rest of the way home because it sparked so many ideas and I needed to act on them. I will 100% will listen again.

It was so cheesy, but I loved it. It is a self-help book in the form of a story, which is unique and made it captivating.

I got almost as much from reading the title as I did reading the rest of it. This book could have been 3 pages max. The summary: ask questions so people either answer their question themselves or provide a clear "this is what I need from you" instead of jumping straight to solving it for them. Not a bad point, but it just went on and on.

Very sports reference heavy explanation of the importance of having core values and acting in ways that align with those values.  

It shouldn't matter what other people are doing or not doing, are you doing your best? The strongest feelings of satisfaction come from focusing on achieving your best, regardless of what the external scoreboard says.

As the title says: tiny changes, remarkable results. This book flowed the same way. I didn't think it was making much of a difference until I found myself bringing up learnings in multiple conversations.

It was a good way to think about the habits I have in my life. I can see myself picking it back up at some point.

This book was the perfect introduction into building my mindset to create the life that I want. This book is set up as 12 questions to guide you to better know yourself and create your plan to get where you want to be. 

I loved it! It really helped me visualize my best self and made me want to do what I can to be that. Definitely a book I will revisit periodically in my life as a health check.