3 Really Interesting Books I've Read This Year.

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In January, I decided I was going to read a lot more books this year. I find that it is easy to make excuses for a task or activity when it's really not a priority. I made this a priority this year. Scientific evidence shows that you are 2x to 3x more likely to follow through with a habit/task if you make a specific plan for when, where, and how you are going to implement it. This is known as an implementation intention. I tried to make sure my books are available in specific places where I have some free time such as in the car when I commute , at my bed side and in my bag, so I could read up a few pages whenever I'm waiting for a meeting or appointment. I really enjoyed  reading these three books out of all the books I've read this year. So, I thought I'd share. Let's dig into the books, shall we?   David & Goliath    Malcolm Gladwell's David & Goliath is a fantastic book about what happens when ordinary people confront giants. It was quite intriguing for me because the bible story I read as a child always focused on how David was courageous and bold to confront Goliath. Yes, he was bold and courageous but the gap which Malcolm's book filled was the fact that David was skilled and being skilled with a sling and, of course, the God factor contributed immensely to Goliath's defeat. It's commonplace to think of strength as physical might but this book made me appreciate that power indeed comes in different forms ;thinking out of the box, superior intelligence, experiencing tragedy, or even what the world calls a disability.  It's a good read if you feel like an under dog in life or business. It will help you identify your strengths effectively.   The E-myth Revisited - Why most small businesses don't work and what to do about it   I absolutely enjoyed reading every page of this book. This is a must read for every entrepreneur. If you've ever wondered why small businesses fail, you'll find the answer in this book and its other versions; E-myth mastery, E-myth Manager The E-myth has nothing to do with the internet. It simply refers to 1;the myth that most people who start small businesses are entrepreneurs and 2; the fatal assumption that an individual who has technical knowledge can successfully run a business. Most of us go into business because we have the technical skills e.g I'm very good at baking cakes, so I start a business to make and sell cakes. or we see an opportunity to offer a service and we build a business  around it immediately. This book demonstrates how a successful business requires the Entreprenuer, the Manager and The technician. The Entrepreneur is the visionary in us. The dreamer. It is our creative personality. The Manager is pragmatic. Without the Manager, there would be no planning, no order and no predictability. According to Micheal Gerber, If the entrepreneur lives in the future, the Manager lives in the past. The Technician is the doer. He lives in the present. The Technician isn't interested in 'ideas', he's only interested in 'how to do it'. While the Entrepreneur dreams, the Manager frets and the Technician ruminates. Sound familiar? Lol. If you're a small business owner, you have a bit of these three personalities in you.I recommend you read this book to gain a deep understanding on how to effectively manage these personalities and build a great business. Working for God in the market place   I love this book by Ndidi Nwuneli. It is filled with insight on how to cope with the challenges that come with working in the individualistic and really competitive business environment. So many times, it's easy to live our faith at home or in church but not in the market place. The truth is a different set of rules shouldn't apply to how we live our faith in the office and outside the office. I enjoyed reading the short stories of young people struggling to live according to God's standards in the market place. I found it encouraging to know that this wasn't my unique experience. but a common occurrence. The case studies shared real life experiences on how we struggle with; knowing when to step out and when to back down, demonstrating integrity and accountability in every aspect at work. It has definitely empowered my walk with God in the market  place. I hope this short review encourages you to read these three (3) books or more importantly show you how you can build the capacity you need to grow as an individual or in business. Every new phase or challenge you face in life is a great opportunity to build capacity and grow immensely during that period in your life. Take up the challenge to build capacity rather than whine or complain. There is a lot of knowledge 'hidden' in books. You just need to open the pages...and read. Have you read any of these books? If not, what books have you read this year?