Clinton Skakun

“Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them all.” – Henry David Thoreau

Since the beginning of 2009, I’ve read about 50 books on different subjects in the realm of self-help, business, time management, leadership, teamwork, relationships, blogging & social media and of course, finance.

Most people in my age group, (18-25) wouldn’t touch a book with a ten-foot poll. I find any kind of material on these subjects fascinating! How many more books will I read before next year? Most likely another 50-100. All the extremely wealthy people I look up to say they read at least 10-20 books a year. Most of the wildly successful people I know, read upwards from 40-50 per year. This is 500 by the end of the decade.

After being subjected to thousands of hours of material like this, and keeping such a commitment, you can’t possibly go on living without being effected in some major way.

From personal experience, I would say that reading has not only made me more knowledgeable but also it’s given clarity, a boat load of tools for personal change, and an understanding for “mysteries” in life most people repeatedly get wrong. Reading has given me an advantage over people who are in the dark about certain critical key areas. It’s a fact that you can’t out earn your personal development.

The following are 12 books that have changed who I am!

Believe me, this is a hard list. There are so many books out there that deserve to be on my top 12. And I’m sure within 3 years from now, I’ll have a whole new load of books to add to this list. Everyone who reads a lot has a top X list of books they feel have made a significant change in their life. Take Sid Savara’s list, The Best Personal Development Reading List. Sid has Og Mandino’s, Greatest Salesman in the World,  as one of his top reads. Or how about Vlad’s 6 Personal Development Books That Have Changed My Life. Many of the books on Vlad’s list are on mine as well. Henrik Edberg, a well respected blogger, has read 100’s of books and posted what he believes are the best of the best in the niche, 10 of My Favorite Personal Development Books. He has books by Wayne Dyer, Tim Ferris(author of 4-Hour Work Week) and Ekhart Tolle. We can cut down the time we waste on reading by finding the best of the best.

In time, we all create our own top 10, top 6, top 12 lists and eventually who we are and what we become rests upon what we constantly put into our minds.

1. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Shwartz

One of the first personal development books I ever read and continue to read to this day. Magic of Thinking Big teaches you how to change your attitude, think like a leader, build confidence and destroy fear. Magic of Thinking Big goes into everything from using a big vocabulary to dressing for success. A quick read that is simple enough to be understood by anyone at any age.

2. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

A thorough book of timeless principles covering priorities, empathetic listening skills, seeking first to understand before being understood, sharpening the saw. Covey talks about the importance of the inside-out approach and how centering your life around principles is a smart choice. One of the earlier of my personal development reads as well. A book that has helped me create a base for my philosophy for personal effectiveness and proactivity. Stephen R. Covey is probably one of the best authors in his feild. This book will change your view on life and prompt you take your priorities into careful consideration.

3. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

If there’s one book you MUST read on wealth and finance, it’s Think and Grow Rich. Even though this book was first published over 70 years ago, the timeless laws will continue to live on for centuries. Think and Grow Rich was based on the Law of Success, a 16 lesson course that goes into much more detail then the actual Think and Grow Rich book. The only reason why I don’t put Law of Success above this book is because I haven’t fully read it yet. If you plan on accumulating wealth sometime in your life, Think and Grow Rich needs to become a permanent cornerstone in your personal library.

Once you start reading the first few chapters, it will be difficult to put down. Napoleon Hill brings up some of the most intriguing topics I’ve ever read. For instance, the concept of the Master Mind group, something which I had heard about before but not understood. I have to admit, one of the highlights of the book was reading the chapter on Sexual Transmutation. This was an eye opener and got me researching how to channel sexual energy into getting more accomplished in one day than I usually could.

Napoleon Hill explains multiple other techniques such as visualization to direct your subconscious mind in guiding you to create wealth in your life. One of the most amazing books, especially for being over 70 years old.

4. The Power of Focus by Canfield and coauthors Mark Hansen and Les Hewitt

Jack Canfield is a well known author of the Best-Selling and largely famous Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Canfield and coauthors Mark Hansen and Les Hewitt became instant heros of mine after I finished reading this. Why did I put this book on my top 12? Well, because it just about one of the best books I can honestly say I ever read. One of the most thorough peaces of material on goal setting, strength finding and staying focused. I have never read such an eye opening book on focus and discipline. Power of Focus is a book you may want to read and re-read, at least every year. This could very well be a complete success manual, even if you never read another book in your life.

5. Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray

You might wonder why I list a relationship book as one of the best personal development books I’ve read. Well, because everyone who lives and breathes should read this over and over, own a copy and review it on a yearly basis. John Gray published Men Are From Mars almost 20 years ago and since then has been recognized as the “relationship guru.” Gray reveals some major differences between men and women in their communication and how major disputes and confusion can arise when we’re not aware of these differences. This is not a book on being a “pick-up-artist.” To be honest, relationships are ten times more important than one-night-stands. Pretty much all of us generally have an idea of how to get what we want as far as sex goes. Most of us are poor when it comes to relationships, of any kind.

Half way reading through Men Are From Mars, it dawned on me. If only they’d teach this to kids in High School. If only we were educated to handle relationships (add finance on top of that), education would be worth something.

Men Are From Mars is not only for couples. It can also be a helpful guide to understanding the differences between men and women and what each want and how they go about getting it. This is a great guide for every day life, and the work place, even for solving disputes or for better communication. If you don’t read another book on relationships, this is a good one to start with.

6. Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley

Who are the rich, what do they look like? The Millionaire Next Door is a revelation of who rich people really are! For the most part, the book focuses on Self-Made Millionaires. Millionaire Next Door left me both, shocked and inspired. Stanley presents some surprising data revealing the real lives of the every day millionaire.

7. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker

Another must read for wealth accumulation. T. Harv Eker’s 17 lessons of the difference between the rich and poor. “Rich people are committed to being rich. Poor people
want to be rich.” Eker explains that the definition of Poor and Rich people in the context his book are people who Think Rich and Poor.

8. Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Like, Think and Grow Rich, Win Friends and Influence People is another work of art published over 70 years ago that survived the test of time. Carnegie is known as the grandfather of all people skills, a well deserved reputation held long after his death. “Dale Carnegie had an understanding of human nature that will never be outdated.”

I’m not going to tell you what Win Friends and Influence People covers or give you a run down. There are more online reviews on this book than most people have braincells. Carnegie has had a life long lasting effect on millions of people in the world for the past 70 years. This should be one of the first books you read as far as people skills are concerned.

9. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

My brother-in-law lent me Rich Dad Poor Dad when I was 17 and it inspired me to start building businesses. Though this book is simple, to the very depth of the word, it’s a book that should be a requirement for every child to read before they reach High School.

10. Built To Last by Jim Collins

If you’re serious about business at any level, whether you’re an MBA student, or just a regular Joe getting into entrepreneurship, this is a sound read. Jim Collins has authored other Best Sellers like From Good To Great and How the Mighty Fall. I suggest this as a good start to learning and researching the key factors in business longevity and what keeps successful giants successful over many centuries.

11. 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class by Steve Siebold

Mental toughness is the base of all great achievement and performance. Steve Siebold packs 177 lessons of high performing world-class individuals at all areas of life, whether sports or business, into this one invaluable masterpiece. 117 Mental Toughness Secrets is a road map for correct and clear thinking in your path to high performance and achievement in all areas of life. In short, Steve Siebold has created a profound and inspiring manual to mental toughness and higher thinking.There are few books out there that have the privilege of being an equal.

12. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

Seriously, John C. Maxwell has published so many winning books on leadership, decision-making, ethics and everything else a leader should know that it’s hard not to put more of his books up here. The 21 Irrefutable Laws, The Law of the Lid, The Law of Navigation, etc, are the stepping stones to every great leader. Once you read 21 Laws, start on more of Maxwell’s books. Everything he writes has never failed to inspire me. His passion and love for teaching and leadership, and for helping other people change their lives shines through his work. Leaders at all levels and in all positions can benefit from his invaluable and unforgettable lessons on solid leadership. What did I learn from 21 Laws? Strong leadership is not an overnight process, it’s not a decade long process, it may even take you 30 or 40 years to develop yourself as a strong leader.

Concluding Words

Once I started getting into reading really good books I noticed something. My outlook on life, my thoughts, my attitude and the compass of my future, very slowly, started shifting in a new direction. Until a little while ago I never realized the profound impact this has had, not until I listened to something John C. Maxwell said about how books have changed his life, the way he thinks, talks etc etc. Zig Ziglar said, “if you don’t like your output, change your input.”

It’s impossible to dive into the minds of authors like Brian Tracy, Tony Robbins, John C. Maxwell and not become effected in some way, shape or form. This list proves, there is no one book you should read. Hell, read ‘em all! Maybe you read an entire book, and only learn a few new things…but you learn one thing that changes your life forever.

“Show me the books he loves and I shall know the man far better than through mortal friends.” – Dawn Adams

Simply put, you don’t have to be hugely talented to do very much.

The rich, and the New Rich especially, are among the least talented. Accumulating money is actually pretty simple, you sell, they buy. Then once you get past that, you want to step it up a bit. You sell a lot, they buy a lot. They’re happy, you’re rich.

The Excuse(tm), Do You Make This Mistake?

I’m too short, too tall, too old, too young, not enough school, I don’t have a CPA, I don’t have enough time, I wasn’t born rich, I’m happy this way, I’m not sure/undecided, blah blah blah!

The guaranteed method to cut off all forms of prosperity from your life is to kill it before it even has a chance to grow. Another way is to put it off until you either die or the opportunity passes you bye.

5 Sure-Fire Attitudes To Guarantee You Die A Slow Death And NEVER Get Rich:

1. You need to have some grandiose idea that sweeps the world by storm!
If this isn’t the dumbest attitude about business ever, I don’t know what is. So much time, money and energy is WASTED by trying to invent some useless product that should be a no-brainer for everyone to buy, of course, “because it’s MY product, and my products have special magical powers that outsells everything out there.” This is such BS and it frustrates me when I see people pouring themselves into creating an amazing product that really doesn’t have any market value.

I’m sad to say it, but these people really aren’t entrepreneurs. They’re inventors who have a passion for building, publishing, baking, etc. They have unconditional love for their work, but don’t understand that not everyone is going to recognize their product’s value in the same way that they do.

They’re inventors, posing as entrepreneurs, pitching an inventor’s unconditional love for their BABIES to investors who expect an entrepreneurial valuation. Two different people, in two different worlds who speak different languages.

2. ASSuming the value of a business before it even has a chance to grow.
If your business worth $500,000? Is it worth $1 Million? $10 Million? There are several ways to valuate a business. It’s probably a good idea not to valuate a business on your own, at the very beginning. “This is too much like asking a mother how talented her child is.” says Susan Ward.

3. You need to be smart and talented.
I don’t know any really really smart business owners. Like, people who have an IQ of 170 and have 2 PhDs, an MBa, CPA and every other degree under the sun.

Most business owners need to be smart in a few specific, critical areas. The first is being able to handle and lead people. Being able to influence a sale to strangers. Pushing themselves to do things “smart” people are often too scared, or too smart, to do. It takes a unique view of the world. It takes persistence, guts, and courage. Emotional strength as well as physical. Being able to spot opportunities and handle failure.

Yes, the “talented” people often coast on their talents. Not feeling they need to develop themselves. Don’t make this mistake. No top performers have ever coasted without a good reason.

4. It Has “Great Potential!”
In an entrepreneur’s world, if it doesn’t make money, it’s not a great idea. I’m either making money or losing money. Potential is overrated. Everything has potential, few things actually sell. Few business actually get going because the owner gets frustrated when they don’t get rich overnight. When everyone doesn’t grab up their product. Potential is what it is, it’s just THAT. It’s like energy in dead wood, you need to light a match to get a fire going. If you don’t get the fire going, the energy alone won’t do anything.

5. Being Attached To Idea Like A Third Arm, Never Letting Go.
Let’s face it, some businesses are never going to go anywhere. They’re either marketed wrong, or there’s just no need for the product. I don’t buy things I don’t need or want.

Some products you can’t give away. When this happens, drop it like a hot coal, throw it away, tare it up, forget about it, erase it from your memory before you waste any more time on it. We know it’s your baby. You’ve raised it, you’ve put in the hours, sacrificed for it, dreamed about it…and NOW…it’s like a dead fish, you try to revive it, but you need to face the truth, it’s dead. Fry it up and eat it.

The Lazy Man’s Way To A Business That Works: Leave Your Ego At The Door

Let’s get something strait. You’re business is not your baby. Your business is not a work of art or a keep sake you keep in a hope chest for fond memories.

Your business is NOT a “sure-thing.”

Rather, treat your business like these two things: Your business is like a relationship. There needs to be the love, the passion, the attraction(feeling good about what it has to offer) and it requires commitment and energy. But eventually if there’s just no way that it can work out, you have nothing else to do but to end it, turn around and get on with your (career) life. There’s always something much better out there.

Another analogy that is perfect for business is that your business is like a vehicle. It’s good as long as it gets you there, doesn’t cost too much to maintain, and is relatively safe. A vehicle is only good until it’s outlived its years and has given all it can give. Maybe you get into an accident and the vehicle gets totaled–it costs too much to keep and get repaired. Maybe it’s time for a new one. What ever the case, you can always have more than one vehicle…just as many as you can handle.

The lazy man’s way to success in business is building businesses that you can turn on auto-pilot. You can create or buy multiple auto-pilot businesses and have multiple business incomes.

The lazy man’s way to business success is to stop stressing about who’s business it is, how it works, who gets what, etc and to copy and model other successful business entrepreneurs who have been there done that.

I don’t care about great ideas, or product or inventions. I love ideas that make money. I want to build businesses. And in business, I’m only concerned with what works. Because business is where the cash is at. Cash is where the lifestyle is. If you want to create lifestyle you need cash. The best vehicles for creating cash are businesses.

The real entrepreneur knows he doesn’t have a lot of time on earth to accumulate wealth and build successful businesses. He doesn’t stress about ideas with great potential or get over attached to a business he put his heart into. To the real business entrepreneur, money is money, value is value and a business is only as good as the value it creates and the money it makes. Successful business people are copy cats, they leverage other people’s experiences and failures to learn what to avoid. Poor business people are trying to come up with original ideas and methods for getting to success, that way they can brag about how they did it alone. Real business people understand the power of leadership, leveraging and OPT, OPM–other people’s time, other people’s money.

Maybe it’s just me. I don’t know. Maybe I’m lazy because I don’t want to spend 10-20 years creating one business. There are way too many books, speakers, role models, coaches who can teach me how to do it in half the time. It just doesn’t seem fair not to take advantage of that fact.

These two things would almost solve 60-70% of the problems we have. These two things effect where we spend most of our time and who we choose to spend our time with. They effect our happiness, our sanity and ability to give instead of take. These two things have been a problem for more than the past 20 or 30 years. In fact, going back it may be as many as 60 or 80 years since we had a reasonable understanding of either of these.

The two aspects that are the root of most of our problems are:

1. Wealth
2. Relationships

What is the cause for most couples breaking up? Money or something else going wrong in the relationship and neither being able to handle the problem. What is the cause for most suicides? I don’t know exact statistics but I would guess they start at money and/or relationship problems. In the recession, what are people frantically looking for? Jobs!

If we just focus on these two things 60-90% of all our problems would go away. Creating wealth(the reason why I’m in business) and tending to relationships(forming strong bonds with people in your life to fill an inner need all human beings have).

I’m sure we’d all agree that the purpose of business is to make money. Hopefully lots of it. Business owners want to get rich and serve lots of people. (if you don’t want to serve people, you have no business being rich)

One of the great myths of our time is that to start a business you need a killer novel idea. You need to be an inventor and “create” something no one has ever created before. The sad truth is that there are millions of brilliant BROKE inventors that are still waiting for someone to find their idea and make them millions of dollars.

I’m here to tell you that being creative and coming up with your own ideas is not necessary. I’d even go so far as to say, it can hinder your chances. Now as this may be bad news to creative people, it’s good news for the rest of us.

IDEAS, as valuable as we like to think they are, really, are a dime a dozen!

I agree there are lots of great ideas out there. The million dollar question is, DOES IT SELL? Do people see the value in it and will they buy it? Is essence, is it marketable?

PROS and CONS of being a pioneer

One of the pros to being the original inventor is that, in the years to come you may see your invention impact a lot of people. A con could be, you may never make a red cent from it. Another con, if you do eventually find a demand for it, was it worth all of the work AND will someone come along, copy your idea and make a fortune off it?

The Entrepreneur vs. the Inventor

I like to use many of the famous and extremely successful company founders as examples. And I believe they are valid examples as they are major ideas that have shaped our world. Mozart said, “I have never made the slightest effort to compose anything original.” Take some of the greatest company founders of all time, Henry Ford. He didn’t invent anything besides the Ford company and he sure didn’t know how to build a Model-T, but he saw an idea money making potential and he profited from it. The inventor of the computer is no house hold name. But when we think of computer GIANTS, we think Linux, Microsoft, Macintosh, etc, etc. Entrepreneurs see opportunities and they take it, they aren’t concerned with what’s original.

It works, GREAT!

Here’s a new idea! Take an OLD idea and USE IT! Take an idea that is tried and proven and work it! You might not win the “Creativity Award of the Year” but you might end up riding Ferrari’s and have a retirement fund for your kids before they’re even born!

But it’s not MY idea…

This might be a response you get from yourself when you want to re-use an idea. But it’s not my idea, I wont feel like I was a part of it…blah blah blah. One question: WHO CARES? Are you interested in making money or are you more interested in the gratification you get when someone points to you as the “inventor” of the JizzyFkucHeoDooHicky? Maybe the ego-stroke is more important. Maybe you are a inventor by calling. That’s ok. Just realize that, as an inventor, you’ll need to focus on inventing, not business. In business you need to be very flexible. Inventors tend to get very attached to their ideas. As an entrepreneur, you should never get too attached to one idea. Because, as an entrepreneur, you depend on ideas that make money to bring home the bacon. If your idea ends up not being marketable, but you’re attached to it and love it unconditionally, there’s a conflict–sounds more like an inventor than an entrepreneur.

You don’t need a creative bone in your body to get rich.

For me, this is the greatest news in the world. This makes multiple income streams a greater possibility. (I can get away without inventing more ideas) This means that I can focus on buying and investing in already-made businesses. You can create a business that uses a product that already has made a mark in the market. That way, you can model its success instead of trying to create a new blueprint.

The people who are rewarded in this economy are the ones who put out the most value. You can make a decent amount of coin in this economy within 6-7 years by recognizing what the market values. Often times, it isn’t a new idea. But an old idea dressed up differently to serve a slightly changed demand.