As you begin looking ahead to the exciting goals and challenges of 2022, you may be on the market for inspirational media that will help you get into a winning mindset. If so, look no further than this curated list of recommendations, straight from some of the leaders that help Keller Williams continuously excel within the industry.
KW Commercial division leader of education and training Alicia Shepherd shares, “I am an avid reader and always have two to three books going at once. My hack to have the bandwidth to do so is to time block two of my books – in the morning, I spend 30 minutes with one that is spirit or faith based, and in the evening before bed, I spend 30 to 60 minutes with a book that is business based. The third is always an audiobook that is something fun. More times than not, it is fictional or a biography.”
While you’re brushing up on the classics, including The Millionaire Real Estate Agent and The ONE Thing, consider adding the following titles into your monthly reads and listens.
Give and Take
This bestseller looks at success through the prism of how we interact with others. In a work environment, a majority of people fit one of three categories: takers, matchers, and givers. Through his own research, Grant discusses these styles’ impact on success.
The Compound Effect
The Compound Effect finds Hardy revealing the core principles that drive success in business, relationships, and more. The book discusses the idea that your everyday decisions shape your destiny, and presents you with an operating system that can help you achieve your goals.
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
For those who live to be 80 years old, that is about four thousand weeks. With that in mind, time is a valuable resource. Burkeman’s book looks at ancient and contemporary teachings from philosophers, psychologists, and spiritual teachers in order to guide readers through meaningful time management.
Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most
Burnout is no laughing matter. If you are a high achiever, you shouldn’t have to overextend yourself to the brink of burnout in order to succeed. McKeown teaches readers to focus on the essentials in order to achieve top-notch results.
The Beginning of Infinity: Explanations That Transform the World
Deutsch’s book looks deeply into explanations: in the fields of science, history, art, moral values, etc. In his view, explanations have a fundamental place in the universe, and can drive progress in a variety of fields.
The Greatest Salesman in the World
A 1983 classic, The Greatest Salesman in the World is to be kept bedside and revisited time and time again. Whether you are a veteran or a rookie, this book can provide value to you.
“Deep Questions with Cal Newport” Podcast
Cal Newport has spent years writing about work, tech, and the deep life. In his podcast, he answers reader-submitted questions, such as “Is the era of social media ending?” and “How do I defeat distractions?”
How to Win at the Sport of Business
Top entrepreneur Mark Cuban shares his success story and unconventional ideas for building a successful business.
Tax-Free Wealth
A business essential, Tom Wheelwright’s book walks you through tax laws and provides knowledge in tax planning that can help your business function at its most optimal level.
Zero to One
This NYT bestseller discusses how to find singular ways to create new things, and encourages readers to ask the questions that will lead to innovation in the most unexpected places.
“Entrepreneurs on Fire” Podcast
This podcast is perfect for anyone currently on their entrepreneurial journey. John Lee Dumas interviews successful entrepreneurs and discusses topics of interest that can help budding entrepreneurs on their own expedition.
The New Gold Standard: Five Leadership Principles
Michelli takes a behind-the-scenes look at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, exploring every level of leadership within the organization and pulling the curtain on the company’s ability to offer refined service time and time again.
Trammel Crow, Master Builder: The Story of America’s Largest Real Estate Empire
This book follows Crow’s journey, discussing the methods and strategies used along the way.
Trammell Crow: A Legacy in Real Estate Business Innovation
One more behind-the-scenes look into Crow’s pioneering real estate development tactics.
The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose
Oprah Winfrey states, “Your real job in life is to figure out as soon as possible what that (your purpose) is, who you are meant to be, and begin to honor your calling in the best way possible.” Include this book in your journey.
The Still Voice: A White Eagle Book of Meditation
A selection of readings: each one provides a theme for meditation and a short visualization.
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It
How to handle high-stakes negotiations? Look no further than the expertise of a former international FBI hostage negotiator.
The Color of Law
This important read discusses racial residential segregation as a result of government policy that has taken place since the conclusion of the Civil War and continues to the present day. A must-read.
“Hidden Brain” Podcast
In particular, LeTourneau shares, the ‘Work 2.0 The Obstacles You Don’t See’ and ‘Why Nobody Feels Rich’ episodes.
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
Lencioni uses storytelling to reveal the five dysfunctions which get teams struggling, as well as how these dysfunctions can be overcome.
The Purpose Driven Life
This bestseller, designed to be read in 42 days, provides daily meditations and practical steps to help you live out your purpose. Shepherd shares she re-reads this book every December.
Loving What Is
The author shares four questions that will enable you to see what you find troubling in a completely different light. These questions have helped the author push through depression, rage, and worse.
“Goal Digger” Podcast
A business podcast that explores redefining success and encourages listeners to go after their dreams.
“At the Table” Podcast
A podcast featuring leadership and business experts and heavily focused on teams.
What’s on YOUR reading or listening list?
What are the topics that you are most interested in exploring this winter? Which books and authors have made it on your reading list? And which leadership-recommended books are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments section!