What's up everyone? I can't believe it's already September. It's freaking crazy, but I guess we could have worse problems. If you need a book heading into labor day weekend, then I can help you out.

August was a 5 book month: 2 psychology/human behavior, 1 self-help, 1 business, and 1 astrophysics. I know that last one is kind of a curveball, but it kept looking at me every time I was in the airport. I had to pick it up!

First, three quick updates...

1.) As I promised last month, I will be doing a Facebook Live Show. The first episode will be Wednesday September 6th at 6:30pm. Yup, next week, so bookmark your calendars! BUT something tells me I won't let you forget.

2.) My book is almost completely edited, which means it'll be on to design shortly - SUPER pumped - expect much more on that in the coming month(s.)

3.) I just created a sweet 12 page FREE eBook you can pick up HERE or click the banner at the top of my website. It's a primer on how to leverage innate behavior - ethically!

Okay, here's my August 2017 Reading List...

*All titles are clickable.

1.) PREDICTABLY IRRATIONAL - DAN ARIELY

"Giving up on our long-term goals for immediate gratification, my friends, is procrastination."

I've really been into human behavior over the last few months, and this is probably my favorite I've read so far. Ariely is not only a genius, but he's pretty damn funny. He unpacks the assumption that we always make smart and rational decisions in our best interest. Not just through research, but through his own studies and experiments he proves that not only are we irrational decisions makers, but we're systematically, consistently, and yes, predictably irrational decision makers.

2.) THE FOUR AGREEMENTS - DON MIGUEL RUIZ

"There is a huge amount of freedom that comes to you when you take nothing personally."

In this self-help classic Ruiz shows us the four limiting beliefs robbing us from happiness, joy, and fulfillment. They're the source of all of our worries, heartaches, and suffering. Honestly, it's very hard to argue these four agreements aren't dire:

Be impeccable with your word.
Don’t take anything personally.
Don’t make assumptions.
Always do your best.

A great foundation and simple enough to stick. As a bonus it's a quick read. Completely worthwhile, go for it.

3.) THE PARADOX OF CHOICE - BARRY SCHWARTZ

“On the other hand, the fact that some choice is good doesn’t necessarily mean that more choice is better.”

Schwartz uses a ton research and examples to show why unlimited choice is not always best for us. In fact, most times it could lead us in the completely wrong direction. It can inspire us to make worse decisions! Perhaps, the best explanation as to why less is more. It was a really enlightening read for me. Especially considering most of my life I've battled a maximization issue (always trying to maximize.) This only magnifies problems that potentially stem from more choice - regret, missed opportunities, social comparison, false expectations - just to name a few.

4.) ASTROPHYSICS FOR PEOPLE IN A HURRY - NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON

“In other words, after the laws of physics, everything else is opinion.”

I think at one point or another we all have looked up at the stars wondering what the heck is going on up there...No? Well, I have! That's what this book is all about, and like all great titles it was speaking to me, because like you, I am in a hurry! Tyson answers basic - or not so basic - questions about the universe. At times, I had zero clue what he was talking about, but other times I was like "Ah yes, that makes sense." This could be a good primer to take you from clueless to cognizant when it comes to the universe. Or perhaps, you'll still be confused...I am.

5.) THE REFERRAL ENGINE - JOHN JANTSCH

"Nobody talks about boring businesses."

The title says it - it's all about referrals. Jantsch teaches you tried n' true strategies around businesses most powerful growth mechanism: word-of-mouth marketing. Quite simply, a solid read with high utility for ANY small business owner.

Please reach out to me if you'd like a personal book recommendation based on your interests, desires, and/or situation.

Comments, suggestions, and feedback are ALWAYS welcome.

Crush the day!