I am a huge believer in personal development and think this is the single thing every successful person I know has in common (even if they don't mean to). By personal development, I mean actively seeking knowledge to develop yourself. In the same way you go to the gym to stay physically fit, but committing to develop mentally.
This doesn't have to be through books; personal development can come in many different forms: speaking to people that know more than you, observing people, audiobooks and blogs are just a few ways.
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"Since I committed to one hour a day of personal development, I have learned more in a year than throughout my whole time at school and university."
When I started my business, I knew nothing about sales, accounting, design, raising money, management or any of the skills I had to learn. I learnt them all by watching people, applying what I had seen and reading 1 hour a day minimum. I have maintained one hour a day for over 7 years and have learned so much.
"If I am not learning and applying what I learn daily, I have no hope and will ultimately fall below my potential"
Here are the books and audiobooks that have had the biggest impact on me (not in order as at certain times they ranked more important to me depending on where I was and what I needed to learn). Blogs and podcasts are also great for more up to date industry knowledge.
There are also a number of amazing books like Shoe Dog that I loved reading, but this list is of books that have helped me the most (to date).
1.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things gives an amazing insight into scaling, hiring, firing and all the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. Loads of lessons to take away. 🛠
2.
The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive - great insight into leadership.📞
3.
Rework gave me a totally different perspective on starting and growing a company. 📝
4.
Awaken the Giant Within was a total game changer for understanding myself and how to master me. 💼
5.
The Psychology of Achievement opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about myself and the world. 🧠
6.
From Impossible to Inevitable - huge help when scaling the business. 📈
7.
One Minute Manager covers some basic management skills that I definitely didn't have. 🧑🤝🧑
8.
Be Obsessed or Be Average isn't for everyone, but one that made me understand a different way of thinking about 'wanting more'. 🏅
9.
Sam Walton, Made in America - he was the wealthiest person in the world for many years. Gives real insight into how he started and scaled Walmart. 🌽
10.
The Psychology of Selling was brilliant for understanding some basic ideas around selling. At the time with no selling experience, this book really helped. 💌
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