In this 259th episode of my Monday Morning Pep Talk, I’m sharing three timeless self-help books that are simple and powerful books that I make a point to revisit every year. Plus, stick around until the end for a bonus recommendation - a must-read if it’s not already at the top of your list!
Before I jump into today’s call, I want to remind you of my professional purpose: to help you, the full-service, full-fee Advisor, optimize your productivity and become the best version of yourself. Why? Because “Happy Advisors Sell More Real Estate.” I do that by teaching you how to handle the challenges and opportunities you face every day. When you can effectively manage the situations that arise daily in your business, you’ll be more productive and live a life that reflects the best version of yourself. My ask is that you listen as if you’re in a one-on-one coaching session with me, either in my office or on a call.
As a weekly content creator who tries to editorialize big and complicated ideas into the lowest common denominator, I’ve come to really appreciate well-written books that beautifully describe concepts that you and your fellow entrepreneurs struggle with every day. The 3 books I will discuss with you today hold a prominent place in my library. I try to re-read all 3 every year. I threw in a bonus book that addresses the biggest challenge my advisors and coaching students face - time. I wish I could have written all of them myself, but I didn't have to because I get to reference them repeatedly.
Okay, here they are…
The Go Giver by Bob Burg
"The Go-Giver” is more than just a story - it’s a transformational way to approach life and business. First, it shifts your focus from getting to giving, teaching you that true success is built on adding value for others. Second, its principles are simple yet profound, showing how generosity and authenticity naturally lead to both fulfillment and financial success. Finally, the book inspires you to see the world differently, proving that the most meaningful and profitable way to live is by putting others first. It’s a reminder that success isn’t about taking - it’s about giving.
My main takeaway: The Law of Compensation. It teaches us that our income is determined by how many people we serve and how well we serve them. It’s a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about offering value - it’s about reaching and impacting as many lives as possible. The more people you help in meaningful ways, the more opportunities flow back to you. It’s a ripple effect: the more value you provide, the greater your reward, both financially and in the fulfillment of knowing you’ve made a difference.
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
The Compound Effect is a game-changer for anyone looking to take control of their life and results. First, it reveals how small, consistent actions, compounded over time, lead to extraordinary outcomes, proving that big success starts with small steps. Second, it provides practical tools and strategies to eliminate bad habits, build better ones, and stay disciplined in the face of distractions. Finally, it’s a powerful reminder that success isn’t about shortcuts - it’s about owning your choices and embracing the power of steady, intentional progress. This book is a blueprint for achieving lasting success in any area of life.
My main takeaway: Pump the Well. Hardy uses the “pump the well” metaphor to illustrate the power of persistence and consistency. Imagine pumping an old-fashioned water well: at first, you have to work hard, pumping with no visible results. It’s frustrating, and you might feel tempted to quit. But if you keep going, eventually the water flows steadily, and once it starts, it requires much less effort to maintain. This is how success works - your initial effort might feel unrewarded, but if you stay consistent, the results will come, and momentum will make it easier to sustain. It’s a powerful reminder to trust the process and keep pumping.
The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington
The philosophy behind The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran is simple yet transformative: instead of operating on an annual plan, you focus on executing your goals in 12-week cycles anchored by a 3 Year Vision. This shorter time frame creates a sense of urgency, forcing you to prioritize what matters most and eliminate distractions. By thinking in terms of weeks rather than months, you maximize accountability and productivity. The book challenges the traditional mindset of annual goals, showing that when you compress your timeline, you can achieve more in 12 weeks than most people do in 12 months. It’s about working smarter, staying focused, and taking consistent action to drive extraordinary results.
My Takeaway: This book inspired me to commit to a 3 Year Vision Cycle. I know that if I want to manifest my 3 Year, I've got to win 3 years in a row. If I want to win each year, I need to win 4 quarters and if I want to win the quarter, I need to win each week. To win weeks, I need to win days.
BONUS: Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
This is a must-read for anyone looking to scale their business and reclaim their freedom. First, it provides a powerful framework for identifying and delegating low-value tasks, allowing you to focus on what truly drives growth and fulfillment. Second, Martell’s “buyback principle” teaches you how to strategically invest in outsourcing and systems to free up your time while building a business that doesn’t demand your constant presence. Finally, the book offers practical strategies to help entrepreneurs avoid burnout, live intentionally, and design a life they love. It’s not just about success - it’s about success on your terms.
My Takeaway: the concept of your hourly rate. I have used this concept to also calculate profitability per hour worked - the most important measure of productivity for high achievers, in my opinion.
If you have not read these books, I highly, highly recommend that you put them at the top of your reading list. If you have, dust them off and read them again this holiday season.
