Gudjon’s Blog

Discussing strategies and especially books on it is always a popular topic. The other day I discussed this with a college at Industria who actually felt there is not much time for reading books. So, I gave him a bit of a different approach by making new use of his iPod — that is going for audiobooks. Then at the same time, try looking at the time spent for physical exercise as an opportunity to learn something new during the activity. 

You can also take advantage of the time you spend doing everyday tasks like commuting to and from work. This is what I do in London.

The only gadgets needed is an iPod and an account at Audible.com (or going for the library available at the iTunes Store). This simple step could be a great life changer. Especially if you have the same passion for learning as I have. 

If you decide to combine exercise with a good audiobook, one chapter at a time, you are combining the best of two worlds, learning something new and becoming more physically fit. — Your health is your wealth! 

So, here is my step by step proposal for you.

Step 1: Signup for a subscription at Audible.com

First, don’t let a fee of $12 pr. month turn you off. If you compare this very small expenditure with some of your other monthly spending and think of the value this can give you, this decision should be a no-brainer for you. Listening to many of the books suggested here will definitely give you a better perspective on most issues that make us valuable as members of the Industria team. Also, if you can read something inspiring everyday, even if its only for 30-60 minutes, it will give you the added energy and the additional knowledge to make things happening. The important thing in science is not so much to obtain new facts as to discover new ways of thinking about them.

You can go for the monthly subscription, but also look into the “12 credits all at once”, so you can build up a small library on your iPod from day one. This gives you better choices and a good variety of material to listen to from the start.

Step 2: Let’s buy few audiobooks to get started!

There are a few books we can recommend in terms of getting started. They are:

• Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath This is an excellent reference book on how to get ideas across. It provides good tips and training for when you need to communicate the core of your message.
   

• Soundview Executive Book Summaries, 12-Month Subscription - If you like to follow the latest on some of the great business books that are published, then this subscription could be valuable. It gives you a summary of 2-3 books every month in 60 minutes. Listening to a new summary each month is great during an exercise session in the gym…
   

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - This is a serious reading and highly recommended.  This book could be your long-term tool if taken seriously and then you can look at more of Stephen R. Covey books on the same subject. 
   
• The Innovator’s Solution: Creating and Sustaining Successful Growth - Great reading for those active on the strategic front.
   

• Dale Carnegie’s classics - Dale Carnegie is a classical author and his book on How to Win Friends & Influence People is a must read.
   
• Anything from the author Robin Sharma - Robin is a great author that can really get you going on combining work with quality life. Check out any of his books; you will not regret it.
    

These are just the ones I picked after not too much of consideration, as these are the books that I have just recently listened to and liked.

Step 3: Ready, set, go!

You are now ready for your first read. Pick a audiobook that is only about 1 hour long, like some of Robin Sharma’s books as they are quite light reading and to the point. How to Craft a World Class Life is a quick and light one to start with.

Get your gear ready, like:

• If you do not already have an iPod, then buy the small ones like iPod Nano as you want something light. 8GB as a minimum, as I hope your library will grow fast.
• Make sure you have a good headset. Like some of the sport headsets from Sennheiser
• Get a good sport armband for your iPod for the extra comfort.
   

That it folks.  Please comment to this blog entry with further ideas on more titles/reading.