I firmly believe that every leader needs to be a learner. Books offer a fantastic opportunity for learning.
I read many books this year, here are my top 5! 
Start by Jon Acuff
Jon dissects the 5 lands that each of us journeys through on our way to awesome. They are learning, editing, mastering, harvesting and guiding. Of course you’ll have to read the book to know what they are all about!
It’s too easy to get stuck on the track towards normal. In this book Jon gives you the insight and some motivation to take the steps necessary to travel though each land and live an awesome life.
The greatest bit of encouragement I found in this book is that your age doesn’t dictate what land you are walking though, meaning your age is no longer an excuse!
Today you can begin the journey to awesome.
Good to Great by Jim Collins
I know I know this is a long time overdue. I now understand why this book is considered a classic.
Good truly is the enemy of great. It would be too easy to stop at good and become satisfied.
My biggest takeaway from this book was the Hedgehog concept. When it comes to what you can and should become great at this was as clear as it can get. The hedgehog concept looks like this:
You must find the intersection between what you are passionate about, what you are competent at and what will make you money.
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller
Each day of your life is the opportunity to live the story of your own life. This may seem like circular logic, but it is really a challenge to live your life story with integrity (ADD LINK).
Don unpacks the making of a great story. By sharing his own story he fills you with excitement to make the most of the life you have so you can write a great story.
He introduces us to a guy named Bob and if I had made this list 6 books long, Love Does would have made it hands down.
David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
The story of David and Goliath is a well-known story, even if you have never been to church I am sure you have heard of it.
Malcolm with the help of research and his creativity shows us that what at first appears to be weakness doesn’t actually make someone the underdog.
In fact, he shows that inside an apparent weakness may actually be the secret and power to your victory.
QBQ Parenting by John G. Miller
Earlier this year I did a review on QBQ Parenting. Parenting is the one of the greatest responsibilities I have on this earth.
John challenges his readers that our children are the product of our parenting, and it all starts will me as the parent.
One of the biggest take away items I have from this book is the need to say no to becoming overly busy as a family and to give our children the chance to be children and play.
The list of books I desire to read is long. What is important for me is that when I read a book I actually learn and not just read to check it off my list.
