24 Books to CRUSH 2024
Crush Your 2024 Reading List with These 24 Book Recommendations from Simon T. Bailey and Emily Haruko Leeb
Hello, O’ Brilliant One! Or should I say, O’ Brilliant Reader. One of Emily and my tips to CRUSH 2024 is reading. When I was an 11-year-old boy I found a love for reading, and now I am what you would call a reading addict. I believe that reading opens you up to new possibilities, which is why it is one of your keys to crushing 2024. I also believe in the power of sharing the books you have read with others, especially the ones that resonate with you. Please enjoy our 24 book recommendations, which we know will help you CRUSH your 2024 reading list.
Simon T. Bailey’s Recommendations:
Loonshots:How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform Industries, by Safi Bahcall
I once had the opportunity to listen to the brilliant Safi Bahcall address a group of executives, and I thoroughly enjoyed his intellectual depth as he provided simple insights that were an inch wide and mile deep in substance. His book is similar to the address I heard him give as it peels back the layers of how ideas become reality and the world of disruptive business ideas.
Hidden Genius: The Secret Ways of Thinking That Power the World’s Most Successful People, by Polina Marinova Pompliano
One of the tips Emily and I created for CRUSH 2024 is to “release your brilliance.” This book helps you to do just that. This is one of the finest books on how to think about leveraging one’s innate brilliance, and the storytelling opens the blinds of success and introduces you to people who are changing the world.
The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance, by Josh Waitzkin
I believe everyone in life should celebrate their personal achievements, which is why this is one of our tips to CRUSH 2024. Achievements come from learning from past experiences, and that is what Josh Waitzkin discusses in this book. Also, if you remember the movie Searching for Bobby Fischer, which showcases the story of the chess prodigy, then you will enjoy the backstory of this book.
Scary Smart: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World, by Mo Gawdat
Are you interested in understanding a little bit more about Artificial Intelligence? Well, if you’re like me, then the answer is “yes.” I like to believe that there is a different AI, which is even better than the one you are thinking of. That’s right, Actual Intelligence. Dive into this book if you want to understand the past, present, and future of AI, and the steps humans can take to change its trajectory.
The Art of Impossible: A Peak Performance Primer, by Steven Kotler
I once heard about this book from a journalist, and the description they gave of it was extremely compelling and interesting, which convinced me to download it right away. This book discusses exceeding your expectations and achieving the unachievable. I have already listened to The Art of Impossible twice and can honestly say that I have picked up something fresh each time.
Working: Researching, Interviewing, Writing,by Robert A. Caro
I must admit, this is one of my favorite books. Robert A. Caro is an amazingly brilliant writer and, in this book, he shares his journey as a writer and provides tips along the way. If you aspire to be an author and want to understand how to do it effectively, then this is a must-read for you.
The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die, by John Izzo
I feel as though there is no explanation needed here as the title says it all. I have spoken a lot in the past about things I wish I had known when I was younger. This book details the secrets to living a brilliant and meaningful life. We only have one life to live, so dive in to the five secrets you must discover before you die.
The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams, by Seth Godin
Seth Godin is hands down one of my favorite authors. The Song of Significance is his latest book, and it invites you to explore what makes you creative. It examines the re-envisioning of the workforce and what we can do as leaders and team members to make it better.
Quick Confidence: Be Authentic, Boost Connections, and Make Bold Bets on Yourself, by Selena Rezvani
Selena Rezvani is a brilliant leader who challenges you to negotiate your success and rise above any failures and setbacks. I have followed her work for a while now and she has taught me a lot about building confidence as a professional. My favorite tip from this book is how to scale your confidence.
Awaken Your Genius: Escape Conformity, Ignite Creativity, and Become Extraordinary, by Ozan Varol
After reading this book, I immediately sent a text to five of my closest friends and said, “You must stop what you are doing and get this book!” In Awaken Your Genius, Ozan Varol teaches you how to detox your mind and open up to your personal genius. On your journey to self-discovery and unleashing your brilliance to the world, this is a must-read.
Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World’s Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life,by William Green
Up to the point of me writing this blog, I have listened to this audiobook three times. Richer, Wiser, Happier details many hours of exclusive interviews conducted by William Green, and it is packed with so much wisdom on how the 1% really think. I’ve suggested this book to dozens of friends, and I am planning to give it to my children as a gift.
Walk Through Fire: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Triumph, by Sheila Johnson
As my last book recommendation, I want to share with you the powerful story of Sheila Johnson. If you don’t already know, Sheila Johnson is America’s first black female billionaire and the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET). This memoir details Sheila’s incredible life story and, believe me, you will be continuously turning the page, wondering what’s next. This brilliant book about a brilliant individual is a must-read for 2024.
Emily Haruko Leeb’s Recommendations:
The Soul of Money: Reclaiming the Wealth of Our Inner Resources, by Lynne Twist
As we dive into CRUSH 2024, something everyone tends to examine are their financials. How can we have a successful new year and be financially stable? I recommend this book to you as it examines a person’s attitude toward money, which is something I believe everyone could benefit from.
The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level, by Gay Hendricks
Everyone has brilliance and greatness within them. Now is the time to unleash it. The Big Leap is about going beyond your typical limits by pushing past your fears and releasing your brilliance, taking life to a new level.
Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace with Your Money, by Ken Honda
Have you ever believed that money has caused you to feel stressed, angry, or fearful? These feelings can have a very negative outcome on someone’s life. In this book, Ken Honda explains the different feelings someone may have about money if you can change the energy behind it. With all the negativity in the world, it is important to add positivity where you can. Check out this book to help heal your relationship with money.
Getting Naked: A Business Fable About Shedding the Three Fears That Sabotage Client Loyalty, by Patrick Lencioni
I know what you’re thinking. What in the world does this title mean? Well, Getting Naked is all about connecting with your vulnerability at work. Customer loyalty is given to brands who create relationships with their clients. This book shows you how to do just that. Don’t sabotage your work by giving up during hard times and not having the capability to be vulnerable. Instead, get naked, figuratively, and release your brilliance.
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, by Don Miguel Ruiz:
This book shares four simple, though not always easy, ways to live a powerful life. I particularly resonate with the first agreement of the experience of life generated by being Impeccable With Your Word.
The Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life’s Perfection, by Michael A. Singer
Have you ever had a fear that held you back from living life? After experiencing a spiritual awakening, Michael A. Singer decided to relinquish those said fears and begin to live life to the fullest. Michael details his story and the life experiment he created following his spiritual awakening.
The Science of Getting Rich, by Wallace D. Wattles
The title says it all. This book details the research and lifetime of work done by Wallace D. Wattles regarding identifying the laws of success through the work of the great philosophers of the world. Set yourself up for success in 2024 with this must-read.
Outliers: The Story of Success, by Malcolm Gladwell
Have you ever wondered why someone may be good at something, whether it is their career, a hobby, or simply a subject in school? Malcolm Gladwell brings attention to the idea that someone’s characteristics and capabilities can be determined simply by where they are from. He identifies this as “the outliers.” If you wish to understand more about why people are successful and how they became high-achievers, check out this book.
Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds, by David Goggins
David Goggins is a brilliant individual who didn’t have the best upbringing, but he wanted to change the course of his life. He later became a U.S. Armed Forces icon who has set quite a few records within the military. Goggins details his life story and his decision to change his mindset to create the life he wanted to live. People shouldn’t be limited to their childhood or past. It is up to you to create a new path for you.
Overcoming Underearning®: A Five-Step Plan to a Richer Life, by Barbara Stanny
Barbara Stanny defines underearning as a self-imposed condition by a self-saboteur who is not living up to the potential of their financial earnings. If you are living paycheck to paycheck, looking for a guide on how to obtain financial independence, believe you are an underearner, or simply want to learn more about controlling your financial trajectory, read this book.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D.
Carol S. Dweck identifies the difference between having a fixed mindset versus a growth mindset, as well as how the two can affect your talents and abilities. She explores the idea that if you think highly of yourself and believe in the ability to grow through time, work, and dedication, then you have a better opportunity to excel—as opposed to those who have more of a fixed mindset. I highly recommend everyone to check out this book because it will help unlock your full potential.
An End to Upside Down Thinking: Dispelling the Myth That the Brain Produces Consciousness, and the Implications for Everyday Life, by Mark Gober
My last but not least book recommendation for you to CRUSH 2024 is about exploring the ideas and scientific evidence behind the true nature of reality. Mark Gober details his work, alongside the work of other brilliant individuals, to introduce these cutting-edge ideas to the world. This is a must-read that will have you turning each page, feeling as though you’re unable to read and absorb the information fast enough
It’s Simon here again, and I would be remiss to not leave you with this one last book recommendation to CRUSH 2024. In February 2024, my eleventh book, Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future, will be available for purchase. As a sneak peek into my new book, I would like to share with you the foreword, which was written by my dear friend Denis Waitley. Enjoy reading, O’ Brilliant One!
Resilience is one of the essential skills individuals can possess in the post-modern era. Yes, people have problems, businesses experience setbacks, and society is witnessing a tsunami of transformation. Yet, somehow, resilient individuals like you find a way to bounce back stronger and better.
In this parable, Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future, Simon introduces you to four characters: Hurry, Worry, Steady, and Ready, who meet at a weekly California surfing camp and, over a campfire, they divulge their work and life struggles.
Surfers learn to harness the tides of uncertainty and work with the breaking waves of unpredictability instead of against it. They embrace a mindset of persistent consistency. Like you, they learn to adapt the skill of resilience to accelerate into a new reality.
As you immerse yourself in their stories, you will discover the wisdom lying dormant in your soul’s roiling ocean. Furthermore, uncover simple strategies that empower you to develop this crucial life skill that makes you a winner.
Preorder your copy of Resilience@Work by using this QR code.
