141: Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis

This book is based on a series of public lectures Viktor E. Frankl gave in Vienna eleven months after his liberation from Nazi concentration camps. Frankl discusses his central thoughts on meaning, resilience, and the importance of embracing life even in the face of great adversity. He explores the maxim 'Live as if you were living for the second time' and argues that every crisis contains opportunity. Despite the horrors of the camps, Frankl learned from his fellow inmates that it is always possible to 'say yes to life', a profound and timeless lesson for all.

The Great Mental Models: General Thinking Concepts is the first book in The Great Mental Models series. It details nine fundamental thinking concepts that form the bedrock of clear reasoning and effective decision-making. Drawing on examples from history, business, art, and science, this book teaches how to avoid blind spots, find non-obvious solutions, anticipate and achieve desired outcomes, and play to your strengths while avoiding your weaknesses. The book covers mental models such as first principles thinking, Hanlon’s razor, inversion, and probabilistic thinking, among others, to help readers better understand the world, solve problems, and gain an advantage.

In 'The Messy Middle,' Scott Belsky delves into the often-overlooked middle phase of projects and ventures, where the initial excitement has worn off and the final success is still uncertain. The book is filled with practical insights, anecdotes, and actionable takeaways from Belsky's own experiences as an entrepreneur and investor. It covers topics such as managing uncertainty, powering through challenges, and making strategic decisions to ensure the success of any bold endeavor.

In 'The Coaching Habit,' Michael Bungay Stanier provides a straightforward and effective approach to coaching. Drawing on his extensive experience training managers worldwide, he introduces seven essential coaching questions designed to help managers unlock their team's potential. These questions include the Kickstart Question, the AWE Question, the Lazy Question, the Strategic Question, the Focus Question, the Foundation Question, and the Learning Question. The book emphasizes the importance of saying less and asking more, fostering a collaborative and empowering work environment. It combines practical advice with research in neuroscience and behavioral economics, making coaching a daily, informal part of managerial work rather than a formal event.

This classic novel by Robert M. Pirsig is a personal and philosophical odyssey that delves into the author's search for meaning. The narrative follows a father and his son on a summer motorcycle trip from the Midwest to California, intertwining a travelogue with deep philosophical discussions. The book explores the concept of 'quality' and how it informs a well-lived life, reconciling science, religion, and humanism. It also touches on the author's own struggles with his past and his philosophical quest, making it a touching and transcendent exploration of human experience and endeavor.

Bird by Bird is a comprehensive guide to writing that covers various aspects of the craft, from the initial stages of starting a project to the technical details of plot, character, and dialogue. Lamott emphasizes the importance of persistence, faith, and hard work in writing. She advocates for writing imperfect first drafts and warns against the pitfalls of perfectionism and self-criticism. The book also delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of writing, encouraging writers to confront their deepest fears and desires. Lamott's approach is down-to-earth, humorous, and generously filled with personal experiences and practical advice.

In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill. These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'. Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.

In 'Creative Calling', Chase Jarvis emphasizes the importance of creativity as a habit available to everyone, regardless of their profession or background. The book introduces the 'IDEA' system: Imagine your big dream, Design a daily practice to support it, Execute on your plans, and Amplify your impact through a supportive community. Jarvis encourages readers to start small, making creativity a part of their daily lives, and argues that this practice can lead to greater direction, agency, and happiness in life.