In 2019, I made some changes to my behavior to accelerate my learning and growth. For instance, I devoted ample time to read more books. I read a total of 18 (new) books in 2019. (There were a couple that I quickly re-read and browsed through in order to brush-up on some topics.)
If you would have asked me the previous year if I can read 18 books in 2019, I would look at you like you’re some crazy person! Who has time to read that many books on top of family and work life? After getting through the first, then the second book…I immediately realized how the thirst for knowledge drove me to move forward.
Consuming this much information was helpful to me in many ways. The intake of knowledge made me a much better coach to my team. I was able to pull concepts and ideas to help them develop and grow their careers. This also helped me be more insightful in sharing ideas through blogs and other outlets.
The constant consumption and processing of new knowledge made it much easier for me to implement and execute on my work—both operationally and strategically. 2019 has been one of the most productive years for me. Though I invested that much time to personal growth and development, it made me so much more efficient in using my resources and network to get things done.
Reading has made me a much better speaker altogether as well. I recently got invited to speak at an IT support industry global summit in Las Vegas. This also opened up opportunities for me to facilitate mastermind workshops in my organization in 2020.
Below is the list of books I read in 2019. My goal is to read at least 20 books in 2020. Have you read any of these books yourself? Can you suggest any books for me to read in 2020?
Book #1 for me in 2020 is by, podcaster and speaker, Ryan Hawk, “Welcome To Management: How to Grow from Top Performer to Excellent Leader.” Just reading the first few pages of Ryan’s book, I can tell that it’s going to be one of the best books I’ll read on leadership, ever!
Smartcuts
Made To Stick
Decisive
Atomic Habits
Ego is the Enemy
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
The 8th Habit
Leadership (HBR Compilation)
The Busy Leader’s Handbook
When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing
Good to Great
Built to Last
Drive
Decision Maker
TED Talks: The official TED Guide to Public Speaking
Self Leadership and the One Minute Manager
Miracle Morning Millionaires
From the Sea to the C-Suite (Cutler Dawson)