I read a lot, and fairly rapidly too. I get into about 2 books a week, sometimes multiple books simultaneously, and I can attribute most of my ideas and paradigms to these great authors and thinkers. This year I estimate I’ve read in part or in full about 50+ books and ebooks, and even more articles from blogs around the web. However, in this year 2010, these have been the most important books, that have challenged my thinking and provided ideas in navigating the exciting road less travelled.

 

1. The Four Hour Work Week (Tim Ferris)

This is one of the first books I read this year and one that really expanded my paradigm of what is possible and the various alternative lifestyles available. Tim has become someone to watch and listen to in my eyes, and his ideas are invaluable. Essentially, this book is about automating income, developing incredible efficiency and productivity, and freeing up one’s time to do…well whatever one really wants to. Key word here: Lifestyle design. Learn more about The Four Hour Work Week here

2. Rework (Jason Fried and David Hansson)

A re-examination of work and the culture of work and business. Jason Fried and David Hansson of 37 signals ( a company of less than 20 people who generate millions of dollars every year) present a book with a contrarian view of what it means to build and run a business. With chapter titles like ’Ignore the real World’, ‘Planning is Guessing’, ‘Make a dent in the Universe’ and ‘Outside money is Plan Z’, this book is a classic on my shelf. My favourite quote from this book is ‘’The real world isn’t a place, it’s an excuse. It’s a justification for not trying. It has nothing to do with you.’’

3. The Art of Non Conformity (Chris Guillebeau)

Chris is a man on a mission…to take over the world, by building and linking up with a small army of individuals who live a life of non-conformity, thriving in the new economy with the most innovative and surprising of lifestyle options whilst making a tangible impact today! Am only about ¼ through it, but this book is a must have! After working in West Africa for four years unpaid volunteer work, Chris now spends his time travelling the world and connecting with fellow world changers. Read his story here

4. The E-Myth: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It (Michael E. Gerber)

Knowing how to do the work of a business is NOT the same as knowing how to run that business. Michael E. Gerber points this out, saying that most business are not started by entrepreneurs, but by technicians caught by the entrepreneurial seizure. He outlines the idea of turn key systems that create a viable, and scalable business.

 

5. The Leader Who Had No Title (Robin Sharma)

Ah…the great Robin Sharma. This book is a classic. True leaders need no title. In-fact, everyone is a leader in their own right, regardless of their own position in life or in business. Everyone can make the commitment to being a leader, doing their best work and taking responsibility for their results. Unleash the leader and the winner in you.

 

6. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari (Robin Sharma)

Another great read from Mr Sharma. Written in his distinct parable style, This is a book about connecting with one’s self and living a life of congruence, power, and excellence. A must for anyone looking to tap into and be their best self, with lasting fulfilment. Find Robin Sharma here

7. Style Deficit Disorder: Harajuku Street Fashion – Tokyo

A chronicle of the culture and fashion hotspot in and around Harajuku, Tokyo Japan. Very vibrant, very edgy, here we meet now global fashion entities such as ‘A Bathing Ape’, ‘Commes des Garcons’, and Hiroshi Fujiwara in their infancy and see their growth beyond. A demonstration of what happens when young talented people are able to express their ideas and pursue their dreams relentlessly.

8.  Secrets of The Millionaire Mind (T Harv Eker)

Why is it that some people who make tons of money can never seem to keep it or grow it. It may have to do a lot with internal scripting. What is your financial mental blueprint? Is it set to success? Eker shows you how to indentify your inner wealth scripting, rewrite them and start off on the path to financial prosperity.

9. Getting Real (37 Signals)

This is a book about moving from ideas to actual prototypes and product…as fast as you can. Action oriented, progressive enhancement, with a shipping bias, this book is written primarily for software developers, but the principles are applicable in almost every creative endeavour.

10. The Bootstrapper’s Bible (Seth Godin)

Starting a business with no cash? Don’t worry, we got you. In this powerful free ebook. Seth Godin outlines how to startup and run a business with little or no cash, all it takes is careful planning, guts and lots of elbow grease. Good luck. Find the book here

*An 11th book, which I only started reading yesterday is ‘A whole New Mind: Why Right Brainers will Rule The Future’. Looks like a very promising read.

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