If you want to get ahead, you have to hit the books. That’s true in school, and probably even more so once you’ve graduated and nobody’s holding your hand anymore, telling you what to read and giving you good grades for it. Every endeavor or profession has its requisite reading material, but here’s a list of must-reads for success at anything.
1. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie – It’s best to go ahead and get this one out of the way up front. Especially if you’re trying to make your foray into the business world, chances are this book has influenced anyone you’re trying to befriend or influence. It’s really intended to help people in sales and marketing, but these days a big part of success in anything, whether you’re an artist or a web programmer, is being able to promote yourself. It used to be called putting your best foot forward. Now it’s called “building your personal brand.” Whatever it is, this book will help you figure out how to do it.
2. The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho – This is a really great read, and quick, too. This fictional story of a young shepherd’s quest for his destiny isn’t written for professional success, but the personal inspiration you’ll feel after reading it could certainly be applied to your career. Achieving one’s personal best is a major theme of this book, as is the notion that what we want and what we need is not always the same thing. Americans put this book in the realm of literature, but the author is regarded as more of a self-help writer in his native Brazil. Po-tay-to/Po-tah-to. Whatever. I just know it’ll make you feel like you can do anything.
As a realtor at a time when homeowners and prospective buyers are nervous about the real estate market it’s essential Bridget Ross remain rooted in her Style Statement, Elegant Invitation, respectful, gracious and poised at the same time welcoming and connecting with her community. Watch how Style Statement guides Bridget in building her business and gives her joy.
“Consumers feel the next Crisis” today’s New York Times headline.
Globally conversations are filled with doom and gloom peppered ever so briefly with some brevity. Several of my friends and family are feeling the crunch, (finance and real estate), and wonderfully some people are seeing possibility. When written in Chinese, the word “crisis” is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity. And opportunity refers to a moment of chance.
What would it be like if we made a pivotfrom danger to opportunity?
The danger of losing a job to the opportunity of creating work you love.
The danger of not paying bills to the opportunity of learning to ask for help. My girlfriend shared how strapped she was and discovered groceries on her door the next day.
From a position of lack to appreciation for what we have. Give thanks with your family at dinner or before bed.
To be present for that moment of chance; ie. the possibility to learn a new skill in your present job that supports the company in this time of crisis. Be indispensable.
Your descendants shall gather your fruits. – Virgil
Carrie says: I would like to pass down beauty. In wedding dresses I designed, ideas created, words shared, gifts given and time spent with loved ones.
Danielle says: Sizzling realism in every form of media – especially books, books, books! Conscious birthing and parenting inspiration. Effective philanthropy. A child who fully lives his freedom. Kick ass dance moves.
A man’s identity should be based on much more than what he’s paid to do 9-5. For a stay-at-home dad/ writer/gardener, the issue is even more poignant.
“So, what do you do?” It’s the standard male greeting, the first attempt to figure out who a man is, the human equivalent to a dog’s bum smelling dance. But who says job equals identity?
I’ve progressed from “Busboy” to “Social Worker” to “Director of Strategic Partnerships”, and each time glowed a little more, felt a little more worthy with the answer. People at those parties could tell right away that I was accomplished, Doing something Big, validated by some organization willing to give me that title and pay me for it. But was I becoming a better person?
“Consumers feel the next Crisis” today’s 
Carrie says: I would like to pass down beauty. In wedding dresses I designed, ideas created, words shared, gifts given and time spent with loved ones.
A man’s identity should be based on much more than what he’s paid to do 9-5. For a stay-at-home dad/ writer/gardener, the issue is even more poignant.
