Why am I passionate about this?
As both a professor of graphic design and creative director of Fast Company, I’m dedicated to helping others be more creative. At Fast Company, my job is to ensure the visuals for the world’s leading business media brand are consistently innovative. (Yea…no pressure.) Honestly, sometimes it’s tough to be innovative when I’m faced with a squeezed schedule, a towering to-do list, and a bargain basement budget. But, as a marathoner, I’ve learned that if you want to be successful, you need to push through sub-optimal circumstances. That’s where these five books come into play: they all provide relatable stories and insights into achieving success, despite tough odds. Let’s do this.
Mike's book list on books to help you achieve your creative goals
Why did Mike love this book?
Chapter 3: “Effort Counts Twice” makes me feel seen. I don't consider myself to be the most talented designer or writer, but I’ll rewrite a story over and over until it’s just right.
Hard work is a common theme in Grit, and this chapter provides examples of teachers, artists, and businesspeople, all achieving success through hard work, instead of relying on natural talent.
9 authors picked Grit as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.
UNLOCK THE KEY TO SUCCESS
In this must-read for anyone seeking to succeed, pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth takes us on an eye-opening journey to discover the true qualities that lead to outstanding achievement. Winningly personal, insightful and powerful, Grit is a book about what goes through your head when you fall down, and how that - not talent or luck - makes all the difference.
'Impressively fresh and original' Susan Cain