Book Notes by John Killmer
I invest a lot of time into reading and put what I learn into practice. Education without application is just entertainment. To demonstrate, I’m actively indexing, cataloging and taking notes so I can easily recall the important concepts. Additionally, this helps identify key patterns and establish new mental models. Reading passively is a waste of your time. Below are the summaries and key points of books that I have found impactful on my life and career.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Atomic Habits is a practical guide to habit formation and behavioral change. Small, consistent improvements also known as “atomic habits” lead to remarkable long-term results. The book focuses on how to build good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to positive outcomes.
How to Listen with Intention by Patrick King
How to Listen with Intention is a practical guide to developing more meaningful communication by mastering the neglected skill of listening. Intentional listening with a focus on understanding not responding can dramatically improve your professional and personal relationships.
Mindset The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
Psychologist Carol Dweck argues how our beliefs about our abilities shape our success or failures. She identifies two core mindsets. A growth mindset and a fixed mindset. People with a fixed mindset believe that talent and ability is innate and any effort to improve such skills are pointless. They fear failure, avoid challenges and give up easily. People with a growth mindset believe skills and abilities can be developed through intentional and focused effort. They view problems as opportunities, persist through obstacles and understand failure is part of growth.
The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge
The Brain That Changes Itself introduces the concept of neuroplasticity. The groundbreaking belief that the brain can grow, rewire and adapt to different experiences throughout life. Through very compelling case studies it challenges the long held belief that the brain is fixed after childhood. The book offers practical insight how you can reshape your mind through intentional and focused effort.
The First 20 Hours by Josh Kaufmann
The first 20 hours is a practical guide to learning new skills quickly. Josh challenges the traditional belief that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill by showing you can get surprisingly guide at something with 20 hours of intentional and focused effort. Josh advocates aiming for basic proficiency, which is often enough to perform the skill well enough for your personal or professional needs. He further argues 20 hours is enough time to learn the fundamentals, build confidence, and see tangible results.
The Tyranny of Metrics by Jerry Z Muller
The Tyranny of Metrics is a critique of our overreliance on qualitative metrics to measure performance. While they may have good intentions, they often distort goals and encourage manipulation while undermining professional judgement and intrinsic motivation. Metrics used thoughtfully and in context can support improvement. But when used blindly or punitively, metrics produce perverse behaviors and ultimately damage the institutions they are trying to improve.