US President, Harry Truman, said “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”

 

The great 18th century English essayist, Joseph Addison, commented, “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”

 

And the infamous children’s author, Dr. Seuss once wrote, “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” 

 

I think it is fair to say that reading is important. It opens our mind and grows our knowledge base for the rest of our lives!

 

But…if you are anything like me these days, reading can be a chore. And sometimes it is the first thing we cross off our “to-do list” when our time is tight.

 

However, I truly believe that if we want to succeed in growing a business or growing our relationships, we must first invest in ourselves!

 

So, to make it easier on you, I have compiled a list of eleven books that can be read in one sitting. These quick reads will help you not only take a break from your current pace, but they will add to your mind and life!

 

And, if you prefer listening to books instead, most of these are available to download and listen to at any time.

 

11 Rapid Reads

 

1. Who Moved My Cheese? By Spencer Johnson 

 

Weird title, right? Definitely interesting enough to catch your attention! But this quick read packs a powerful lesson into an animated metaphor about change. 

 

The story follows the way four fluffy characters–Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw– all relate and respond to the change they experience in a maze as they search for their beloved cheese. 

 

Sounds like a children’s story, right? But the fun, light-hearted metaphor has a way of helping you understand and relate to real, valuable truths on change and life as a whole.

 

Whether you are experiencing change or anticipating the inevitable, this inspirational book is for you!

 

2. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind By T. Harv Eker

Ok, I don’t want to give anything away…but this book is bomb! It’s also kind of a two-for-one deal.

 

There’s two parts so if you want to break this down into two separate rapid reads, I totally understand!

 

You’ll learn about money blueprints and what the missing link between wanting success and achieving it is.

 

I’m excited for you as you read this one!

 

3. Meditations By Marcus Aurelius

This rapid read is exactly what the title suggests– the personal meditations of Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius.

 

His personal thoughts about commitment, pleasure, and tranquility are spot on, and if you are looking for something to truly meditate and think on, this is it!

 

Detach from whatever is going on around you, and focus in on this timeless self-improvement read.

 

4. Meet Your Hero By Travis Chappell

Yes, I know…but how could I provide a list of rapid reads without plugging in my own?

 

This topic of meeting your hero will do wonders for your network! I spell it out in eight easy chapters, and by the end of this quick read, you’ll have the foundation needed to build beneficial relationships that will last.

 

5. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck By Mark Manson

I cannot say it enough- I LOVE this book!!

This book is realistic, academic, funny, and so so so helpful. Want a good life? Read this. There is no sugarcoating here though. It’s like he looks you right in the eye and soul and tells you what’s up.

 

Here’s a quote from the book’s description that will demonstrate the book perfectly: “Manson makes the argument, backed both by academic research and well-timed poop jokes, that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to stomach lemons better.”

 

6. Poke the Box By Seth Godin 

The front cover of this book has the statement “When was the last time you did something for the first time” This inspiring thought says it all. 

 

Imagine a world where no one was telling you what you could or could not do. What would you do? 

 

Here is one of my favorite bits from the book to give you a taste of the motivation you will find in Seth’s gold mine, “Today, not starting is far, far worse than being wrong. If you start, you’ve got a shot at evolving and adjusting to turn your wrong into a right. But if you don’t start, you never get a chance.”

 

So…go ahead and start! Poke the box- I dare you 😉

 

7. Zen and the Art of Happiness By Chris Prentiss

This was a life-changer for me. I loved how well this book explained the science and spirituality of happiness.

 

If you are looking for a quick read that will help you learn how to feel rather than what to feel, this is the book for you, my friend!

 

Find your zen, and create your personal philosophy to sustain you through anything.

 

8. Managing Oneself By Peter Drucker

Does anyone else feel that the hardest person to keep in line is yourself? Ha!

 

This great little read will have you motivated and driven to be your own chief executive officer in no time.

 

The author provides probing questions and key points that we all should apply to our lives to take charge of our career.

 

9. Marketing: A Love Story By Bernadette Jiwa 

 

          We all love a good love story, right? And the best one in the realm of networking is that between you and your audience or customers.

 

Bernadette Jiwa is best-selling author who not only know hows to write beautifully, but also how to brand and market the heck out of anything. 

 

This rapid read will help better your understanding of marketing and give you a love and appreciation for it!

 

10. The Investment Answer By Daniel Goldie and Gordon Murray 

 

The idea of investing can be complex and overwhelming. However, what authors, Goldie and Murray, have done in this quick guide is develop the 5 key decisions every person should make.

 

Through their guidance and recommendations, you will leave the last page feeling like you can be a successful investor. Whether you are new to investing or have been in the game for some time, pick up this quick read and find the answer to investing today!

 

11. The Greatest Salesman in the World By Og Mandino

Ok, did you have the soundtrack to “The Greatest Show” playing in your head as you read the title? If you do now, I apologize.

 

But this truly is an epic read on sales and salesmanship! If you love learning from history, this quick read is based off of ancient scrolls that have been passed down through the years.

 

Nothing says ‘It works!’ like thousand year old scrolls, am I right? But in all seriousness, this book will provide so many amazing principles on salesmanship that you won’t be able to put it down!

 

You may even want to read it twice 😉

 

 

Conclusion 

 

Whether you are an avid reader or you have set goals to read more, I hope this list will help give you a place to start!

 

There is a little bit of everything so let me know which book you are starting or currently reading right now in the comments below!

 

If you have another suggestion for a rapid read, let us know down below as well. I know I’m always looking for great material!

 

Whether it’s to rest and relax or learn and grow, happy reading, everyone!