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Here are some of the main lessons and ideas from Girl Code that stood out:Connection & Collaboration over Competition:Le...
09/24/2025

Here are some of the main lessons and ideas from Girl Code that stood out:

Connection & Collaboration over Competition:

Leyba emphasizes that one of the fiercest moves a female entrepreneur can make is to genuinely support other women. Showing up, being real, sharing the messy, celebrating victories — these build stronger networks and also strengthen your own character.

Eradicating Jealousy & Comparison:

The book pushes against the comparison trap. Jealousy tends to erode confidence and peace; instead, the suggestion is to celebrate others, shift mindset, use compliments, and realize success is not a finite resource.

Rediscovering & Realigning with Your Why:

Understanding why you do what you do — what drives you, what makes you passionate — is central. This helps sustain motivation and gives clarity when decisions get hard.

Authenticity & Self-Promotion:

Authenticity isn’t optional; it’s powerful. Leyba encourages women to own their voices, tell their stories, and let their uniqueness be their “formula,” rather than copying someone else. Self-promotion becomes a form of self-worth, not arrogance.

Supportive Mindset: Giving Without Keeping Score:

True connection is less about keeping score (“I did this, so now you owe me that”) and more about genuine giving, cheering others on, and receiving joy in others’ wins. When you give from a place of authenticity, you grow — and relationships become richer.

Courage to Lean into Desire & Dreams:

Leyba doesn’t shy away from encouraging women to own their dreams and desires — even when it feels risky. The sooner you admit them to yourself, the sooner you can take steps toward them. Delaying because of fear or waiting for a “perfect time” tends to keep those dreams from ever seeing light.

Find the book here:
https://amzn.to/3W3gvO7
Or listen to the audiobook for free here: (Free trial)
https://amzn.to/47zpgqg

Faith Driven Entrepreneur by Henry Kaestner is not your typical “business book.” It’s more like a reminder that building...
09/24/2025

Faith Driven Entrepreneur by Henry Kaestner is not your typical “business book.” It’s more like a reminder that building a business isn’t just about hustle, scaling, and making profit—it’s about why we’re doing it and who we’re doing it for. Kaestner digs deep into what it means to be an entrepreneur who leads with faith, purpose, and eternal perspective.

Here are a few of the key takeaways that stuck with me:
✨ Identity over achievement – Success isn’t what defines us; our identity in God does. That shift changes how we handle wins and losses.
✨ Calling over career – Entrepreneurship isn’t just a job, it can be a calling. The book challenges us to ask, “Am I building something that serves others and glorifies God?”
✨ Generosity over greed – True fulfillment comes from creating value for others and giving back, not just accumulating more.
✨ Community over competition – Faith-driven entrepreneurs don’t need to do it alone. Collaboration and accountability are game changers.
✨ Eternal perspective – Business decisions take on a whole new meaning when you think about impact beyond the bottom line.

It’s equal parts encouragement and challenge. If you’ve ever felt the tension between your faith and your entrepreneurial drive, this book bridges that gap beautifully.

Highly recommend this one for any entrepreneur who wants their work to matter on a deeper level. 🙏💼

Find the book here:
https://amzn.to/3W92fU0
Or listen to the audiobook for free here: (Free trial)
https://amzn.to/47zpgqg

Just finished Don’t Believe Everything You Think (expanded edition) by Joseph Nguyen and honestly, it’s one of those boo...
09/18/2025

Just finished Don’t Believe Everything You Think (expanded edition) by Joseph Nguyen and honestly, it’s one of those books that makes you stop mid-page and go, “Ohhh… that’s why I’ve been stressing myself out.” 😅

The core idea? Most of our suffering doesn’t come from what’s happening around us — it comes from the way we think about what’s happening. Our thoughts create the stories we live in, and half the time, those stories aren’t even true. Wild, right?

Here are my key takeaways:
👉 Thoughts aren’t facts — just because you think it doesn’t mean it’s true.
👉 Inner peace comes when you stop over-identifying with your thoughts.
👉 You can’t always control what pops into your head, but you can choose whether you latch onto it.
👉 Most of our stress is self-created — it’s the mind making problems out of things that aren’t really problems.
👉 Freedom isn’t about changing the outside world, it’s about shifting your relationship with your own mind.

It’s written simply, without being preachy or overly “woo-woo,” which makes it super easy to read and actually apply. If you’ve ever felt stuck in overthinking, anxiety, or just want more calm in your life, this book is a game changer.

Find the book here:
https://amzn.to/46a1n7D
Or listen to the audiobook for free here: (Free trial)
https://amzn.to/47zpgqg

This book has been around for a while, but it still hits home for so many people who are tired of the endless “positive ...
09/18/2025

This book has been around for a while, but it still hits home for so many people who are tired of the endless “positive vibes only” advice. Mark Manson flips the script on self-help and says, basically: stop trying to be happy all the time, stop chasing perfection, and start focusing on what really matters.

What It’s About

Manson’s approach is blunt, funny, and refreshingly honest. Instead of giving you a 10-step plan to eternal happiness, he tells you life is full of problems, pain, and limitations—and that’s okay. The key is to stop caring about everything and everyone, and instead carefully choose the few things worth giving your time, energy, and, well… f*cks.

It’s conversational, sarcastic, and often laugh-out-loud funny. Manson doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s part of the charm. It feels like a brutally honest friend giving you life advice over a beer.

Key Takeaways

You only have so many f*cks to give – spend them wisely on things that actually matter.

Problems never disappear – happiness comes from solving meaningful problems, not avoiding them.

Pain has value – growth happens when you lean into discomfort and challenges.

You’re not special – entitlement and inflated self-importance get in the way of real progress.

Responsibility is power – you may not control everything that happens, but you can control your response.

Embrace reality – stop chasing a perfect life, accept your limitations, and focus on living authentically.

Final Thoughts

If you’re tired of fluffy self-help books that promise endless positivity, this is the tough-love reality check you need. It’s equal parts hilarious and sobering, and it might just help you cut through the noise to figure out what actually makes your life meaningful.

Find the book here:
https://amzn.to/42vVTBJ
Or listen to the audiobook for free here: (Free trial)
https://amzn.to/47zpgqg

This book honestly reads like a political drama you’d expect on Netflix, except it’s all real. Jake Tapper and Alex Thom...
09/15/2025

This book honestly reads like a political drama you’d expect on Netflix, except it’s all real. Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson dig into what they call Biden’s “original sin”: deciding to run for re-election in 2024 even though his decline was already visible to people around him.

The authors interviewed a ton of insiders—staff, strategists, politicians—and what comes out is this picture of a White House (and Democratic Party) that kept brushing concerns under the rug. They argue that Biden’s shaky debate against Trump wasn’t just a bad night, but the moment the truth became impossible to hide.

So at its core, this book is about denial, loyalty, and how fear of rocking the boat led to some pretty disastrous choices.

Big Takeaways

Age isn’t just a number – Everyone ages, but in a role like president, even small declines in energy or memory can be a big deal. According to this book, by 2022–23, the warning signs were already there.

Denial hurts more than honesty – Staffers and allies often convinced themselves (and each other) that things were fine. That cover-up, the authors say, ended up hurting Biden, the party, and public trust.

No Plan B – Democrats were so committed to Biden running again that no one seriously prepared alternatives. That “all-in” strategy backfired big time.

One debate can change everything – The Trump debate wasn’t a fluke, according to Tapper and Thompson—it was the world finally seeing what insiders had been whispering about.

Big questions about accountability – Who decides when a leader shouldn’t run again? What do staff owe the public versus their boss? The book doesn’t have easy answers, but it raises them in a way that sticks with you.

What Works / What Doesn’t

What’s strong:

Reads fast, almost like a thriller.

Packed with behind-the-scenes voices.

Forces you to think about age, politics, and honesty in leadership.

What’s weaker:

Lots of anonymous sources, so you have to take some things on faith.

Not much medical detail—this is more political reporting than hard science.

Hindsight bias pops up; some “everyone knew it all along” vibes.

Overall

Original Sin is a mix of juicy insider gossip and sobering political analysis. It paints a picture of a presidency that maybe should’ve ended after one term, but didn’t—and the fallout from that choice.

Even if you don’t agree with every conclusion, it’s a fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) look at what happens when loyalty and fear outweigh honesty. If you’re into political books that pull back the curtain, this one will grab you.

Find the book here:
https://amzn.to/4nB9HTT
Or listen to the audiobook for free here: (Free trial)
https://amzn.to/47zpgqg

John Green’s Everything Is Tuberculosis is one of those books that makes you sit back and go, wow, how did I not know th...
09/15/2025

John Green’s Everything Is Tuberculosis is one of those books that makes you sit back and go, wow, how did I not know this? TB isn’t just some old disease from history books—it’s still the deadliest infection on the planet today. And the wild part? We actually have the tools to treat and cure it. The reason it’s still killing millions has way more to do with poverty, inequality, and broken systems than with medicine.

The heart of the book is Henry, a young guy from Sierra Leone whose life becomes the thread running through Green’s storytelling. Through Henry’s experience, you see how exhausting, complicated, and downright unfair it can be to fight TB when the odds are stacked against you.

What I loved is that Green doesn’t just throw stats at you—he pulls in history, culture, and even the weird ways TB influenced things like architecture and fashion. It’s equal parts fascinating and frustrating.

Big Takeaways

TB is still everywhere – Even though we’ve had treatments since the 1950s, millions of people still die because access to care isn’t equal.

It’s not just about biology – TB thrives where poverty, malnutrition, and weak health systems exist. In other words: it’s a social justice issue as much as a medical one.

Stigma makes it worse – People with TB are often shamed or isolated, which means they don’t always get tested or stick with treatment.

Drug resistance is a huge problem – Treatment is long, tough, and full of side effects. If someone can’t finish it (often because of money or access), the bacteria get stronger.

The problem isn’t nature—it’s us – TB sticks around because of underfunding, political choices, and lack of urgency from wealthy nations.

There’s still hope – Henry’s story shows that with proper care, TB can be beaten. The bigger question is: do we have the will to make that care available to everyone?

What Works (and What Doesn’t)

What’s great:

Super readable—you don’t need to be a doctor to get it.

The mix of personal storytelling with history keeps it engaging.

It shines a light on something most people don’t even realize is still a crisis.

What’s a bit off:

Sometimes the narrative jumps around a lot.

If you want deep dives into science or policy solutions, you might find it a bit surface-level.

Focuses heavily on certain stories/places, which leaves out other big TB hotspots.

Overall

This book does what John Green does best: makes you care about something you probably weren’t paying much attention to. It’s not a dense medical textbook—it’s more like a wake-up call wrapped in stories and big questions about fairness, responsibility, and what kind of world we want to live in.

If you like nonfiction that blends history, human stories, and moral urgency, you’ll get a lot out of this one.

Find the book here:
https://amzn.to/4mrAsJy
Or listen to the audiobook for free here: (Free trial)
https://amzn.to/47zpgqg

Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, explores the art of rethinking—challenging our own assumptions, beliefs, and...
08/21/2025

Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, explores the art of rethinking—challenging our own assumptions, beliefs, and habits. Rather than clinging to what we know, Grant encourages us to adopt the mindset of a scientist: curious, humble, and open to being wrong.

The book is structured around three levels of rethinking:
- Individual – How we update our own beliefs.
- Interpersonal – How we encourage others to rethink.
- Collective – How we build cultures of learning and adaptability.

Grant uses engaging stories—from firefighters who rethink survival strategies to entrepreneurs who pivot successfully—to show how rethinking can lead to better decisions, deeper relationships, and greater innovation.

🌟 Key Takeaways
1. Think Like a Scientist
Instead of preaching, prosecuting, or politicking, adopt the scientist mindset: form hypotheses, test ideas, and revise beliefs based on evidence.

2. Detach Identity from Beliefs
When we tie our identity to our opinions, we resist change. Grant urges us to define ourselves by our values (like curiosity or integrity), not our conclusions.

3. The Joy of Being Wrong
Being wrong isn’t a failure—it’s a sign of growth. People who enjoy discovering their errors tend to learn faster and adapt better.

4. Confident Humility
Grant introduces the concept of being confident in your ability to learn, but humble enough to admit what you don’t know. This balance fosters resilience and credibility.

5. Argument Literacy
Effective persuasion isn’t about winning debates—it’s about inviting others to rethink. Asking questions, listening actively, and finding common ground are more powerful than confrontation.

6. Rethinking in Teams and Communities
Organizations thrive when they build cultures that reward curiosity, challenge norms, and welcome dissent. Grant shows how leaders can foster psychological safety and continuous learning.

One of the most resonant quotes from the book is:
“The purpose of learning is not to affirm our beliefs. It’s to evolve our beliefs.”

Find the book here:
https://amzn.to/47F4pSp
Or listen to the audiobook for free here: (Free trial)
https://amzn.to/47zpgqg

Paul Kalanithi was a brilliant neurosurgeon and a deeply philosophical thinker. At the age of 36, just as he was poised ...
08/21/2025

Paul Kalanithi was a brilliant neurosurgeon and a deeply philosophical thinker. At the age of 36, just as he was poised to finish his training and begin a promising career, he was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. This memoir chronicles his transformation from doctor to patient, and his reflections on mortality, meaning, and what it means to truly live.

The book is structured in two main parts:
- Part 1 explores Paul’s journey into medicine, his love for literature, and the intellectual pursuit of understanding life and death.

- Part 2 shifts to his experience as a patient, grappling with the fragility of life, the loss of identity, and the urgency to find purpose in the time he had left.

The epilogue, written by his wife Lucy, offers a tender and powerful conclusion to Paul’s story, honoring his legacy and the emotional weight of his final days.

🌟 Key Takeaways
1. Mortality Clarifies Meaning
Paul’s diagnosis forces him to confront the question: What makes life worth living in the face of death? His answer lies in love, legacy, and presence.

2. The Duality of Roles
As both a doctor and a patient, Paul offers rare insight into the emotional and ethical complexities of medicine. He explores how clinical detachment can coexist with deep compassion.

3. Identity Is Fluid
Paul’s shift from surgeon to patient reveals how identity can be reshaped by circumstance. He reflects on how we define ourselves—not just by what we do, but by how we face adversity.

4. Literature as Lifeline
His love for literature and philosophy becomes a guiding force, helping him make sense of suffering and mortality. He quotes thinkers like Tolstoy and Beckett to frame his experience.

5. Legacy Through Connection
Paul’s decision to write this book, even as his health declined, was an act of service. He wanted to leave something behind—not just for his daughter, but for anyone searching for meaning.

One of the most memorable lines from the book is:
“I can’t go on. I’ll go on.” — quoting Samuel Beckett, a mantra of resilience.

Find the book here:
https://amzn.to/45KpE2H
Or listen to the audiobook for free here: (Free trial)
https://amzn.to/47zpgqg

This book revolves around two deceptively simple words: “Let Them.”It’s a call to stop controlling others and start recl...
07/19/2025

This book revolves around two deceptively simple words: “Let Them.”
It’s a call to stop controlling others and start reclaiming your energy. Whether it’s friends who ghost you, coworkers who don’t pull their weight, or family members who don’t get it — let them. And then shift the focus to “Let Me” — what you choose to do next.

🔑 Key Takeaways
- Let Them be who they are
Stop wasting energy trying to change people. If someone’s not showing up how you need them to — let them. That’s data. You get to decide what you do with it.

- Let Me take radical responsibility
You’re not here to fix, chase, or convince. You’re here to live aligned. So instead of reacting, ask: What’s my next best move?

- Boundaries are clarity, not conflict
Saying “Let Them” isn’t passive — it’s powerful. It’s how you protect your peace without drama or guilt.

- Other people’s opinions? Let Them talk
You’re not for everyone, and that’s a good thing. Mel reminds us that most judgment is just projection. So let them judge — and keep building your thing.

- Stress comes from control — peace comes from release
Trying to manage everything is exhausting. Robbins shows how letting go actually rewires your brain for calm and clarity.

- Let Them fail, struggle, or drift away
It’s not your job to rescue or babysit grown adults. Let them learn. Let them reveal who they are. You focus on your lane.
- Let Me choose authenticity over approval
Whether it’s posting online, launching a new offer, or saying no — do it because it feels right to you, not because it’ll win applause.

💬 Favorite Quote
“Let Them be themselves because they are revealing who they are to you. Just Let Them — and then you get to choose what you do next.”

This book is like a permission slip to stop over-functioning and start living with intention.

Find the book here:
https://amzn.to/46j3RB5
Or listen to the audiobook for free here: (Free trial)
https://amzn.to/456oUEX

This book is a reminder that time is your most precious currency — and you don’t get refunds. Atkins shares bite-sized r...
07/18/2025

This book is a reminder that time is your most precious currency — and you don’t get refunds. Atkins shares bite-sized reflections on how to live intentionally, love deeply, and work smart. It’s not about hustle culture or toxic positivity — it’s about clarity, courage, and conscious choices.

🔑 Key Takeaways
- Say no to what doesn’t matter
Atkins is big on trimming the fat — whether it’s distractions, obligations, or people-pleasing. You get to choose what gets your energy.

- Create space for creativity
He talks about how stepping back — walking, journaling, unplugging — helps you access your best ideas. You already know that pause = power.

- Don’t do really dumb things
Sounds blunt, but it’s gold. Avoid irreversible mistakes. Trust your gut. If something feels off, let it go before it grows.

- Build character and choose your circle wisely
Atkins reminds us that reputation is your personal brand. Be honest, own your mistakes, and surround yourself with people who reflect your values.

- Balance is a non-negotiable
He shares how he left a high-profile job to build a life he actually loved. It’s a nudge to check in: Are you living or just existing?

- Help others to help yourself
When you’re stuck, anxious, or low — serve someone. It’s the fastest way to reconnect with purpose and joy.

- Laugh, even when it’s messy
Atkins encourages finding humor in the chaos. It’s not about ignoring problems — it’s about softening them with perspective.

- Reinvent yourself, unapologetically
You’re not locked into one version of you. Atkins says it’s never too late to pivot, dream bigger, or start fresh.

💬 Favorite Quote
“The things you choose to do today really matter. So take the time to develop good habits. Don’t live in denial — take action.”

This book is like a gentle slap and a warm hug rolled into one.

Find the book here:
https://amzn.to/4m0WJxR
Or listen to the audiobook for free here: (Free trial)
https://amzn.to/456oUEX

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