10 Books for a “Do Over”

Of the hundreds of books I’ve immersed myself in the last couple decades, below are the titles that have made the biggest difference for me in my “Do Over.” I refer to them frequently for inspiration, and perhaps they will provide the same value for you? For your convenience, you can click any image to purchase directly from Amazon.com. Oh, and they are listed in no particular order, by the way. Enjoy…

		The Magic of Thinking Big: Open this book to any page and you will benefit. It keeps my thinking BIG through implementing all of its practices. BIG thoughts lead to BIG results, and you’ll find it takes no more effort to think big than it does small. I make it a point to read The Magic of Thinking Big at least once a year to remind myself of this. Hey! I’m normal… I need reminding, too.
		The Three Laws of Performance: In the presence of which all seems hopeless, implementing the three laws of performance described in this book will produce breakthroughs and triumphs in your results. Looking at each situation in life that I face in relation to these three laws consistently raises me to new levels of enlightenment and performance. Don’t “Do Over” without reading this.
		Think and Grow Rich: This is the landmark book, and indispensable reading, in personal achievement. It’s another book that I refer to frequently, particularly when I’m feeling stopped. Think and Grow Rich showed me how to unleash my full potential by following the simple and sound principles outlined in the book. It’s given me, and it will give you, new realms of consciousness in conquering fear.
		Cashflow Quadrant: If you liked Rich Dad Poor Dad, you must read the follow-up guide to finding the financial fast track that best works for you. It reveals the strategies necessary for moving beyond job security (a myth, by the way) to financial independence through the four financial quadrants. I often wonder where I would be today if Cashflow Quadrant and its predecessor were required reading my senior year of high school… probably on my own Island in Fiji next door to Tony Robbins.
		Networking with the Affluent: Dr. Stanley’s book knocks it out of the park and should be required reading for anyone contemplating a “Do Over.” Networking with the Affluent is intended for sales people, mostly. However, being such a big believer in the effects an environment has on one’s success… this book discusses several methods of establishing productive relationships with the wealthy and accomplished begetting a strong and productive environment of which promotes an easier and faster “Do Over.”
		The Art of the Start: The subtitle reads The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything and that darn near defaults its way into my Top 10 Books for YOUR Do Over. The author draws upon his dual background as an evangelist for Apple’s Macintosh computer and as a Silicon Valley venture capitalist in this how-to for launching any type of business project. The Art of the Start will give you the essential steps to launch great products, services, and companies—whether you are dreaming of starting the next Microsoft or a not-for-profit that’s going to change the world. Great book for BIG thinkers!
		The Referral of a Lifetime: This slickly written, one that’s easy to gobble down in one sitting, revealed to me many of my early life mistakes… ones of which I’ll never make again. The Referral of a Lifetime provides powerful testimony for the value of a lifetime relationship and what it means to your bottom line in business and in life. The book proposes a system about achieving customer retention, referrals and fostering healthy productive relationships. Again, environment is key; And more importantly, the people within your environment. Get this book.
		The Greatest Salesman in the World: This tiny treasure professes to be successful one must believe in themselves and the work they do, of which I agree. First published in 1968, Og Mandino’s classic remains an invaluable guide to a philosophy of salesmanship. However, do not let the title fool you. This book is as much about life as it is salesmanship. The surprise ending makes it a fun read, as well as enlightening.
		Awaken the Giant Within: Probably my favorite. Nope, definitely my favorite. Every page is replete with well-researched and immediately practical guidelines for concentrating your thoughts and emotions on the attainment of your goals. It unleashed the giant within me, and it does so every time I pick it up. I get something new from Awaken the Giant Within every time I read it. It’s kind of like peeling an onion… it just gets deeper and deeper, but no tears.
		The 4-Hour Work Week: My second favorite! Well… I guess it depends what day of the week it is. Comparing this to Awaken the Giant Within is very much apples and oranges. The 4-Hour Work Week instilled two invaluable lessons for my “Do Over.” First, I realized that I don’t have to do it all by myself. The 4-Hour Work Week showed me how to delegate tasks, particularly those that I don’t like to do. That alone has made my second go-around an absolute delight. Second, it showed me how to create a system that works with or without me. By implementing the practices in this book, I get closer to my “4-hour work week” every month… and you can, too.

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