“Are there any must-read books you recommend?”
Ten years ago, I made a huge career and life pivot.
Today, I guide high-achieving seekers mulling the same.
When you are mid-life and redefining success and your impact, it’s hard to know where to start.
My journey is one of my most important tools as a Success Coach. I built a team of resources to get me through. Whether people, books or exercises, I generously share my favorites.
One of the questions I get asked all of the time is what books I recommend.
I love the question because it’s so easy to answer.
I have five pillar books.
- If we are on Zoom together and you look closely, you see them on the bookshelf behind me.
- I refer to them constantly in conversation—with family, friends and clients.
- If you are in my home and we’re discussing a book, I will readily pull it from my bookshelf and lend it to you. I will also ask for it back after one month. That’s how important each one is to me.
Each of these authors is part of what I call my Admiration Team.
They are bold thought leaders. They write, speak, and generously share. Through podcasts and social media, they introduce me to other leaders who deepen the application of their ideas. I continually learn from them.
Collectively, these books and people are my foundation for leading a life of clarity, intention and impact.
They reflect a strategic, growth, and values-driven approach to life and work.
They are not business books; they are not self-development books.
They are BOTH; the concepts apply to how we operate in ALL aspects of our lives.
In no particular order, here are my five pillar books:
“The Trade” by Lon Stroschein. Let’s start with story. Stories provide inspiration and practical examples. In this book, you hear Lon’s raw, authentic life and career story. Lon and I “met” last year on LinkedIn. We share a mission of encouraging individuals to navigate life and career transitions to pursue more meaningful, intention-driven lives. His Normal 40 guides people to redefine their second-half life stories. What I especially like about Lon is that he speaks in particular to “dudes.” Having worked with mostly men in my earlier investment career, I know men need Lon’s story and guidance, shared in a way only a successful fellow “dude” can. As a woman, it’s helpful to hear the male version of the mid-life story—towards redefining our own, and better understanding the men we love.
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek. Published in 2009 and based on one of the most viewed TED Talks of all time, Simon’s idea that individuals and organizations identify and continually share their fundamental WHY—because people care less about WHAT you do, more about WHY you do it—is one most have heard. That doesn’t mean we have applied the concept. The reason? It’s hard! But it’s the number one thing you should do. That’s why it is core to my coaching. This book and “Find Your WHY” pushed me to do the work. It took a few years, but my WHY is clear. It’s the north star to all I do. I connect people and ideas so that we each maximize our impact.
“Essentialism” by Greg McKeown. Greg defines “essentialism” as the disciplined pursuit of less. As an Enneagram Type 7 (Enthusiast) who finds everything interesting, I need to be clear on what truly matters and be skilled at saying no. Most of us do—especially if you are suddenly a free agent following a highly successful career where you will be pummeled out of the gate with alluring opportunities. My number one piece of advice to those in transition is to get clear on your WHY and your current area(s) of focus (don’t worry, they will change). When you communicate this clearly, it makes saying no easier and more elegant. This is an ongoing pursuit. I’ve just ordered Greg’s Essentialism Planner.
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. This isn’t a book about party planning. A gathering is anything that pulls together people—a wedding, a retreat, a party; a weekly team meeting; a 30-minute introductory Zoom call. Sometimes you are the host, sometimes you are an attendee—we can be better at both. Intentional choices lead to better outcomes. We DON’T need to be beholden to unnecessary traditions or rituals; we DON’T need to include everyone. We DO need to be clear on the core purpose. Rules and structure aren’t constraints—they are generous gifts to all involved. Ask me about our 2012 wedding and you’ll hear a celebration that defied tradition but perfectly reflected our WHY, priorities, and celebrated our people.
The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership by Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, and Kaley Klemp. I was introduced to this book by coach and co-author Jim Dethmer in the corporate workplace. But it’s not a business book. It’s a framework for living and leading with awareness, responsibility, integrity, candor and appreciation. Who will do what by when? Am I leading with a full-body yes? Am I above or below the line? Once you adopt and practice the commitments, these questions will automatically echo in your head whether you are planning a family trip with your spouse, asked to join a board or committee, or slated by your boss to take on a new assignment. If you really want to commit, review the commitments and consider joining a Circle.
Here is what I know for sure.
Life is full of uncertainty and transitions.
When we are clear on our values, strengths and story—and define our why, prioritize what is truly essential, take responsibility, and celebrate gratitude and generosity—we are better at making and communicating decisions big and small.
These five authors and books from my Book List are my pillars.
I’d love to know what people, books and tools are among yours.
Need help defining your version of success and impact? That’s my mission as a Success Coach. Read more, connect with me on LinkedIn. I’d love to partner with you.
Discover more from Jodi Morris
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