2x2: The most recommended books

Hello! Shawn here. And welcome to this week’s edition of the 2x2 Newsletter. Your premier Friday email for doing the important work that matters while creating and protecting your free time to enjoy life. I’m so glad you’re here. Right now my team and I are welcoming the fall cohorts of the Focus Academy plus a new business-only cohort as well! I love getting to do these personal, in-depth, group trainings because of the relationships that are formed and the breakthroughs we get to witness. And if you couldn’t join us this time, I hope you'll jump in on the next one in January. For business owners, reply and let me know if you’re interested in the next Focus Like a Boss cohort for running your full-time business on part-time hours. Check this out [1:]([The Burden of Opportunity]( Yours truly was a guest on the Focused podcast with David Sparks and Mike Schmitz. We talked about creating breathing room in your business and how to be a more focused as a business owner. Listen [here](. 2: [Our Favorite Books to Recommend]( This week my team and I are kicking off two big training cohorts: Focus Academy and Focus Like a Boss. (If you’re one of the ones joining us… hi!) And when we do these group programs, there are always a lot of book recommendations that come up. So we’ve compiled the most common and popular recommendations and dropped them here in this list for you. What book would you add? Something to think about 1: Are your goals inspiring?Years ago, I heard Marie Poulin say this: "Goal setting should inspire us to be the best version of ourselves." I love this framing of goals. Goals should be about moving us toward the life we want to live and the person we want to be. And so, of course they should be inspiring! However, goals without habits are just wishes. (I’ve got a phenomenal quote I’ll share next week.) 2: Where did the name “2x2” come from with this newsletter?Even though the name describes the structure — 2 things to check out and 2 things to think about — 2x2 is also a play on words… [If you work with your head, rest with your hands.]( And one of my personal favorite ways to “rest” is woodworking. A 2x2 is a common piece of lumber used in woodworking. Moreover, in reference to woodworking and lumber, the name of this newsletter is also a nod to building things. The 2x2 is for entrepreneurs, leaders, and builders who want to do more of the important work that matters. * * * — Shawn 👋 Whenever you’re ready, here is how I can help you: 1: [Start with the]([free Focus Assessment]( to get your personalized roadmap to eliminate busywork, procrastination, and burnout. 2: Join 3,500 creative professionals who have declared their goals and reset their schedule in order to do more of the important work that matters. Get instant access to the [Focus Course](. 3: [Join our growing Membership community]( and get your all-access pass to our entire course library along with weekly accountability and ongoing workshops. (Recommended.) 4: Business Owner? Hit reply if you’re interested in running your full-time business on part-time hours. [In-Depth App Training for Power Users]( To unsubscribe, click [here](. Blanc Media, 714 Main St., Grandview, MO 64030, United States