Reread this after several years in light of an energy client we’re working with. With all the amazing technological improvements in energy production, little is known (and appreciated) of the country’s greatest achievement – the national grid. While efforts are made to decarbonize our energy future, massive investments must be prioritized to modernize our grid and help deliver power in a more innovative, cost-effective, and reliant manner.
Principles, Your Guided Journal – Ray Dalio
I highly recommend Ray’s first book, Principles, if you haven’t read it. It’s become one of my most gifted books for the clarity and reprioritization it encouraged. Ray walks you through a series of tests, reflections, and prompts in this guided journal to help you determine your operating principles in work and life. You will get out what you put it, and it’s been a valuable resource. My other daily journals/reads include The Daily Stoic Journal, One Line a Day (one for work and one for life), and Jim Loehr’s Personal Credo Journal.
The Great Gatsby – F Scott Fitzgerald
I know this was already listed in my holiday gift guide, but I can’t emphasize enough how important and incredible this book is. I read it every January to set the tone for my year to help keep things in perspective, be wise about who you let into your inner circle, and focus on what matters most. From the opening line:
“In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, he told me, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.”
To the last:
“He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him…Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter – tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther…and one fine morning – so we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
It’s the greatest American novel and worth an afternoon of your time. For more on Fitzgerald, see Careless People and the Daily Stoic Podcast’s interview with Sarah Churchwell.
The Entrepreneur’s Paradox – Curtis Morley
Based on his experience, Curtis has created an actionable framework to aid a founder’s journey to build and scale. Most business books merely serve as business cards for the author and are generally light on content. This book, however, is unique and can apply to companies and executive teams of all sizes.
Lives of the Stoics – Ryan Holiday
Stoicism has risen from its 2,000-year-old grave, mainly due to Ryan Holiday helping this ancient practice apply to modern readers. This book details some well-known and lesser-known characters behind the approach that has helped slaves and emperors find peace and meaning in an ever-changing world. It’s safe to recommend all of Ryan’s books, but if you need to start somewhere, The Stoic Trilogy is my favorite. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is also required reading!
#tetonbookclub
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