Feeling overwhelmed? Chances are that—after looking everywhere else—unclear or cluttered thinking is the root problem.

Have you defined your desired outcome and eliminated the extraneous? Removed all of the busy but non-mission-critical activities that consume attention?

Business books and consultants often skip the fundamental shift we need most often: better mental software. Cut out the bugs and upgrade your machine with these three blueprints, listed in the order I recommend reading them:

Simple & Direct by Jacques Barzun (288 pages)

It is hard to improve thinking. It is near impossible to remember and review after-the-fact. Practicing writing—thinking frozen in time—is the best way to refine thinking and upgrade your present awareness. Barzun’s stated goal in this book is “to resensitize the mind to words.” His refrain, which applies as much to self-talk as it does to communicating with others, is: do not use a word unless you know both its meaning and its connotations. Great advice and a great book.

On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William K. Zinsser (336 pages)

I have read this book more than a dozen times, more often for thinking than for writing. It is a hysterical read and a great example of what it teaches: how to cut all clutter and keep your communication—and thinking—crystal clear. If you think you think and write well, read this book at least once. It’s like going from a tricycle to a ten-speed.

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White (128 pages)

This is the de facto nuts-and-bolts desk reference for all writers and thinkers alike. There is a refreshing artistry to its bluntness… and brevity. I also love that the New York Times can sum it up and violate its rules at the same time with “Buy it, study it, enjoy it. It’s as timeless as a book can be in our age of volubility.” Volubility? E.B. would have slapped them.

—

Get the Original 4HWW Manuscript with Extra Content!

This list was in the original manuscript for The 4-Hour Workweek, but it was removed — along with bonus chapters and some awesome case studies — due to space constraints.

Would you like to have 1 of the 8 remaining original manuscripts in the world? This was an early version sent to about 15 people for advanced praise quotes, and even the cover is different.

I’m offering it on eBay now, and I’ll return the full sales price to the winner (minus eBay fees) in the form of a gift certificate to DonorsChoose, the educational non-profit I’m addicted to.

I will also write a personal note on the manuscript and give you 30 minutes on the phone to discuss or ask anything you want. Since I don’t do private coaching and my usual speaking fee is $15,000-25,000 per hour, this is a rare offer.

If you’re a fan of 4HWW, this is the ultimate collector’s item for an unbeatable cause. Check out the bidding here!

Like this article? Share it with your friends

E-Mail | Print | More

Related Articles
3 Bibles for Developing Clear Thinking and Problem Solving (Plus: Get an Original 4HWW Manuscript with Extra Content!)
	Feeling overwhelmed? Chances are that—after looking everywhere else—unclear or cluttered thinking is the root problem.
Leveraging at its Finest - How Many Ways Can You License Your Tips Booklet to Promote Your Business?
	You've been thinking about writing a tips booklet. After all, it's shorter, faster, and easier than writing an entire book. A single tips booklet manuscript can be recycled over and over again, developing a new inco...
THOUGHT SHOWERING (BRAINSTORMING)
	After having defined the problem, the precise aspect which is making you feel bad, you go to the second stage which is brainstorming. Brain storm is defined as a violent or excited outburst as a result of a sudden m...
When and How to Get Feedback on Your Book-in-Progress
	If you’re writing a book, eventually you need to get feedback on your writing skills, the material itself, and whether or not your goals were accomplished in the manuscript. After all, the goal of writing a book is ...
Create a Genius Factory
	A recent New Yorker article about the wild success of Nathan Myhrvold's company Intellectual Ventures got me thinking on the blog about group problem solving -- an incredible tool for innovation and rapid progress. ...

---

Related Forum Posts
	MLP Training Introduction
	Re: Meta Tags
	Re: MLP Training Introduction
	Re: Best looking social networking site?
	Mcdonalds Coffee gets a 'thumbs up'
	Re: re: game
	Re: How do you create a million dollar idea?
	What?