Get inspired

This is a motley collection of links, blog posts, websites, books and all kinds of other resources that have made an impact on me. There’s a good chance you may find some of these things interesting and valuable.

I share this with you in the hope it helps and inspires you, as it did me.

Blogs You Should Sign Up For

Seth Godin

Bestselling American author, entrepreneur, marketer and public speaker, Seth delivers on the things he talks about consistently. His blog is one of the most recognised and read blogs. Wikipedia states that in May 2009, Seth’s blog was ranked in the AdAge Power 150 as the #1 marketing blog out of the 976 tracked. I have been a fan for years and if you’re interested in improving yourself, pushing beyond boundaries and getting new ideas, this is one blog you should definitely get into.

The Four Hour Work Week

This is the blog of bestselling author Tim Ferriss. His podcast which focuses on deconstructing world-class performers is often ranked #1 across iTunes. He is prolific, challenging on many levels and constantly seeking to improve himself – it’s reflected in his work. Tim talks to the best of the best across many fields, from actors to entrepreneurs, to deconstruct and gather ideas, practices, habits, books and bits of inspiration in order that we may glean the same for our own lives. The podcast is my go-to for when I am commuting or running.

Must-Read Articles

  1. Machines will soon dominate the workforce. Here’s an unexpected way to prepare … now by Tim Leberecht. Most compelling idea (and there are many) is the need for us to teach time literacy as a subject in school as well as a module in corporate learning and leadership programmes.

Must-Read Books

e-Myth Revisited by Michael E Gerber

The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It
by Michael E Gerber

Inc Magazine calls him “the World’s #1 Small Business Guru”.

This book covers how you can apply the lessons of franchising to any business, regardless of whether it is a franchise. But one of the most important lessons within is about learning how to distinguish between working on your business and working in your business.

If you are an entrepreneur or want to become one, this book will change how you look at everything you’re currently doing.

 

Getting There : A Book Of Mentors by Gillian Zoe Segal

Getting There : A Boof of Mentors
by Gillian Zoe Segal

My all-time favourite book. As an entrepreneur, I found it inspiring and educational. The journey can be a lonely one, for so many reasons and to hear these stories of struggle, pain, uncertainty, loss and courage, helps you to stay grounded in your vision and stay your course.

It’s an amazing and eclectic collection of entrepreneurs around the world who have made and continue to make things happen. The most beautiful aspect of the book is that they tell you their story in their own words.

They talk about their darkest hours, their failures and ultimate success, sharing deeply, their emotional journey. I couldn’t put it down.

 

ScreamFree Parenting by Hal Edward RunkelScreamfree Parenting: The Revolutionary Approach to Raising Your Kids by Keeping Your Cool 
by Hal Edward Runkel

Don’t let the title deceive you – this is PURE GOLD. You know why?

Beecause the approach here works anywhere – with work colleagues, extended family and just about anyone.

Screamfree? It’s about learning how not to react. I don’t typically re-read books. Life’s short and there are so many other books out there to discover. But this is one of the books I happily re-read from time to time, to remind me of what I need to do and how I need to be. It’s amazing. But if you’re not convinced, start with The Daily Pause, Hal’s newsletter, to get a feel.

 

How To Win Friends & Influence People - Dale Carnegie

How to Win Friends & Influence People – The Only Book You Need to Lead You to Success
by Dale Carnegie

I am late in reading this classic, having only done so in 2016 but I was not disappointed when I finally did. Packed with anecdotes throughout, Dale is a masterful storyteller as he weaves tales of the lives of ordinary people who go on to achieve extraordinary things simply by putting what appear to be simple ideas and theories into practice.

There are no shockingly new ideas here – just ones that make sense. If you want to make friends, you have to care about other people. You have to invest time and energy in them, you have to be interested in them, you have to be kind. There is so much to take in but the hardest thing you will face is making the decision to put at least one thing from this book into practice.

If you do, if there is only one thing you take away from the book, you will achieved more than most.

 

Note
This is my first attempt to put together my Inspiration List, in one place. So, what I’ve got here is really just the tip of the iceberg. There’s no particular order. It’s a list I will maintain and update, from time to time, so feel free to return often for updates. [updated Sep 2018].

 

Done is better than perfect.