2014 Book Goal: 52 (mostly non-fiction)
2014 Books Read: 27 (85% non-fiction)
How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day by Michael Gelb has to be one of the best books I have read in some time. Not only does it begin with some great information about one of my favorite historical figures, but it then goes into actual steps you can take to be more like him.
Like Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo da Vinci is one of those rare people who really did try to make the most of their time here on Earth. I think what I like most about him is that he didn’t accept anyone’s label about who or what he was. He had an incredible interest in many varied things and stopped at nothing to expand those interests. He seems to enable one of my lifelong beliefs. When someone asks me if I can do a thing (skydiving, baking, cross country skiing, etc.) and I have never done it before… I don’t say, “No.” Instead, I respond, “I don’t know. I haven’t tried yet.”
Michael Gelb breaks Leonardo’s techniques for expanding his knowledge down into seven simple steps. Okay, some are easier said than done, but they are laid out simply and make sense.
This is a book I will be reading multiple times and will be implementing the parts of this plan that I don’t already do. It will make a good tool for anyone that isn’t already moving toward a better version of themselves. The step-by-step instruction for putting together a mind map is particularly useful.
Even if you don’t take the time to follow the steps toward your own genius – this is a good inspirational read that will at least help you understand that you don’t have to be what your limiting beliefs suggest. You are a genius and you just have to trust yourself and risk some introspection to see it realized.
Chris Doelle
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