I hope that you had a wonder filled Christmas celebration with the people you care about this year. I don’t know about you but books are always on my Christmas wish list. I think that books make great gifts. During holiday break I like to catch up on my reading for work and pleasure. There is nothing quite like spending a few leisurely hours reading a good novel.
Lately I’ve been voraciously consuming Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels. I’m so impressed in Lee Child’s ability to sit down every September since 1997 to write one best seller after another. I heard him during his interview on NPR’s Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me that his own childhood brawls and world travels serve as background material for his books. I’m really impressed that Worth Dying For takes place on a ranch in western Nebraska and uses ‘huskers’ as henchmen. That’s a pretty obscure reference from a British author but with it he has fan for life!
I try to read books that will help my listeners and I with our businesses. As I get to know my readers better I’m always on the look out for insights that will help them be successful at work and home.
My Three Favorite Business Books For 2016
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Without a doubt Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism was the most rewarding and challenging book I read in 2015. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by information overload and like you were running faster just to keep up then Essentialism is a must read for you. True to his word McKeown reduces his book to primary elements of living for what matters most.
The way of the Essentialist is a disciplined, systematic approach for determining where your highest point of contribution lies, then making the execution of those things almost effortless.
The author drives his point home with short pithy statements like:
Less but better
Discern the trivial many from the vital few
Say “no” to everything except the essential
The invincible power of choosing to choose
Pay attention to the signal in the noise
Before you get too far into 2016 I suggest you buy or checkout Essentialism prior to setting any goals. It will help to be more selective on what you choose to pursue. Essentialism is not one more self-help book to get more things done but a whole new way of life. It’s a great read for any leader, business owner or individual who wants to do less but better, and actually live for what is essential.
The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discover What You Were Meant To Do by Jeff Goins
Jeff Goins’ book on discovering your life’s work came at a perfect time for me. After selling my practice and graduating our last daughter from college I found myself at the cusp of a new beginning. The Art of Work helped me to reframe my understanding of vocation and provided a pathway to discover my calling. Meaningful work is available no matter what stage of life to anyone is daring enough to pursue it. I’ve been a fan of Jeff’s writing on his blog and was able to interview him on his latest book on my podcast.
Unlike any other time in history, we seem to have so many more options and freedom about the work we do. But this freedom is why so many of us are questioning our work and wonder if our present job is what we really want to do. Jeff takes pursuing your passion to deeper level by providing helpful guidance in discovering your calling.
So many of my colleagues and tribe would benefit from reading this book. It seems the institutionalization of healthcare has robbed the heart and soul out of the noble vocation of medicine. The Art of Work is one of the best books I’ve read on finding your purpose in life and how to build a career of significance.
The Art of Work gave me confidence to embrace what I knew to be true about myself. It also gave me the permission to live out in real time (without apologizing for it). It’s a must read for those of you considering a career change. It will help you embrace your calling and build a career that you can be proud of.
Finishing Well: What People Who Really Live Do Differently by Bob Buford
Finishing Well was an inspiration as I considered the next chapter of my life after transitioning out of owning my practice. Bob Buford’s book captures insights from more than fifty leaders in the second half (Life II) from diverse backgrounds on finishing life well. Their experience and words of wisdom are of tremendous value to anyone wishes to improve their professional and personal life.
Increasingly men and women are searching to live a life of significance and not settle for the shallow trappings of success. There are many therapists that are not retiring but are choosing to work at unconventional second careers. Finishing Well is an excellent book for those who want to keep a balance between work and family for their entire careers.
The chapter titles give you a glimpse of the topics that his guests cover:
Is There Something More?
It’s About Redefining What Makes You Get Up In the Morning.
It’s Been In Your Life A Long, Long Time
It’s About Running Through The Tape
Pearls of wisdom from great minds like Peter Drucker, Dallas Willard and Dr. Kenneth Cooper will guide you into believing there is a plan and purpose for your life that should fill your life with joy.
These three books are the kind I find myself regularly pulling off my bookshelf for inspiration and insights.
I’m getting the itch to order more books for the coming year so if any of you have any book recommendations please pass them along to me on Twitter or FaceBook.
Announcements
I’m launching a Cash Practice Pilot Course for therapists interested in starting their own private practice in January 2016.
The course promises to help students build a solid business foundation that will take students from a practice idea to seeing their first patient. I’m limiting the class to 15 students because I will provide one-on-one coaching to help students do whatever it takes to launch their own practice pilot clinic. The deadline for signing up for the pilot course is midnight December 31st.
If you’re interested please email me at heypaul@paulpotterpt.com and type Pilot Signup in the subject line. I’ll arrange phone call so I can answer your questions about the pilot course.
Get Your Own Copy of On Fire
As therapists we have tremendous opportunity to use our abilites, education and expertise to enhance client’s lives. What a privilege? If your are in the therapy business to serve people, then my new book On Fire: Ignite Your Passion with a Cash Therapy Practice might help you. The healthcare industry has undergone so many changes lately and many therapists are overwhelmed, overworked and confused on where to turn to for help in the battle.
On Fire takes a close look at innovative therapists who are using alternative ways to deliver high-value care to their patients. Cash therapy services have emerged as a viable alternative to accepting business as usual.
If you are intrigued by the attention that cash-based practices are attracting On Fire is a great primer to help you get up to speed on the key issues and how if might impact your practice. The book is available on Amazon. If you are interested in getting your own copy join my email list and I’ll keep you up to date on the special pre-order bonuses I’m giving away.
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