The Most Powerful Insight Into The Human Mind...Ever

DV Weekend Pickup #54

Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

The awards, honors, and accolades this book has received don't even begin to do it justice, which says a lot, because it has a ton!  Kahneman, 2002 Nobel Prize winner for his work in economic sciences engages the reader in a conversation on how we make judgements, our daily decision making, and why we think the way we do.  The book features two main characters (parts of the brain)...

• System 1 - Fast thinking, intuitive, effortless, automatic, emotional
• System 2 - Slow thinking, effortful, deliberate, concentrated, logical

...that work seamlessly together.  As you might expect System 2 serves as a monitor for System 1 because for everything that makes System 1 necessary also makes System 1 a liability.  The years upon years of research, experiments, and studies conducted by Kahneman and his partner Amos Tversky make this book really special.  They remind us...

"We are prone to overestimate how much we understand about the world and underestimate the role of chance events."

...that nothing is as important as we think it is, we make judgements entirely to quickly, and we evaluate the past like we KNEW it was going to happen all along.  In the back half, you'll meet two more interesting characters...

• Experiencing Self - The one who does the living
• Remembering Self - The one who keeps score and makes choices

...that serve as a guide as we learn about the halo effect, outcome bias, prospect theory, the endowment effect, why framing matters, and the phenomenon of regret.  Honestly, there is TOO much info to even try to encapsulate in this short review.  So here's the deal, if you're at all interested in why humans act the way they do, then there may not be a better book for you to pick up.

Crush the day!

DV

The Business of the 21st Century

DV Weekend Pickup #53

The Business of the 21st Century by Robert Kiyosaki

Recently I've done some work with a direct selling organization so in an effort to better understand their world I picked up this book...and I was happy I did.  Kiyosaki well known for his Rich Dad, Poor Dad series does his best to provide a clear picture on the real value of network marketing.  While he definitely succeeds in that regard, the more important lesson just might be...

"If you're considering building your own business, you need to be acutely aware of who you're spending your time with and who your teachers are.  It's a crucial consideration."

...the essential wealth building knowledge he provides in the first half of the book.  Kiyosaki pulls from another one of his bestsellers The Cashflow Quadrant by reintroducing the concept in this book.  A grid system that depicts- (E)mployee, (S)elf-employed, (B)usiness owner, (I)nvestor - and shows you what it takes to move from quadrant to quadrant if it's what you desire.  His personal story of tribulation early in his career will serve as a great reminder...

"It's only losers who think that winners never lose, who think mistakes must be avoided at all costs.  Mistakes are priceless opportunities to learn essential lessons."

...that life is a long journey of up's and down's but it's the ones that try, fail, learn, and try again who make it.  If you're in any direct selling or network marketing organization I'd consider this a must read.  If not, it's a quick read at about 120 pages and you might be surprised at what you find out...I was.

Crush the day!

DV

Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures

DV Weekend Pickup #52

The Back of the Napkin by Dan Roam

It's likely you might have heard the term "on the back of napkin," it's often used to describe writing or drawing something out quickly to depict something.  Who knew every business problem could be solved this way?  No worries, I didn't either, but in this international bestseller Dan Roam shows us...

"Any problem can be made clearer with a picture, and any picture can be created using the same set of tools and rules."

Being a BIG proponent in the idea of simplicity naturally I couldn't help but pick this one up.  Roam does a great job outlining precisely how visual thinking works - LOOK, SEE, IMAGINE, SHOW - and how you can use it to be effective in whatever line of work you're in!  

He uses some fun case studies like Herb Kelleher's "back of the napkin" drawing to Rollin King which later would be recognized as the foundation of Southwest Airlines.  Roam never lets you forget penning a problem is simple as answering six questions and showing how they transition into pictures.

1. Who/What → Portrait
2. How much → Chart
3. Where → Map
4. When → Timeline
5. How → Flowchart
6. Why → Multiple Variable Plot

In an effort to not misrepresent his SQVID method - in honor of simplicity - I'll let you read the book to find out more.  It helps you design the ideal picture to bring clarity to any problem.  Solid informational read for anybody who teaches, instructs, or consults.  All in all, it has NOTHING to do with how well you draw but all to do with how well you THINK.

Crush the day!

DV

PS - If you have any book suggestions, please message me directly, I'll put it on my list!

The Classic That Has Inspired 100 Million People

DV Weekend Pickup #51

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

It's hard to start anywhere else when describing this book then by calling it the classic beyond classics.  At last count, this book has sold over 100 million copies worldwide and has inspired millions to take action with their lives.  Perhaps, there is no better starting point if you wish to do the same.

"Every adversity, every failure, every heartbreak carries with it the seed of equal or greater benefit."

The origination of the book started from Hill's conversations with one of the wealthiest Americans ever, Andrew Carnegie.  It motivated Hill to then meet with over 500 of America's wealthiest from all different industries with one commonality, starting from nothing.  Upon it's release in 1937 on the heals of the Great Depression, it immediately sent waves through American business culture. He surmised this playbook to live a rich life.

1. Desire - The Starting Point of All Achievement
2. Faith - Visualization and Belief in Attainment of Desire
3. Autosuggestion - The Medium for Influencing the Subconscious Mind
4. Specialized Knowledge - Personal Experiences and Observations
5. Imagination - The Workshop of the Mind
6. Organized Planning - The Crystallization of Desire Into Action
7. Decision - The Mastery of Procrastination
8. Persistence - The Sustained Effort Necessary to Induce Faith
9. Power of the Mastermind - The Driving Force
10. The Mystery of Sex Transmutation - The Ability to Transfer Energy
11. The Subconscious Mind - The Connecting Link
12. The Brain - A Broadcasting and Receiving Station for Thought
13. The Sixth Sense - The Door to the Temple of Wisdom

*How to Outwit the 6 Ghosts of Fear was later added as the final chapter in re-release.

For me it's even more interesting when you realize the real basis of this work.  I feel it's extremely important to note the duality in the term rich as described by Hill in both financial and fulfillment. Quite honestly, you cannot have one without the other and the former does NOT dictate the latter.  

Crush the day!

DV

Confessions of a Media Manipulator

DV Weekend Pickup #50

Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday

One of the most fascinating concepts in today's culture is something "going viral."  Sure, we've all heard that phrase and most, stop there, assuming it caught some magical internet pixie dust on it's way to every mobile phone in America.  Ryan Holiday, author, former head of marketing at American Apparel, and "reformed" media manipulator challenges this notion with a behind the scenes look at how things REALLY go viral.

"The most powerful indicator of what spreads online is anger."

For all intents and purposes, Ryan's whistleblowing accounts are as concerning as they are enlightening.  The biggest reason a national news source picks up a story...first, it goes viral via smaller outlets, meaning unregulated, highly influenced, and the powerful world of online drive national media agenda.  He refers to this phenomenon as "trading up the chain."  

"Things must be negative but not too negative. Hopelessness, despair - drive us to do nothing. Pity, empathy - drive us to do something, like get up away from our computers and act.  Anger, fear, excitement - these drive us to spread."

It becomes even more alarming when you realize how these bloggers, journalists, and "media" outlets get paid - crappy and per click.  You quickly make the realization that more media is placed than you possibly could have imagined.  Media manipulators utilize every lever possible to literally form history.  This book is packed with real life examples, accounts, and displays of exactly how manipulation delivers a false perception to ultimately become true reality.  Read at your own risk!

Crush the day!

DV

The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results

DV Weekend Pickup #49

The ONE Thing by Gary Keller

It's largely an affirmation of achievement concepts I already prescribe to which made it easy to read.  The book has done extremely well since it's 2013 release with a LONG list of awards and accomplishments.  Between that and being recommended several times throughout last year I figured it was about time to give it go.  Keller makes his point rather well...

"What's the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?"

...success demands singleness of purpose, multitasking is a lie, and mastery bears gifts.  Keller refers to the above question as the Focusing Question which could be applied in many areas of life - financial, spirituality health, personal, business, relationships - to define your top priority.  Enabling you to take a very large, hairy, problem stricken life situation and deduce it down to the single most important action you can take to start the domino effect.  He proceeds in warning us to watch out for the Four Thieves...

1. Inability to say "No"
2. Fear of chaos
3. Poor health habits
4. Environment doesn't support your goals

...that steal our time, bury our productivity, and destroy our purpose.  Keller does a great job reminding you, quality over quantity - ALWAYS.  He also throws in many real life examples to support his theories.  If you're in need of a light motivating read to keep you focused and productive then you've landed on a winner.  Grab it and let's chat about it.

Crush the day!

DV

A Zen Master's Method of Meditation, Concentration, and Relaxation

DV Weekend Pickup #48

The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh

This book serves as the perfect starting point for mindfulness beginners.  It is important to note that mindfulness is more than meditation.  Mindfulness is the ability to be acutely aware at all times, not just simply during practice.  TNH is a poet and Zen master who describes the epitome of mindfulness as...

"When walking, the practitioner must be conscious that he is walking."

...when washing dishes, wash dishes and when eating a tangerine, eat the tangerine.  If the idea seems simple, great, it's suppose to be.  The essential discipline of mindfulness is merely to be present in all that we do, every time we do it.

The book is a compilation of letters by TNH (from exile in Paris) to staff members at the School of Youth for Social Service in 1974 Vietnam.  The school he originally founded in 1960 to inspire engaged Buddhism in distraught Vietnam.  Imagine writing to your long lost friends and colleagues, this is how the book feels.

"Meditation is not evasion; it is a serene encounter with reality."

His stories share valuable anecdotes, practical exercises, and teachings to give you an introduction into mindfulness.  He goes on to describe the FIVE aggregates  - bodily formations, feelings, perceptions, mental functions, and consciousness - the latter (consciousness) serving as the basis of existence for the others.  The mental and physical health benefits of meditation are getting harder to ignore so it's an impactful read if you're looking to start your mindfulness journey.

Crush the day!

DV

What the Rich Teach their Kids About Money

DV Weekend Pickup #47

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

I realize the book has a slightly taboo title maybe that's why it's the #1 personal finance book of all time, maybe it's because the topic is that important to your future, or maybe it's a combination of both.  Either way, I appreciate the honest approach at discussing something we all seem to be experts in - financial education.

"In school we learn that mistakes are bad, and we are punished for making them.  Yet, if you look at the way humans are designed to learn we learn by making mistakes.  We learn to walk by falling down.  If we never fell down, we would never walk."

Yes, the book title is that literal.  It actually refers to two men who impacted the (now prominent) author's life as a young boy.  One man being highly educated, hard working, product of our education system and the other being self-educated, hard working, product of a street education.

I'm sure at this point you get where this is going but for me it's important to note the terms "wealth" and "rich" are neither solely described or achieved by capital creation and expansion.  The real lesson is clear...

"The single most powerful asset we have is our mind.  If it is trained well, it can create enormous wealth in what seems to be an instant."

...and we have the power to seek further comprehension in any subject we desire.  This book is packed with financial lessons large and small and should not be overlooked by superficial reasoning. You owe it to yourself to seek understanding if you only have a surface level knowledge base.  Consequently, you will immediately feel more enlightened and fulfilled by being able to see the world from a different vantage point.

Crush the day!

DV

How to Make the Right Reality-Based Strategic Decisions in a Fast-Moving World

DV Weekend Pickup #46

The CEO Who Sees Around Corners by Jay Abraham & Carlos Dias

If you want to learn how to truly optimize every resource available to you and navigate the lightening quick business world we're living in today then there may not be a better book available.  Abraham and Dias are both amazingly accomplished individuals and they do not hold back in this one.  

"It's not what you don't know that causes pain.  It's what you think you know that usually causes the most damage."

The book is carefully broken out into 4 equally essential parts - cognitive intelligence, emotional and social Intelligence, business and talent intelligence, and intellectual intelligence.  Abraham and Dias put a high emphasis on topics like self-awareness, continuous learning, and the ability to think divergently.  Driving home the point...

"We are hardwired to look at the world through our own perspective..."

...which makes it super challenging for leaders during these turbulent times. Simply relying on the good 'ole boys club, dubious assumptions, and old world skill sets are just not viable to make the critical decision necessary to navigate the current market.  

They point to glaring case studies of companies like - Circuit City, Borders, Kodak, LA Gear - and ask the question, "Was simply prominence enough for them?"  Every concept, model, and process is backed with real data and real examples making this a tremendous business resource. Abraham and Dias pull it all together with their solution for modern day leaders - Strategic Wealth Creation System:

1. Plan an assess your current reality (from multiple perspectives)
2. Focus on delivering Abraham's Strategy of Preeminence.*
3. Create and execute a winning business strategy
4. Test ways to optimize growth
5. Sustain preeminence through continuous behaviors
6. Align human resources all on the same vision

If you happen to pick this book up, I'd love to chat with you about it, and hear what you think.  As always don't hesitate to send me a message if you have questions or book suggestions.

Crush the day!

DV

Notes on Startups Or How To Build The Future

DV Weekend Pickup #45

Zero to One by Peter Thiel

Peter Thiel was an original founder of PayPal, founder of Palantir, board member at Facebook, and a tech investor with an impeccable track record.  He is by all accounts a Silicon Valley legend.  

"If you've invented something new but you haven't invented an effective way to sell it, you have a bad business - no matter how good the product."

At first glance you'd think this book is heavily tech focused but you quickly realize it's a challenge to businesses across all industries.  Can you go from 0 to 1?  As in, can you create something that nobody else is creating?  

"Customers won't care about any particular technology unless it solves a particular problem in a superior way.  And if you can't monopolize a unique solution for a small market, you'll be stuck with vicious competition."

In theory, this sounds like a dream! In actuality, well know it's damn hard to do!  Thiel will claim if you're able to answer these 7 questions...

1. The Engineering Question:  Can you create breakthrough technology (vs. incremental improvement?)
2. The Timing Question:  Is now the right time to start this particular business?
3. The Monopoly Question:  Are you starting with a big share of a small market?
4. The People Question:  Do you have the right team?
5. The Distribution Question:  Do you have a way to not just create but deliver your product?
6. The Durability Question:  Will your market position be defensible 10-20 years into the future?
7. The Secret Question:  Have you identified a unique opportunity that others don't see?

...then you've got a chance to make something magical happen.  "The next Bill Gates is not going to create an operating system. The next Larry Page and Sergey Brin will not create a search engine," says Thiel.  

Zero to One is anything but your average take on starting a business, but it is a great read for anyone who wants see business from a different angle.  And sometimes, it's amazing what you can see when you simply change your view.

Crush the day!

DV