I've Been Reading...ALOT

Let me start by saying that I LOVE TO READ. It has always been one of my favorite things since my mom bought me The Babysitter's Club books when I was in like 2nd grade. Reading is one of my favorite things, especially when I get something I can't put down. Now, to forewarn you, I am about to talk about books that I read for work...but don't be turned off immediately. Both of these books can be applied in any business situation (not just advertising), as well as your life in general. I wouldn't take the time to blog about them if I didn't see the value in sharing them with you (my 5 readers), or to tell you that they suck (which is not the case).

First up, Start with Why by Simon Sinek ::

If you are in any sort of occupation where you have to sell yourself (which means every person on the planet), you need to understand the principle of this book :: START WITH WHY. Ok, I'll explain - actually, I'll start with why (ha ha). If you want to find a guiding reason to do anything in a day (go for a run, fix a healthy dinner, write someone a thank you note), then you need to know why. Your "why" is the guiding force behind everything that you do. You can have all the "whats" in the world, credentials, degrees, certifications, technologies, etc., but it doesn't mean anything if you don't have a purpose behind it. So say you are good at what you do, you are proficient, efficient, and darn it you do what you do better than anybody. That's great! But you have no "why." If you don't have a solid reason to do what you are doing (beyond the fact that you are good at it and someone keeps telling you to do it), then you won't grow, and you can't help others grow. So take Bob three cubicles down. He has PASSION. He comes to work each day because he wants to not only do a good job, but a GREAT job. Why? Because he wants to set an example for his daughter, he wants to inspire others to achieve great things, he wants to do big things in life. Who gets promoted? Who feels more fulfilled when leaving at the end of the day? Hmmmm....

You can apply this in your personal life too...Matt and I just started a pretty serious budget. But we have done this budget thing before, only to fail within a few days and we go buy something stupid or blow it all on sushi. But then we thought about all the reasons why to be on a budget (a more secure financial future, planning a family, buying a boat :), etc.) and it gives you a passion to change your habits and yourself. Go get this book, read it, then give it to a friend, a co-worker, even your boss. It is well worth the read!

Next up, The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player by John C. Maxwell ::

If you follow leadership books, you have read a book by John C. Maxwell. He LOVES lists, and I am a big appreciator of lists, so I was pumped to read this book. Seriously, I DEVOURED this book. In an afternoon. It is soooooo good. SERIOUSLY GOOD. I cannot wait for the Iguanas to read it (Iguanas are the people I work with, well I guess I am one too...anywho...). So, this book is just as the title states - it takes 17 of the best traits for a team player, and condenses them into a story, a to do list, and a take-away. SOOOO good. It is a list of every quality that you want in a co-worker, and in yourself. If you work in any kind of setting, you can benefit from this book.

Enough of my bookworming for now. I hope to have something more interesting to blog about later this week (maybe even a non work related book :))!

Ps. Here's a picture of me and my "WHY."

**Photo by Lori Steen of Monarch Studio Art**you can reach her at monarchstudioart.com