3 Books, 3 Messages, 3 Actionable Practices for Life Long Learning

As we age we increasingly rely on experience and wisdom to guide us. It's good to give that wisdom a top up by learning about something new. My colleague Duncan O'Brien has curated 9 actionable practices from 3 Authors. Whether you're a leader, coach, or someone on a journey of personal growth, these practices are designed to help you thrive in both life and work.

1. The Gap and the Gain – Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Message 1: Progress Over Perfection In life, we often compare ourselves to future ideals, which can lead to frustration. Sullivan and Hardy remind us to measure backward, focusing on how far we've come—this is where true happiness lies.

Actionable Practice: At the end of each day, write down three small but meaningful gains you've made. They could be personal, professional, or emotional achievements. Over time, this daily habit builds a foundation of positivity and motivation.

Message 2: Redefining Success Success isn't external; it's internal. When we stop using society's benchmarks to measure our worth and instead look at our own growth, we redefine what winning looks like.

Actionable Practice: Start a weekly journal where you celebrate personal progress. Look at where you were a month or a year ago, and acknowledge the growth—no matter how small.

Message 3: Mindset is Everything Your mindset determines how you experience the world. By adopting a gain-oriented mindset, you'll find greater well-being, productivity, and deeper relationships.

Actionable Practice: Each morning, set an intention to focus on your progress. Use affirmations or visualizations to remind yourself of the gains you've made and the potential ahead.

2. Why Leaders Eat Last – Simon Sinek

Message 1: Serve Your Team First Great leaders prioritize their team’s well-being above their own. This selflessness builds trust and loyalty, creating an environment where people feel valued.

Actionable Practice: Every day, perform one small act of service for someone on your team. This could be offering help, mentoring, or simply listening. The goal is to foster trust without expecting anything in return.

Message 2: The Power of Psychological Safety When leaders create a "circle of safety" where everyone feels secure, team members become more innovative and resilient.

Actionable Practice: Regularly check in with your team to ensure they feel heard and supported. Encourage open communication and create spaces where they can express concerns or share ideas without fear of judgment.

Message 3: Humans Crave Purpose and Belonging We’re wired to thrive in environments where we feel a sense of belonging and purpose. As a leader, creating this atmosphere is key to unlocking your team's full potential.

Actionable Practice: Introduce rituals that reinforce your team's shared mission. Start meetings by discussing purpose or sharing a recent success that aligns with your collective goals.

3. Positive Intelligence – Shirzad Chamine

Message 1: Master Your Mind Your mind can be your greatest ally or your worst enemy. Chamine teaches that we all have “saboteurs” (self-sabotaging thoughts) and a “sage” (our wise, empathetic self). Increasing your Positive Intelligence (PQ) strengthens the sage while weakening the saboteurs.

Actionable Practice: Identify your top saboteur, like the Judge or the Hyper-Achiever. Then, incorporate mindfulness techniques—such as breathwork or focusing on a physical sensation—three times a day to reduce its hold on you.

Message 2: From Survival to Growth Instead of reacting to challenges with fear or judgment, the sage looks for growth opportunities. This mindset shift improves creativity, resilience, and decision-making.

Actionable Practice: Next time you face a challenge, ask yourself, “What’s the opportunity here?” This reframing unlocks your creative thinking and helps you navigate obstacles with clarity.

Message 3: Live with Empathy and Wisdom Chamine advocates living with your sage's values: curiosity, compassion, and purpose. Doing so empowers you to lead a life of meaning, rather than one dictated by fear or perfectionism.

Actionable Practice: Each morning, spend five minutes visualizing how your “sage” would handle your day. Envision dealing with challenges from a place of wisdom and empathy. This daily practice strengthens your ability to respond thoughtfully instead of react emotionally.

Final Thoughts:

Growth—whether personal, professional, or both—requires intention, reflection, and the willingness to embrace new perspectives. The insights from The Gap and the Gain, Why Leaders Eat Last, and Positive Intelligence offer us valuable frameworks to create a more fulfilling, purpose-driven life.

Try integrating one or two of these practices into your routine and watch how your mindset, leadership, and overall well-being begin to transform. Share your thoughts on what works for you and how these principles resonate with your journey.

Call to Action:

If you found this newsletter helpful, share it with your network or comment below with your own key takeaways. Let’s keep the conversation going about how we can all grow and lead with purpose.

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