Colipera is the result of compiling my own experiences and research, and mixing that with the teachings and words of those people whom I admire more than they know.
Their books and ideas have inspired me to never say never and have helped me continue to formulate the ideas for Colipera even when I was losing the energy to push forward.
I thought I would share their books, blogs and companies with you in the hopes that they too can inspire you.
In no particular order:
Making Ideas Happen – Scott Belsky
Scott’s words helped breakdown seemingly insurmountable goals into digestible pieces. Setting short-term goals that build upon each other was a huge inspiration for Colipera. One inch at a time is better than none at all and that happiness is its own reward.
The Art Of Non-Conformity – Chris Guillebeau
Chris’s book shakes you at the core. It resonates with “Why not you?” at the turn of every page. Chris effortlessly convinces you that you can truly trace your dreams if you’re ready to chase them. Chris penned the amazing phrase, “The best time to get to work on it was yesterday. †Failing that, today will do.”
Love is the Killer App – Tim Sanders
Tim taught me that being kinder than necessary is always the way to conduct yourself. The value of your network is not the network; it is the square of your network. 1+1 = infinity.
Join the Club – Tina Rosenberg
Tina Rosenberg has an uncanny way of showing us how peer pressure (both positive and negative) can influence people to continue smoking cigarettes, not take their medication, or be involved in a revolution.
Anything You Want – Derek Sivers
Out of all the books on this list, Derek’s book might be the most enjoyable. Derek shows you his personal and financial journey while creating “CD Baby” but it’s his straight talk, his contagious attitude and his exemplary example of a human being which carry the most weight. Read this as soon as you can to realize you can have anything you want.
Willful Blindness – Margaret Heffernan
One of the most powerful books I’ve ever read. Margaret Heffernan looks at how we as humans so often filter things we know are wrong or things we disagree with.
Predictably Irrational; The Upside of Irrationality; The Honest Truth About Dishonesty – Daniel Ariely
Emotions, social pressures and many other things affect our subconscious without us even knowing. Dan’s three books taught me how to create behavioral antidotes for my goals by instilling positive memories, not negative association.
The Game – Sarano Kelley
Perhaps the most passionate motivational speaker I have ever heard. Sarano pushes and challenges you to find the motivation that sits deep within you. Sarano’s methodologies help inspire me to stay focused on the group accountability idea.
The Checklist Manifesto – Atul Gawande
Is it this simple? Can a checklist of 5-7 steps keep planes from crashing and keep viruses from spreading. Dr. Gawande shares the most simple way for us to manage our tasks: a checklist. Eye opening.
The Four-Hour Work Week – Tim Ferriss
It’s the book that started it all. It seemed like every page of Tim’s book had me bouncing with inspiration. When I finished reading it, I immediately started reading it again. Tim is the ultimate go-getter and his words could inspire a comatosed sloth.
Herd: How To Change Mass Behavior – Mark Earls
Earls looks at how we in the West have had a unique way of living in an “I” world while the rest of the planet lives in a “We” world. Fascinating case studies illuminate the arguments behind how and why to change mass behavior.
Cognitive Surplus – Clay Shirky
Clay reminded me that I indeed have the time to do the things I want to do. Reading Clay Shirky’s work helped me understand that creating or accomplishing something will allow people to produce way more than they did before and that people want to feel connected with others in any way possible.
Drive – Daniel Pink
If you’ve ever wondered what it is that intrinsically motivates us, you have to read this book. Dan taught me that finding joy in something is a hell of a motivator and that purpose provides activation energy for living.
Start With Why – Simon Sinek
The motivation behind Colipera’s goal setting probably takes more from Simon’s words, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it,” than anything else. I have uttered that statement to countless people since I first saw it on his TED talk. Without Simon Sinek, I don’t know if Colipera exists, period.
The War of Art; Do The Work; Turning Pro – Steven Pressfield
More inspiration per line than any other books, Steven gives you boat loads of ammo to accomplish your goals and less reasons to fall short. All three of these are must reads for the procrastinator and doubter.
The Flinch – Julien Smith
Are you ready to lean into the things that make you the most uncomfortable? You should. Julien will tell you why and he will not hold any punches.
Imagine: How Creativity Works – Jonathan Lehrer
One of the most comprehensive looks into the how’s and why’s behind our creativity as individuals and groups. This book will floor you as you find out the truths behind how you come up with ideas.
What’s Mine Is Yours – Rachel Botsman & Roo Rogers
An unbelievable, eye-opening looks at the new world of collaborative consumption. Rachel & Roo truly have their finger on the pulse of what can only be described as a consumption revolution. Together, we are better!
Uncertainty – Jonathan Fields
Ever wonder why you’re so afraid of trying anything new? Can’t figure out if you should continue on a project? Will you ever not be afraid? This book is a must read for everyone. That’s for certain.
Evil Plans: Having Fun on the Road to World Domination – Hugh MacLeod
I can’t remember the last time a non-fiction book was this much fun. Hugh tells us how easy it is and how much happier we’d be if we all did something we loved. And for heaven’s sake, just create something!
Switch – Chip Heath & Dan Heath
I can’t remember the last tie I read a book that I underlined and made as many notes in it as this book. If you’ve ever wondered what it is that holds us back from making changes in life, read this. They coined the stunning phrase, “Clarity dissolves resistance.”
Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds and Actions –Guy Kawasaki
Guy teaches us the art of enchantment and what it really means to inspire people and show them the light and magic in your message or your words. It’s a master class in how to simply, be.
The Business Playground – Dave Stewart & Mark Simmons
If you’re having trouble with your creativity, this book will give you an industrial dose of how to fix that. Dave and Mark also show us the brilliance and complexities of ideas in groups. This was probably the most fun I’ve ever had reading a book.
Fascinate – Sally Hogshead
Sally breaks down the things which fascinate us and puts them into words and examples we can comprehend and digest. This book helped me come up with the name and feel of the Colipera movement.
The Daily Drucker – Peter F. Drucker
I’m not sure anyone can have more wisdom to share than Peter. This book kept me grounded, humbled and inspired at the same time. The quote that sticks with me is: “Freedom is not so much a right as a duty.”
The Thank You Economy – Gary Vaynerchuk
One thing you’ll always get from Gary’s writing is the energy with which he attacks life. Gary has paved the way for why treating people (customers and employees especially) with kindness, respect and love is a recipe for success.
Linchpin; We Are All Weird – Seth Godin
The rallying cries for anyone who wants to be something. Seth has a way of igniting your soul while always seeming to make his message sound so simple. Maybe because it is! Go make something happen!
The Mesh – Lisa Gansky
Lisa astutely tells us that some things are better shared. Amen. Colipera’s backbone of sharing goals with others has partly The Mesh to thank. Lisa tells us that misbehavior reduces when you are part of a community. I can attest to that.
Rework – Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
This book takes everything you knew about accomplishing things at work and proceeds to dump those things on its head. This book inspires you to constantly do things differently and that the status quo is often boring and incorrect.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”hs_main_sidebar” el_class=”sidebar_style”][/vc_column][/vc_row]