76: Range by David Epstein

In this book, Ed Catmull shares insights on how to build and maintain a creative culture within an organization. Drawing from his experiences at Pixar, Catmull discusses the importance of open communication, risk-taking, and protecting the creative process. The book includes candid discussions, anecdotes about Pixar's film development, and lessons on managing innovation and creativity. It emphasizes the need for a nurturing work environment and the importance of storytelling in business.

In this book, Angela Duckworth presents a compelling argument that success is driven more by grit, a fusion of relentless passion and perseverance, than by talent. She explains what grit is, how to identify and develop it, and how it can be grown through stages such as developing interests, consistent practice, finding a pro-social purpose, and cultivating optimism. The book is structured in three parts: explaining what grit is and why it matters, how to grow grit from the inside out, and how to grow grit from the outside in, targeting parents, coaches, teachers, and organizational leaders. Duckworth supports her arguments with personal stories, historical insights, and interviews with high achievers from various fields.

In 'Ultralearning,' Scott H. Young presents a strategy for acquiring skills and knowledge in a self-directed and intense manner. The book incorporates the latest research on effective learning methods and includes stories of other ultralearners such as Benjamin Franklin, Judit Polgár, and Richard Feynman. Young outlines nine key principles for successful ultralearning projects, including metalearning, focus, directness, drilling, testing, retrieval, intuition, and experimentation. These principles help readers learn efficiently, concentrate on their goals, and convert knowledge into practical skills. The book is designed to help anyone improve their career, studies, and life by mastering new skills quickly and effectively.

In this book, David Epstein examines the success of generalists in various fields, including sports, arts, music, invention, forecasting, and science. He argues that generalists, who often find their path late and juggle multiple interests, are more creative, agile, and able to make connections that specialists cannot. Epstein uses stories and research studies to show that wide sampling and late specialization can be more valuable than early specialization, especially in complex and unpredictable environments. He also discusses the distinction between 'kind' and 'wicked' learning environments and the importance of balancing specialization with range for long-term success.

In this book, Dr. Richard A. Swenson addresses the issue of chronic overloading in modern life and introduces the concept of 'margin' as a solution. Margin is defined as the space between our load and our limits, acting as a buffer to help us heal, relate, reflect, and recharge. The book provides seventy-five practical prescriptions for restoring margin in areas such as emotional energy, physical energy, time, and finances. It emphasizes the importance of simplicity, rest, and balance in achieving a healthier and more fulfilling life, particularly from a Christian perspective.

Getting Things Done (GTD) is a personal productivity system developed by David Allen. The book provides a detailed methodology for managing tasks, projects, and information, emphasizing the importance of capturing all tasks and ideas, clarifying their meaning, organizing them into actionable lists, reviewing the system regularly, and engaging in the tasks. The GTD method is designed to reduce stress and increase productivity by externalizing tasks and using a trusted system to manage them. The book is divided into three parts, covering the overview of the system, its implementation, and the deeper benefits of integrating GTD into one's work and life.

In 'Playing with Fire,' Theo Fleury candidly shares his life story, including his rise to fame in the NHL, his battles with alcoholism, drug abuse, and gambling, and the sexual abuse he suffered as a youth at the hands of his former coach Graham James. The book chronicles his remarkable hockey career, his personal struggles, and his eventual comeback attempt with the Calgary Flames at the age of 41. It also includes new stories about his life as an author and his continued advocacy work.