My Reading List from 2009: Ranging From: The Only Sustainable Edge to The Master and Margarita

In concert with the practice of yearly goal setting, at the beginning and end of each year, I try to take a step back and reevaluate my reading and learning aspirations. Inspired by my cousin and brother-in-law who are avid readers, I have compiled my 2009 reading list and posted it here. Soon to be published will be my reading list for 2010, based on my books I've read, am reading or will read, albeit belated ....

With life's increasing demands and busyness, recently I have had a tough time getting through books in their entirety, reading every single page from cover to cover. So, to start from a more reasonable place, last year I set a goal of reading two books a month; one book business-related, the other social, global, or religious. Going forward in 2010 however, I want to do a better job of recording what I learn from my readings, so I am going to start using a mind map to outline and collaborate with other readers. Let me know if you're interested in joining the fun.

I've included the Amazon links for each book for your convenience and hope you check some of them out. If you've read any of these books before, I'd be interested in your thoughts. If you have any favorite reads you might recommend, please share.

I'd say my top two of all 24 listed below would have to be: One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich and Economics in One Lesson, in no particular order. That said, I enjoyed them all. Stay tuned for more ... I can't wait to share more good reads with you!

January
- Crucial Conversations
- The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid

February
- The Only Sustainable Edge
- High Noon: 20 Global Problems, 20 Years to Solve Them

March
- Outliers
- Three Cups of Tea

April
- The Big Switch
- Man's Search for Meaning

May
- Reality Check
- Mere Christianity

June
- The Long Tail
- One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich

July
- Yes!
- The Master and Margarita

August
- Economics in One Lesson
- Strengths Finder 2.0

September
- Open Business Models
- Saving the World at Work

October
- 10 Rules for Strategic Innovators
- How to Change the World

November
- Future of Management
- 1776

December
- The Rise of the Creative Class
- Joseph Smith Rough Stone Rolling

Today is the first day of the rest of my life

"This is the beginning of a new year, and each of us might well say to himself, 'Today is the first day of the rest of my life.'" N. Eldon Tanner

Let us all strive to make each day of 2010 better than the previous day. And in so doing we will collectively make 2010 better than 2009 and 2010 will be known as the year we emerged net positive in all things after the "lost decade." After all the crisis is over and things are looking up ....

They walked in circles

I witnessed a family walk circles outside a hotel chain. They were lobbying for better contracts. "Fair wages" they yelled one by one and in unison. Mothers, fathers and eight year olds. Someday I want to help them and help corporations listen to them. And broker a win-win. I understand organizations exist (unions) but a 3rd party who is business minded and connected, might help.

Your goals are more important than theirs

Here are some quotes about goals and steadfastness:

Make a goal and strive towards that goal because you wanted it for some reason. You wanted the goal - so keep it. Nothing can stop you. Only Divinity.

“You've always got to be aware of why you don't win, otherwise you'll keep losing. Every mistake is a learning experience and, hopefully, you won't make the same mistake again.” Layne Beachley, world champion surfer

“Great thoughts reduced to practice become great acts.” William Hazlitt - English writer

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” Michael Jordan

“If you practice many, many times you will get good.” Anonymous

“The world can only be grasped by action, not by contemplation.” Jacob Bronowski

“Every exit is an entrance somewhere else.” Tom Stoppard

“If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Abraham Lincoln