“A book can change a life.”
—Bryan Dodge
One of the major tenants of thinking huge is think learning. In fact, if you’re not reading you’re not growing. But what do you read? While there is nothing wrong with a good page turner, motivational books and business books should be a steady part of your reading diet.
Another genre I would recommend is biographies. Sound boring? That’s what I thought until I started reading a few. I was wrong—biographies are actually a great type of book to read and they offer tons of insight. I’m currently reading the Steve Jobs biography. The information I’m learning are just as good as any business book I’ve read this year.
“The most successful people in history have either written books about themselves or have had books written about them,” says Sean McDonald, president of Your Full Potential. “Reading about how others have achieved great things will inspire and motivate you. Why reinvent the wheel? Read about what other successful people have done and o the same things.”
Here are a few suggestions (some specific, some generic) on biographies you should consider:
- Steve Jobs—It’s on the New York Times bestseller list for a reason. I’m about a third of the way through it and I highly recommend it. Jobs obviously is a fascinating character. The book holds nothing back: it shows the good, bad and ugly of his volatile personality. Whether you are an Apple devotee or think Apple is an evil empire, there are tons you can learn by reading more about Jobs.
- Carly Fiorina—This book (Tough Choices: A Memoir) is another interesting read about a unique business personality. The former CEO of Hewlett-Packard shares her rise to the top and subsequent fall. She also gives keen insight on what it is like to be a female in a male dominated industry.
- Presidential Biographies—It doesn’t matter whether you lean left or right politically, the prior presidents make a solid read. Current possibilities include Decision Points (George Bush) My Life (Bill Clinton). Historical biographies (those of dead presidents) aren’t boring: they are engaging. There is lots we can learn from Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt (both of them), Kennedy and Reagan.
- Disney War—While it’s not a biography on a person, Disney War offers details on a fantastic company: Walt Disney. The book gives many details (both good and bad) about Michael Eisner and his management style. It’s a bit long but it provides in-depth coverage during one of Disney’s most trying times.
- Subject Specific Biographies—Think about your hobbies and what interests you. Then read about people who’ve done some cool stuff in this area, For example, I love to run so I’ve read about Dean Kanazes. If you love to cook, check out Paula Dean’s story (it’s fascinating). No matter what interests you or what your hobbies are pick up a book about someone in that area.
Life is about people. So part of your reading life should include reading about people.
Think Huge!
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