Below are the books, blogs, & podcasts that inspired me in 2014.

Washington’s Secret Six is the story of how George Washington utilized his top secret Culper Spy Ring to win the American Revolution.  This book reads like fiction.  The story is fascinating. We owe our freedom to warriors whose names we will never know.

41: A Portrait of My Father is the biography of President George H. W. Bush told through the eyes of his son, George W. Bush.  It’s a remarkable journey of the the impact 41 has had on the last 6 decades of world history. It’s hard to think of a political figure that displayed more class and dignity.  

What I Know for Sure was my surprise book of the year.  I never watched Oprah Winfrey’s TV show.  I hesitated listening to this audio book.  My mistake.  This book is filled with candid, unvarnished stories of lessons Oprah learned on her journey from growing up a poor Southern girl, in a broken home, to a billionaire media celebrity.  When one of the most successful people on the planet want to share with you “What they know for sure” – it’s time to take notes.

Break Out is inspiring and uplifting.  It is Joel Osteen at his best.  It is difficult to read a few pages and not get excited about being alive.

Andrew Sobel shares 21 ways to improve your relationships, business, & life in Power Relationships.  Sobel writes, “Know the other person’s agenda and help them accomplish it.”  This may be the best 1 sentence of advice I read all year.

The Power of Positive Thinking is the classic book that can improve your present life. It is a master work filled with simple ways to handle life’s everyday problems.  First published in 1952, it’s ideas and observations are as fresh and relevant as ever.

Steven Pressfield shows you how to slay “the resistance” in The War of Art.  Another classic that I finally woke up to read.  The world needs your creative gifts.  Pressfield’s book will help you bring your gifts to the surface.

Tom Rath shows you how to take control of your health in Eat Move Sleep.  You can read my review here.

Born to Blog is the step by step guide on how to start your own blog.  Easy to read and practical.  It was the final push I needed to start this blog.

Seth Godin has the best business blog on the planet.  Seth’s daily posts will help you unleash your creative gifts and challenge you to share them with the world.  Seth’s work is required reading.

“Connect” with Mitch Joel’s 6 Pixels of Separation podcast.  Listen to today’s thought leaders teach you how to be relevant in tomorrow’s world.

“Take it Uneasy” is Lex Fridman’s in your face, thought provoking podcast.  Lex’s focus is the mindset of the competitive fighter, but the ideas that flow can benefit all aspects of life and learning.

Wishing you a REMARKABLE 2015!

– Joe Ciccarone

The Best of 2014