On Friends and Influence, The Courage to Be Disliked, and Screw It Let's Do It
Books that changed my life
Hello all!
You know what makes for a great graduation gift for a high schooler? A book that can change their life. Here are plenty to choose from.
And now…your weekly dose of books that changed my life.
1. Personal development
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Summary
This timeless classic is one of my favorite books of all time. While the title is a bit cheesy, the content is invaluable and can be applied in every setting of life. If you have not read this book, you should and if you have, you should read it again. Why? Because every now and again we need to be humbled, re-grounded, and re-connected with ourselves and the people we interact with and care for. This is the perfect gift for high school and college graduates.
Principle: The person we are going to correct and condemn will probably justify himself or herself, and condemn in return.
Insight: Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain–and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.
Quote: We are interested in others when they are interested in us. -Publilius Syrus
Author: Dale Carnegie
Themes: Personal development, Living a full life, Human psychology, Leadership, management
My personal notes from the book
2. Personal development
The Courage to be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Free Yourself, Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness
Summary
Great title and fun read. This book is more about your personal psychology and why we often hold ourselves back from feeling happiness. Easy to read and will certainly spark self-reflection.
Principle: You are only unable to change because you are making the decision not to.
Insight: We determine our own lives according to the meaning we give to those past experiences. Your life is not something that someone gives you, but something you choose yourself, and you are the one who decides how you live.
Insight: The one who boasts does so only out of a feeling of inferiority.
Author: Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
Themes: Personal development, Living a full life
My personal notes from the book
3. Entrepreneurship
Screw It, Let's Do It: Lessons in Life and Business
Summary
Branson has written few books–all are very good reads. I like this one in particular because it dives into the fear of starting something new. Branson is a dreamer. He believes in something and then makes it happen. He’s failed often, but succeeded plenty. While the content is a bit cliche at times, learning about Branson’s journey is fun and inspiring.
Principle: Long term success, happiness, and satisfaction will never come if profit is the only reason for your enterprise.
Insight: Be bold. Calculate the risks and take them. Believe in yourself. Chase your dreams and goals. Have no regrets. Keep your word.
Quote: Annual income 20 pounds, annual expenditure 19 pounds, result happiness. Annual income 20 pounds, annual expenditure 21 pounds, result misery. -Mr. Micawber in David Copperfield
Author: Richard Branson
Themes: Entrepreneurship, Growing a business, Marketing, Culture, Living a full life
My personal notes from the book
That’s a wrap. Thanks for reading!
Please continue to share with me the books that changed your life!
Best,
Adam
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All Three Book Thursday Personal Notes