Last month, I decided to re-organize by bookshelf. Previously, I had my bookshelf organized by colour (I know, I know, I thought it would be fun to organize that way though it has no utility whatsoever aside from being aesthetically pleasing). I wanted to re-organize my bookshelf by category or topic.
The reason?
I wanted to understand what type of books I had, from what authors and what I was reading the most. I also wanted to understand at a glance, what books I had on a particular subject and what I could draw on if I needed inspiration or knowledge. I believe my bookshelf is a reflection of what is important in my life and as all things in life, there's a certain amount of balance needed. For example, if I see that I have many books on leadership, but not as many books on health or writing, that could be an indicator that I see leadership as more important than those two things. Or that I'm not focusing enough on health or writing. Or maybe that I haven't found any good books on health or writing that I would consider adding to my body of knowledge.
When I re-organized my books, I also sectioned out books that I have from the same author and that was telling as well, and perhaps a post for next time. The point is that by taking all of my books from the bookshelf, categorizing the topics and then putting them back on to the bookshelf, I was able to physically touch the book, remember it, and identify for myself if it was worth re-reading or not.
Currently, this is on my re-read list for next year:
This is marketing by Seth Godin
This book is especially important given that I am expecting to publish a new book by the end of this year / early next year. I literally have done no marketing for any of my previous books and I want to continually experiment with marketing my books until I find something that works. I know reading this book from a legendary marketer will help me take specific actions to some sort of marketing plan.
48 Laws of Power and The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene
I recently gifted the 48 laws of power AND the laws of human nature to one of my good friends and I have been thinking a lot about these books and how they can help with my life. The 48 Laws of Power is good to know and understand, not because I want to manipulate people or gain more power, but I want to understand when these laws are being used against me and how to counteract them. When I look at some of the situations I have been in, I think of myself as naive and a bit of a pushover and I don't think anyone wants to feel like they are being taken advantage of. The Laws of Human Nature was recently published by Robert this past year and I feel that by understanding these laws, we can better understand the people around us and why they do some of the things they do. I do think humans are more complex to be broken down into simple laws, but the laws give us the basics to which the more complex ideas can be layered on. For example, in one law, I understand that everyone has both a yin and a yang, that is a masculine and a feminine side that is influenced by your parents, environment, your upbringing, etc. Knowing this can help us interact and communicate with others (in general, when we seek out relationships, we seek out those with the opposite yin and yang to counterbalance us).
Perennial Seller by Ryan Holiday
What makes a product a much beloved product that sells year after year (not just a best seller, but a best seller for many years)? How do you create something that leaves a legacy? Ryan has a roadmap in this book that helps you make your work and your message stick. Definitely worth re-reading as you are working on any worthwhile project that you want to leave a mark in.
7 strategies for wealth and happiness by Jim Rohn
Do you want to be wealthy? Do you want to be happy? Maybe it isn't as simple as following 7 strategies from Jim Rohn. Or is it? Many of the times, I re-read because I want to constantly bombard myself with positive messages and educational content that I think about. Why? Because I know what I think about constantly is what I become.
You are awesome by Neil Pasricha
Neil's latest book is like a cheerleader that is in your corner telling you that you are awesome. And sometimes everyone needs that cheerleader in the corner. His book is his most vulnerable and personal yet, and that is what makes it so much more engaging. And like his other book The Happiness Equation, he provides very tactical actions that anyone can take to become more awesome and to think about how awesome their lives are.
Tools of Titans and Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss
The Tools of Titans is about the small items and hacks that some of the most successful entrepreneurs, athletes and business leaders use to optimize and improve their lives and Tribe of Mentors is advice from again, some of the most successful entrepreneurs, athletes and business leaders on a wide variety of topics. Every time I pick up and read either one of these books, different things jump out at me depending on what I am thinking about at the time. I find that doing a re-read means that I am often surprised at how relevant the advice or tool is based on the problem or situation I am in.