- jamesarndt13
What books have you been consuming?
COVID19 has been an odd time in my life. Socially isolated and learning do do things physically separated from your family and team has definitely been eye opening for me. One wonderful blessing for me has been my consumption of books. I read more books in 2020 and and into 2021 than I have since grad school. Reading seems like an understatement. I have been consuming books. Reaping and gleaning what I can as I constantly aspire to grow as a person, a husband, a parent, a friend, a team member, and a leader.
This caused me to think, what books are your consuming? What books are making you, you? I truly believe we are molded by the ingredients we are putting into our bodies and minds. If you are like me, my belly has added a few pounds due simply to the extra sugar I have been ingesting through COVID19. This is a negative outcome for me. But the inverse has been true for me mentally, as I have been ingesting some very positive human relations and leadership development information. This positive growth has been very encouraging to me.
If you know me, you know my Personal Mission Statement is to encourage others always! I hope by sharing my the following COVID19 reading list, you may discover some encouragement from one, two, or ten of them:
King James Version of the Holy Bible (Romans 12 and Matthew 12 in particular). I recite Matthew 25:21 daily for personal encouragement and joy. I read Romans 12 daily for 1 month during this past winter. This was during a period of a personal spiritual awakening for me. It helped me to find my purpose.
Daring Greatly by Brene' Brown. This one was recommended to me by Michelle Smolen. It was a fantastic read. This one awakened me to "The Man in the Arena Speech" by one of favorite U.S. Presidents Teddy Roosevelt. This President is the inspiration behind the Arndt Municipal Support Inc. Logo.
Becoming a Person of Influence by John C. Maxwell. My biggest take-a-way from this one was to truly be present and listen to others with your eyes.
Thank You For Being Late by Thomas Friedman. Just the concept of regaining minutes in your day was inspiring for me.
The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz. My biggest nugget form this one was the creation and review of my own personal success journal. I continue this practice daily.
25 Ways to Win with People by John C. Maxwell. Be kind and lift others up was my biggest take-a-way and it aligns well with my personal mission statement: Encourage others.
Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend. This helped me with creating helpful relationship boundaries.
Influencing Human Behavior by Harry Allen Overstreet. The biggest nugget I gleaned from this one is that people want to be accepted and crave to be believed in.
The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck. The concept that most people strive to avoid a challenge was eye opening for me. It is omnipresent.
Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 by John C. Maxwell. The importance of developing others and insuring a successor in your organization stood out to me in this one. Empowering others on the journey of success with you.
The Friendship Factor by Alan Loy McGinnis. This was a great little read with a powerful message. If you wish to be loved, love others.
Your Road Map for Success by John C. Maxwell. Success is not a destination. It is a journey. Enjoy the ride.
The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli. This is a book that I put off reading for years, but I was glad I ingested it. This is change management 101. These principles still exist today.
Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips. This was one of my favorite reads during COVID19. People like a compliment. People enjoy sincere praise and talking about themselves.
Chase the Lion by Mark Batterson. Truly an inspirational read for me. If your dream does not scare you it is too small. Wow! Enough said!
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Workbook by John C. Maxwell. Leadership success requires: continual change, constant improvement, and ongoing sacrifice.
The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell.
Winning with People by John C. Maxwell. Form a basecamp of support. Travel forward, but always have a place of support along your journey.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. What a transformational book. I highly recommend this one. People want to feel important. What are you doing to help them feel important?
Think and Grow by Napoleon Hill. This is the one I am currently consuming. I am entranced with it so far.
There you have it. Most of the books that have made me over the past year. I hope you find value from them. If you are looking for just one, I would recommend Chase the Lion or How to Win Friends and Influence People.
Here we grow!
