Month: December 2013

The Best Books To Read Over the Holidays

This post is for people who read a lot.  If you haven’t read at least 100 books over the last 10 years then you can stop reading now.

The best books to read over the holidays are not new books or even books that are only new to you.

Instead, you should read books that you’ve already read.  Books that you already know inspire you.  Books you already know have massive insights. Books you already know motivate you.

During the holidays, there is no reason to take a chance on a book you know nothing about.

The reason why is simple.  Time is a premium during this time of year.  It’s better to optimize it on rereading a quality book that you haven’t read in a few years and refresh that feeling of excitement you had when you first read it.

Reality Check: Expectations get punished not rewarded

When you’re expected to do something, you will never get rewarded for doing it. However, you will get punished if you don’t.

Applying this concept to a job is the perfect example. When you apply for a job, everything in the job description is what you’re expected to do. You’ll never get a raise or bonus for doing what’s in the job description. On the other hand, you can get fired or disciplined if you don’t.

This basic principle is applicable to everything from marriage to entrepreneurship.

If you want to reap the rewards in anything you do, you must first be clear on what is expected from you.  Do that first and don’t expect anything special in return.

After you check the box of meeting expectations, then and only then do you have the opportunity to exceed expectations and earn the chance at receiving a reward. 

The next time you do something that doesn’t receive a special thank you, acknowledgement, or reward when you thought it should have, consider this concept.

21 Reasons Why You Should Quit Your Job — How Many Apply to You?

I like to brag about the fact that I quit my job to go after my entrepreneurial dream 18 months ago. I talk about the day I did it here and the books that inspired me to do it here.

Ever since then, I try to convince everyone I meet to do the same. I even offered a steak dinner at the finest restaurant in Atlanta for anyone who quit that Monday when I presented at ProductCamp Atlanta earlier this year.

To help encourage you to quit your job and go after your entrepreneurial dream, below is a list of 21 reasons why you should do it.  If at least 7 of these items apply to you, then reach out to me and let’s figure out a plan to get you to take action.

1. You thought about quitting your job more than 3 times in the past year

2. You don’t like authority

3. You’re worth more as a freelancer than as an employee

4. You don’t get paid more when you make your company more money

5. You’re in a dead end job

6. Your job encourages you to live an unhealthy lifestyle

7. Your only reason for having a job is for security

8. You haven’t got a raise in over a year

9. You enjoy taking risks

10. You enjoy playing poker

11. You enjoy change

12. You hate Mondays

13. You hate your job

14. You hate your boss

15. Your boss hates you

16. Your spouse or significant other thinks you should

17. Your spouse makes enough money to cover your lifestyle

18. You have a side hustle that is making money

19. You don’t want to die with regrets

20. Your friends and family support you

21. The only thing holding you back is fear