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The Trade by Lon Stroschein – Book Review
When I think of the trade, I think about a blockbuster sports trade in which high profile players or moved around the league in exchange for other players, draft picks, and/or cash. I think about trading baseball cards. For example, a few weeks ago, I traded several New York Yankees baseball cards to my friend, Dan, in exchange for a Milt Thompson autographed baseball and three other autographed items from retired Philadelphia Phillies players. I also think about stock trading.
Trading one thing for another think is what it’s all about. When we trade we attempt to better our position for the future (or at least keep it from getting worse).
This year, I was introduced to Lon Stroschein. Lon is a former corporate executive who recently left his high paying corporate job in order to pursue something different. He traded his past job for something new – something different – something better. Since leaving his corporate job, Lon has taken up coaching, podcasting, speaking, and writing in an effort to help “dudes” like himself make similar trades.
This summer, Lon released his first book, The Trade: Moving from the life you have to the life you want. In The Trade, Lon tells his story. He tells exactly what was going through his head as he considered stepping away from the mergers and acquisition success he had come to know. He shares about the conversations he had with his wife about making this trade. And he shares an important story about his daughter that left me in tears.
What Lon has to share in The Trade is important and wise. Our lives are short. Maybe it’s time you consider a trade.
Pick up your copy today!
Author’s note: I now consider Lon a friend. I’ve read his book. I’ve listened to every single episode of his podcast. I’m part of his email and LinkedIn communities. And I’ve had the great honor and privilege of spending time talking one on one with Lon. He is a solid individual. He’s inspiring. He is a fantastic listener who asks thought provoking questions. You should check him out.
New Book Review: Culture Rules by Mark Miller
Today is the official launch day for Mark Miller’s latest book, Culture Rules – The Leader’s Guide to Creating the Ultimate Competitive Advantage. I’m excited for the release of this book. I had the privilege of reading it ahead of time, and it was a very powerful read for people like me who are trying to build and maintain a business culture that thrives.
In Culture Rules, Mark Miller unpacks what it means to have a high performance culture. He uses plenty of research, lots of examples, and rich reflection to help readers understand what it takes to create an effective for your organization and what it takes to maintain that culture into the future.
I liked this book so much that I purchased copies for some of my team members.
If you want to take your organization to the next level by crafting a culture that will work for your organization, your team members, and those you serve, I’d highly recommend you pick up a copy of Culture Rules today.
Here is a link to purchase the book. Please note that this is a referral link, so I could benefit if you purchase the book using this link. Please also note that I was not required to provide a positive review in exchange for this referral link. I truly believe this is a book you need if you want to take your organization to the next level.
Win Every Day – A New Book by Mark Miller
“Greatness hinges on execution. Everything we do should ultimately contribute to superior levels of execution.”
Mark Miller – Win Every Day p. 16
Everyone wants to win – at least I would like to believe this.
I want to win in my marriage. I want to win in my parenting. I want to win in my career. And I want those around me to win – my wife, my kids, and the team I lead.
Mark Miller does it again with an excellent allegory about leadership, business, and life.
In Win Every Day – Proven Practices For Extraordinary Results, Miller lays out three keys to get the results – the daily wins – you seek. Execution is not just about the end product. Executing with excellence involves executing at a high level throughout the entire journey.
This is the second book I have read by Mark Miller, and I really appreciate the thought he puts into each and every page of his writing. He helps enlighten readers on foundational leadership wisdom through the stories he tells. (Here’s a link to my review of Win The Heart.)
I walked away after reading this book with practical advice for taking my team to the next level.
If you desire excellence and results in your business and your life, I’d recommend you pick up a copy of Win Every Day. The book officially releases on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, and you can order your copy TODAY by clicking here.
Please note: I received a pre-release copy of Win Every Day in an exchange for an honest review. I was not required to positively support this book. I truly believe this is a book that could help you win every day! Also, I could receive a few cents if you order Win Every Day by clicking and ordering through one of the links in this post.
Win The Heart (Book Review)
As a leader in my company and the head of my department, I believe I have the responsibility to create and influence our culture. I want to build and be part of an organization that makes the world a better place, that grows and attracts talent, and that provides a place where people are proud to work.
When I was asked to participate in the book launch of Mark Miller‘s new book, Win the Heart: How to Create a Culture of Full Engagement, I had no hesitation in saying yes. Miller, who also wrote Talent Magnet, Chess Not Checkers, and Leaders Made Here, is a leader at Chick-Fil-A. Having seen the culture that Chick-Fil-A promotes first hand (both my kids have worked for Chick-Fil-A at one time or another), I’ve seen how culture is an important focus for this organization.
In Win he Heart, Miller tells the story of CEO Blake Brown as he sets out on a journey to discover the secrets of a fully engaged culture. Miller uses story telling to teach four main truths:
C – Connection – If you want people to CARE about your organization, you have to make sure they are connected to the organization, the mission, and the team.
A – Affirmation – If you want people to CARE about your organization, you have to affirm your team members through your words and your actions.
R – Responsibility – If you want people to CARE about your organization, you have to make sure they have responsibility and are empowered to make decisions and take actions that will move the organization forward.
E – Environment – If you want people to CARE about your organization, you have to create the right environment making sure team members have the right setting to get things done and to draw them into the organization.
Win the Heart is all about helping people CARE about the organization and about moving their hearts into a deeper level of engagement.
This book was rather simple. Sometimes simple is exactly what we need to inspire us, to motivate us, and to push us forward to lead our organizations to the next level.
[Note: I was given a free copy of Win the Heart in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to endorse this book. I believe leaders are readers, and there is definitely value in this book to help you grow as a leader.]Do Yourself a Favor and Get Finding Favor by Brian Jones
Humility is the gateway into the grace and the favor of God.
Harold Warner
Finding Favor: God’s Blessings Beyond Health, Wealth, and Happiness officially releases TODAY.
People often look at God like Santa Claus. Prayers are sent God’s way like little kids making a list for Santa Claus the weeks before Christmas. When God doesn’t provide exactly what they wanted, people become discouraged, desperate, and disillusioned.
When I initially picked up a copy of Finding Favor, I was a bit skeptical. I’m one of those people who have prayed for healing, for conflict resolution, and for provision. Some of those prayers have been answered; however, many prayers weren’t answered – at least not in the way I desired and expected.
In Finding Favor, my perspective on prayer and God’s response to prayer was challenged and changed….
To read the rest of my review, go to Amazon.
Better yet, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of yourself. Click here to order now.
(Note: I am part of the Finding Favor Launch Team. I received a FREE digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to positively rate or review this book. I truly believe Finding Favor is a valuable tool and resource.)
The Book of Mistakes by @SkipPrichard: Book Review
“Those who aren’t making mistakes, aren’t making anything.”
We all make mistakes.
We say stupid things. We do things we shouldn’t do. And we even think things that aren’t right.
We can learn from our mistakes, or we can wallow in them.
Unless I am mistaken (I couldn’t help it), The Book of Mistakes – 9 Secrets to Creating a Successful Future by Skip Prichard releases tomorrow.
I had the privilege of reading the book ahead of release as part of the launch team for the book. I really liked the way Prichard weaves important life lessons we all need into the story of David, a young man struggling with contentment and passion for life.
This is a book that needs to be shared. In its pages, you’ll find common sense truths we all must learn and hear over and over again.
In The Book of Mistakes, you will be shown how to live a life that matters – a life that learns from mistakes, a life filled with hope, and a life that impacts others for generations.
If you like books by Andy Andrews or Jon Gordon, you’ll like the way Prichard uses a parable to teach important truths.
Congrats, Skip Prichard, on your new book!
“Live a life that matters, a life of light and of love and of hope. Your choices can either become the wings of your success or the bars that imprison you in a life of mediocrity.”
Skip Prichard (The Book of Mistakes)
What’s a recent mistake you made? What did you learn from your mistake? Share your thoughts in the comments.
(Note: I did receive an advance copy of The Book of Mistakes in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to endorse or recommend this book. If you are looking for a fun and educational read, I recommend this book. Also, there are affiliate links in this post. When you make a purchase as a result of these links, I receive a small affiliate commission. Thank you!)
Book Review: Love Letters to Writers (Andi Cumbo-Floyd)
You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.
C. S. Lewis
My wife and kids will tell you that I’m a bit of a book hoarder. I love getting books in the mail, and I love supporting other authors. I especially love to promote these books when they have an impact on my life.
Despite the fact that I am getting ready to release my own book (December 5th – Rooftop Reflections – go to rooftopreflections.com to find out more information), I have felt disappointment and discouragement regarding my own writing consistency. I’ve allowed the busyness of life and other activities to take me away from my passion for day-to-day writing.
Andi’s new book provided the right encouragement and reminders I needed to take a new look at my writing and my approach to writing.
In Love Letters to Writers, you’ll find 52 chapters or letters designed to challenge and encourage your writing. I love the way each letter spoke to me and brought me back to a place in my writing experience where I thrived. If you are a writer who needs a little (or a lot) encouragement, this book is for you.
If you are not a writer but you are someone who is trying to develop a daily discipline in your life, I think you’ll find Love Letters to Writers helpful.
Pickup a copy of Love Letters to Writers today!
What daily discipline are you trying to develop in your life? How will your life be different by developing this discipline? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Make Better Decisions about Time
I don’t know about you, but I want to make the best use of my time. Unfortunately, I sometimes struggle with procrastination. Today, Brian Tracy is releasing the third edition of Eat That Frog. The book is all about overcoming procrastination. As part of the launch team for the release of the book, I have the privilege of sharing part of the book with you today. I have absolutely enjoyed this book!
Don’t wait another minute, read Brian’s thoughts below:
The following post is an excerpt from chapter 4 of Eat That Frog.
A word about frogs… It has been said that if the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day long. Your “frog” is your biggest, most important task, the one you are most likely to procrastinate on if you don’t do something about it. It is also the one task that can have the greatest positive impact on your life and results at the moment.
Make Better Decisions about Time
In your work, having a clear idea of what is really important to you in the long term makes it much easier for you to make better decisions about your priorities in the short term.
By definition, something that is important has long-term potential consequences. Something that is unimportant has few or no long-term potential consequences. Before starting on anything, you should always ask yourself, “What are the potential consequences of doing or not doing this task?”
Rule: Future intent influences and often determines present actions.
The clearer you are about your future intentions, the greater influence that clarity will have on what you do in the moment. With a clear long-term vision, you are much more capable of evaluating an activity in the present to ensure that it is consistent with where you truly want to end up.
Successful people are those who are willing to delay gratification and make sacrifices in the short term so that they can enjoy far greater rewards in the long term. Unsuccessful people, on the other hand, think more about short-term pleasure and immediate gratification while giving little thought to the long-term future.
Denis Waitley, a motivational speaker, says, “Losers try to escape from their fears and drudgery with activities that are tension-relieving. Winners are motivated by their desires toward activities that are goal-achieving.”
For example, coming into work earlier, reading regularly in your field, taking courses to improve your skills, and focusing on high-value tasks in your work will all combine to have an enormous positive impact on your future. On the other hand, coming into work at the last moment, reading the newspaper, drinking coffee, and socializing with your coworkers may seem fun and enjoyable in the short term but inevitably leads to lack of promotion, underachievement, and frustration in the long term.
If a task or activity has large potential positive consequences, make it a top priority and get started on it immediately. If something can have large potential negative consequences if it is not done quickly and well, that becomes a top priority as well. Whatever your frog is, resolve to gulp it down first thing.
Motivation requires motive. The greater the potential positive impact that an action or behavior of yours can have on your life, once you define it clearly, the more motivated you will be to overcome procrastination and get it done quickly.
Keep yourself focused and forward moving by continually starting and completing those tasks that can make a major difference to your company and to your future.
The time is going to pass anyway. The only question is how you use it and where you are going to end up at the end of the weeks and months that pass. And where you end up is largely a matter of the amount of consideration you give to the likely consequences of your actions in the short term.
Thinking continually about the potential consequences of your choices, decisions, and behaviors is one of the very best ways to determine your true priorities in your work and personal life.
Brian Tracy is one of the top business speakers in the world today. He has designed and presented seminars for more than 1,000 large companies and more than 10,000 small and medium sized enterprises in 75 countries on the subjects of Leadership, Management, Professional Selling, Business Model Reinvention, and Profit Improvement. He has addressed more than 5,000,000 people in more than 5,000 talks and presentations worldwide. He currently speaks to 250,000 people per year. His fast-moving, entertaining video-based training programs are taught in 38 countries.
Brian is a bestselling author. In addition to Eat That Frog, Brian has written more than 80 books that have been translated into 42 languages, including Kiss That Frog!, Find Your Balance Point, Goals!, Flight Plan, Maximum Achievement, No Excuses!, Advanced Selling Strategies, and How the Best Leaders Lead. He is happily married, with four children and five grandchildren. He is the president of Brian Tracy International and lives in Solana Beach, California. He can be reached at briantracy@briantracy.com.
Book Review and Reflections – Exit Strategy (@ElloryWells)
Begin with the end in mind.
Stephen Covey
I don’t want to get to the end of my life with gas left in my tank. I also don’t want to make it to the end of my life with the feeling that I wasted my life.
I want my life to matter. I want to make a difference. And I want to give my all to my purposes and passions.
With this in mind, I am developing an exit strategy for life. My goal isn’t to exit this world early. Instead, I want to have lived my life to the fullest when I do exit this world.
In Exit Strategy, Ellory tells his story of leaving corporate America and starting up his own business. As I read his story, I got the clear picture that Ellory (like me) wants to do something amazing with his life, and he’s not content to simply exist. I liked this part of the book!
Exit Strategy then maps out process for launching your own business – for doing your own thing. Ellory provides a step-by-step process for starting a business in today’s web-driven world. This isn’t just theory. Ellory’s instructions are based on his own experience and on the experience of his clients.
I know the instructions work, because I have been following much of this material over the past year as I have been working with Ellory with some of my own pursuits.
If you are thinking about stretching into a new business pursuit, I’d recommend you pick up a copy of Exit Strategy. Then I’d recommend you send Ellory an email (his email is in the book). I know he’d love to help you!
Whether you are thinking about starting a new business or not, I’d challenge you to think about your own exit strategy.
What are you doing TODAY to make sure you live your life to the fullest? What is your exit strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Book Review: The Little Book of Personal Growth (@dbonleadership)
Growth is the great separator between those who succeed and those who do not. When I see a person beginning to separate themselves from the pack, it’s almost always due to personal growth.
John C. Maxwell
When I was a child, my parents measured my growth by marking my height on the door frame of one of the rooms in our house. I could see growth happening, because my mark kept getting higher on the wall. I eventually passed my mother. Then I passed my father. And eventually, my mark on the wall was over 6’5″ above the floor.
When it comes to my height, I stopped growing many years ago. But this doesn’t mean I stopped growing. I still pride myself on my appetite for personal growth. I read books. I listen to podcasts. I watch educational videos. And I hang out with smart people. I participate in these activities to make sure I keep growing.
Personal growth doesn’t happen by accident. If you want to grow (or STRETCH as I like to say), you have to be intentional.
In the short book, Dan unpacks the meaning of personal growth, and he provides a road map for helping readers create their own plan for personal growth. The book outlines the five stages of personal growth. Then Dan unveils the ten core benefits of engaging in regular personal growth. He discusses the components necessary for personal growth.
Dan does a great job recognizing that we have different learning styles. He describes nine methods readers can use for their own personal growth. And finally, he walks readers through a simple step-by-step process for developing a personal growth plan that will take you to higher heights on your personal growth chart.
If you are looking for a power-packed, concise read that will push you higher on your personal height chart, you should check out The Little Book of Personal Growth. Click here to get your copy.
How tall are you? What are you doing to help yourself grow? Share your thoughts in the comments.
(Please note: I received a preview copy of The Little Book of Personal Growth
Also to note: There are affiliate links in this post. Should you purchase The Little Book of Personal Growth