The series continue, sharing the books I absorbed last year, a particular though just can't escape my mind:
The advantage of reading is that nothing can impact and build on your identity than this one.
You can watch courses, podcasts, read through top social media content, even meet with people who would have impact on you.
But reading a good book influences you in such a way, that you are just no longer the same. I don't know why is that - maybe because of the specific brain activity taking place while you calm your mind with the letters. Maybe its because of good authors' storytelling mastery. Or your imagination getting sparked….
Its just one of the best things you can do in life
Hey, most people navigate job market alone
That is why I created my community in slack, and you are now invited
1. What You'll Find
Job Market Insights: Useful insights on how to approach a challenging job market, personal stories from people looking for their next role.
AI Tools Mastery: Advanced usage that makes you a 10x builder. People are sharing achievements and it's mind-blowing.
Project Building: Web, AI, automation, and collaborative learning with hands-on advice and technical deep-dives.
Book Club: Deep dives into productivity and personal development books with actionable takeaways and real-life applications.
Learn more here https://dvph.eu/community
1. The Richest Man in Babylon
George S. Clason
Why I read this?
Came across recommended list by nice guys I started following. Having heard about the book, I didn't hesitated to grab it. Its written in 1930 and is today available everywhere for free
What I learned?
Its the concept of paying yourself first. Setting aside 10 percent of what you earn always aside. Then thinking how to make this work for you and produce more.
The book is written in the most lovely way, so that you can really grasp the idea - you really can live on the 90 percent, no matter how impossible this looks to you, even if you are in debt
How am I applying the lessons?
Obviously I am setting aside, and this turned very helpful during turbulent times - even if the resources allocated is small, it gives you emotional confidence and unique peace of mind, which is actually what you need to go through a challenging season
Another one which really played a part is that I am always thinking about becoming better at keeping my word - a topic well covered in the book with unique story
More about the book
2. 12 Rules for Life
Jordan B. Peterson
Why I read this?
Well, in today's days Professor Peterson is probably the most influential thinker, its a shame if you don't explore what he has to say. And his best thoughts are in his books, not on YouTube
What I learned?
- The book is deep and has a ton of next level life advice, but you get impacted from the very first chapter - stay your ground and don't try to be polite all the time - rise your shoulders. Its an ancient biology, and there are predictor type of brains operating all around us (talking about other humans here). Those people will just act on their ancient biology to take over who you are in any situation, but really all you need to do is argue instead of thinking you are that wiser by avoiding a conflict
- Another big idea is that you are designed to take risk. This struck in me in my forehead, as I reworked all my vision over the comfort in life. The biggest risk is not to take any. Eventually your subconscious super brain will work it out for you to make your life riskier as soon as it feels too comfortable - you better control the process and intentionally challenge yourself
How am I applying the lessons?
- I went back to being a jerk as I used to be in my 20s when strangers are trying to give me "constructive criticism" or just want to speak as if I am a kid - I don't even care if I am right or wrong, I just challenge them - man this works - not that you offend the other guy, but J.P. describes the biological effect this has on your self being and its fascinating
- I started to constantly seek challenge - trying hard things, uncomfortable and unpleasant. I applied for jobs where I am well underqualified, started posting online and I am just trying daily to leave on the edge
More about the book
3. The 12 week year
Brian P. Moran, Michael Lennington
Why I read this?
Came across someone on the social network recommending it and grabbed the sample. The big idea caught me - "Think of one year as it only has 12 weeks and try to achieve a goal or two"
What I learned?
- There are a bunch of practical examples how to achieve more in less time, one being outline both the goals and the tactics - where the tactics are the specific actions you will take daily/regularly towards achieving
- Your commitment capacity is what you need to develop, as the bigger it is the bigger the success
How am I applying the lessons?
- I already run twice the plan in the book, which brought great results - outlined a quarterly plan, divided in weeks, set daily tactics (actions). Some goals I achieved, some I only found were the wrongs ones, but I got precious lessons from doing the work. Its amazing how much you can achieve if you really focus for 12 weeks
- I constantly seek opportunities to commit and keep my word (well as a Project Manager I am supposed to do that…but), in any case most people are failing on this one, so its one of the best character traits you can develop
More about the book
4. Flow
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Why I read this?
Dan Koe talked about it, he is the only guy I follow non stop for a year now
What I learned?
There is a state of your mind which you can enter, where hours of hard work feel like moments - you literally work 12+ hours in a row and don't feel tired at the end.
There are a lot of conditions for that, but the primary one is that you seek for challenge which is just a little above your current skill set.
The problem is its hard to find this balance always, but once you do - just step in and run the sprint
Its worthy to be patient until you reach that state, as that is where pure happiness kicks in, all else is just boring work you have to do for kind of a reason
How am I applying the lessons?
I try to stack more and more knowledge and skill until I sense I am entering that flow state - and that is when I forget about daily routines just sprint. That is how I built my personal website project in just 7 days - https://dvph.eu
More about the book
5. The Unicorn Project
Gene Kim
Why I read this?
I remember someone recommended this to me, turned out to be a novel about IT people and the life in big tech corporation. Which is nothing like I have ever seen.
The story evolves around a senior tech manager who is dealing with everything you will find when building a career in corporate tech - from company politics to fancy team mates, from balancing work and life to crazy executives.
What I learned?
Its mostly inspirational book, while it has the wisdom from the east embedded - the Toyota Kata principles in Lean Development.
The one big idea I came out with is that you have to persist promoting your bold ideas even when no one seems to know that you know
How am I applying the lessons?
I am one level more courageous to advocate for additional work which will bring in improvements - especially when no one else jumps onboard at the first place.
People tend to look for strong identities and naturally follows someone who believes in doing good no matter what
More about the book
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