by Ryan H. Law
I am always reading 2-3 books at a time. I’ll pick one up and read it for a while, then switch to another one until I get back to the original one. Maybe it is not the most efficient system, but it works for me. On a semi-regular basis I want to share what I am reading and hope you will share what you are reading and learning as well.
It won’t just be financial books, either, but everything I am in the process of reading:
Client Psychology edited by Dr. Charles Chaffin
With the changes coming to the CFP exam about the psychology of financial planning I anticipate a lot of future financial planners will be picking up this book.
I recommend veteran planners pick this up as well so they can understand the new content coming out.
The book defines client psychology as “the biases, behaviors, and perceptions that impact client decision making and financial well-being” (pg. 4).
This book was written by 23 of the top researchers and client-practitioners in the field, and draws on content from financial therapy, education, behavioral finance, human sciences, clinical psychology and others. There are chapters about behavioral finance, choice architecture, decision-making, marriage and family therapy, money disorders, and general financial psychology.
The Common Path to Uncommon Success: A Roadmap to Financial Freedom & Fulfillment by John Lee Dumas
John Lee Dumas, or JLD, is the host of the award-winning podcast Entrepreneurs on Fire. JLD does a daily interview with a successful entrepreneur, and he gets millions of downloads every month. His podcast/business nets over $100,000 in profit every month.
To be fair, it took him some time and a lot of trial and error to get to that point. That is where this book was born. JLD wanted to provide a detailed roadmap for anyone that wants to be an entrepreneur, especially with information products such as a blog, podcast, or video channel. The ideas in here would work for anyone, but JLD is mainly speaking to those that want to follow a similar path to his.
A few chapter titles include:
- Discover your niche
- Choose your platform
- Find your mentor
- Design your content production plan
- Increase your traffic
When this book arrived I put all other books aside and I am consuming this one. I am taking detailed notes and I am implementing the ideas into this blog.
I highly recommend this books for anyone looking to influence others through an online medium (blog, podcast, videos).
The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp
NOTE: This book and the next book are religious books. If that bothers you, skip to the end.
My oldest daughter’s favorite musical is Sound of Music and this book had a big influence on my wife when she was younger. We recently came across a copy of this book and I thought I would read it. I enjoy reading biographies and autobiographies, and this book has been an enjoyable read so far.
I am only about 15 pages in, but I have been incredibly impressed by Maria’s desire to do what God wants her to do, no matter what. Consider this excerpt:
Tell me, Maria, which is the most important lesson old Nonnberg [the abbey where Maria served] has taught you?” asked the Reverend Mother.
Without a moment’s hesitation I answered, looking fully into the beautiful, dark eyes: “The only important thing on earth for us is to find out what is the Will of God and to do it.”
Maria wanted nothing more than to serve God and to do His Will, and every choice she made reflected that desire. I admire Maria’s courage and determination to do what is right.
The Book of Jasher
I have spent a fair amount of time over the past 6 months studying the story of Abraham (originally Abram) in the Bible. His story and the covenants that he made with God have always fascinated me.
My primary source for studying this is the Bible and writings about the Bible, but I kept seeing references to The Book of Jasher, so I ordered a copy. While I know it is apocryphal, I have found incredible value and detail in it that is lacking in the Bible. Here are a few interesting notes:
- Nimrod is the son of Cush, who is the son of Ham, who is the son of Noah. Nimrod was known as a strong and mighty hunter, and he eventually became king over most people who were alive at that time. He was an incredibly wicked man. The Book of Jasher says that, “Nimrod did not go in the ways of the Lord, and he was more wicked than all the men that were before him.”
- Abraham’s father, Terah, served as King Nimrod’s prince of host, and he was elevated above all his princes.
- Nimrod was incredibly jealous of Abram, and he purchased him from Terah in order to kill him. Terah tricked Nimrod though and substituted another baby in for Abram. Sadly this baby boy was violently murdered by Nimrod.
- Abram lived in a cave for 10 years with his mom to avoid Nimrod and Terah would bring them provisions monthly.
- After Abram left the cave he lived with Noah and Shem for 39 years (yes, that Noah from the flood).
What are you reading these days, for business or for fun or for enlightenment?
ACTION STEP:
- Share a book that you are reading in the comments or on LinkedIn. Be sure to tag me – I would love to know what you are reading.
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