Best of 2014:
My Top 10 Most Influential Books of the Year
Narrowing down a list of great books is always a daunting challenge and 2014 was no exception. If you are looking for a great read in the new year, a few of these should top your list.
Photo Credit: Jeff Sanders
I didn’t focus this list on one genre because I thought it would be too limiting. Plus, I don’t read exclusively in one category.
From productivity to product launches, finances to fitness, and even religion to being ready for anything — this Top 10 list has it all.
Dig in.
My Top 10 Most Influential Books of the Year
My podcast and blog tend to cover many topics, but personal growth always tops the list. These books are all meant to stretch you, grow you, and bring you one step closer to your ideal self.
Though this list is very personal to me, I’m sure you will find a few titles to fill your shelves in 2015.
And yes, all of these books are Amazon affiliate links. If you would like to send me a small holiday gift by simply purchasing one of these books for yourself, I would greatly appreciate it!
1. The ONE Thing by Gary Keller
There are only a handful of books that have fundamentally changed the way I perceive my work and accomplish my highest priorities.
The ONE Thing is one of those books.
In fact, it is THE book that I recommend more than any other for understanding what matters and what doesn’t.
In my world, this book is required reading, and re-reading.
2. Essentialism by Greg McKeown
The subtitle of Essentialism is The Disciplined Pursuit of Less and that’s exactly what we all need. Well . . at least I know I do!
Having and doing less is about so much more than trimming the fat. Greg McKeown shares pivotal lessons in how you can decide what is essential and why we fill out lives with everything but.
I also previously wrote an article about this book because I just had to share it.
3. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Earlier this year I was laid off from my job and found myself waist-deep in the land of entrepreneurialism. At the time I didn’t know a thing about how to make my business profitable and keep it there.
Fortunately, what Mike Michalowicz knows and shares in this amazing book is how to get your business finances out of the gutter. Even if you don’t own a business, the financial system he outlines applies to any budget. I HIGHLY recommend this book for a financial makeover.
4. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
The creative process is truly an act of war and Steven Pressfield is the general you need on your side. Like many people, I never intended on becoming a guy who “creates” things for a living.
But the 21st century is filled with jobs based on brain power that require all kinds of creative juices.
Of all the books I recommend to bloggers, podcasters, leaders, and all other creative types — this one tops the list of must-reads.
5. A Renegadeís Guide to God by David Foster
I know, I know, this isn’t a religious blog.
But, if you are a Christian, or you’re considering Christianity, or you’re someone who truly despises “religion” and wants to dig deep into what Christianity is supposed to be . . . well, this is your book.
I attended David Foster’s church until he died a few years ago. This book is his legacy and one of the greatest lessons on God you will ever read.
6. Nutrition and Athletic Performance by Dr. Douglas Graham
One of the best books on nutrition I have ever read was Dr. Douglas Graham’s previous work, The 80/10/10 Diet. This books takes the same concepts discussed in that book and expands on them.
Specifically, this book explores how to apply the 80/10/10 principles to an athletic lifestyle. If you consider yourself a healthy athlete, read this book and you will certainly discover just how much further you can go.
7. Do the Work by Steven Pressfield
Laziness — we’ve all been there, done that.
We fall victim to lethargy and procrastination on a daily basis. We think there’s nothing we can do.
Well, once again Steven Pressfield will blow your mind and get you revved up, prepared to take on the world. No, it’s not pretty. Yes, it’s a lot of work. But, the results only show up when you do.
8. Launch by Jeff Walker
I have been following, studying, and mimicking Jeff Walker for years. If you are an online business owner, reading Jeff’s book is not only required reading, it’s the Bible of Internet Business in the 21st century.
You may not apply all of his tactics, but the principles are sound, effective, and proven to bring in millions. In 2015 you will be sure to see many of his strategies right here on my site.
I would expect you to do the same on yours.
9. Ready for Anything by David Allen
David Allen’s smashing success Getting Things Done changed the world of productivity forever. In this follow-up book, David explores the principles behind the productivity.
If you are looking for a deeper level of GTD, or you simply want to understand WHY productivity strategies work, then read this book.
I found dozens of insights from his more than 50 principles and you will too.
10. Spark by Dr. John Ratey
Exercise does more than build muscles and decrease your waist size. In this revolutionary book, Dr. John Ratey shows exactly how working out can build brain cells, make you smarter, and increase your productivity.
Yeah, it’s sounds too good to be true. But, exercise is actually better for the brain than the body and Dr. Ratey outlines just how powerful your morning jog can be.
Next Week
Next week on the blog I will be discussing a few tips for starting off the new year with a bang!
