Book of the Month: December 2020
Title: Doing Nothing...
Full Title: Doing Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving
Author: Celeste Headlee
Audience
Age Range: Adults, Seniors
Related Fields: Life Coaching, Consulting, Psychology, Business, Education, Career Development, Creativity, Creative Development
Topics & Keywords
Doing Nothing, Work, Paid Work, Overworking, Overdoing, Underliving, Living, Idleness, Efficiency, Workaholic, Workaholism, Status, Schedule, Busy, Business, Creativity, Satisfaction, Happiness, Deep Work, Focused Work, End Goals, Means Goals
Best Feature
The identification of work and idleness as keys to a thriving life
Think Well's Thoughts
Doing Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving by Celeste Headlee is a book about the importance of work and idleness in a thriving and well-lived life. Doing Nothing defines work and idleness, explores the benefits and costs of each, and asserts that each endeavor helps improve the outcome of the other. Doing Nothing, then, transforms the question from how much work will bring about achievement and satisfaction to how much work and idleness will create and maintain success and joy.
By familiarizing themselves with the information within, Life Coaches can assist clients in understanding the current role of work and idleness in a well-built and thriving life. By reading about and utilizing the information found within, Clients can explore the ratio of work to idleness that will help them create and maintain the lives they are looking for.
TW's Thoughts In a Nutshell: Doing Nothing is a book that unites the concepts of work and idleness as two important aspects of a well-lived life
Book of the Month: November 2020
Title: The Power of Kindness...
Full Title: The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life
Author: Piero Ferrucci
Audience
Age Range: Adults, Seniors
Related Fields: Life Coaching, Consulting, Psychology, Theology, Spirituality, Education, Business, Career Development, Creativity, Creative Development
Topics & Keywords
Kindness, Compassion, Patience, Virtue, Consciousness, Lovingkindness, Honesty, Ease, Harmlessness, Do No Harm, Warmth, Happiness, Forgiveness, Present, Presence, Contact, Touch, Be Touched, Belonging, Belongingness, Being, Trust, Risk, Mindfulness, Empathy, Consciousness, Humility, Patience, Soul, Generosity, Boundaries, Respect, Look, Listen, Flexibility, Adapt, Memory, Loyalty, Thread, Gratitude, Service, Opportunity, Joy
Best Feature
The discussion of kindness and its related qualities as a necessary component of a well-built life and a thriving society
Think Well's Thoughts
The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life by Piero Ferrucci is a book about the importance of kindness in a well-built life and thriving society. The Power of Kindness redefines kindness from an optional, laudable virtue or luxury into a necessary building block of human life. The book breaks down kindness into specific qualities people engage in order to create kindness as well as identifiable benefits they cultivate as a result of such engagement.
By familiarizing themselves with the information within, Life Coaches can assist clients in understanding the current role of kindness in their lives as well as help them maximize its future presence in order to create and maintain thriving. By reading about and utilizing the information found within, Clients can understand how being kind is one of the many strengths a thriving person can draw upon in order to build a longed-for life.
TW's Thoughts In a Nutshell: The Power of Kindness is a book that defines kindness as what it is, an integral part of life on every level, from the the individual to the societal
Book of the Month: October 2020
Title: Range...
Full Title: Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
Author: David Epstein
Audience
Age Range: Adults, Seniors
Related Fields: Life Coaching, Consulting, Psychology, Education, Business, Career Development, Sports, Arts, Sciences, Creativity, Creative Development, Music, Research
Topics & Keywords
Range, Specialization, Life Fit, Head Start, Experimentation, Experience, Kind World Learning Environments, Wicked World Learning Environments, Curiosity, Flexibility, Beginner's Mind, Expertise, Trial and Error, Creativity, Scientific Method
Best Feature
The presentation of range as an integral part of human achievement across its existence
Think Well's Thoughts
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein is a book about the effects of sustained curiosity, willingness to learn, and flexibility of thinking on human achievement. Range challenges commonly held notions about success across fields, including that early specialization is the key to life and career advancement. Instead, Range demonstrates that, although specialization can be a helpful addition to society, academia, and the full host of human professions, it isn't the only integral addition. Citing examples of scientific discoveries, athletic achievements, and creative genius, Range demonstrates that the ability to think outside the box or create an entirely new paradigm, based on a breadth of knowledge and experience, has driven humanity toward some of its greatest and most impactful achievements.
By familiarizing themselves with the information within, Life Coaches can optimize the coaching environment to allow the exploration of a variety of topics so clients have the opportunity to explore the places their minds want to take them. By reading about and utilizing the information found within, Clients can better enjoy the journey of their lives as they can understand that time spent discovering oneself is time maximized, not wasted.
TW's Thoughts In a Nutshell: Range is a book that helps people appreciate that self-discovery is a fundamental part of a well-lived life's work, which can lead to gains for oneself as well as gains for the world
Book of the Month: September 2020
Title: How We Learn...
Full Title: How We Learn: The Surprising Truth about When, Where, and Why It Happens
Author: Benedict Carey
Audience
Age Range: Adults, Seniors
Related Fields: Life Coaching, Psychology, Education, Business, Career Development
Topics & Keywords
Learn, Learning, Education, Strategy, Skill, Practice, Mastery, Memory, Dream
Best Feature
The definition of learning and learning about learning as an ever-evolving exchange between what can be observed, tested, applied, and hypothesized
Think Well's Thoughts
How We Learn: The Surprising Truth about When, Where, and Why It Happens by Benedict Carey is a book about how learning occurs, the reasons behind learning phenomenon, and the way time impacts processing new information and concepts and committing them to memory. How We Learn reinforces observations learners make about the process of learning on a daily basis, debunks commonly held myths about how we engage with new information and retain it, and addresses the many, varied areas about and between.
By familiarizing themselves with the information within, Life Coaches can help clients appreciate understand and appreciate the varied complexity of learning processes as well as help them create strategies for when and how to buckle down at a learning task and when and how to give themselves a break. By reading about and utilizing the guidelines within, clients can identify and apply approaches to learning to work toward goals in coaching and in life.
TW's Thoughts In a Nutshell: How We Learn is a book as equally filled with knowledge about learning fundamentals as it is wisdom about a process that can be observed and applied, but never exhausted in its depth into and breadth regarding the human mind and condition
Book of the Month: August 2020
Title: I Hear You...
Full Title: I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships
Author: Michael S. Sorensen
Audience
Age Range: Adults, Seniors
Related Fields: Life Coaching, Psychology, Health and Wellness, Business, Career Development, Education, Customer Service
Topics & Keywords
Listen, Listening, Hear, Hearing, Validate, Validation, Empathy, Relationships, Building Block
Best Feature
The focus on validation and empathy as two of the building blocks of active listening
Think Well's Thoughts
I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships by Michael S. Sorensen is a book about the importance of of listening in conversation and in relationships. I Hear You focuses on the most essential building block of active listening, validation, and works from there to help listeners build and improve upon their created and demonstrated empathy.
By familiarizing themselves with the information within, Life Coaches can help clients appreciate and apply two of the most essential building blocks in listening and communication: validation and empathy. By reading about and utilizing the guidelines within, clients can become better listeners and improve their relationships personally and professionally.
TW's Thoughts In a Nutshell: I Hear You is a book that lets readers know listening is about hearing, understanding, and processing the information heard in a conversation in order to more effectively connect with, relate to, and support the person speaking
Book of the Month: July 2020
Title: Forest Bathing...
Full Title: Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness
Author: Dr. Qing Li
Audience
Age Range: Teens, Adults, Seniors
Related Fields: Life Coaching, Psychology, Health and Wellness
Topics & Keywords
Forest Bathing, Walking Paths, Forest, Trees, Improvements in Physical Health, Improvements in Mental Health, Stress Reduction, Illness Prevention, Quality of Life, Overall Well-Being
Best Feature
The presentation of forest bathing as an invitation to improve well-being and enhance quality of life
Think Well's Thoughts
Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li is a book aimed at encouraging individuals to spend time with nature, specifically in forests, in order to improve their physical and mental health as well as their general quality of life. The treatment of forest bathing as an art backed by science illustrates the many ways forest bathing can help individuals feel better in the now and live better in the long term. The list of strategies for incorporating the benefits of forest bathing at home and in cities makes the practice accessible to all.
By familiarizing themselves with the information within, Life Coaches can help clients who wish to adapt proactive well-being routines immerse themselves in the practice of forest bathing and, therefore, benefit from the best nature can provide. By reading about and utilizing the guidelines within, clients can learn about the importance of connecting with nature so they can develop sustainable routines that allow them to better connect with themselves, others, and the world.
TW's Thoughts In a Nutshell: Forest Bathing is a book that successfully invites readers to spend time with nature in order to improve their overall well-being.
Book of the Month: June 2020
Title: TED Talks...
Full Title: TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking
Author: Chris Anderson
Audience
Age Range: Teens, Adults, Seniors
Related Fields: Life Coaching, Psychology, Consultation, Public Speaking, Education, Career Development, Career Management
Topics & Keywords
TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design), Public Speaking, Global Audience, Audience Engagement, Art, Science, Innovation, Interest, Expertise
Best Feature
The combined presentation of specific public speaking how-tos along with related TED Talk examples
Think Well's Thoughts
TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking by Chris Anderson is a book aimed at helping individuals interested in public speaking improve their skills. The combined focus of providing specific how-tos along with the inclusion of illustrative examples from TED and TEDx conferences helps bring the included concepts and pointers to life.
By familiarizing themselves with the information within, Life Coaches can help clients who wish to leverage their knowledge and expertise in the public speaking arena stay on track with their manifest intentions for adding public speaking to their professional portfolio. By reading about and utilizing the guidelines inside, clients can become familiar with the basics of a good speech and put these basics into action.
TW's Thoughts In a Nutshell: TED Talks is a book that shows what a good speech is, explains how to master its basics, and illustrates the importance of its form.
Book of the Month: May 2020
Title: Keep Going...
Full Title: Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad
Author: Austin Kleon
Audience
Age Range: Teens, Adults, Seniors
Related Fields: Life Coaching, Psychology, Consultation, Career Development, Career Management, Arts, Writing, Illustration
Topics & Keywords
Creativity, The Creative Process, Creating, Creatives, The Arts, Artists, Artistry, The Artist’s Journey, Artistic Habits, Doing, Writing, Illustrating
Best Feature
The focus on being creative by engaging in creative work
Think Well's Thoughts
Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad by Austin Kleon is a book aimed at helping artists and creatives stay engaged in the creative process so they can produce their best artistic works. The emphasis on making art as the sole path to being an artist defines what art is: a process as well as a product. The book includes ten overarching strategies for staying engaged in the artistic process as well as smaller guidelines within each that include anecdotes and other pearls of wisdom aimed at helping the artist feel connected to the overall artistic community and what it means to be a person who engages in creation.
By familiarizing themselves with the information within, Life Coaches can help clients construct the creative process that will work best for them as well as result in the type of creative products they wish to produce. By reading about and utilizing the guidelines inside, clients can build an approach to art that helps them both reflect on life and create slices of it.
TW's Thoughts In a Nutshell: Keep Going is a book that lays down the foundation for a fulfilling and consistent creative process where satisfaction and a sense of achievement lie in both the doing and the end result.
Book of the Month: April 2020
Title: The 80/20 Principle, Third Edition...
Full Title: The 80/20 Principle, Third Edition: The Secret to Achieving More with Less
Author: Richard Koch
Audience
Age Range: Adults, Seniors
Related Fields: Life Coaching, Psychology, Consultation, Business, Education, Career Development, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Sports, Arts, Literature
Topics & Keywords
The 80/20 Principle, More with Less, Quality versus Quantity, Effectiveness, Entrepreneurship, Career Strategies, Quality of Life, Significant Relationships
Best Feature
The 80/20 principle
Think Well's Thoughts
The 80/20 Principle, Third Edition: The Secret to Achieving More with Less by Richard Koch is a book about how to have greater outcomes in business and in life with strategic and efficient expenditures of time and energy in the areas that matter most. The 80/20 Principle discusses the manifestation of this principle in many different areas of life, including in business, economics, relationships, and nature. Accompanying these discoveries are lessons that can be used to determine what is most important in life and the avenues and endeavors essential to success in these areas.
By familiarizing themselves with the information within, Life Coaches can help clients to build successful careers based on prioritizing what is most important to them and identifying the most time and energy efficient means of achieving these hallowed goals. By reading about and utilizing the strategies inside, clients can make room in their lives for the careers and relationships they want most.
TW's Thoughts In a Nutshell: The 80/20 Principle is a book about the importance of doing more with less in order to live more, not less
Book of the Month: March 2020
Title: The Talent Code...
Full Title: The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How.
Author: Daniel Coyle
Audience
Age Range: Teens, Adults, Seniors
Related Fields: Life Coaching, Psychology, Consultation, Professional Sports, Olympics, Business, Education, Career Development
Topics & Keywords
Talent, Talent Development, Talent Hot Beds, Deep Practice, Ignition, Master Coaching
Best Feature
The breakdown of talent development into three key principles
Think Well's Thoughts
The Talent Code: Greatness Isn’t Born. It’s Grown. Here’s How. by Daniel Coyle is a book about what talent is, how to cultivate it, and how individual and group endeavors can blossom because of it. The Talent Code presents the three key principles involved in growing talent as well as examples from talent hotbeds across the world in fields as diverse as sports, science, music, literature, etc.
By familiarizing themselves with the information within, Life Coaches can help clients to grow their own talents through use of the three key principles of talent development. By reading about and utilizing the strategies inside, clients can commit themselves to growing the abilities most important to them.
TW's Thoughts In a Nutshell: The Talent Code is a book that shows what talent is, how it is created, and the ways it can spark greatness in individuals as well as in their communities
Parable of the Month: February 2020
Title: The Traveler's Gift...
Full Title: The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success
Author: Andy Andrews
Audience
Age Range: Adults, Seniors
Related Fields: Life Coaching, Psychology, Consultation, Business, Education, Career Development, Theology
Topics & Keywords
Seven Lessons, Gratitude, Fulfillment, Thankfulness, Recognition, Happiness, Health, Quality of Life, Virtue, Meaning, Purpose, Responsibility, Growth
Best Feature
The presentation of seven lessons for personal responsibility, growth, and maintenance of character
Think Well's Thoughts
The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success by Andy Andrews is a book about the importance of taking responsibility for one’s own life. The Traveler’s Gift does this by presenting seven lessons for creating and maintaining healthy influence over one’s life and presenting those lessons in the form of a novel-length parable. Each lesson is linked to a fictional encounter between the main character and an important historical figure who embodies the principle in question.
By familiarizing themselves with the information within, Life Coaches can help clients simplify the strategies they can reference and use to make sure they are taking ownership of the lives they wish to live. By reading about and utilizing the strategies inside, clients can conjure and build the lives they wish to build.
TW's Thoughts In a Nutshell: The Traveler’s Gift is a book that delivers powerful principles for taking responsibility and exerting influence over one’s life
Poem of the Month: January 2020
Title: The Road Not Taken
Author: Robert Frost
Audience
Age Range: Teens, Adults, Seniors
Related Fields: Life Coaching, Psychology, Consultation, Business, Education, Poetry, Literature, Writing
Topics & Keywords
Choice, Individuality, Wisdom, Insight, Gratefulness, Acceptance
Best Feature
The use of a simple accessible structure to present a profound universal meaning
Think Well's Thoughts
The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost is a poem about choice. There are many ways to interpret the poem, each of which is valid. The overarching message common to all interpretations is the path you choose shapes your life. Therefore, the poem shows there is much power in choice.
By reading, listening to, or reading and listening to the poem, Life Coaches can help clients understand the power of choice as well as the importance of committing to choice, two of the primary concepts upon which Life Coaching is based. By reading the poem and returning to it as desired, clients can remind themselves of the reason they have chosen to pursue Life Coaching in the first place—to find out what they truly want so they can walk the road best suited to their individual journey.
TW's Thoughts In a Nutshell: The Road Not Taken is a classic poem simple enough in form and profound enough in meaning to support anyone who desires to become the best version of themselves and to live the life truest to who they are