Rocket Fuel for Renewal

Turn off the news, close that social media app, and put down the piece of bread. They are all the same: addicting, unhelpful, and lacking real nutrition!

With more than a month into stay at home orders and probably some time to go, the emotional and mental strain may be taking its toll. Here are some resources that can help you with adjusting to the current situation and finding some time to renew yourself. Below is a list of ten books forth reading for you to choose from. If reading isn’t your thing—good news! Most of these are available as an audiobook and nearly all have an accompanying Ted Talk that will give you an overview in 15-20 minutes.

 Viktor Frankl observed that “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Hopefully you can find a little inspiration for yourself here.

Feel free to share the list and suggest others as well. We are all in the same storm,

Finding Happiness

The Happiness Advantage.  This book by Shawn Achor has a simple premise: Happiness is not an outcome of success, it is a predictor of success. It also provides a proven solution: follow the habit of writing down three things you are grateful for each day, you change your lens by which you view the world and can reprogram yourself to be happy. The author also has an incredibly popular Ted talk that covers most of the book and the principles of gratitude. 

I am Third. Not one you’ll find on many lists. This is the story of pro football hall of fame Gale Sayers, his struggle to achieve greatness, and his long-time friendship with Brian Piccolo, who died of cancer. It is a poignant story of struggle, a friendship that was stronger than racial tensions, and of strength in helping others. The story of Brian and Gale’s friendship was made into a movie called “Brian’s Song.”

Daring Greatly. Yes, my wife has gotten me to read Brené Brown, and I like her. She has many books, but this is a good place to start, discussing the topics of vulnerability and courage. Also, if you want a short tutorial on vulnerability, see this very popular Ted talk. 

Finding Meaning in Struggle

Man’s search for meaning. Viktor Frankl was a concentration camp survivor who wrote of his experience, and found this important truth, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." Containing insight on how one’s thoughts dictate their response to their circumstances, it has been one of the most influential books for decades. There is a well done video summary of his book on YouTube.

The Long Walk to Freedom.  The autobiography of Nelson Mandel is an inspiring example of finding purpose in difficulties. This is a long book so I have linked to the audio book. If you don’t have interest in a biography (as great as it is) you can listen to this talk by Boyd Varty “What I learned from Nelson Mandela” and the idea of Ubuntu, a collective society.

The Hiding Place.  You have probably read the Diary of Anne Frank, but have you heard the story of Corrie Ten Boom? This amazing story story recounts their efforts to hid their Jewish friends and the struggles they face, and Corrie’s observation of her sister ability to love their enemies. You can watch the 1975 movie on Amazon with an Amazon Prime membership.

Improving Your Life by Improving Yourself

Make your bed. Admiral William McCraven writes about how the little things matter. If you want to learn it in 15 minutes, watch his commencement address at the University of Texas. If you don’t have 15 minutes, watch this short dramatized version of the message in four minutes. 

How Will You Measure Your Life? Clayton Christensen, the same HBS professor that brought you disruptive innovation and job theory writes about how to achieve a fulfilling life. Professor Christensen (who recently passed away), gave a Ted talk on the topic.

Tiny Habits: The Small Changes that Change Everything.  The key to gaining good habits is as simple as the formula B=MAT. That simple formula of behavior, motivation, ability, and trigger is behind Stanford professor BJ Fogg’ explanation of making changes through building very tiny habits. His explanation of the formula for success can be found in his Tedx talk. You can also visit his website to sign up for a simple and free text-based challenge program to get you started.

Self-Renewal: The Individual and The Innovative Society. Written by Stanford professor James Gardner, this powerful book in an inspiring book to help you never stop learning. This short book is 150 pages and worth reading as it will inspire you to life-long learning.

William Kilmer is a venture investor, executive, founder, and author of the upcoming book,  Transformative. For more information, visit www.wkilmer.com.