APRIL BOOK JAM: A brief recount of what I've been reading

Q Tip and A Tribe Called Quest got it right when they said, "All we want in this life is peace, prosperity and a little paper. Objects, they seem seem greater, but I'm sure we'll overcome when we illin' on the drum."

I'm just out here tryna get right. Tryna get right with my mind, body and sole...with a little paper along the way. Not all of these books hit hard but they do all make me better. Let's hope the bring you to the level.

Give and Take: Why helping others drives our success by Adam Grant

Not my favorite Grant book. What I had a hard time looking past was the endless examples of "white collar" professionals. I would love to see a thought leader lean into a an examination of human behavior through the lens of the majority of the populous (a kin to Mathew B. Crawford's "Shop Class as Soulcraft". How do 'givers', 'takers' and 'matchers' show up on the job site or in Wal-mart's rank and file? Just kinda feels a bit tone deaf as Grant is trying to make broad assumptions, yet there is no concern for the masses. All of that notwithstanding, the book caused me to reflect on myself and my own behaviors. Some interesting points brought forward, but like many of these types of books, several examples and anecdote have been told by other similar thought leaders.

Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life: How to finally, really grow up by James Hollis, PhD

As I embark into my 40s I find myself wondering how I got here and where I'm going. While I don't necessarily find myself in a 'midlife crisis', I am constantly questioning what is my purpose. This book helped me evaluate what is actually unfolding as we seek to understand our meaning for existence. As Hollis puts it, a midlife crisis or questioning of our meaning is a pursuit "to grasp the sovereignty of the soul". Not until midlife are we finally making our own decisions - seemingly free from parental oversight. However, by then, the life we are living is so intertwined with expectations, economic and societal pressures that our psyche is not fully free to live the life we want - filled with meaning and purpose. This is why at midlife we are essentially grappling with an examination of the life we're living and whether it is smaller than what our soul desires.

Make Your Bed: Little things that can change your life... and maybe the world by Admiral William McRaven

Big fan of McRaven's books. This one is a very short yet highly engaging. He reflects on several moments within his naval career as he lays out why doing simple tasks lead to higher performance. When you wake up and make your bed, you are already starting your day with task-completion and establishing that you are in control. This same mindset is why meticulous uniform care, gear maintenance and all the other small-things are so critical. 

The Hero Code: Lessons learned from lives well lived by Admiral William McRaven

More amazing musings from Admiral McRaven. If you're into hearing about stories from amazing individuals who, leave you with chills and full of emotion, then this book is 100. From soldiers to mothers to teachers to individuals off the street, being a hero is about showing up and doing what's right...The Hero Code: No matter how great or small the offense against me, I will try to forgive. I will be the victor, not the victim.

Paper Soldiers: How the Weaponization of the Dollar Changed the World Order by Saleha Mohsin

Wow, such a comprehensive review on how the Treasury Department can influence geo-political dynamics. One could say that the Treasury Secretary is the most powerful person in the world. As noted in this book, a singular phrase or meeting can have profound impacts on global economics. Coupling this with the broad control from the president, it is no surprise that the politicizing and 'weaponizing' of the dollar has become a go to option for many of our recent presidents. This book is very eye opening and helped me to better understand the intricacies of how the US Dollar is so intimately involved in quite literally everything.

25 Hours a Day: Going one more to get what you want by Nick Bare

The story of working hard to achieve your goals will always interest me. I appreciated the intersection with learnings from the military carrying over into personal business. That said, this book didn't necessarily make me motivated but it had me thinking about how the focus on success can become obsessive and detrimental. Waking up every morning and thinking that you're already behind because you awake 5 mins later than the day before is not a healthy way to live. Finding balance in striving for success, while enjoying the moment is where we should all aim to be. 

 Out and Back: A Runners Story of Survival Against All Odds by Hillary Allen

WOAH. This was quite the story. Imagine running a race and falling from the side of a mountain, bouncing off the cliffs below and then having the fortitude to come back from injury to once again reach elite athlete status. This is a real success story. If you need inspiration to help you perceiver, this is it. Beyond undeniable strength and inspiration, as a runner, I connected on a few other levels. While I've never reached the pinnacle of the sport, as a professional, I have always viewed my strengths as a runner to reflect more on me as a person than that of someone who goes for the occasional run. Because of this, to a detriment, the joy of running has been removed. Hillary's reflection on running becoming a job and the subsequent impact on her relationship with the sport, hit home hard. For this reason, I don't race any longer. My fear of a bad result and its reflection on me, while absurd, is difficult for me to look past.

Dare to Lead: Brave work. Tough Conversations. Whole hearts. by Brené Brown

Another beautiful review on the power that vulnerability, humility and trust can have on the relationships we forge - inside and outside of work. I recently learned that several of my coworkers have read this book. There seemed to be an overwhelming connection and belief in the themes that Brown presents. Learning this, made me wonder - "if many of my coworkers have read this and believe it, is it safe to assume that senior leaders have also consumed this book. And if this is the case, why then does it feel that vulnerability and inherent trust aren't core values that are palpable throughout our workplace culture." If we all know that this is the right way to operate, why is it so difficult to manifest it into our daily realities? 

The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security by Scott Galloway

This book, when couple with "The Psychology of Money" arms the reader with a comprehensive understanding and appreciation for smart financial decision making. This book touches on so many aspects - habits, relationships, careers, investments, and so much more. I highly recommend this for everyone. This book will absolutely help ensure you think about your relationship with money through a thoughtful lens.