Wisdom is the Ability to Discern Exactly What Needs to Be Said or Done When Called Upon to Do So. It is the Combination of Knowledge & Experience best learned from Your Own Mistakes and often from the similar Mistakes of Others who've traversed tumultuous terrain and Now Stand as Giants in their Industry. Every EntreMusician makes a Solid Effort to Build upon the Foundation laid and shared by those Within and Outside of the Music Industry. Not only is Knowledge Power, it is a Weapon of Advantage to Separate Your Artistry from the Myriad of Incredibly Talented Musicians Who Continue to Aimlessly Wander, Wondering Why their Gifts Aren't Making Room for Them.
Below, I've listed 18 Challenging Books, in no particular order (except #18) which have become a part of my arsenal, including some new ones I've added to my toolbox. There are a few repeats from several years ago, but I kept them on the list to convey their timelessness. May they be an Encouragement to You as You Conquer 2018.
Please Note: I don't receive any 'Kickback' or Endorsement Deal for Suggesting these Books. These are Books I Own.
1) Talent is Never Enough / John Maxwell
I Am Beyond a Fan of John's Extremely Practical Leadership Style. The Title is Self Explanatory and their is Plenty of Advice to Hone Your Skills and Put Your Talent to Work for You.
2) Boundaries / Dr. Henry Cloud
Knowing "When to Say When" to People, Projects & Particulars have been the saving grace of many Creatives who feel they should always give when they actually should "sow" and reap the benefits of balance! Dr. Cloud helps you learn how to say "No, Thank You" without Guilt or allowing others to Shame You.
3) Platform (Getting Noticed in a Noisy World) / Michael Hyatt
My Longtime Virtual Mentor, who's podcasts kept me up nights dreaming and re-dreaming(!) scored big on the dawn of the Social Media Revolution we now take for granted with some amazing advice that only bears more fruit regardless of the upcoming Net Neutrality Wars. This is Advice You Need, whatever industry You're In.
4) Thou Shalt Prosper / Rabbi Daniel Lapin
Debunking Stereotypical Myths on the Wealthy and Wealth Building and any ill conceived notions of a particular race or class of people is meticulously superintended by Rabbi Lapin. A Healthy Spiritual, Emotional & Psychological approach to Money is the Bedrock for EntreMusicians once they begin Earning a Living Through their Art.
5) How Music Works / David Byrne
This Talking Head, Always Unconventional Explains in His Own Unique Way things EntreMusicians have Understood, But Somehow Could Not Put into Words
One of My All Time Favorite "Go To" Autobiographies when I am Discouraged over this or that angle of my career. Mr. Gordy's tenacious perseverance in the midst of overwhelming obstacles is often short sighted by the sheer number of enduring superstars he created and introduced to the world. His legacy continues to affect the way millions view popular music today.
7) The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People / Dr. Steven R. Covey
Unbreakable Laws which change EVERYTHING
8) Living Forward / Michael Hyatt & Daniel Harkavay
Because this Book is Co-Written by with Michael Hyatt, I added this, not wanting to repeat an author, but the lessons, principles and activities involved in this short evaluation, prompt you toward intentionality, avoiding the drift.
9) This Business of Music / M. William Krasilovsky & Sidney Shemel
The Industry Standard of the Music Business for EntreMusicians to even begin Developing a Clue of how not to get screwed...that bad
10) Streaming, Sharing, Stealing / Michael D Smith & Rahul Telang
As of this writing, I'm only into the third chapter, but have been recommending to all of my friends. I'm as excited about the possibilities these writers reveal as I was when "The Future of Music" was released back in 2005.
11) My Life With Earth, Wind & Fire / Maurice White
Few Bands have achieved True Super Stardom. E,W&F attained and in many ways exceeded what other groups believed were possible. They are a genre unto themselves with a brightly lit flame still glowing although Maurice departed this life in 2016. His story inspires, encourages and gnaws into the true grit needed to rise out of the deep south, into the celebrity of the Ramsey Lewis Trio and onto the Global Stage.
12) EntreLeadership / Dave Ramsey
You Guessed It. I Borrowed My Moniker from Dave's phrase, which sets up some wonderful pillars onto which to build your dreams and become a leader in your genre. Extremely Forthright and Practical, this book makes you want to immediately put it down and get to work!
13) In A Pit With A Lion on A Snowy Day / Mark Batterson
As a Man of Faith, I'm Constantly on the Search for Material that Encourages My Spirit as I Encounter Challenges and Take Bolder Risks pouring into My Marriage, My Ministry and My Music. Mark's Book is Just What The Doctor Ordered, Every Time You Find Yourself Standing on the Edge of a Big Idea! I will be reading his sequel "Chase The Lion" this year.
14) The Autobiography of Malcom X / Alex Haley
You Might Think this Insertion Strange and Out of Place, but if you believe in Growth, Evolving to Your Greater Self and Integrity to nth Degree of Whatever Perspective You Embrace, Then Looking Into Malcolm's life will challenge you to the bone. You really Don't Know Yourself, until You're Forced to Be Introduced to the Real You. Malcolm's Introduction cost him his life.
15) The Four Hour Workweek / Tim Ferriss
I'm due to listen to this Audiobook again this year, as I was blown away by Tim's sheer unabridged approach to Life. Often Creatives are the ones most bound by regiments, habits and formulas (I know I am) - but to Live in a Way that Truly "Unties" You to Create, may seem zany at first, but thousands are doing it without missing a beat and seeing unsurpassed returns in the process.
16) Understanding Your Potential / Dr. Myles Munroe
When Lori, My Wife of 22 Years Gave Me This Book to Read when we were dating, I Knew She was the Woman for Me! The Late Dr. Munroe had a special way of Breaking Down our understanding our Purpose & Potential like few books I've ever read. This was the book that helped me quit my job and pursue music full time, warts and all....
17) Chaka! Through The Fire / Tonya Bolden & Chaka Khan
Chaka's voice has been the soundtrack of my childhood. She is our generation's Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holiday & Ella Fitzgerald in One Woman. Her Story has all the channels of her voice, Soulful, Gritty, Sensual and Rapturous while Always Climbing Higher. You'll Read This One Again and Again.
You Needn't be a person of faith to learn incredible lessons from the lives of Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, The Apostles Peter & Paul and Jesus Christ. EntreMusicians can only grow and watch their lives be transformed beyond their imaginations as they discard what they may have heard or perceived and simply pick the thing up and digest it for themselves. An Excellent Read!
I was Listening to George Howard's "A Nice Place To Be" on Vinyl while Composing this Post.