On The Art of Learning, The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive, and The Celebration of Life.

Books that changed my life

Adam Rosh, MD

Feb 23, 2023

Hello all!

Here is your weekly dose of books that changed my life.

1. Peak performance
The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance

Summary
This is a hidden gem. A book that I’ve read twice and still want more. If you compete at anything (or have kids that compete) or simply love to learn, the principles in this book are invaluable. The author, Josh Waitzkin, a chess prodigy (the main character from the movie Searching for Bobby Fischer), shares his learning process, which led him to become of the the best chess players in the world. As an adult, Josh takes on new sports and uses his learning principles to win world championships in “push hands”.

Principle: One idea I taught was the importance of regaining presence and clarity of mind after making a serious error. The first mistake rarely proves disastrous, but the downward spiral of the second, third, and fourth error creates a devastating chain reaction.
Insight: A competitor needs to be process-oriented, always looking for stronger opponents to spur growth, but it is also important to keep on winning enough to maintain confidence.
Quote: Great ones are willing to get burned time and time again as they sharpen their swords in the fire. -Josh Waitzkin
Story: The hermit crab is a colorful example of a creature that lives by this aspect of the growth process. As the crab gets bigger, it needs to find a more spacious shell. So the slow, lumbering creature goes on a quest for a new home. If an appropriate new shell is not found quickly, a terribly delicate moment of truth arises. A soft creature that is used to protection of built-in armor must now go out into the world, exposed to predators in all its mushy vulnerability. That learning phase in between shells is where our growth can spring from.

Authors: Josh Waitzkin
Themes: Peak performance, Sports performance psychology, Personal development, Decision making, Human psychology, Learning how to learn
My personal notes from the book

2. Leadership
The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive: A Leadership Fable

Summary
This is the first Lencioni book to be included in Three Book Thursday–and there will be many more. Lencioni is hands down one of the most insightful authors for teaching about the importance of organizational health. This is a great book for anyone in a leadership position. It is easy to read and written as a fable. Once you are introduced to Lencioni’s work, you’ll end up reading all of his books.

Principle: Identify a reasonable number of issues that will have the greatest possible impact on the success of your organization, and then spend most of your time thinking about, talking about, and working on those issues.
Insight: No one but the head of an organization can make it healthy. They cannot assign responsibility for their organization's cultural well-being to anyone but themselves.
Quote: Culture lives in the way things get done. -Patrick Lencioni

Author: Patrick Lencioni
Themes: Leadership, Culture, Starting and running a business, Management, Work hygiene
My personal notes from the book

3. Memoir
Not Fade Away: A Short Life Well Lived

Summary
The author, Peter Barton, writes about his experience coming to terms with his mortality. After building a successful career, earning all the money he ever needed, and getting married and having three kids, Barton is diagnosed with cancer in middle age. In this book, he shares his precious insights about the fragility of life, his regrets, and his celebration of life. Prepare to shed some tears.

Principle: I promised myself that I wouldn't have a bad day for the rest of my life. If someone was wasting my time, I'd excuse myself and walk away. If a situation bothered me or refused to get solved, I'd shrug and move on. I'd squander no energy on petty annoyances, poison no minutes with useless regret. I'd play music at any hour of the night. I'd make a point of noticing the smell of the air, the shifting light on the mountains.
Insight: The only reason a leap is scary is that a landing must inevitably follow. So why not plan that part first. Solve the problem of the landing, then work backward to the leap. If you think about it that way, the leap becomes the easy part. No one gets hurt in the air.
Insight: Parents see children through the start of their lives, children see parents through the end.
Quote: You'll never accomplish anything if you're afraid to look bad at trying. -Peter Barton

Author: Peter Barton
Themes: Memoir, On living and dying, Living a full life
My personal notes from the book

That’s a wrap. Thanks for reading!

Best,
Adam

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