scott stonehouse

Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards (Non-Fiction) — I saw her interview on Craig Groeschel’s podcast, watched several of her YouTube videos, then watched both of her interviews on the Diary of a CEO podcast (interview 1, interview 2). Excellent stuff. This led me to her books, Cues and Captivate (which I haven’t read yet).

I really liked the warmth/competence grid for charisma. There are things we can be aware of and do to help dial up or down our warmth or competence signals. I also liked the reminder that, generally speaking, we aren’t faking these things when we practice them (for example, standing a certain way to look more confident). Rather, practicing them actually helps us to begin feeling that way.

I love Jon Acuff. His books, podcasts, everything. He is one of my favorites. He has a way with words to help bring insight and make things memorable. He is also a wonderful encourager. He was one of the strong influences that got me to start this blog and go for it. I read or re-read a few of his books this month.

Finish by Jon Acuff – audio (Non-Fiction) — Yes, I read “Finish” before I read “Start”. That is the way they became available through the library. I loved the idea of “the day after perfect”. This is the most important day. When you blow your resolution or habit or goal and you are no longer perfect, what do you do? Most people just give up. Jon is, obviously, encouraging everyone to keep going, to finish. I also liked how he went through several lies of perfection and had suggestions on how to deal with each.

Start by Jon Acuff (Non-Fiction) — This one was full of soundtracks (Jon’s term for repetitive thoughts) to use to help you “punch fear in the face” and get started on your goals. Several of the ones I highlighted are: “Just start”, “Do the reps”, “Joy is an incredible alarm clock”, “Action always beats intention”, “Some beats none”, and “Sacrifice is an accelerant”. You will find a few of these on my own daily motivations and maxims card.

All It Takes is a Goal by Jon Acuff (Non-Fiction) — Another helpful book from Jon. I got so much out of it. For example, the Best Moments List, making goals a game (and the 5 main games you can play), and the three kinds of goals (Easy, Middle, Guaranteed). One of the best insights from the book was the most important goals question: When? When are you going to work on it. When is it on your calendar? Unless you can answer that question, most of your goals will go unmet. He also had several soundtracks that I highlighted, including “Consistency is contagious”, “Success is in the seconds”, “Minutes matter”, and “Words without Work are useless”.

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks – audio (Non-Fiction) — I didn’t really get much out of this book. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t any good. It’s just sometimes a book impacts you and sometimes it doesn’t. I think I listened to this one because I heard it referenced on a podcast.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (Fiction) — I really enjoyed this book. My daughter recommended it. I had read the original Hunger Games trilogy years ago and enjoyed them. This is a prequel story, about the boy who becomes President Snow (the main villain in the original trilogy). If you liked the original stories, I think you will enjoy this one.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (Fiction) — A good read. It is about a family living on a small island near Antartica used as a research base. A woman mysteriously washes up on shore at the beginning of the book. She has things to hide. They have things to hide. Suspense and intrigue ensues. WARNING: There is a graphic sexual scene in the book. There is also some foul language sprinkled throughout the book, but it isn’t heavy.