The 1% Solution for Work and Life: How to Make Your Next 30 Days the Best Ever (2011)
Tom Connellan
This seven-chapter book, written in an engaging fictional style, offers insights on achieving excellence in various areas of life, including career and personal growth. It features charts that aid comprehension and employs a commonsense approach that is both appealing and practical. The key idea is simple yet rarely implemented: making small changes can lead to a more satisfying life. For instance, while most adults know that the body requires at least eight hours of sleep daily, they often ignore this advice unless they see convincing evidence from people they trust who have successfully applied it.
The book’s message centers on Ken, who feels dissatisfied with his settled life until he meets his son’s soccer coach, Jim. Jim’s training transformed Ken’s son, Jake, into part of a winning team. Sharing his journey, Jim explains how observing Olympic athletes inspired him to move from mediocrity to excellence by focusing on the “1% solution.” This principle emphasizes that success comes from small, consistent improvements. For instance, the difference between a gold medalist and fourth place is often just 1%. While not everyone can be the best, anyone can strive to be 1% better each day. Adopting this mindset allows individuals to excel without overwhelming themselves, aligning with the Olympic motto: “Aim to be swifter, higher, stronger—not swiftest, highest, strongest.”
To be exceptional, motivation drives action, which in turn fuels more motivation and achievement. Start where you are and focus on performing your best in the present. Deliberate practice enhances performance, and success comes from focusing on possibilities rather than fears of failure. Equally vital is recharging through rest, sleep, and vacations to maintain energy and focus.
Pope Francis: The Pope from the End of the Earth (2013)
Thomas J. Craughwell
This book offers a comprehensive profile of Pope Francis, illustrated with over 60 photographs. Published shortly after his election, the book traces Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s life from his early years in Argentina to his papacy. In the foreword, Cardinal Sean O’Malley describes it as a “beautiful encounter – in picture and in words – with Pope Francis.”
The narrative begins with the dramatic announcement of Cardinal Bergoglio as the 266th Pope on March 13, 2013, underlining his many historic firsts: the first Pope from outside Europe, the first Jesuit Pope, and the first to take the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. This choice reflected his core values: care for the poor, simplicity, environmental concern, and a commitment to reform. His humility and warmth continued after his election, exemplified by his first Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony in a juvenile prison.
The book provides insights into the early life of Pope Francis in Argentina, where he was born into an Italian immigrant family that fled Fascist Italy in 1929. It explores his unexpected choice of a religious vocation, his life as a Jesuit, and his courage in defending the faith during Argentina’s ‘Dirty War,’ a period when many remained silent or supported the oppressive regime. His papacy came at a critical time for the Church, marked by sex abuse and financial scandals, which he addressed with openness and determination, leaving a profound impact on the Church and the world.
Key moments of his papacy are detailed alongside his devotion to Our Lady Undoer of Knots and significant homilies. Additional chapters cover the history of the papacy, papal election processes, and his installation as Pope, offering valuable insights for both the faithful and general readers.
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