Booking the Trend - Swapping Training for Text

Quick update on my training for the London to Paris ride, and some book recommendations!

For all my big talk of forming habits and basically “getting it done,” I am sorry to report that the last couple of weeks have been a complete failure. Whilst I’ve been able to do pockets of exercise and training, the demands of the day job, together with family commitments and the frailties of middle age served to shake my recent resolve and rendered me practically inactive.

Whilst I’ve done some training, I’ve not kept up my recording thereof, and it’s not been regular enough. However, it’s not all bad, and I feel that a break has done me some good. It has served as a tonic to my motivation and I find myself chomping at the bit, ready to take on the Surrey hills and get some miles under my wheels.

The lesson I’m learning from this? Sometimes you just need a break! The good habits I formed are still lurking, and I’m enjoying picking them back up again. Big picture: I’m still on track, but I have work to do.

'Braking' the Habit

I put the brakes on training, but I was able to accelerate my participation in another habit, that of personal development.

I love getting book recommendations, and here are a few titles that I’ve been recommended recently that have resonated in some way, in no particular order.

Sharing them is in no way a selfless act: I subscribe to the view that you haven’t truly understood something unless you can explain it clearly and concisely to someone else, or as an old boss of mine used to say, “in a way that my granny could understand”. Through summarizing them, I’m both cementing my understanding, and passing on some great reads. Win-win!

However, I also want more! So tell me: what books do you recommend?

Conditioning Kills Confidence, Yvonne Matzk

This is a special book and first on my list as the author is an industry friend of mine. Yvonne has uncovered the root to many of the issues that serve to undermine our confidence, cause imposter syndrome, and make us feel like we don’t belong.

This book is a wonderfully simple guide to achieving more confidence, unlocking more of your true, authentic self, and carving out your place in the world. I’m recommending Yvonne's book not only because I know her, but because it's a wonderful read. You can order it here: Conditioning Kills Confidence Hardback | Coachere

The Habit of Excellence, Lt Col Langley Sharp

I’m sure many people have found themselves navigating the odd dicey situation at work where we’ve had to deliver under pressure. It’s hard to imagine an environment where this happens more than in the Army. In 'The Habit of Excellence', Lt. Col. Langley Sharp offers a riveting exploration of leadership and personal development based on the Army Leadership Model, grounded in the disciplined and transformative experiences of military life.

This book is intended as a practical toolkit for your professional journey. I find that Langley Sharp's insights, drawn from an extensive military career, resonate with the corporate world, making this book a great choice for those seeking to cultivate resilience, enhance team dynamics, and develop a mindset geared towards continuous improvement. Taking military concepts and applying them in the corporate environment makes 'The Habit of Excellence' really stand out. It’s a fascinating read, not least as it explores the origins of the Army itself. I enjoyed this. Thanks Stephen Hughes for the tip!

The Diary of a CEO, Steven Bartlett

A couple of people recommended this one to me, but I’m going to give credit to Lisa Keilthy. This is a raw and revealing journey into the heart of entrepreneurial life. Unlike most business memoirs, Steven Bartlett's diary-style narrative offers an unfiltered glimpse into the highs and lows of building a business from the ground up. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of a vision.

I am finding this book to be a valuable companion as I plot my development journey (especially the concepts of the “First Foundation” and filling one’s ‘buckets’ in the right order) and I’m sure someone on the path to creating something of their own would also find it useful. The personal anecdotes and practical wisdom are meant to go beyond business strategy, delving into the emotional and psychological challenges of being a leader.

For anyone aspiring to step into the entrepreneurial world or seeking inspiration to push their boundaries, 'Diary of a CEO' serves as a compelling testament to what it takes to succeed. Whilst Steven Bartlett isn’t to everyone’s taste, he’s undoubtedly achieved a lot at a young age, and I found that his candid approach makes this book not just an educational read but also an incredibly motivating one. Laura Gordon got to interview him recently and had good things to say. Read his book and judge for yourself.

Change Your Questions, Change Your Life, Marilee Adams

I have Laura Gordon herself to thank for this book – being our inspirational and multi-award-winning Vistage chair, her recommendations are a sure sign of quality! This book is written in the style of a fable, so should appeal to those among us who read Patrick Lencioni’s works. It’s an exploration into how the questions we ask ourselves and others can shape our reality and influence our success.

Marilee Adams introduces the concept of 'Question Thinking,' a method of turning habitual negative thinking patterns into more constructive and positive questions. This approach is not just theoretical, there are practical tools and strategies that can be applied in everyday life and professional scenarios. The book stands out for its simplicity and profound impact, and I’d recommend it to people looking to foster a mindset of curiosity and open-mindedness.

In my line of work and as a leader, I’ve found the simple act of re-framing statements as questions to be one of the single most powerful tools in my kit bag. It’s only through asking lots of questions that I can do my job properly as a professional and a leader, and this book articulates neatly why that is so important. Some of the terminology is easy to understand and apply, like when you get yourself on the ‘Judger’ path, and there are online resources to accompany the book. The engaging storytelling and real-world examples make complex psychological concepts accessible and relatable. For anyone on a journey of self-improvement or aspiring to be a better leader, communicator, or thinker, this book could be a transformative resource that offers a new perspective on the power of asking the right questions.

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, David Epstein

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World was recommended to me by Sara Baillie. If Sara recommends something, you can take that to the bank.

David Epstein wrote this book as a counter-narrative to the prevailing notion that specialization is the only path to success. He argues the case for generalists, illustrating how individuals with broad interests, diverse experiences, and a willingness to embrace learning from varied fields often have a unique advantage in solving complex problems and innovating.

As someone who enjoys learning from varied fields, not to mention someone who’s on their fifth job title in 10 years, I love the thinking behind Range. Through a series of engaging stories and research, the book explores how lateral thinking, adaptability, and a broad skill set are crucial in an ever-changing world. It’s a real eye-opener and it's a call to action for embracing a more holistic approach to learning and career development.

This book may be particularly resonant for those feeling pigeonholed in their careers or who value interdisciplinary thinking. It encourages us to rethink our approach to learning and problem-solving, and I’d recommend it for those of us looking to cultivate a more adaptable and innovative mindset in themselves and their teams.

BONUS TITLE: The Satsuma Complex, Bob Mortimer

This is my gift to everyone who’s recommended a book to me.

This book is a delightful departure from conventional development reads, providing a little light relief with its lovely blend of levity, storytelling, and quirky language. Bob (I feel we would be on first-name terms) is, of course, known for his comedic brilliance, and he ventures into the literary world with a tale that is both engaging and whimsically absurd.

The book's charm lies in its ability to weave hilarity into an otherwise ordinary setting, making it a perfect palate cleanser for those inundated with heavy or serious literature. Bob celebrates the unexceptional and I suspect his ‘hero’, Gary, is more than a little autobiographical (Bob was, famously, the Cockroach King). Its narrative is a testament to Bob’s imaginative prowess, filled with twists and turns and characters that are both relatable and outrageously funny. It could be a breezy weekend read or a humorous escape from your everyday drudgery, but either way 'The Satsuma Complex' is a delightful choice. It’s a reminder of the joys of reading for pure entertainment, making it an excellent shout for anyone in wanting to unwind with a book that is light, amusing, and refreshingly different. I enjoyed it enormously.

PRO TIP: make sure you enjoy it as an audiobook, as it's read by Bob himself, along with Sally Phillips.

So tell me: what books would YOU recommend? I’m shopping for gifts, so let me know!

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