Suggested Reading
“Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell: An interesting and easy-to-read study into the factors of success. Through thought-provoking examples, Mr. Gladwell exposes the myths of so-called innate ability and demonstrates that expertise and success come only after years of dedicated practice and hard work.
“Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everyone Else” by Geoff Colvin: A look at the elements of superior performance, this book by financial journalist Mr. Colvin shows what characteristics are common among leaders in a variety of fields and how the rest of us can emulate these habits and techniques of success to reach our own full potential.
“The Jewish Phenomenon: Seven Keys to the Enduring Wealth of a People” by Steven Silbiger: The Jewish people have endured persecution for more than two millenia and yet have overcome all obstacles to obtain impressive success. From the medical and law fields to the entertainment and business sectors, Jews have seen their numbers rise to the top. In this insightful book, Mr. Silbiger discusses seven keys that have helped this amazing group of people endure and prosper.
“Fearless Interviewing: How to Win the Job by Communicating with Confidence” by Marky Stein: The Great Recession has reinforced the importance of having good interviewing skills. Millions of people found this out the hard way when they were laid off and forced to once again hit the pavement and land that next opportunity. In her book, Ms. Stein provides a complete strategy to planning and executing a job search plan.
“The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch: Diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2008 and given only months to live, computer science professor Randy Pausch co-authored “The Last Lecture” as his lasting legacy to his small children and the rest of the world. The book contains the wisdom that Randy gained in his 47 years on this planet and reminds us to seize every moment that life has to offer.
“Happiness is a Serious Problem” by Dennis Prager: As Mr. Prager states, happiness is a moral obligation to yourself and to others, as our happiness has an effect on the lives of everyone around us. This book provides insights on: 1) How to overcome human nature’s obstacles to happiness, and 2) What attitudes and behaviors are essential to happiness.
“How to Win Friends & Influence People” by Dale Carnegie: First published in 1937, this classic has sold millions of copies and describes the fundamental techniques in managing people that are crucial to leadership and team-building. Mr. Carnegie also discusses the art of persuasion and how to effect positive change in those around you.
“The 4-Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss: This entertaining book offers an alternative to what Mr. Ferriss refers to as the “deferred life plan” of working, sacrificing, and saving your entire life only to enjoy the benefits in retirement. While the book contains its share of oversimplification and hyperbole, the ideas and concepts of lifestyle design may ring true if you are tired of the corporate rat race.