I’m a veracious reader. I think reading a book is the equivalent of riding my Peloton for my brain. As a result I read a myriad of different books. Some are hits some are misses. Rarely does one really grab me by the cerebrum and not let go. When it does, it’s a true gift. I’m not someone who naturally enjoys reading per se. However, I love to learn. I also want to know what the thought leaders are thinking.

I recently discovered James Altucher via his podcast. I’ve come to love his Woody Allen like delivery and complete transparency about his hits, his misses and his blunt views on business in general. Then I came across his book “Choose Yourself.” It’s the book I would like my book “Push Play” to be. While I believe my book is great, and it’s very personal to my experiences I think James takes much of the same approach but in his voice, and it’s great. My advice to you is read both and decide for yourself.

The workplace, the economy, the timeline on careers, job security all have changed forever. Never again will the modus operandi be to go to college, take a job, stay in that job for years and years, be loyal to your employer and watch them be loyal to you and retire to a life of golf and showing off your gold watch. No. Those days are gone. James does an amazing job of deconstructing these new paradigms and gives excellent insight on how to execute effectively in this new environment.

A great quote from the book directed at creators like me who are trying to reach a reading and listening audience: “No matter who you are, no matter what you do, no matter who your audience is: 30 percent will love it, 30 percent will hate it, and 30 percent won’t care. Stick with the people who love you and don’t spend a single second on the rest. Life will be better that way.”

It’s a mantra both Tim Ferriss and Ryan Holiday have shared as well. Kevin Kelly illustrates this swimmingly in his article, “1000 True Fans.” If you want to start a side hustle. Focus on the audience that loves you and love them back by giving them quality content that both they and you will enjoy.

One of the exercises I’ve adopted from the book its to keep an idea journal and using it to make my “brain sweat.” This is an exercise James recommends to keep your brain working and improving. It also keeps the ideas coming. There is no idea too stupid or too big. If like Kramer from Seinfeld you come up with a bladder for oil tankers, write it down. Just document them and force your brain to be creative. I’ve come to love this process.

You rule!

Jason

Jason Wright is the President and CEO of Texas Titans Media. He is the host of the Texas Titans Podcast. He is also the author of Push Play": Taking Your Life Off Pause. To learn more about Jason please visit www.jasonwrightnow.com.