I’ve decided to start being a bit more active here. I am guessing there are exactly zero people who read this site regularly, but as I start up a new business venture (more on that in future posts), I’m hoping that I will have some valuable thoughts to share.

More importantly, I’ve found that writing helps me to sort through my own thoughts and ideas, and distill what is really useful.

So I thought I’d highlight three books I’ve read over the last year that I found inspiring and insightful:

1. Quiet: Taught me about natural inclinations towards introversion, including the natural advantages and disadvantages.
2. Essentialism: Taught me about the power of focus, saying no, and simplifying.
3. The Power of Habit: Goes nicely with the above, outlining simple ways to be more effective (we’ll see how well this writing habit sticks)

While I’m at it, here’s a list of various things I’ve come across that I’ve been inspired by / found really useful / just enjoyed. In no particular order:

• Non-Professional Books: I loved The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace. Equal parts sad and inspiring.
• Podcasts: I’m still a daily consumer of the Adam Carolla Show, and also have become addicted to The Moth (the live shows are great as well).
• Recipes: One of my resolutions for 2015 is to cook for my wife and I semi-regularly. The successes so far have been walnut lasagna and bean kale stew (both are high protein vegetarian meals).
• Shows: Transparent is so good. I’m also (finally) watching The Wire while running on elliptical.
• Movies: Really enjoyed Boyhood (as did a lot of people) and Alive Inside (streaming on Netflix now).
• Productivity: The “Focus” playlists on Spotify are fantastic.