PROGRESSION: Best 2021 Books, New Career Q&A, and Why You Don’t Have to Be Miserable
December 2021
Scrolling through my socials last week, I stumbled on the following tweet:
Typically I’d keep scrolling, but for some reason it kinda bugged me and I felt compelled to respond. So I retweeted and added this gif.
The author came at me, calling me braggy, and a friend of mine dm’d me saying that my response was “literally violence”.
So I wrote a post. I share how our family got kicked in the teeth and how we bounced back.
As you wrap up 2021 and look ahead to the new year, I wish nothing but the best for you and your loved ones.
Books, articles, etc.
My favorite books of 2021 include The Comfort Crisis (see last month’s newsletter), Can’t Hurt Me, The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, and No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention.
Here are the three best from December.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Book)
Ebenezer Scrooge is a timeless character and the story of his Christmas transformation never gets old. I first read this in high school, largely because I was required to read a book and this was the shortest one on the list. Every few years I give it a read and it always seems to put life in perspective.
“Christmas a humbug, uncle!” said Scrooge’s nephew. “You don’t mean that, I am sure?”
“I do,” said Scrooge. “Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry? You’re poor enough.”
“Come, then,” returned the nephew gaily. “What right have you to be dismal? What reason have you to be morose? You’re rich enough.”
Scrooge having no better answer ready on the spur of the moment, said, “Bah!” again; and followed it up with “Humbug.”
Courage Is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave by Ryan Holiday (Book)
Ryan Holiday has long been one of my favorites and I think I’ve read every book he’s published. In Courage is Calling, Holiday breaks down the elements of fear, an expression of cowardice, the elements of courage, an expression of bravery, and lastly, the elements of heroism, an expression of valor. He’s an expert at taking stories throughout history and sharing how they apply to our lives today. While The Obstacle is the Way remains my favorite of his, Courage is Calling is well worth the read.
The Spirit of Revelation by David Bednar (Book)
I’ve found prayer to be a powerful tool and this book helped me better understand the many ways I can receive divine guidance in my life. I especially like how Bednar teaches principles of revelation then shares experiences from his life on the application of these principles.
Observations
No, You Don’t Have to Be Miserable. Here’s How to Make 2022 Your Year.
This is the post I mentioned earlier. As COVID continues into year three and challenges outside of our control mount, there’s this vibe that we’re supposed to be miserable. I get a little personal, sharing how 2020 punched me in the face but how we took our lives back in 2021. I haven’t written in awhile but felt compelled to write this.
Career Q&A with Whitney Johnson, CEO of Disruption Advisors (#14)
Last year I kicked off a series of Career Q&As with successful leaders and we’re bringing it back!
Here’s my interview with Whitney Johnson, CEO, author, investor, and executive coach. I’ve known Whitney for many years and she is one of the most gracious, intelligent people I’ve met. Whitney offers exceptional advice on the power of taking initiative, why everyone should get a coach, and how you can disrupt yourself to find career success.
Gratitudes
I’ve found power in regularly expressing gratitude so I’ll continue the habit. I’m grateful for big hugs from my youngest. She’s two and a half and is the sweetest thing. At dinner the last few nights she’s walked around the table, stopping to give everyone a hug. Out of nowhere she’ll just blurt things out like, “daddy, you’re my best daddy.” Grateful for this little girl and the love she brings to me and my family.
If you've read anything worth sharing I'd love to hear about it. And do let me know if there's anything I can do to help you.
Nathan
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