Category: Books

Books, Self improvement

The Plot to Destroy Democracy by Malcolm Nance

If you are trying to make sense of all the crazy events involving the 45th president you may need to read “The Plot to Destroy Democracy” by Malcolm Nance. Mr. Nance is a career military and intelligence official with a great deal of background and he uses it to make sense of a wide range of trends and events that lead to our current circumstance. If we have any chance of building a better world we have to understand how the bad actors are trying to take us all in a different direction. Malcolm Nance connects the dots on everything from; Putin’s takeover of Russia, the rise of right-wing parties in Europe, Brexit, the oligarch system spreading from Russia, to American conservatives falling in love with Vladimir Putin. The lies that we see coming from entire political parties are not being told for just for fun; there is much more to the story. If you want to know the facts then get the book.

Books, Review, Self improvement

Book Review – The Total Money Makeover

I just finished Dave Ramsey’s book “The Total Money Makeover”. This is a great short read for anyone who wants to improve their financial circumstance and/or lifestyle. Dave has clear steps and practices that anyone can understand and put into practice; the only thing you need to add is determination and you will change your life. This book has a lot to offer, but I know how easy it is to substitute or create a hybrid of Dave’s formula. The book spells out that you can; have a disciplined budget, a clear focus (the debt snowball), and a goal to live like no one else so that you can live and give like no one else (retire debt free with a million plus in assets).

Books, Self improvement

Born to Win by Zig Ziglar is foundational

The book Born to Win (by Zig Ziglar and Tom Ziglar) is a great one for anyone looking to make changes in their life. The book provides tools and insight to help you figure out who you are, what you want, and how to get there. Zig Ziglar ( who has passed on) and his Tom Ziglar provide both great life stories along with concrete tools to both motivate and support the change process. The book has 3 main focus areas; plan for success, prepare for success, and expect success, with a fourth area of tools for success. This book pairs nicely with understanding how to develop and change habits (previous review).

Books, Self improvement

The Power of Habit- a timely New Year book review

Charles Duhigg wrote a powerful book (The Power of Habit) that gives us tools to impact a central area of our lives – habits. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their life. Here is a brief summary of the central question key points of the book. What’s the best way to release yourself from negative habits? You need to understand the habit loop; which is made up of three stages:

1.Cue – something that triggers your habit

2.Routine – the behavior that follows after you’ve triggered your habit

3.Reward – the positive reinforcement your brain identifies with the routine you use.

The key to breaking out of habit loops is to understand these three stages and little changes you can make in any one, or all of them to change your behavior. With time and discipline you can make small substitutions or choices consistently and change whatever you desire about your habits!

Books, Self improvement

Extreme Ownership is a valuable read on leadership and life

I recently completed the audiobook version of Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. The book is excellent and very helpful in a variety of ways. I was a believer in the idea that you cannot fix a problem if you don’t own it before I listened to the book. Listening to this book and it’s concise lessons and strategies pushes the listener to take responsibility and do more in life. This is a great book by warriors who know what they are talking about.

Books, Self improvement

Enlightenment Now is a great book

Steven-Pinker-Enlightenment-Cover-CropI have been reading the book Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker. I recommend this book for everyone who wants to know more about current events, and the condition of the world. We are bombarded by the current state of chaos in our government, but the world does not stop because we are dysfunctional. Read or listen to this book for in-depth information and perspective on important trends and events in our country and the world.