Life Stoked

create a life you're excited to live!

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Review: Lone Survivor

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Lone Survivor Book ReviewThis is the story of Marcuss Luttrell, the sole survivor of Operation Redwing in June of 2005. Marcus recounts the brutal training that goes into building a Navy SEAL team, and the details of the battle in the mountains that would become the most deadly Navy SEAL mission in history.

Marcus delivers one of the most powerful narratives ever written about modern warfare and a tribute to his teammates, who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10

Why I read it

Two people I interviewed for the Life Stoked show recommended Lone Survivor so I had to check it out. I’m not typically one to enjoy war type stuff, but I was overwhelmed with the awesomeness of Marcus Luttrell’s story.

Takeaways

  • Don’t underestimate what we are capable of. We can do far far more than we think we ever could.
  • If you have a huge Why, then you’ll find the How. Marcus Luttrell had lost everything and everyone with him, but he knew he had to tell his friends story and carry on their last words.
  • Incredible sacrifices have been made so we can enjoy life in one of the greatest countries the world has ever known. Don’t take that for granted.

 

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Andy Traub on how rising early will change your life

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Andy-Traub-Early-to-Rise-Book

It’s morning again. And whether it was your alarm clock that jolted you from your peaceful slumber or your early-bird kids, it’s time to start your day!

We all know how precious sleep is. Get enough and you’re a fun loving sociable citizen. Get behind and it’s a non-stop flight to zombie land.

Which is why we cherish every last second we can stay in bed and soak up as much as we can before our day begins.

Once the day starts, we’re like olympic sprinters off the line racing to catch up to our commitments.

It’s no wonder so many of us are feeling tired, behind, and stressed. It’s no surprise we can’t find the time and energy to create a life we’re excited to live.

For most people this is reality. This is how they live their lives. And if you want to escape that reality, then you need a new plan.

Whether you knew it or not morning is the most important part of your entire day. It’s powerful beyond measure. Learn how to harness this power and you will transform your entire life. Ignore it, and you’ll likely have to settle for average.

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The $100 Startup In Action

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100-startup-in-action

The idea of starting and running a successful business always resonates with people building a Life Stoked. I suppose it’s the freedom that comes with being the guy in charge, and the potential of building something HUGE! And for me it’s the adventure of steering the ship myself.

But even though so many people share the same desire, it’s not easy getting started, and good advice is hard to come by even in the internet age.

And that’s exactly why I was so excited about Chris Guillebeau’s latest book The $100 Startup. Chris’s book was loaded with the kind of actionable advice aspiring entrepreneurs so desperately need.

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Five Books That Changed My Life

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books that changed my life

Readers are leaders, who doesn’t know that? It was the mantra of educators and public service commercials throughout my entire childhood.

But I hated to read. I “read” when I had to at school. Jane Eyre, The Great Gatsby, The Scarlet Letter – I hated it! What good is this ever going to do me?

Is this really the reading that makes leaders?

In my humble opinion, no. Not even close (and I’m not just saying that because I couldn’t pass a simple quiz on any of them).

The reading that makes leaders does so because it changes their lives. It shapes them. It gives them new ideas and helps them learn from the paths of others.

The bad news is I was in my mid twenties before I discovered this type of reading. The good news is that is plenty early for it to radically change my life.

And that’s exactly what it has done. After reading over a hundred books in the last few years, here are five that literally changed my life for the better.

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The Five Commandments of Fastlane Businesses

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The Millionaire Fastlane

You want to know how to get rich? I mean really rich, not like millionaire next door rich. Like house in the mountains, skiing 4 months a year while you’re still making money rich.

Start a business. (but not just any business)

That’s the three word secret that can take you from the tedious road of working and saving for 40+ years, and put you on the fast-track to wealth.

I’m not talking about anything shady here. Not internet scams or hocking questionable goods.

I mean a legit business that makes the world a better place. I mean starting something that serves a deep need in a compelling way.

That is how you really get rich.

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Book Review: Onward

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Book Review-Onward by Howard Schultz

Have you ever wondered what was behind Starbucks meteoric rise to greatness? Was it just great coffee or was there something more that was driving it? Starbucks Chairmen and CEO Howard Schultz gives a glimpse behind the curtain in his latest book “Onward.”

Starbucks Story

Onward is the story of how Howard Schultz brought the company back to life. In the early 1980s Schultz was the Director of Marketing for a small coffee bean boutique named Starbucks. After a trip to Italy Schultz became obsessed with the desire to recreate the Italian coffee bar experience in America. When the Starbucks owners didn’t share his passion Schultz raised money and purchased the brand to pursue his dream.

We all know what Schultz was able to turn Starbucks into over the following two decades.

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Book Review: Quitter

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Quitter by Jon AcuffJon Acuff’s latest book Quitter is at the top of my list for 2011. Quitter is about closing the gap between your day job and your dream job. It’s not just another book about how to start a business or how to climb the corperate ladder. Instead it’s a book about how real people discover their God-given passions, and what to do about it when you do.

Given the title of the book you might wonder why a guy like me who loves his job is reading and recommending a book called Quitter. Great question! Quitter is not a manifesto about ditching your 9 to 5 in search of the perfect. Instead it’s about discovering the work you were created to do, and then getting your hands dirty doing it.

Jon’s writing is inspirational, instructional, and easy to apply. I love how Jon shares his own ups and downs through this book. It’s encouraging to hear how he struggles with fears and doubts despite being a best selling author.

Some Takeaways:

– If you want to be successful at your dream job someday, start by being successful at your current job. You can’t wait for the dream job to start being your best.

– Ironically, quitting your job is not the best way to start your own business. Instead, start your business at night and on the weekends and grow it into something solid before you take the leap. Keeping your day job is the smartest thing you can do.

– Even when you find your God-given calling you will be under constant attack to make something of it. Be prepared.

– Understand the difference between passion and position. You can fulfill your passion in a huge number of positions.

– A “plan” is NOT the first thing you need. Get started. Now.

Read it if:

– You want to start your own business someday – the right way.

– You want to find greater fulfillment in your work.

Skip it if:

– You don’t like hard work.

[box type=”download”] Read the first chapter for free here (Thanks Jon!)[/box]

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Recommended Reads from Dave Ramsey

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My wife and I recently had the pleasure of visiting Dave Ramsey’s offices in Brentwood, Tennessee. Dave’s work has been a tremendous influence on our lives. He’s built a thriving business helping people get out of debt and build wealth, and the way he did it makes him truly inspirational.

Of course his business is 100% debt free which is pretty amazing considering the scale of their operations.  Dave’s company has also been voted best place to work in Nashville five years running! Amazing!

How Dave Rolls

Dave always points to the importance of reading and continual development in building his business. So what does the king of cash recommend? Here’s what I found in his book store in the lobby of his (giant, nice, paid-for) building (Titles in bold I’ve read and recommend):

Dave Ramsey Recommended Books 1

  • No More Mondays by Dan Miller
  • 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller
  • Boys Should Be Boys by Meg Meeker
  • Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker
  • The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson
  • Boundaries by Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
Dave Ramsey Recommended Books 2

  • The E Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
  • The Great Eight by Scott Hamilton
  • Ziglar on Selling by Zig Ziglar
  • Good to Great by Jim Collins
  • Leadership by the Book by Ken Blanchard, Bill Hybels, and Phil Hodges
  • The Millionaire Next Door by Dr Thomas Stanley
  • Guerrilla Marketing by Jan Conrad Levinson
Dave Ramsey Recommended Books 3

  • QBQ – The Question Behind the Question by John G. Miller
  • Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
  • The Go-Getter by Peter B. Kyne
  • The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell
  • Stuff Christians Like by Jon Acuff
  • Quitter by Jon Acuff
  • Gazells, Baby Steps, and 37 Other Things Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Debt by Jon Acuff
Dave Ramsey Recommended Books 4

  • The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant by Terry Felber
  • Rhinoceros Success by Scott Alexander
  • Business by the Book by Larry Burkett
  • How The Mighty Fall by Jim Collins
  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
  • Thou Shall Prosper by Rabbi Daniel Lapin

I always love getting book recommendations from successful people (they always have good ones, that tell you anything?)!

Of course it was also fun to see Dave’s studio and watch him during a live broadcast.

Dave Ramsey's Studio

AND we even got to meet the man himself!

Dave Ramsey meets the Bradleys

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Book Review: Your Brain at Work

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Ever wonder why you’re exhausted after a challenging day of work? Or why killer insights come to you in the shower? This book does a fantastic job of teaching you about how your mind works and how you can get the most from it by working with your limitations.

The tag line for this book is

[box]Strategies for overcoming distraction, regaining focus, and working smarter all day long[/box]

Your Brain at Work book reviewWhich is exactly what I feel like I need right now. Although I’m constantly busy I find myself struggling to focus on one thing at a time.

This book was full of useful tips and practical advice. I will definitely be re-reading this book several times in the future to sharpen up!

Big Takeaways

– Your brain can only do one thing at a time. Period. You cannot multitask.

– The portion of the brain responsible for solving problems, reasoning, and virtually all high level conscious thought is incredibly inefficient. It burns tremendous amounts of energy, tires quickly, and weakens with extended use.

– Repetitious tasks and things you’ve done many times are offloaded from the energy hungry portion of the brain to lower-level areas that are much more efficient.

– Learn to recognize your brain’s current energy levels. Forcing yourself to work through these problems does not make your brain stronger, it makes it more tired. Take a break!

– We are the descendants of people who paid a lot of attention when something rustled in the bushes. This is tiring. Turn off your pings, blips, and pop-ups and give yourself a chance to focus.

– Knowing how your brain functions can help you create the right environment for big insights.

– Many of our brain’s most natural instincts are the worst way to go about something. For example, the “carrot and stick” method to motivating people.

– Understanding people’s most basic, essential needs at a neurological level enables you to better relate to them, motivate them, understand them, and bring them together.

Read it If

– You want to be more productive

– You manage people

– You want to build better teams and communities

(Photo Credit)

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Book Review: The Thank You Economy

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The Thank You Economy Review

The Thank You Economy is another great read from the renowned entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk. Gary V. (as he’s known) explains how we’ve entered a new business era in which the brands that thrive won’t be the ones with the biggest advertising budgets, but will instead be the ones that can prove they truly care about their customers.

I learned a lot from this book, although I wish it hadn’t spent so much time trying to convince me that social media was a worthwhile pursuit. I get it already!

One thing I loved about this book is the time dedicated to real world examples. Gary V. walks through a variety of businesses that are doing things right. My head was spinning with new ideas for the businesses I work with!

Here are some of my big takeaways:

– social media has transformed the world into one giant small town: strength of relationships and the currency of caring is what matters here.

– Valuing every single customer is crucial in the Thank You Economy no matter how small!

– Seek out your advocates and knock their socks off! This will pay huge dividends!

– Be real. be transparent. stop wasting time trying to control your message, that ship has sailed!

– No matter the challenge, the solution is to “Outcare!” This will always win in the Thank You Economy

Read it if

– You’re a business owner or executive (or want to be)
– You need a crash course in how to make the most of social media for businesses
– You want some real world examples of how businesses are using social media to crush it!
– Your career involves interacting with customers & clients.

Have you read it? What were your biggest takeaways?