The Three Book Diet....I Can't Do It!

I was listening to a podcast a few days ago and the host announced that for 2013 he was going to follow something called The Three Book Diet.  Essentially, the idea is to pick only three books  (yes ONLY three!) that you will commit to reading this year.  The point of this tactic is to permit reading at a much deeper level which should, in turn, allow you to absorb and implement more of the content.  

Initially, this sounded really cool because I am easily reading three or four books at any given time and get through about ten to twelve a year.  I admit that going through these at such a pace doesn't allow me to dig deeper and may cause me to miss things that I would catch during a more in-depth reading.  

Once I started going through my library to decide on three books, however, my enthusiasm quickly changed to something more like to this:

I realized the extent of my book addiction as I tried to make this terrifying prospect work.  I tried to bargain. "Surely he only meant non-fiction! I can't imagine he meant fiction AND non-fiction," I thought. "Well, maybe I'll do four instead..yeah four is good. Oh but wait, I just borrowed like four books from a coworker so I can't hang onto those until next year...."  AAUGH!!

l decided in the end that there are FAR worse addictions to have in the world, so I will not put myself through the torture of withdrawal.  I did however, realize something.  Some of these gems do deserve a second reading, and a third, and a fourth.  So rather than limit myself, I promised to give the following books a reread this year because they have had such an enormous impact on my life. Here they are, in no particular order:

• Getting Things Done by David Allen - The MASTER of productivity!! I picked up his book a couple of years ago and it has LITERALLY changed my life and my ability to get things done. I have done quite a few presentations and individual coachings around the basic concepts of his approach to productivity.  AMAZING BOOK!
• The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss - Tim Ferriss truly treats the world as his playground. He is described as a serial entrepreneur and essentially finds the quickest ways to get things done, from speaking new languages to mastering new skills. As a result of reading his Four Hour Chef, I have improved my free throw shooting in basketball to over 90%!!! Yes, from a cookbook!
• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield - This book really got me moving! The author talks about procrastination and why we sabotage ourselves from doing what we want to do. More importantly, he gives you some ideas and tips for overcoming self imposed obstacles.

OK, now one honorable mention!!

• Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon - Oh how I just LOVE this guy!! Just going out to his website always gives me a creative blast of energy!  I first came across him speaking about his art on a TV show that I don't normally watch.  I checked out his website and have been a fan since. I recommended this book to a friend whose daughter is an artist and she loved it too.  It's a quick and easy ready so I'm sure I'll be going through that one again too!

What books would make your list?