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What I’m Reading Week of March 4, 2024 Compare

What I’m Reading Week of March 4, 2024

Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today ― Gregg Hurwitz

There is no shortage of books about personal development and achievement. One that stands out in its depth and substance is Brian Johnson’s book Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential. The word Areté may be translated as virtue or excellence but if you read Johnson’s book, you’ll come away with more of a sense of being your best self in the moment. Readers will be challenged to review their lives - specifically in regards to wisdom, discipline, courage, gratitude, hope, curiosity, and zest. This book is less a collection of thoughts and ideas and more a training guide to living the heroic life we long for.

There are books written by those that have been successful in business. Many of those are written by those that led in times of peace - while less are written by those that led during times of unrest. Ben Horowitz has warned of focusing too much on peace-time CEOs. Well, in the book, Billion Dollar Lessons: What You Can Learn from the Most Inexcusable Business Failures of the Last 25 Years, Paul Carroll and Chunka Mui focus not on the success in peace or war but on the failures of leaders in a variety of organizations. This is not about pointing fingers or reveling in the failures of others, but rather learning lessons where they can be learned. Some of these failures can only be understood after the fact while others should have been predicted and in those cases Carroll and Mui help readers to understand the circumstances and factors that brought about these massive failures.

And, of course, this week included a few fictional works. Two are from authors I’ve never experienced before- David Koepp and Michael Ebner. The third, Lone Wolf, is from one of my favorite authors - Gregg Hurwitz. If you like characters like Jack Reacher or Jason Bourne, you’ll love Orphan X.

A wise old man once told my much younger self, “Only fools learn by their mistakes, clever people learn by others’ mistakes” - James Leo

It's slow starting back after 10 weeks of rest and

It's slow starting back after 10 weeks of rest and rehab...only 9 weeks to race number one of 2024

One of the best ways to improve one’s happiness

One of the best ways to improve one’s happiness is to avoid that instinct to avoid doing things that seem like a lot of energy. When the thought of doing an activity makes you go “ughhh,” that is likely a sign you should do it, not that you shouldn’t. ― Seth Stephens-Davidowitz

My readings this week included books about the drive to succeed that leads to creative thinking and great success; a drive that is unhealthy and smothers any potential for joy; the fallacy that is thrown out to us everyday in the advice to trust your gut/intuition…oh and a couple of fictional tales to round out my week.
It is pretty easy to look for successful stories in the world of technology. There are so many of them, that it isn’t really newsworthy. Of course, there are many such industries. This week, one of the books I read was about a couple that created a huge success selling affordable grape juice in magnum sized bottles. To be honest, we’re talking about $5 wines in large bottles (1.5L) that grew to more than $600 million/year in sales. 18 years after it sold, it is still the leading table wine business. What is important to note is that there was no singular miraculous event. The company grew through consistent hard work and focus.
You let the other person fumble, be imperfect…because there’s something substantive when you’re together. ― Bonnie Harvey

At another extreme is the story of Andre Agassi. Raised in a middle class Las Vegas family, Agassi was driven by his immigrant to be a dominant tennis player. While his siblings never showed the same level of talent and drive, Agassi became famous to all of us with more than 850 wins including 8 grand slams. Yet, as readers will discover, tennis was not enjoyable to him. Among all those wins was a man that had grown to hate the game.

And that reminds us of the words of Seth Stephens-Davidowitz - Don’t Trust Your Gut: Using Data to Get What You Really Want in Life. In our modern age of AI, we are encouraged to beware of programs that have built in biases and stereotypes. As it turns out, we are also full of biases, and often don’t even know it.

What I’m Reading Week of Feb. 19, 2024 Adventur

What I’m Reading Week of Feb. 19, 2024

Adventure is important in life. Making memories matters. It doesn’t have to be a secret sea plane and an historic sports moment. But to have a great life, you need great memories. Grab any intriguing offer. Say yes to a challenge, and to the unknown. ― Rob Lowe

My readings this week included books about doing the things others will not do, one man’s journey to discover himself, and the reminder to live a life that will be celebrated by others after we’re gone.

Perhaps the most interesting read I’ve come across so far this year is one that I almost dismissed out of hand. The title made me think that it was another book in the long list of “get rich not so quick but join the club of those that think they’re on the way”. DJ DeMarco’s book, The Millionaire Fastlane, is quite the opposite. Readers will be challenged by this author’s proposal that the reader can be rich (or at least richer than they are today) and it is going to be immensely difficult. DeMarco calls out selfishness, narcissism, foolish pop psychology, and so many other practices of those that watch infomercials, flock to self-help seminars,and commit to multi-level marketing schemes because of the promise that “anyone can do it.” But, more than a list of what not to do, DeMarco provides actual tips and plans for owning your future…a future that can be rewarding if you bring value to others.

Many people want to change their life, but they are not willing to change their choices, and ultimately this changes nothing. ― MJ DeMarco

And don’t forget to take time to read some fiction. Books that may inspire and encourage. Books that provide internal rest and empowers you to live out the rest of your life while honoring the God that made you.

Every second you spend thinking about what you don’t want in your life is a second denying focus and energy from getting what you do want. ― Robin Sharma

What are you reading this week? What new insight can you share with us today?

When goals and objectives are not clearly defined,

Instagram post 18154005304307044

Instagram post 18154005304307044

Crescent Leadership, LLC today is a big day! Happ

Crescent Leadership, LLC today is a big day!
Happy 3 year Anniversary and Congratulations Jes DeShields !

We all just wanted to express how proud we are to share in this moment with you. Here is to many more years!
Savannah Ray Jada Tullos Anderson Kerry Connolly Maryann Dwyer Jennifer Hulting Osman James Lovaas Michelle Taylor Li Li Austin Alison Wilcox David Wilcox, Shefali Chudgar Diana Cardenas del Monaco Brian DeShields

An hour before 9 is worth 2 after 5 ― Ali Abdaal

An hour before 9 is worth 2 after 5 ― Ali Abdaal

My readings this week included books about business strategy, productivity that goes beyond hard work, and the crisis of loneliness in our current generation.

In a fast-paced world where we are challenged to achieve as much as we can, we are always looking for productivity hacks. In Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You, Dr. Ali Abdaal shares the principles of successful entrepreneurs and athletes and scientists…individuals that tap into productivity that are based in and build joy.

At the other end of the spectrum is the work of Dr. Jeremy Noble. In Project UnLonely, Noble tackles the loneliness that seems to be so pervasive across all cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. While this was true pre-2020, loneliness has accelerated through the pandemic and post-pandemic world. Readers will be confronted with the reality that loneliness starts with a disconnection from one’s self.

Chess players know the importance of thinking beyond the next move. Grandmasters look and anticipate the next five moves. Accordingly, PAtrick Bets-David walks leaders and entrepreneurs through the process of developing strategies and methodologies for looking beyond the next couple steps in business. I would add that these same practices can be applied within our personal lives to start actively planning for the lives we really want.

Of course, don’t forget the fictional works that may provide moments of escape and/or creative encouragement. This week, two of my favorites were Chasing the Dime by Michael Connelly and The Perfect Son by Frieda McFadden. While I am a huge fan of Connelly, The Perfect Son has some entertaining twists that may keep you guessing.

Your vision must align with who you want to be. Your choices must align with your vision. Your effort must align with the size of your vision. Your behavior must align with your values and principles. ― Patrick Bet-David

What are you reading this week? What new insight can you share with us today?

If what I’m about to do appeared on the front pa

If what I’m about to do appeared on the front page of the Washington Post tomorrow, would I be proud or embarrassed? ― Michael Abrashoff

What comes to mind when you think of military leadership? Is it a famous larger-than-life leader like General Patton or maybe a fictional role like Clint Eastwood’s character in the movie, Heartbreak Ridge? In the book, It’s Your Ship Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy, Michael Abrashoff describes leadership that is none of that. Instead, he invites the reader to learn foundational leadership principles as he writes about his experiences as the captain of a struggling Naval ship.

Sometimes things go right by accident, and you are left with the dangerous illusion that it was your doing. ― Michael Abrashoff

As with many leadership books, Abrashoff has organized his book to walk the reader through the strategies that he has identified in his leadership style:

Take Command
Lead by Example
Listen Aggressively
Communicate Purpose and Meaning
Create a Climate of Trust
Look for Results, Not Results
Take Calculated Risks
Go Beyond Standard PRocedure
Build Up Your People
Generate Unity
Improve Your People’s Quality of Life

No matter what type of organization you are in, these principles are worth serious consideration. Abrashoff writes about achieving outstanding results but not at the expense of your team. He took a struggling ship and became one of the best ships in the Navy while also helping the people under his command to achieve all they could. His staff had some of the best tenure of the modern Navy with individual achievements and promotions far beyond the typical Naval command.

Innovation and progress are achieved only by those who venture beyond standard operating procedure. ― Michael Abrashoff

Doing physically hard things is an enormous life h

Doing physically hard things is an enormous life hack. Do hard things and the rest of life gets easier and you appreciate it all the more ― Michael Easter

My readings this week included books about the challenges related to first-world problems, choosing the right challenges to excel, designing a life that brings joy and happiness, murder and intrigue in the Antarctic, and a battle of wits on the Washington coast.

In The Comfort Crisis, Michael Easter discusses the challenges that come when we live lives of comfort and relative ease that all too often do not lead to happiness and joy. Easter shares his conclusions that as we strip away some of these eases we become stronger and more focused. Specifically, he writes about looking for physical challenges and time in nature.

Another great read this past week was Choose Your Enemies Wisely by entrepreneur Patrick Bet-David. Readers will be challenged to strategically evaluate and/or build their brands and businesses by not only knowing their competitors but also their enemies - those people, events, circumstances and beliefs that others view as roadblocks but the few understand can be the energy that fuels success. Sharing from his life (and many other valuable examples), the author provides a framework for success from his 12 building blocks.

And don’t forget to include some fictional readings - books that may provide moments of escape and/or creative inspiration. This week my fictional readings included two books by Amy McCulloch and Taylor Adams.

Your vision must align with who you want to be. Your choices must align with your vision. Your effort must align with the size of your vision. Your behavior must align with your values and principles. — Patrick Bet-David

What are you reading this week? What new insight can you share with us today?

What I’m Reading Week of Jan. 1, 2024 Not every

What I’m Reading Week of Jan. 1, 2024

Not everything that hurts is an emergency. Sometimes we need to test our pain threshold to see how well we heal. ― John Stamos

My readings this week included an actor sharing his journey from working class family to family sitcoms, an athlete turned political/cultural commentator, a couple of fictional works, and a reminder that business is always, ultimately, about people.

John Stamos shares an intimate look at his life growing up in a family committed to hard work and ultimately achieving success in several arenas but not without personal challenges including addiction and heartbreak.

Tyrus is far more than a retired pro-wrestler. He is also more than just another conservative on a TV talk show. In his new book, Nuff Said, he shares more of his background that helped him to develop into the man he is and setting the foundation for the beliefs he now holds.

Deborah Perry Piscione and David Crawley take a unique look into the role people play in the innovation process. Beyond inspirational HR tactics, the authors have focused on walking the reader through processes and case studies about developing organizations that empower people to innovate.

And…I always enjoy a couple of fictional works. These books entertain and inspire the imagination. This week’s readings were filled with mystery, intrigue, and a few moments of justice.

I learned through those experiences that, as a teacher, you always have to be open to learning more. You can never assume that you have all the answers. ― Tyrus

What are you reading this week? What new insight can you share with us today?

Uncommon Service: How to Win by Putting Customers

Uncommon Service: How to Win by Putting Customers at the Core of Your Business By Frances Frei and Anne Morriss

To achieve service excellence, you must underperform in strategic ways. This means delivering on the service dimensions your customers value most, and then making it possible—profitable and sustainable—by performing poorly on the dimensions they value least. In other words, you must be bad in the service of good. ― Frances Frei

The customer is always right. Deliver exceptional service. We simply want to make what our customers want….

There are probably a thousand or more quotes about customer service that describe the process as easy or obvious. Great customer service does not have to be overly complex, complicated, or elusive. However, it is not easy. Perhaps the most complicated part is knowing that great customer service cannot merely strive to do what the customer wants.

Remember the quote that is attributed to Henry Ford? “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”

Customers know that they want to feel good. They want to feel that they were heard and served. They want to sense that the folks that have developed the products or services they are offering have some semblance of understanding as to what the customer actually wants.

What’s hard is designing a service model that allows average employees—not just the exceptional ones—to produce service excellence as an everyday routine. ― Frances Frei

The companies that are the best at customer service make it their work to understand the customer. They design their products and services with these customers in mind. They deliver on the services that the customer deems a necessity and they willingly sacrifice excellence in areas or services that are simply not critical to these customers. They train and empower their teams to recognize the customer(s) needs and desires.

Leadership, at its core, is about making other people better as a result of your presence—and making sure that the impact lasts in your absence. ― Frances Frei

Dreamers are mocked as impractical. The truth is t

Dreamers are mocked as impractical. The truth is they are the most practical, as their innovations lead to progress and a better way of life for all of us. ― Robin Sharma

My readings this week touched on the spiritual before delving into leadership and thoughts from the Fonz.

There are so many books that it is always tempting to stick to the authors we know or the genres we like most. I believe that I am pretty good at mixing it up. Robin Sharma is a well respected writer and speaker that has published more than 20 books. Depending on where you first learned about him, you may either view him as a motivational speaker/writer or a popular leadership consultant. Either way, his writings are easy to read but may take work to apply.

I also picked up the autobiography of Henry Winkler. The man that entertained Baby Boomers and Gen X’ers as the Fonz has also gathered fans across a wide variety of shows and networks. However, readers may be most impacted as they consider the life of a dyslexic adult that sought the acceptance that his parents never gave. Winkler is vulnerable and relatable as he shares his stories and experiences.

Of course, I didn’t just focus on nonfiction, I also listened to a couple of fun reads from James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Fictional works that are predictively entertaining - consistent genre fiction that delivers.

When you finish a negative sentence, it grows immediately into a paragraph, and then into a thesis, into so many words that grab your ankles and hold you in place. When a negative thought comes into your mind, you have to literally say out loud, “I have no time now.” ― Henry Winkler

What are you reading this week? What new insight can you share with us today?

There’s no better time to become the human being

There’s no better time to become the human being you know you can be and handcraft the life of your most exuberant desires than now. ― Robin S. Sharma

The American Heritage® Dictionary defines a hero as “A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life.” We have so many stories, books, and movies highlighting all manner of heroes. Men and women that seem to be larger than life as they defeat villains and rescue the ordinary. Or, on occasion, the hero is a regular person that made an extraordinary choice to act.

In The Everyday Hero Manifesto, Author and speaker Robin Sharma provides a working definition for the everyday hero: “So called ‘ordinary people’ conducting themselves in virtuous and honorable ways.” This heroism includes elements such as vision, virtue, and valor - characteristics that can actually be developed and valued in our daily lives.

Sharma’s chapters are short and succinct. Some address the challenges and opportunities each of us face. Some share Sharma’s stories or experiences. All of them point us towards understanding three major points that I saw throughout the book:

Habits are powerful.
Our mindset may be even more powerful.
We need solid relationships.

All of us have the potential to develop lives that reflect these principles. All of us have the potential to reflect our creator and the depth of compassion that is possible. We can make life choices that empower our lives. Readers will be inspired by Sharma’s stories and his challenges. Life may be short, but we have far more potential than we realize.

It’s easier to act yourself into a new way of thinking than to think yourself into a new way of acting. ― Robin S. Sharma

What I’m Reading Week of Dec. 10, 2023 Tolstoy

What I’m Reading Week of Dec. 10, 2023

Tolstoy expressed his exasperation at people who didn’t read deeply and regularly. “I cannot understand,” he said, “how some people can live without communicating with the wisest people who ever lived on earth.” ― Ryan Holiday

My readings this week covered a spectrum from AI to critical thinking to leading change within the workplace. Oh, and of course some fictional works as well.

It can be tempting to read from one genre or one mindset. Yet, I believe that is one of the greatest issues facing us today. I find it helpful to read from a variety of authors, perspectives, and topics. Hopefully, it helps me to understand the foundations of beliefs different from my own. Also, it provides a depth of opinions and insights that I can consider in my own work and endeavors.

I also like to keep a portion of my reading focused on creative fiction. I have several favorite authors, but the recommendations of others (including my three primary platforms) helps to identify new options I might not otherwise consider.

The one thing I got right was that I never gave up, I never raised my hands and said, “That’s enough, I can’t take it anymore, you win.” And because of that, I stand tall now, ready for whatever comes next. Someday you, too, might be called upon to do something important, so be ready for it. And when whatever happens, just think, What would Batman do? and do that.― Matthew Perry

What are you reading this week? What new insight can you share with us today?

Don’t Miss the Moments that Create Memories And

Don’t Miss the Moments that Create Memories

And just hold on to those moments, and the memories we shared - William Dempsey

On a recent Saturday, I scrolled through my Facebook feed, and stumbled across a post from a friend’s brother: “It is with a deep and profound sadness that I share the news that my sister has passed…”

This friend was not someone I saw often. In fact, I think the last time we saw each other in person was in the fall of 2010. Like many others, we occasionally bumped into each other on LinkedIn or Facebook. Yet, her passing still hit me hard. She was a fellow Christian. She knew what it was like to work with youth. She was a fellow skydiver. As I thought about why her passing hit me so hard, I began to realize that like the others I lost over the last couple years, it was really about the special moments we shared and that (in this life) there would be no more memories created.

As a believer, I know that this goodbye is not forever. But…that doesn’t ease the thought that we can’t reminisce together or create any new memories. In 2020, I lost a cousin that played an integral part of my early childhood. In 2021, I lost a special friend that I had known for years and that showed so much support for me in recent years. All I have to do is close my eyes, and I can call up memories with each of these people. But…I can’t hear their voices anymore. I can’t text them, or call them, or message them across social media. As we have probably all experienced, I have to somehow accept that the memories are all that is left.

So what? What does this all mean? Do we just learn to live with the loss? I realized how lucky I was to have met these special people. And so many others. Each of these people entered my life in a moment that could have simply passed by without notice. Instead, for a variety of reasons, we spoke…we connected. People cross our paths. Everyday. Perhaps, I really need to focus on being more present; more observant and aware.

So I'll cry 'cause it's over and smile because we had you. Packed a whole lot of living, even though it ended all too soon - Cooper Alan

Anxiety is’t the problem. Anxiety is just the al

Anxiety is’t the problem. Anxiety is just the alarm system letting people know things are off the rails…Anxiety is just a smoke alarm, letting you know that something in your house is on fire. The alarm is not the problem. The fire is. - John Delony

In November 2020, at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. John Delony wrote the book, Redefining Anxiety. The crux of that book is that it is time that we reconsider our belief that anxiety is itself something we experience. Perhaps, writes Delony, anxiety is something we experience as a result of what’s happening in our day to day lives.

In his follow-up book, Building a Non-Anxious Life, Delonyadvances his previous work by providing practical steps for designing and living a life that produces less anxiety. These steps are not easy. We may have to make a commitment to them on more than one occasion. Yet they are the practical steps towards a life that is not riddled by anxiety.

Ultimately, the key to Delony’s writings is the necessary step of making choices. We cannot live as spectators. We cannot allow ourselves to be passive victims. If we are going to move past the anxiety that plagues so many, we must be proactive. We must choose to go beyond just accepting reality. We must choose to develop the internal practices that will ultimately empower us to live above the anxiety that cripples so many. We must develop the habits that will produce non-anxious lives.

We’re buzzing, anxious, and stressed because we’ve created a world our bodies can’t exist in. - John Delony

Tolstoy expressed his exasperation at people who d

Tolstoy expressed his exasperation at people who didn’t read deeply and regularly. “I cannot understand,” he said, “how some people can live without communicating with the wisest people who ever lived on earth.” ― Ryan Holiday

My readings this week were deep and reflective and challenging and empowering. One writer shared his journey from childhood to comedy. Another of the importance of taking time to be still and reflect and meditate and pray. A third shared his life’s journey in a book that none of knew would end up being his last work. Another shared the challenge of standing up when it cost everything.

In my reading, I was struck by the words of Tolstoy…”how some people can live without communicating with the wisest people who ever lived on earth”. When we read, we avail ourselves to the wisdom and guidance of those that have gone before. We have the opportunity to learn from others we may never meet. Ryan Holiday is well known for his writings across many areas including stoicism, meditation, discipline, and courage. Matthew Perry recently passed, but there are so many lessons to be learned from his life. Even Edward Snowden has lessons that can be applied. We are so privileged to live in a time when we have access to the writings of so many in so many different formats. But…will we?

The one thing I got right was that I never gave up, I never raised my hands and said, “That’s enough, I can’t take it anymore, you win.” And because of that, I stand tall now, ready for whatever comes next. Someday you, too, might be called upon to do something important, so be ready for it. And when whatever happens, just think, What would Batman do? and do that.― Matthew Perry

What are you reading this week? What new insight can you share with us today?

You will never feel okay by way of external accomp

You will never feel okay by way of external accomplishments. Enough comes from the inside. It comes from stepping off the train. From seeing what you already have, what you’ve always had. ― Ryan Holiday

It’s loud. So loud. All the time. We’re busy. So busy. All the time. Life moves at such a hectic pace for most of us. We’re so busy that we are working on something nearly every moment of the day. Even when we have some down time in an elevator or waiting at the doctor’s office, we yank out our phones and start surfing social media or answering emails. Yet, this busy-ness may quite well be destroying our peace of mind.

Ryan Holiday can be considered a modern day version of the historical philosopher. He has written extensively on topics surrounding philosophy such as stoicism, meditation, and mental well-being. This 2019 book is the third in a series following his earlier releases: The Obstacle is the Way, and Ego is the Enemy. Readers will be encouraged to consider how men and women from all walks of life and religious pursuits have found that stillness…inner peace is key to living a meaningful life.

As readers, we will not all agree with Holiday’s methods and techniques for developing this inner peace. We may not all relate to his appreciation for so many different belief systems. Yet, if we read with open minds, we will see that creating space for developing inner peace is critical and there are endless examples of individuals that have created time and space for developing the practices necessary for honing our inner peace. As a Christian, I kept hearing the words of David, “Be still, and know that I am God,” Psalms 46:10.

This moment we are experiencing right now is a gift (that's why we call it the present).” ― Ryan Holiday

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