The Lessons I Learned From All the Books I Read and Listened to in 2020.
And my method for reading a book a week with comprehension.
“You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” — Charlie Tremendous Jones
2020 was by far my most productive year in terms of reading and absorbing content, largely due to the lockdown in the earlier part of the year. It was effortless for me to enjoy Netflix marathons of shows I wanted to catch up on during that time.
While I did partake in a few shows such as “The Wire,” “Contagion,” and my kids’ favorite, “Kobra Kai,” I quickly realized I cannot continue to isolate this way — just being entertained.
If I did, I would regret it in the years to come. Looking back and saying to myself, “I should have done more with the free time.”
I walked past the bookcase in my house and said to myself, “When am I going to get to read all these books.” Then an idea struck me (Obvious yes, but I didn’t care where the inspiration came from). I have the time; Why not do it now?
So I started. I know I wouldn’t be able to get through all the books, but I will tremendously benefit from them if I start and keep going.
Here are the books I read and listened to and the lessons learned from them.
January
#1. Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins.
I learned so much from this book but my takeaways are;
The 40% Rule
“Most of us give up when we’ve only given around 40 percent of our maximum effort. Even when we feel like we’ve reached our absolute limit, we still have 60 percent more to give! […] Once you know that to be true, it’s simply a matter of stretching your pain tolerance, letting go of your identity and all your self-limiting stories, so you can get to 60 percent, then 80 percent, and beyond without giving up. I call this The 40% Rule, and the reason it’s so powerful is that if you follow it, you will unlock your mind to new levels of performance and excellence in sports and in life, and your rewards will run far deeper than mere material success.”
“You are in danger of living a life that is so soft and comfortable that you will never realize your true potential” — David Goggins
#2. Screw it Lets Do it; Lessons in Life and Business by Richard Branson
Takeaways;
Take the chance and start your business.
Have fun while doing business. If it's not fun for you or you dont enjoy it don’t do it.
#3. Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson M.D.
Change is always present, be ready to adapt to it.
#4. The Mother of Black Hollywood(Audiobook) by Jenifer Lewis
Very funny book
Takeaways;
Love yourself so that love will not be a stranger when it comes.
Life is a stage, play your part to its fullest.
#5. Fire and Fury; Inside the Trump White House(Audiobook) by Michael Wolff
No real takeaways here just show a chaotic white house under Trump's leadership. Still an interesting book though.
#6. Mr. Playboy Hugh Hefner and the American Dream (Audiobook) by Steven Watts
An interesting tale of the rise of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. Book probably should have been shorter. The times of his court cases were dull but I decided to finish through. Hefner definitely left a tremendous effect on American society and the conversation around sex from stodgy conservative ideals to sexual embracement.
#7. Buffett the Making of an American Capitalist by Roger Lowenstein
Warren Buffett The CEO and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway is currently the third-richest person in the world and has a net worth of $86 billion.
Takeaways
Lesson #1. Never stop learning.
Buffett is a reading machine — he is well known for reading at least 6 hours a day. Buffett credits this time with helping him find valuable information in financial reports and other company documents that helped him purchase large shares in companies for cheap and reap a tremendous profit.
This book is not a financial advice book but mainly a great look at the makings of the wealthiest businessmen in the world
Lesson #2
Don’t buy more than you need.
Buffett’s frugality is well known, but what’s fascinating is how that frugality drifts over into his investing. In no aspect of his life does he spend a dime without a clear purpose. In fact, Buffett still lives in the house he bought in the 1950s, which is now worth over $652,000, even though he could clearly buy a mansion made out of gold.
He is very disciplined and purposeful in his actions.
#8. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
Takeaways
The Criminal justice system is fucked up and in total need of reform.
Persuasive and eye-opening analysis of complex and important issues relating to Criminal Justice.
In The New Jim Crow, Michelle Alexander argues that the war on drugs and its consequent incarceration of a disproportionate number of black American men amounts to a new form of racialized social control akin to the Jim Crow laws.
February
#9. Defining Moment in History(Audiobook) by Dick Gregory
With his trademark acerbic wit, incisive humor, and infectious paranoia, one of our foremost comedians and most politically engaged civil rights activists look back at 100 key events from the complicated history of black America.
Learned a lot of interesting historical info from this book. Worth also checking out some of Dick Gregory's interviews.
#10. Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America (Audiobook) by Ibram X. Kendi
Very powerful book. This book could actually be a full curriculum on history.
So much knowledge that it's hard to pin down a few things; it is one I have to revisit again. So much I never knew about history.
Ibram X. Kendi is a New York Times bestselling author and the founding director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University. Kendi is also a leading scholar of race and discriminatory policy in America.
#11. White Fragility by Robin Diangelo
My takeaways
A great book telling a good depiction of why it is difficult for some white people to talk about race. Great insight on topics I already knew and others I didn’t.
The birdcage metaphor was really deep;
The metaphor of a birdcage to describe the interlocking forces of oppression. If you stand close to a birdcage and press your face against the wires, your perception of the bars will disappear and you will have an almost unobstructed view of the bird. If you turn your head to examine one wire of the cage closely, you will not be able to see the other wires. If your understanding of the cage is based on this myopic view, you may not understand why this bird doesn’t just go around the single wire and fly away. You might even assume that the bird liked or chose its place in the cage.
But if you stepped back and took a wider view, you would begin to see that the wires come together in an interlocking pattern — a pattern that works to hold the bird firmly in place. It now becomes clear that a network of systematically related barriers surrounds the bird. Taken individually, none of these barriers would be that difficult for the bird to get around, but because they interlock with each other, they thoroughly restrict the bird. While some birds may escape the cage, most will not. And certainly those that do escape will have to navigate many barriers that birds outside the cage do not.
The birdcage metaphor helps us understand why racism can be so hard to see and recognize: we have a limited view. Without recognizing how our position in relation to the bird defines how much of the cage we can see, we rely on single situations, exceptions, and anecdotal evidence for our understanding, rather than on broader, interlocking patterns.
#12. Black man in a White Coat(Audiobook) by Damon Tweedy M.D.
Takeaway;
One of the most fascinating aspects of this memoir is Tweedy’s unflinching honesty and fierce introspection during his life as a doctor who happens to be black.
#14. Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
Networking is vital to life.
#15. The Greatest Salesman in the world by Og Mandino
March
#16. The Power of Vulernability(Audiobook) by Brene Brown
Great book. Really deep lessons about shame, play being vulnerable and creativity.
Takeaway
Biggest lesson — Comparison is the thief of happiness
#17. The Preppers Pocket Guide 101 easy things you can do to ready your home for a disaster by Bernie Carr.
Takeaway
Useful skills in to know and learn just in case shit hit the fan. We live in a chaotic world so it is best to have the survival skills in tack
#18. Managing Oneself by Peter Drucker
You are the biggest thing you have to manage — do self-assessments on and monitor your goals.
Give yourself reasonable timeframes to establish a major goal. 18 months is ideal.
#19. Limitless by Jim Kwik
Takeaways
You are as limitless as you can be.
“Stomping” on your ANTs, or Automatic Negative Thoughts as they come up is essential in strengthening your mindset. Also, surrounding yourself with a “positive peer group,” will help your anti-negative attitude stick.
April
#20. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Takeaway
Tiny Changes equals Remarkable Results. Develop a routine for your habits so that the successful ones are easy to do.
#21. Overcoming Indecisiveness by Theodore Isaac Rubin M.D.
Takeaway
provided a useful strategy on decision making — I liked it more as a refresher but well worth the read.
#22. Purple Cow (audiobook) by Seth Godin
Takeaways
A product for everybody is a product for nobody. Market to the niches.
Purple cow is a product that stands out from the crowd, It is useless to advertise to everyone just invest in a target.
Criticism comes to those who stand out.
Boring always lead to failure.
If everyone likes it’s it boring, try being a bit outrageous at times
The path to lifetime job security is to be remarkable.
Very good is bad. Safe is risky.
#23. The Black Presidency by Michael Eric Dyson
In Dyson’s book, race is presented as the ‘defining feature’ of Obama’s two terms in office. He bears the ‘burden of representation’ (James Baldwin) as a President whose speech and action is always perceived through the lens of his colour. His is ‘the black presidency’, separated from all who had come before him by this singular characteristic. For some, Obama’s black skin makes him a lesser link in a chain of whiteness, yet for others, he is evidence of the successful extension of privilege and opportunity to a minority group who had never before achieved such democratic representation. Either way, Dyson believes that Obama has changed the very nature of the American presidency, but in this vocabulary of difference there is both positive and negative.
#24. Passing (Audiobook) by Nella Larsen
Set primarily in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City in the 1920s, the story centers on the reunion of two childhood friends — Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield — and their increasing fascination with each other’s lives. The title refers to the practice of “racial passing”, and is a key element of the novel; Clare Kendry’s attempt to pass as white for her husband, John (Jack) Bellew, is its most significant depiction in the novel, and a catalyst for the tragic events
#25. INFLUENCE; The Psychology of Persuasion (audiobook) by Michael Chialdini.
Teaches about the art of persuasion — and how essential it is in life. This book is like a curriculum on the subject so well work the re-read.
#26. Mindset by Carol S Dweck
Takeaway
Growth mindset vs fixed mindset.
A growth mindset is always looking to learn from challenges, failures, and setbacks. A fixed mindset is always seeking not to be wrong — looking not to fail.
May
#27. How Successful People Think by John C. Maxwell
Successful thinking has clues and leads to an effective life
#28. Relentless by Tim Grover
Takeaways
Never stop until you get what you want. Then keep going until you get what’s next. Then you go for more. Relentless.
If you don’t make a choice, the choice will be made for you.
Don’t see problems, only situations to resolve.
You must be willing to die trying.
#29. We're Going to Need More Wine (Audiobook) by Gabrielle Union
Takeaway
The freedom you feel when you decide to truly be yourself is liberating.
#30. Think Your Way to Wealth (Audiobook) by Napoleon Hill
Takeaway
To get what you want you must 1) desire, 2) believe, 3) act, and 4) persist.
#31. The Compound Effect (Audiobook) by Darren Hardy
Takeaway
Applying daily success principles have a compound effect on your life.
June
#32. The Slight Edge by Jeff Olsen
Constant small improvement every day is a must
#33. Secrets of the Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod.
Wake up earlier in the morning to complete your most important tasks as that sets the tone for your entire day. A simple message but a very practical and useful book.
#34. Martin Luther King On Leadership (Audiobook) by Donald T. Phillips
Takeaways
“Only those who do not seek power are qualified to hold it” — Plato
️To teach is to learn twice.
️Better to be a man of conviction than a man of conformity.
️An organization without decisive leadership nothing happens and opportunities are lost — aggressive become frustrated, Lethargic become unmotivated. With decisive leadership, the company becomes dynamic and vibrant
MLK Jr. steps for dealing with criticism:
Turn the other cheek — no need to respond to it
️Remember the people you represent and what you are fighting for
Turn a negative into a positive
️Keep your sense of humor
️Have faith
️Fight back when you must
Pioneers are not the best to carry to movement through fruition will have to endure so many battles eventually when the change is accepted someone else will have to carry the mantle.
Leadership is more inspiration than administration
You can’t lead anyone if they aren’t inspired.
July
#35. The 50th Law by Robert Greene and 50 Cent (Audiobook)
Takeaway
Robert Greene eloquently tells 50 Cent’s story by explaining to the reader how his power is absolute fearlessness on the streets, in business meetings, and how he approaches his music.
Master your fear to accomplish your goals.
#36. Becoming by Michelle Obama (Audiobook)
Great story about learning about other humans and helping others. Having empathy. We are all more alike than you can imagine.
#37. The 48 Laws of Power (Audiobook) —
Takeaway
How to obtain, keep, and protect yourself from power in 48 Laws. I have read this book every year for the last 5 years and I will continue to read it every year as it one of the most useful books you can get your hands on.
August
#38. Economix by Michael Goodwin
Takeaway
The economy is fucked up but there is lots to learn as it was never made to be perfect. The best option is to thrive within it and try to help mold a better system.
#39. The Art of the Witty Banter by Patrick King
It will be handy to have a conversation resume — kind of like an elevator pitch for yourself to have during any conversation.
#40. Hard Choices (Audiobook) by Hilary Clinton
Lots go into the decision making of high profile diplomats. I always find it fascinating. Clinton is a very accomplished person and the book provided great insight into her decision-making process.
#41. The Powerfully Confident Man(Audiobook) by Craig Beck
Interesting book for men on embracing their strengths and skillfully harnessing them to attain maximum leverage on life.
September
#42. The Miracle Morning for Writers
Create a routine in the morning for writing your book or articles utilize one of those hours in the mornings and get it done.
#43. How to Win Friends and Influence People(Audiobook) — Dale Carnegie
Make others feel important.
#44. Power of the subconscious mind by Joseph Murphy (Audiobook)
Condition your mind and thoughts on what you want.
October
#45. Made in America — Sam Walton
Takeaways
- Commit to your business.
Believe in it more than anybody else. If you love your work, you’ll be out there every day trying to do it the best you possibly can, and pretty soon everybody around will catch the passion from you — like a fever. - Appreciate everything your associates do for the business.
Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise. They’re absolutely free — and worth a fortune. - Exceed your customers’ expectations.
Give them what they want — and a little more. Make good on all your mistakes, and don’t make excuses — apologize. Stand behind everything you do.
#46. I Love Capitalism — Ken Langone
Takeaway
Capitalism though not perfect is the best system we have for success and personal wealth.
#47. From Communism to Capitalism by Ben Muresan
Great story of a real estate entrepreneur's journey from Communism to Capitalism.
Takeaway — Anything is possible.
November
#48. Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
Takeaway
Use the time in obscurity to experiment.
Creativity is any way you want it to be.
#49. Chasing Daylight by Eugene O’Kelly
“Live in the Present Moment: Most people live in the future, always working toward that “someday” when they will be able to retire, enjoy life, and be happy but, as he found out, “someday” may never come, so we must enjoy each moment of each day as best as we are able.” — Eugene O’Kelly.
This book will most certainly make you appreciate life.
#50. Can’t Hurt Me (Audiobook) by David Goggins
The audiobook is different than the regular book but with the same lessons, The difference is the audio is part podcast part interview, and memoir. It is a really great experience. I could see myself listening to the audio every year.
#51. The 10x Rule(Audiobook) by Grant Cardone
The book can be summed up by two main components; setting massive goals and taking massive action. In either case, you must 10x your effort to ensure your success.
December
#52. The Power of Focus by Jack Canfield, Les Hewitt, and Mark Victor Hansen
Takeaways
The main reason most people struggle professionally and personally is simply a lack of focus. They procrastinate or allow themselves to be easily distracted and interrupted.
If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.
Treat your most important relationships like a bank account. The more deposits you make in your core relationships bank account the stronger these associations become. In the process, you become more valuable to these people.
Prosperity in life is derived more from who you know, not what you know.
Experience tells you what to do; confidence allows you to do it.
Confidence grows by doing, not thinking.
You will never achieve big results in your life without consistent and persistent action.
#53. Learned optimism (Audiobook) Martin D Seligman
Takeaways
If you think your problems are permanent and all-pervasive: you are inviting pessimism. If you think your problems are temporary and limited in scope: this is learned optimism.
#54. Death of a King: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Final Year by Tavis Smiley
Tavis Smiley recounts the final 365 days of King’s life, revealing the minister’s trials and tribulations — denunciations by the press, rejection from the president, dismissal by the country’s black middle class and militants, assaults on his character, ideology, and political tactics, to name a few — all of which he had to rise above in order to lead and address the racism, poverty, and militarism that threatened to destroy our democracy.
Takeaway — MLK’s last year was fraught with so many challenges it makes you see the test of his character despite the odds.
#55. Be Obsessed or Be Average (Audiobook) by Grant Cardone
Takeaways
Don’t be held hostage by average.
Feed the beast: when you value money and spend it on the right things, you get more of it.
Shut down the doubters — and use your haters as fuel
Here is my Top 10 list of Books and Audiobooks.
Here is My method for reading a book a week with comprehension.
Thank you for reading.
Take Care.
