Four Great Reads To Kick Off Your Year!

I can’t think of too many things that make me happier than losing myself in a good book—and learning something new in the process. Here are some of the books that have made a huge impact on my life, and I think they will on yours too. Why not put one on your wish list or pick one up to read over the holidays?

Necessary Endings: The Employees, Businesses, and Relationships That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order to Move Forward by Dr. Henry Cloud

This book is transformational. If you’ve ever struggled with letting go of people or things in your life that are no longer serving you or your growth, this book is for you. As you look forward to the new year and the goals and plans you you’ve set down, it’s likely that some of the people and circumstances in your life will need to change in order for you to move forward. However, it can be very challenging to let go of what we know and are comfortable with. Dr. Cloud lays out, clearly and with powerful examples, the context for why you need to eliminate the deadwood and merely “OK” aspects of your life, and the strategies to help you make the often uncomfortable, but necessary, endings needed so you can grow.

Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone by Mark Goulston

This may be the most important book on communication you’ve ever read. Knowing how to listen, and what to listen for, will strengthen your existing relationships and dramatically change ones you’ve been struggling with for years. Recommended to me by my very brilliant friend Dr. Eric Cobb, it’s become a go-to book on my shelf. Treat yourself, and those around you, by reading Just Listen.

Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck—Why Some Thrive Despite Them All by Jim Collins

A powerful follow-up to the business classic Good to Great, Jim Collins and his team researched companies who have thrived (10x better than their competition) during uncertain economic times. Strategies like the 20-Mile March, Fire Bullets Then Cannonballs, and the value of paranoia will inspire growth-minded entrepreneurs on their own 10x journey.

One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way by Dr. Robert Maurer.

If you want to be more successful with this year’s New Year’s resolutions, read this book. If you have habits you want to change, personal or professional, big goals you want to accomplish, or simply love the idea of continuous improvement, run out and purchase One Small Step Can Change Your Life. It’s small, but mighty. Listen to a very dynamic and inspiring conversation I had recently with Dr. Maurer about taking small steps to make big changes.

Have you read one of these books already? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please share in the comments!