Forget the 10,000 hour rule— what if it’s possible to learn the basics of any new skill in 20 hours or less? Take a moment to consider how many things you want to learn to do. What’s on your list? What’s holding you back from getting started? Are you worried about the time and effort it takes to acquire new skills—time you don’t have and effort you can’t spare? Research suggests it takes 10,000 hours to develop a new skill. In this nonstop world when will you ever find that much time and energy? To make matters worse, the early hours of prac­ticing something new are always the most frustrating. That’s why it’s difficult to learn how to speak a new language, play an instrument, hit a golf ball, or shoot great photos. It’s so much easier to watch TV or surf the web . . . In The First 20 Hours, Josh Kaufman offers a systematic approach to rapid skill acquisition— how to learn any new skill as quickly as possible. His method shows you how to deconstruct com­plex skills, maximize productive practice, and remove common learning barriers. By complet­ing just 20 hours of focused, deliberate practice you’ll go from knowing absolutely nothing to performing noticeably well. Kaufman personally field-tested the meth­ods in this book. You’ll have a front row seat as he develops a personal yoga practice, writes his own web-based computer programs, teaches himself to touch type on a nonstandard key­board, explores the oldest and most complex board game in history, picks up the ukulele, and learns how to windsurf. Here are a few of the sim­ple techniques he teaches: Define your target performance level: Fig­ure out what your desired level of skill looks like, what you’re trying to achieve, and what you’ll be able to do when you’re done. The more specific, the better. Deconstruct the skill: Most of the things we think of as skills are actually bundles of smaller subskills. If you break down the subcompo­nents, it’s easier to figure out which ones are most important and practice those first. Eliminate barriers to practice: Removing common distractions and unnecessary effort makes it much easier to sit down and focus on deliberate practice. Create fast feedback loops: Getting accu­rate, real-time information about how well you’re performing during practice makes it much easier to improve. Whether you want to paint a portrait, launch a start-up, fly an airplane, or juggle flaming chain­saws, The First 20 Hours will help you pick up the basics of any skill in record time . . . and have more fun along the way.

Advises the reader about what to do, and not do, in order to successfully spot a whale, such as wrapping up in a not-too-cozy blanket, ignoring the roses, and especially, being patient.

Do you genuinely desire to create a positive impact for those you serve? Do you want to lead your organization, your customers, and the people you work for and with well? Most people who step into leadership were never trained to be great leaders. YOU must become the leader you want to see lead YOUR company. Regardless of who you put in place to surround you and help accomplish your goals, this is a mission you can't escape.This book is an answer to the leadership challenge. Beyond strategy, tactics, and managing personalities, it uncovers the root of true leadership and offers a step-by-step process that anyone can follow to become a true leader by first leading themselves.Your business will only grow as much as you do. Your business can only be as good as you are. Your team will only ever rise to the level in which you lead yourself.This book is about the mindset we need to

A thoughtful picture book illustrating the power of small acts of kindness, from the award-winning author of Sophie's Squash.

If you are seeking truth and are willing to be that truth each and every day, you are ready to find the answers to all your questions. This book hopes to redirect our faith and love. Finding God is within us and not outside of us.

Eager to change the world? Learn how you can have a greater social impact through your everyday purchases. The money we routinely spend on food, clothes, gifts, and even indulgences is an untapped superpower. What would happen if we slowed down to make more thoughtful decisions about what we buy? For "mom and pop" stores across the country, and artisan and agricultural communities around the world, every purchase matters. Consumers--whether individuals, small businesses, or corporations--are paying more attention than ever to how their goods are made; and retailers--large and small--are responding by investing in ethical and eco-friendly production. Yet figuring out which brands to support can feel overwhelming. Jane Mosbacher Morris has devoted her career to creating economic opportunities for vulnerable communities around the world, and in this valuable book, she shares her passion and insights on how we, as consumers, can create positive change too. Covering topics that range from why not all factories are evil, to how our morning coffee can be the easiest way for us to use our purchasing power for good, Buy the Change You Want to See makes us better informed consumers. Morris tells inspiring stories about how victims of human trafficking and natural disasters have been empowered by economic opportunity, and she offers practical ideas about how we can support these communities through our purchases--whether it comes to jewelry made from recycled materials in Haiti, sustainably grown and ethically sourced coffee and chocolate from farmers in some of the poorest regions of the world, or mass-produced jeans and shoes made in factories where workers are guaranteed decent working conditions and a fair wage.

LORD JESUS, I WANT TO SEE... Watch the news, and you can see the world desperately needs moral guidance. With political correctness ruling the day, moral character and positive personal attributes have taken a back seat to appearance, charm, glamor, fame, social status, and possessions. Unfortunately, children no longer memorize Traditional Prayers. But spending time with God is one of the most important things a Christian can do. This Weekly Prayer Book helps children and families begin the week on the right note. Each of the 52 devotions includes a Scripture, a discussion, and a promise related to a specific attribute such as friendship, faith, love, generosity, forgiveness, and thankfulness. By spending time discussing Scripture, we can encourage children to embrace and reflect Christian virtues for their well-being and happiness. Having seen the needs of God’s children and their families during twenty years of service to parishes and ten years in seminary, Rev. Peter G. Vu has designed this devotional rooted in Holy Scriptures, daily topics, personal experiences, character-building, and spiritual exercises. Each weekly entry is self-reflecting, easy to read, and helps children grasp Christian qualities while spending time with Jesus. Rev. Vu hopes that our Lord Jesus will heal our spiritual blindness and help us see our lives with a better vision. May we also grow closer to Him and acquire wonderful personal qualities each day as we work to become better Christians in our challenging world. A portion of the proceeds from book sales will benefit the American Red Cross and the Catholic Relief Services, in addition to other charities.