5 Books That Changed The Way I Think
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
This book is the reason I changed careers from being a Mechanical Design Engineer to a Product Manager.
The idea of great companies starting with WHY they do what they do, then HOW they do it, then WHAT they do struck me.
From that point onwards I knew I wanted to work on teams that were Vision-Led with a Powerful Why.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
I ready this book when I was on maternity leave with my first-born. One thing I remember reading was to not expend more energy in one day than you can fully recover from by tomorrow. This was extremely timely, as the demands of adding children to your life are pretty extreme.
This got me thinking that there are probably 3 big things I can do each day that move the needle and if I prioritize those, instead of minutia, I can be more effective in my life.
A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle
I read this book during the COVID pandemic. I think I heard Oprah recommend it, and I find her to be an especially grounded human being.
The thing I remember most about this book was the idea of eliminating your personal ego as much as possible. I think this is a book I need to reread every couple of years, because personal ego is a hard thing to keep at bay.
David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell
I read this book in my early Twenties. One thing I remember reading was that over 25% of the U.S. President’s had lost their father when they were young. I also lost my father when I was young, and it was easy, up to that point, to see all the disadvantages and challenges I was faced with that others weren’t.
After reading this book, I realized if not for the obstacles in my life, none of my future successes would be possible. I stopped dwelling on the past, and realized that my hardships were something that uniquely equipped me to handle the life I had ahead.
The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks
I read this book most recently of the list. The two takeaways in this book were identifying my Zone of Genius and understanding the ULP (Upper Limit Problem).
I grappled for a long time if my Zone of Genius was in Tech or Athletics. I had traditional success in Engineering and Software Product Management, but undeniable talent in any athletic pursuit I put time into.
This book helped me identify that Zone of Genius isn’t as simple as “Am I good at Tech?” or “Am I good at Athletics?” - the actual thing I’m good at is getting started, doing the most essential work well, and accomplishing the goal I set out to do. So, whatever field I do that in, I enjoy.
The ULP (Upper Limit Problem) was eye opening for me too. What I remember most was how we sabotage our success when we reach our Upper Limit. In order to live outside your limit, you need to stretch and question your limiting beliefs - which is easier said than done.