My selection of the best books I read or listened to in 2021
I love books. I love reading and I also love listening to audio books. I read and listen to them for a number of reasons (I found dozen of them). Books are for me and I believe they will continue to change my life for the better.
I don’t read for development only. I read to better understand why people do the things they do. I read to better understand “this crazy world” we live in. I also read and listen for fun. Above all, I read professionally as a lecturer, coach and as a writer. Without reading and listening, I would not be able to do my job well.
As with many other things, the end of the year is the time to draw the line. In 2021, I read or listened to over 60 books; yes, at least one book a week is my goal and remains so for 2022.
Which of these would I pick out?
Each has left its mark and many have contributed an idea or advice that has led to a small change, but which can lead to big results. Remember the domino effect.
If a book gives me one new idea, improves my understanding of something, or makes a small change because of it, then it’s worth its price and time. (You can read that books are the best investment here.)
I definitely recommend the following books for you to read; they are not listed in order of priority.
Oliver Burkeman: Four Thousand Weeks. Time Management for Mortals. Useful time management tips, not just another advice how to put more work in the same time. The idea I use to my advantage is 4S (short, slow, simple, small). Keep your first steps small, simple, short and slow.
Ryan Holiday: Courage is Calling. Courage is not only to throw yourself into a raging river and save a child, but also to make a change in your life. To stand up for yourself, tell things that others are silent about, to do something on your own. This is why courage is such an important virtue.
John Kotter: Our Iceberg is Melting. Eight steps of change management presented through the pool. The steps a company must take to make a successful change are beautifully presented.
James Nestor: Breathe. How important breathing is and what all affects breathing; the reverse is also true, which is breath affects everything: your mood, your posture, your focus, your immune system, …. Read, change your breathing and change your life.
Jonathan Goldman: The Humming Effect. A great explanation of a simple breathing technique that you can learn quickly and will have wonderful effects on your body and mind. Among other things, it will improve your immune system, raise the level of oxytocin (the hormone of relationships and trust), improve the production and function of melatonin (sleep hormone) and help with learning. And much more. Try it out and you will see.
Meditations. A book that accompanies me daily or at least weekly. Over and over again, always new insights. Although almost 2000 years old, it is extremely useful. In addition, it constantly reminds me that history repeats itself because we humans have not changed so much psychologically. Marcus Aurelius has encountered the plague during his lifetime, we have covid19, with coup attempts, betrayals, natural disasters, wars, the untimely death of children, incompetent leaders, …
Successful Under Pressure. A book I not only have written, but I also live it every day. In it, I describe as many as 52 techniques you can do when life is not going according to plan, when you find yourself in trouble or under pressure. Most techniques can be done in 2 to 3 minutes and fall below the 4S formula (see above). It is also available in English in all three forms: print, audio and kindle.
Mel Robins: The High 5 Habit. I love how Mel wrote a whole book about simple suggestions, which become a bestseller. It is true, however, that the recommendation is so simple (again 4S) that it is useful in the end. Well, high 5!
Tsedal Neeley: The Remote Work Revolution. The author nicely presents the changes caused by working from home and what needs to be done so that we do not lose our sense of belonging, team and psychological security.
Jeb Blunt: Virtual Selling. Virtual sales have gained momentum and entered our lives through the big doors. It will remain present in the future and it is therefore good to know the rules. For all those who prefer to read in Slovene, let me announce that on February 9, 2022, the book Virtual Sales Meeting will be published, which combines the experiences of three Slovenian authors and summarizes all the key techniques presented in foreign literature published so far.
Friedbert Gay: The Behavioural Blueprint. A book that will definitely improve communication and relationships both in work teams and at home. More than 80% of interpersonal conflicts stem from poor communication and lack of adapting communication to the behavioral type of your spouse, child, friend, coworker, …. The book teaches you how to recognize behavioural style of others and adapt your communication.
Finally, a few books that I also recommend:
· Burn
But that's not all.
I have read and / or listened to many summaries of books that can be found on the Optimize.me portal for free. Now, I’ve let you know where I get ideas for my future readings. If the summary convinces me, the book ends up in my (mail)box.