Reading

I will be adding in recommendations for books that I found really useful. Some of them will be pure business books, but some won’t be. I’ll keep adding to the list as I read more, so keep coming back.

I’m also interested in recommendations from you. Anything you think I will like, send me a link (or the book!)

The Game Changer Formula
Ruaidhri Prendergast

This book aims to help readers develop a winning mindset and achieve success in all areas of their lives. As someone who is always interested in personal development and growth, I was excited to read this book and see what insights it had to offer.

Here is a link to a FREE print copy of the book!

This is a really engaging book. Prendergast’s prose is clear, concise, and easy to follow, making the book a pleasure to read from start to finish. He also has a knack for simplifying complex ideas and concepts, frequently illustrating ideas with anecdotes from his experience sailing across the Atlantic, which is especially helpful when it comes to understanding the strategies and techniques he presents for achieving success.

The book is divided into sections, each of which focuses on a specific aspect of the game-changing mindset. There are ten elements of the formula:

• Mindset Manual
• Stillness
• Imagination
• Review
• Movement
• Daily Planner
• Fuel
• Hydration
• Daily Check in
• Early 8

Prendergast begins by discussing the importance of having a clear vision and purpose, and how this can help individuals stay motivated and focused on their goals. He also stresses the need for positive self-talk, and how it can impact our mental state and ability to perform at our best.

The Game Changer Formula isn’t just about ideas, it is also a guide to how you effectively implement your ideas, with the emphasis on taking action. Prendergast is a firm believer that success is achieved through having a process. Hard work and dedication need a direction to be effective, and he provides readers with actionable steps they can take to achieve their goals. Whether it’s developing a daily routine or setting clear, measurable targets, the book offers plenty of practical advice for those looking to make a positive change in their lives.

Another strength of The Game Changer Formula is the emphasis on the importance of mindset. Prendergast believes that success is largely a matter of mindset, and he provides readers with a range of tools and strategies for cultivating a winning attitude. Whether it’s using visualization techniques or practicing gratitude, the book is full of practical tips for those looking to shift their perspective and approach life with a more positive and proactive mindset.

The style of the writing and the information is direct and honest. For example chapters on the importance of positive self-talk and of visualisation, he specifies that he is not a psychologist and doesn’t know why or how they work, but he knows that they do. He suggests if you want to know why they work, go and read a book on psychology!

Overall, I found The Game Changer Formula to be an engaging and insightful read, with plenty of practical advice for those looking to cultivate a winning mindset and achieve success in all areas of their lives.

In the interest of full disclosure I must point out that Ruaidhri is a friend of mine, but don’t let that detract from this review. On the contrary, I was one of his guinea pigs to test the formula when he was writing the book, so am one of the people who has been implementing his process the longest. I have been following his formula for two years and I can 100% stand over the fact that if you implement The Game Changer Formula – it works. This book has literally changed how I live my life.

This book provides a valuable resource for anyone looking to make positive changes in their lives. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to grow your business, a student looking to improve your academic performance, or simply someone looking to live a more fulfilling life, The Game Changer Formula offers plenty of actionable advice and strategies for achieving your goals.

The Hard Things About Hard Things
Ben Horowitz

In his introduction, Horowitz describes this book as a guide for what you need to know that isn’t in other business books, and he’s right.

This book isn’t about strategy or how to start a business, it’s about the hard realities of starting and growing a business. Realities like having to make cuts when things aren’t going to plan. The reality of having to let people go, people who could be friends who started to work with you when the business was new. It is about facing into those decisions regardless of how difficult they are.

In Horowitz’s opinion the difference between a company that will succeed and one that will fail can be the leaders ability to make those decisions. I think he is right.

In reading this book, I could see mistakes I had made in the past by making decisions for the wrong reason. Taking the easy route and not the best one. That ‘easy route’ will come back to haunt you, so in the long run you are not doing yourself any favours.

I read this book first when I was in Dot Forge Accelerator, which was probably the perfect time to read it. I have referred back to it many times since.