“It’s a Great Day for Hockey…” – Herb Brooks

Below are the people, books & places that inspired me in 2016:

People

Jocko Willink has the greatest podcast on the planet. Willink spent 20+ years leading & training Navy SEALS.  Jocko Podcast is a weekly wave of leadership & life lessons.  Jocko tells stories from military history, modern day business, & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  It’s hard to listen to a few minutes and not want to “get after it”.

Ryan Holiday is my favorite new author.  Holiday’s book “Ego is the Enemy” teases out modern day wisdom from the immortal stoic thinkers like Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, & Aristotle.  Holiday’s book, “The Obstacle is the Way”  will change the way you look at the obstacles that are standing between you and your best life. Holiday’s writing will show you how to thrive in adversity long after most people have given up.

Gary Vaynerchuk shows you how to hustle and rock out social media. His  #ASKGARYVEE book is required reading for anyone looking to stay relevant in the digital age.

Books

“The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” will not only declutter your house, but your mind.   Author Marie Kondo shows you why less is more.  After reading Kondo’s book, I was motivated to give away enough “stuff” that family members were asking if everything was OK.  Life gets better after tidying up.

“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” shows how your success in school, career, & and every other area are dramatically influenced by your mindset.  Is your mind fixed or growth oriented?  Up to you…

Jeffrey Gitomer is the king of all sales trainers.  His Gitomer Gold Webinar Series packs the most relevant tactics & strategies for anyone looking to help their customers succeed.

Places

The One&Only in Los Cabos, Mexico ruined every vacation for the next decade or so.  The stunning views, friendly people, & killer activities set the vacation bar to another level.

Our family’s most memorable week took place in Lake Placid, NY.  My earliest sport’s memory (1980 USA Hockey vs Russians) came face to face with my present day family. Amazing hikes, bloody elbows & family bonding. Who could ask for more?

Thanks to my wife’s negotiating skills, we were able to take my favorite family photo of 2016: My 2 sons and I sitting on the USA bench in Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, NY. “Do you believe in miracles?”

Wishing you a REMARKABLE 2017!

– Joe Ciccarone