139: Personal Socrates by Marc Champagne

The Road Less Stupid is a business guide that emphasizes the need to minimize dumb decisions and maximize critical thinking. The book, written by Keith J. Cunningham, highlights the concept of 'dumb tax' – the financial and emotional costs of making poor business decisions. It advocates for regular 'Thinking Time' to reflect on business challenges, separate problems from symptoms, and make informed decisions. The book is structured with short chapters and reflective questions to help business owners improve their decision-making skills and avoid costly mistakes.

In 'Take Back Your Family', Jefferson Bethke critiques the Western notion of the nuclear family, arguing it has led to broken homes and confusion. He proposes a return to a biblical model of multi-generational teams, emphasizing shared mission and mutual growth. The book explores historical events leading to the current family dynamics and offers strategies for families to thrive as a community.

In this book, Dr. Judson Brewer explains how to uproot anxiety at its source using brain-based techniques and small hacks accessible to anyone. The book is divided into four parts, covering how the brain works, mapping behavior to recognize triggers, understanding the brain’s reward system, and the importance of curiosity and mindfulness in changing habits. It distills over 20 years of research and hands-on work with patients, including Olympic athletes and corporate leaders, to provide a clear, solution-oriented program for reducing anxiety and breaking unhealthy habit loops.

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.