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I’m always intrigued by those “best books I read this year” lists.
Some even make it into my “next to reads,” and then the Amazon delivery shows up with them so nicely wrapped.
But here’s what often leaves me curious: What made them meaningful? Better yet, how did they actually change you? What’s different in your life, your leadership, or your mindset… because you read that book?
This year, instead of just listing my top reads of 2024, I’m sharing why and how these books impacted me personally.
None of them are “hot off the press”—so if you’re looking for the newest titles, this isn’t that list. And they’re all non-fiction because the ones that truly changed me came from that genre this year.
If I had to summarize these books in one thought, it would be this: The biggest adventure you’ll ever take is living the life of your dreams. But it’s going to require intentionality.
Here’s what stood out to me about each of these books:
1. So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport
Why It Matters: If you’ve ever heard, “Just follow your passion,” Newport debunks it as bad advice. He argues that true career fulfillment isn’t about chasing passions but mastering rare and valuable skills through deliberate practice. ** The title comes from Steve Martin’s advice to aspiring comedians: “Be so good they can’t ignore you.”
Significant Quote: "Passion is a side effect of mastery; it comes when you become excellent at something valuable."
How It Changed Me: It’s not just about passion—also focus on honing a primary skill that sets you apart. Pair it with deliberate practice, and you’ll create impact, success, and wealth. Passion is the spark, but skill mastery is the fuel. This mindset is now part of how I coach others—and myself!
2. The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
Why It Matters: This book is about the transformational power of intentional morning routines. Elrod outlines practices that elevate your focus, productivity, and overall happiness.
Significant Quote: "When you dedicate time each morning to becoming the person you need to be to create the life you want, you’ll find that everything else becomes easier."
How It Changed Me: I used to think, “I’m NOT a morning person.” Now, my morning practices bring me to life and set the tone for the day. Helping others create their own “miracle mornings” has become a passion of mine, too.
3. Hero Maker by Dave Ferguson
Why It Matters: Ferguson challenges leaders to shift from personal success to empowering others. By focusing on multiplying leaders, he shows how to create a ripple effect of impact.
Significant Quote: "The true measure of a leader is not how many followers they have but how many leaders they create."
How It Changed Me: I’ve learned to embrace the idea that leadership isn’t about me. Real success happens when I empower others to be the hero. It’s not a sign of weakness but ultimate strength and a Godly abundance mindset.
4. The Hidden Habits of Genius by Craig Wright
Why It Matters: Wright uncovers the habits that define genius—not just IQ or talent but traits like curiosity and resilience. Genius, he argues, is cultivated through deliberate habits anyone can develop.
Significant Quote: "What sets geniuses apart is their ability to see what others overlook and connect ideas in ways others cannot."
How It Changed Me: This book pushed me to nurture my curiosity and ask better questions. Learning something new every day—and helping others do the same—has become a daily practice.
5. Exit Without Exiting by Jason Duncan
Why It Matters: Duncan redefines “exiting” a business as creating freedom without selling it. He offers strategies to maintain ownership while stepping back from daily operations.
Significant Quote: "True freedom isn’t about walking away from your business; it’s about building a business that can thrive without you."
How It Changed Me: It reshaped how I coach business owners—helping them build systems, empower teams, and redefine success to achieve lifestyle freedom while their business continues to grow.
6. Boss Moves by Myron Golden
Why It Matters: Golden reframes business as solving other people’s problems. The bigger the problem you solve and the clearer you articulate the solution, the more profitable you become. In business, communication matters A LOT!
Significant Quote: "People don’t buy products or services—they buy transformations."
How It Changed Me: I must start with their end in mind—crafting solutions that deliver the outcomes people desperately want. It’s about creating clarity, value, and transformation.
OK, those are my books and transformations!
Of course I'd love to hear yours as well!
Here's to a Super New Year!
By God's grace,
Jeff
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