📚 4 Game-Changing Books I’ve Read This Year (So Far)

I firmly believe that continuous learning is one of the best ways to grow, as a leader, a professional, and a person. So far this year, I’ve delved into powerful books that challenged my thinking, gave me new tools, and sparked many ideas. I wanted to share a quick review of four of them and my top takeaways from each.

I’m one of those people who need (or just want) a hard copy of the book, so I buy them all.  However, I listen to many of them on my morning walks, which is a great way to consume books, especially if the author is reading them. 

1️⃣ The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath
What it’s about:  This book explores why specific brief experiences can jolt, elevate, and change us, and how we can create more of those moments in business and life. Whether you're leading a team or building customer experiences, the idea is simple: be intentional about crafting standout moments.

Key takeaways:

• Moments of elevation, insight, pride, and connection have the biggest impact—look for ways to create these.  
  
• Small tweaks can turn an ordinary experience into something memorable.
  
• Businesses that engineer moments of surprise and delight build deeper loyalty.
  
• Peak moments don’t just happen—you need to design them.
  

2️⃣ The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
What it’s about:  This is a quick-hitting, mindset-shifting book about letting go of what you can’t control and focusing on what really matters. Mel’s advice: when people make decisions you don’t agree with—let them. Stop wasting energy on things out of your control.  But the best part of the book, in my opinion, is when she explains “Let Me”.  It so powerful and freeing to embrace this concept.

Pro Tip:  Listen to this book!  Mel does an amazing job reading the book - honestly, you feel like you’re listening to a podcast!  Make not mistake, she’s in your ear, but also in your face with some hard facts and truths!  This so good!

Key takeaways:

• Most of the stress in life comes from trying to control other people’s actions.
  
• Peace comes when you stay in your own lane.
  
• Boundaries are essential for clarity and mental health.
  
• Letting go is not weakness—it’s wisdom.
  

3️⃣ The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher
What it’s about:  This book, focused on communication and conflict resolution, offers practical tools for navigating tough conversations. Fisher explains how to stay calm, listen well, and build trust even in challenging situations.  

Key takeaways:

• The goal of any conversation is understanding, not winning.
  
• Simple frameworks (like pause, breathe, respond) help keep emotions in check.
  
• Strong communication is a leadership superpower.
  
• Curiosity is key: ask questions before offering solutions.

Pro Tip: Listen to this book. Jefferson's way of speaking is so calming yet powerful. He shares some great insights on improving your communication style, and it all starts with a simple 5-second pause to breathe.

4️⃣ A More Beautiful Question by Warren Berger
What it’s about: This book is all about the power of asking the right questions to unlock creativity, spark innovation, and solve tough problems. Berger shows how great innovators and leaders don’t have all the answers, they ask better questions.

Key takeaways:

• A well-framed question can be more powerful than a well-formed answer.
  
• Questioning is a skill that can (and should) be practiced daily.
  
• Innovative companies foster a culture of curiosity and inquiry.
  
• Start with “Why,” move to “What if,” and finish with “How.”
  

These books have each shaped my thinking in different ways this year, and I highly recommend adding at least one of them to your reading list. 📖

What book have you read that had an impact on you?

👇🏻Drop a comment below and let us know the book and your #1 takeaway!

Until next time, Make Today Great!

Sid