We all need to improve and grow. Whether it be for our careers, personal hobbies, family life or spiritual wellbeing.

Where do you need to grow? Do you need new skills for your job? New skills for the job you want? Reassurance in knowing how to protect your family (through technology, being prepared for a disaster, physically)? Beyond the firearm? Learning why leaders do what they do? Learning to be a leader, at home, in your Patriot Fire Team, with Cub Scouts or Girl scouts? To grow a garden? These are just a few reasons to improve, you each should have your own.

Personal growth is why I have taken Boy Scout First Aid, Red Cross First Aid, American Heart Association CPR, WMS Wilderness 1st Aid, TEMS, Beyond the Band Aid. Not because I want to be a Doctor or a Nurse. I have taken and teach these classes because I know I don’t deal with medical events that make me use those skills every day, so I must take training, then I must practice. Since I am blessed in not needing to use these skills on a regular basis, my practice is teaching Wilderness 1st Aid at this point.

You may ask “Why medical?” at this point in my life I want to be able to save people. Medical is part of that. CERT, Citizens Corps, achieving my Senior Military Emergency Management Specialist
(Senior MEMS). All these were building up to the medical part. What is next for me? I have my ideas, however I really I don’t know.

“Great 22 Man, now you helped me realize I do need to purposefully add new skills. How do I do that?”

I am so glad you asked. Here are my suggestions.

1. Read. Read every day. I do it before I go to bed. Read a book on leadership, read a book on JAVA script, read a fiction book on TEOFWAWKI (that has real advice sprinkled throughout it). Heck read a beginners book (again). I buy beginner level book of skills I have acquired simply to make sure I am reinforcing the fundamentals.

What books do I recommend? Since I don’t know where you are in life I can only give suggestions for foundation level books that I have read and can recommend.

“The Bible”. If are you Jewish, go ahead and read it, it makes the 1st part so much more clear. If you are a Muslim, you are wrong, read it, it really is about Peace. If you are Agnostic or an Atheist, umm… Good Luck.

“Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey, by learning how to handle money you learn how to handle much more in life.

“EntreLeadership” by Dave Ramsey, it will help you if you lead your dog or an Empire.

“The Millionaire Next Door” and “The Millionaire Mind” by Thomas Stanley, it will open your eyes about how money should really be treated.

“On Killing” and “On Combat” by Lt Col David Grossman, it will help you deal with or understand scars from life.

“American Gun” by Chris Kyle, a brief history of the US.

“Myths Lies and Downright Stupidity” from John Stossel, the truth you never saw.

“Terror at Beslan” by John Giduck, a view of the evil that will strike any moment here in America.

“Patriot Fire Team: Preserving the Republic Four Men at a Time” by Paul Markel, a great primer for building friendships that you can count on.

Any of the series by James Wesley Rawles. These provide entertainment and yet give you great ideas on building Team, with who and why as well as tips and tricks after TEOTWAWKI. Fun and education rolled into one.

“7 Deadly Scenarios” by Andrew Krepinecich, it explains why I recommend several of the above books.

“Start” and “Do Over” by Jon Acuff, his insights are great.

“Decision Points” by George W Bush, it gives insight into what he did and why, while you might not agree with all his Presidency, you will at least know why he made those decisions.

The U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

“The Art of War” by Sun Tzu, it applies to war, business and life.

Anything by John Maxwell, however start with the “Laws of” series, the “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”, the “15 Invaluable laws of Growth”, the “17 Indisputable laws of Leadership”.

“Half Time” by Bob Buford.

I could go on, however like I said, these are the bulk of “foundational” books, there are plenty others that are deeper dives into specific topics like business, marketing, leadership, warrior skills et al

I think I have given you enough here, stay tuned for Part 2 of this series on improving yourself.

Until we meet again, have a personal growth week.