On Running, Getting What You Want, and Going Beyond a Million
Books that changed my life
Hello all!
Here is your weekly dose of books that changed my life.
1. Memoir
What I Talk about When I Talk about Running: A Memoir
Summary
Such a delightful read. And definitely inspires you to go out for a jog! But the book is more a reflection on life than on running as exercise. Murakami is one of the best authors of his day. Highly recommend, especially if in a reflective mood.
On running: the main thing was not speed or distance so much as running everyday, without taking a break. Running was incorporated into my daily routine.
Insight: To keep on going you have to keep up the rhythm. This is the important thing for long-term projects. Once you set the pace, the rest will follow.
Quote: Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
Author: Haruki Murakami
Themes: Memoir, Living a full life
My personal notes from the book
2. Entrepreneurship
Anything You Want: 40 lessons for a new kind of entrepreneur
Summary
I haven’t posted much of Sivers, but he’s one of my favorites. He walks the walk and there is so much to learn from him. While I do not agree with every aspect of his life philosophy, he is always pushing you to think deeper and challenge your assumptions. Every time I listen to Sivers on a podcast (one of the best interviews ever) or read one of his books, I am inspired…and you will be, too.
Principle: It’s counterintuitive but the way to grow a business is to focus entirely on your existing customers. Just thrill them and they’ll tell everyone.
Insight: Don’t be on your deathbed someday, having squandered your chance at life, full of regret because you pursued little distractions instead of big dreams. You need to know your personal philosophy of what makes you happy and what’s worth doing.
Running a business: Pay close attention to when you’re being the real you and when you’re trying to impress an invisible jury. Even if what you’re doing is slowing the growth of your business–if it makes you happy, that is ok. It’s your choice to remain small. You’ll notice that as my company got bigger, my stories about it were less happy. That was my lesson learned. I’m happier with 5 employees than with 85, and happiest working alone. Whatever you make, it’s your creation, so make it your personal dream come true.
Author: Derek Sivers
Themes: Entrepreneurship, Career advancement, Personal development
My personal notes from the book
3. Wealth management
Beyond a Million: The Entrepreneur’s Playbook for Expanding Wealth, Freedom and Time
Summary
There are plenty of resources to help learn about about personal finance, but few about how to manage your current wealth, no matter what level it is. Beyond a Million does a good job introducing general concepts for wealth management and is an excellent launching point for the subject.
Insight: It is unlikely that the accountant will call the estate attorney to discuss some year-end strategies without the entrepreneur requesting it.
Planning: The right wealth manager is an expert in coordinating teams and their presence as the leader will dramatically increase your ability to grow and maintain your wealth. Your team of professionals listens to the wealth manager, who in return listens to you.
Wealth management team:
Wealth manager (center)
Accountant
Corporate attorney
Banker
Investments
Insurance agent
Estate attorney
Author: Jim Dew
Themes: Wealth management, Personal finance
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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Anything you want (and many of Derek Sivers books) is on my to be read. Thanks for the insights from that book, really appreciated.