Hello and happy Sunday!
Today I want to talk with you about one of my favorite hobbies besides sewing – reading. True story: my mom used to make us all go outside and play, and I would rather read, so I would beg to take my book. She’d allow me as long as I didn’t sit down or stand still – so I’d walk laps around our backyard reading.
More specifically today, though, I want to talk with you about books that have helped me on my journey to owning my own business. These books literally are on my nightstand all the time; whenever I’m between library books I’m apt to pick one of these up and re-read a chapter or two to remind myself of things or brainstorm new ideas.
The first two are by Martha Beck. If you’ve ever read O Magazine, you’ve probably come across her column. That’s where I first heard of her, then I picked up Finding Your Own North Star and it resonated with me. I first read it during a pretty dark phase in my life, and I can’t say how many times I’ve re-read it since, and I always find something helpful.
However, her second book in the same vein (she’s now written three) is actually my favorite. It’s called Steering by Starlight.
This one is more practical in application for me now, though it doesn’t include all the checklists and things from the first book.
And I know some people might consider these both a little “woo-woo”, but they’ve helped me many, many times. I would not be here blogging and sewing and creating my own job without them.
This next book is pretty much my business guide. I have followed most of the advice in here (unintentionally at first) and continue to use it as I create and grow my business. It’s called The $100 Startup.
It’s practical, it doesn’t advise going into debt to start a business, and it’s full of actionable items to help you.
Most recently I finally read Quitter, and I wish I had read it sooner. I think it would have been a great companion volume to the $100 Startup. Contrary to the title, the author doesn’t advise you to quit right away (sometimes I think I quit my teaching job a little too soon from a financial standpoint). Instead, he advises you about how to create your dream job and how to like your current job while you create that dream job. This book is the theory, the $100 Startup is the actual practice, if that makes sense.
So, if any of you out there are wandering a little aimlessly in your paths, I think any or all of these books might be really helpful. And full disclosure, the links in this post are my Amazon affiliate links, so if you click through from here to buy any of these, Amazon gives me a few cents (thank you!).
And now I want to know – what books live on your nightstand and get read over and over? I could (and may) do another post about my favorite fiction that gets read on repeat. so feel free to share both fiction and non-fiction.
Mummylala
My favorite fiction? Hmm probably all time fave would have to be the tommorow when the war began series, I loved them!
And nonfiction the bible and pregnancy books, I never read parenting books but always had a pregnancy book on hand throughout each pregnancy, the most recent with twins I have ‘expecting twins or higher multiples’ and I read and reread everyday/night.
Katrine
I read the $100 startup and I thought it was excellent. I need to reread it.
Leigh Ann
I’m reading “The Lighthouse Between Two Oceans”. It’s starting out really well and it’s a quick read. I just finished “The Book of Wonders” which is a kid’s book but I loved it!
Kim
Besides crafting, reading is my next favorite love. I read everyday and generally have about 2 books going at the same time. Right now, I’m reading books and cookbooks on eating gluten free. I have felt lousy for several years and am wondering if changing my diet might help. I also read non-fiction (preferably mysteries, suspense and occaissionaly humor). I’m always looking for a good suspense author.
jan
there must be a tie that binds between makers and readers! i too could not live w/o reading…….i like reading almost everything….but besides things to learn and improve myself….i like mysteries/thrillers…..and like Kim i have been reading several books about diet…..doctor recommended gluten free….but love all the info in the “wheat belly” book……
thanks for sharing!