If reading books is about banking the knowledge for some time in the future, then writing book notes and creating directives feels like having cash in your pocket. It’s useful now.
For the full text on why I write book notes click here.
Start With Why - By Simon Sinek
This book is a helpful reminder to start with WHY or begin from somewhere very different. When you begin with Why you get the chance to align What you do with How you do it. Your life, products, or services are designed by the decisions that uphold your Why. And that is inspiring.
The Coaching Habit - By Michael Bungay Scott
Coaching made simple - ask 7 questions, listen and acknowledge the answers, and remember you don't need a backstory if you do not plan to save them. Great book. Highly recommend it to parents, coaches, and anyone stuck in middle management.
David & Goliath - By Malcolm Gladwell
A brilliant book that challenges you to examine what you think the advantage might actually be. A reminder to get clear on the problem. And look for the point of maximum leverage. The answers might surprise you.
The Sixty Minute Father - By Rob Parsons
I was given this book by a friend of mine. John Dix. At the time I was working 14 hours a day most days. My two girls were around 2 and 4 years old and my partner was struggling with postnatal depression. Times were tough. Without judgment. John gave me the book. No words just action. And in doing he was living out one of the key values of the 60-minute father. Unconditional love. Without judgment.
The Status Game - By Will Storr
I became interested in status while researching my first book Good Coach Bad Coach, and for a while, I convinced myself that I was writing a status genre book. I wasn't, but I'm glad that I spent the time, understanding the role of status in our desire to fit in and stand out. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
Turning Pro - By Steven Pressfield
When you turn pro you leave behind your amateur ways to find your voice, power, and self-respect. It's a brilliant book and I highly recommend reading it.
Purple Cow: Transform Your Business By Being Remarkable - By Seth Godin
A great story about how people (just like you) can make their business stand out. A reminder that we can all give remarkable a shot.
Predictably Irrational - By Dan Ariely
This is a book about the forces that influence our behaviour - we are predictably irrational.
The Science Of Storytelling - By Will Storr
If you have ever asked the question, "Who am I (really)?" Then this is the book for you. Better still, read Will Storr's excellent book and write a book about your answer.
The little black book of training - By Dr Dan Cleather
Not a book I would recommend to anyone other than students of exercise physiology or strength and conditioning. I suspect it was book written for Dan's students.
Intervention - By Dan John
The subtitle for the book Intervention is about right. Course correction for the athlete and the trainer. Well worth a read if you like lifting heavy stuff, and spending time in the gym.
Atomic Habits - By James Clear
A well-written book, structured to make behaviour change feel attainable.
Little Bets - By Peter Sims
Little bets reminded me that you don’t need to have amazing ideas, you do need to let go and begin. The creative process is a posture, an acceptance that trial and error are your constant companions and that’s ok. Actually, better than ok, they should be welcomed into your DNA alongside the criticism and feedback of the people you hope to serve.
Noise - By Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony and Cass Sibony
If you are ready to accept that you are no better than a dart-throwing monkey at making decisions, then this is the book for you.
Close Your Mouth - By Patrick McKeown
This book changed my life. I can now describe myself as an “asymptomatic asthmatic”. If breathlessness is chaos then buteyko breathing is control. Accept the chaos. Choose control. I’m forever grateful that I get to choose.
The Why Axis – By Uri Gneezy and John List - By Uri Gneezy and John List
The why axis book introduced me to the term design thinking and reminded me that a persuasive and powerful challenge to the status quo requires us to do a little more than simply try another way of doing things.
The Dip - By Seth Godin
With the help of The Dip, I came to realise that to move abstract concepts such as “fail forward” or “investor mindset” into practical advice. I needed to define and attach meaning to the concept. In doing so, I could move an abstract concept into practical advice that could impact my daily practice, routines and ultimately my behaviour.
Kettlebell Simple and Sinister - By Pavel
Simple and sinister reminded me to keep it simple and create a focus. To stay on task, give yourself space to perfect techniques and value stability over the progression of the training load.
Anything You Want - By Derek Sivers
Anything You Want is a book that inspires me to build my utopia.