I used to live for the 'essential' checklists that promise to get you a CEO-worthy routine or turn you into the most interesting person at a dinner party―but I never follow through on them. 

That's because these lists don't change my behavior. 

These lists don't resonate with me is because they aren't for me.

They aren't for a Cultivator.

As a Cultivator, I lead-by-doing, no matter what level of authority I have (I'm not a CEO, and I don't have to be to make positive change happen).  I speak up often to share my opinions, insights, and ideas with all kinds of people. This might not make me your favorite dinner guest. As a Cultivator, I have an unyielding commitment to change and a desire to challenge the status quo. If you resonate with the qualities I mentioned above, hey, you're a Cultivator, too. And that's why I feel comfortable recommending you these four books to you.

1. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

This book does a tremendous job of reminding us how absolutely amazing it is that we're all here. Consider that 99.5% of Earth happens to be hospitable for humans. Consider that our planet is perfectly situated away from our Sun to sustain life. Consider that 1,000,000,000 asteroids in space fly near Earth. This book is first on this list because it primes you to realize that life on Earth is extraordinary. 

2. The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

I've used this book countless times in my job and my day-to-day life. As a Cultivator, I sometimes take the initiative and organize spaces for people to collaborate. Thus, intentionality is key to facilitating successful gatherings, be it an all-hands pitch workshop with your team or a birthday party for your brother (who knew parties could be more intentional?).

The Art of Gathering reminds us to double-click on a gathering's purpose. 

3. User Friendly: How the Hidden Rules of Design Are Changing the Way We Live, Work, and Play by Cliff Kuang with Robert Fabricant

Another crash course in intentionality, this book offers familiar yet elaborated stories of some of today's greatest consumer products. User-centered design has become the forefront of innovation in things like technological products and public park layouts. On the topic of change and innovation, we must ask ourselves what aspects of our humanity are calling for change, what needs can we meet? If you want to push yourself to think critically about designing your ideas, this book is a must.

4. Tales of Two Americas: Stories of Inequality in a Divided Nation edited by John Freeman

This recommendation wouldn't be complete without a powerful reminder of the world we live in today. This anthology of work focuses on the stories of people who feel the pressure of an unequal America. All the work I do is for real people, all of whom have their own stories. 

Cultivators are aware of diverse contexts and situations; in turn, this awareness becomes conscious interactions that uplift and support those looking to transform their ideas into tangible oeuvres of the human spirit.

Support local book stores by shopping at Bookshop:

• A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

• The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

• User Friendly: How the Hidden Rules of Design Are Changing the Way We Live, Work, and Play by Cliff Kuang with Robert Fabricant

• Tales of Two Americas: Stories of Inequality in a Divided Nation edited by John Freeman