Enjoy the current instalment of “weekend reading for health, wealth and happiness.” This week’s edition kicks off with a simple explanation of how the stock markets work and why they represent the most powerful way to reliably get a return on your capital (if properly understood).
Given the promulgation of Japanese words throughout our lives, I've included an article on what Japanese principles such as Ikigai (or living your purpose every day) can teach us about our investments.
Throughout COVID, I've constantly being asked for predictions around financial markets, so I hope you enjoy David Armstrong's light-hearted take on the Mayan apocalypse!
Next, we look at a couple of books with a focus on the Health area of AES, the first of which promises to help you discover a sustainable, healthy and permanent weight-loss diet, whilst the second promises to let science inspire you to get moving.
As a major fan of Seneca and the Stoic philosophers I loved the next article about what ancient philosophers can teach us about embracing uncertainty.
From there, Nobel prize-winner Daniel Kahneman explains why slow, system two thinking is so crucial to us. This concept seems to relate to work, business and my family life almost every day. It teaches us greater self-awareness and how to make better quality decisions.
In case you are in need of any inspiration this weekend, we finish with two leadership articles. The first on the importance of listening and the latter by former senior British Army officer, inspirational leader and Ironman champion David Labouchere on luck. David states "luck isn't fate, it's preparation meeting opportunity" and the notion that "failing to prepare is preparing to fail" is still inculcated in my brain from military academy to this day.
I'd like to finish this week's blog with a couple of meditations by Safal Niveshak:
"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon, instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today." Dale Carnegie
"Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer." Joseph Campbell
A question for you
We are the average of the five people closest to us. Ask yourself, are my closest friends a reflection of my value system and my goals for my life?
Enjoy the ‘light’ reading and happy weekend!
Ben Carlson explaining the stock market: https://awealthofcommonsense.com/2019/09/explaining-the-stock-market-to-big-cat/
Sandeep Das on your financial portfolio and Japanese principles: https://www.fortuneindia.com/opinion/your-financial-portfolio-and-japanese-principles/104681
Do you remember the Mayan calendar apocalypse? https://monumentwealthmanagement.com/weekly-market-commentary/what-doesnt-crush-you-makes-you-strongeror-at-least-it-should/
Michael Greger's book on how not to diet: https://www.blinkist.com/books/how-not-to-diet-en
Kelly McGonigal's book on the joy of movement: https://www.blinkist.com/books/the-joy-of-movement-en
Eric Weiner's preparing your mind for uncertain times: https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/08/how-embrace-uncertainty-pandemic-times/615634/
Thinking fast and slow by Daniel Kahneman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PirFrDVRBo4
Marshall Goldsmith on leadership: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/leadership-contact-sport-listen-marshall-goldsmith/
Luck according to David Labouchere: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/luck-david-labouchere/?trackingId=2BUmXvx1QP%2BlNuxlxrRHcw%3D%3D
Safal Niveshak's blog: https://www.safalniveshak.com/
