GARRETT TOCCI
Business Designer
Thought-Provoking Books
As a medium, books provide space for articulating complex thoughts and emotions, while simultaneously encouraging introspection. For me, all of the books listed below spurred sense a deeper understanding of myself. Unearthing seemingly irrational and illogical feelings and attaching a line of reason to them. Through the writings of brilliant minds, I hope to encourage others to explore their feelings of obscurity and uncertainty.
"The mystical story of an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest leads him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. This journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams."
Aiding a movement that inspired millions to demand purpose at work, this book introduces an influential idea - The Golden Circle. By using references to some of the most influential leaders in recent history, Sinek builds out "a framework upon which organizations can be built, movements can be led, and people can be inspired."
​
With the claim that emotional intelligence is just as important as IQ for academic, professional, and social success, this books offers "startling new insight into our 'two minds'--the rational and the emotional--and how they together shape our destiny." Through the lens of psychology and neuroscience, Goleman outlines five critical dimensions of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.
Bessel Van Der Kolk, a reputable scientific researcher backed by a history of measuring the effect of trauma on brain function, memory, and treatment outcomes. As an active therapist, he comes together with fellow researchers and scientists to distill "brain science, attachment research, and body awareness into treatments that can free trauma survivors from the tyranny of the past."
Although plenty have claimed to live a life with no regrets, everybody has them. They’re a core part of our lives. In this book, Pink explains "how we can enlist our regrets to make smarter decisions, perform better and deepen our sense of meaning and purpose. Drawing on the largest sampling of attitudes about regret ever conducted from his own World Regret Survey."
After spending decades as a relationship counselor, Gray lays out some of most common relationship problems between men and women. Finding that many are a result of fundamental psychological needs between the two. This book asserts each can be "understood in terms of distinct ways they respond"and how discovering these can lead to healthier relationships.
Written by the executive directors of Stanford's School of Design, Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, this book displays how design thinking can be used to "build your career and a life of fulfillment and joy". Offering a series of exercises throughout to prompt the reader to reflect on their life and "generate a road map of how to accomplish their goals."
Naval Ravikant is a billionaire entrepreneur, philosopher, and angel investor who has been featured on podcasts with Joe Rogan and Tim Ferris. This book is a curation of Naval’s wisdom and experience from the decade, but should not be mistaken for a how-to or a step-by-step gimmick. Instead, through Naval’s own words, "you will learn how to walk your own unique path toward a happier, wealthier life."