Gearing up for a brand-new year, I'm excited to unveil an exhilarating goal that's set to define 2024—a thrilling journey of growth both in the professional Agile realm and on a personal level. This isn't just my quest; it's a collaborative adventure that my wife and I have eagerly embraced. Together, we're blending her love for reading with my passion for Agile continuous improvement.

To kick off this Agile-driven year, my wife and I are diving into an exhilarating read-a-thon. Challenging each other to explore a carefully curated collection of books promises not only personal growth but also a boost to our professional growth. Our reading list aligns with our goals, yet leaves room for spontaneity, welcoming books for enjoyment or those slightly off the professional path. It's a dynamic expedition where the joy of reading converges with the pursuit of knowledge and self-development.

In 2023, much of my professional focus was on leading change within my team, fostering adaptability and resilience. As we enter 2024, I'm intentionally aligning my personal and professional growth by revisiting foundational principles, incorporating mindfulness practices, and returning to the basics. I'm excited to revisit key books that have shaped my Agile career, gaining fresh insights and reinforcing fundamental principles. This deliberate return to the basics reminds me of timeless wisdom and sets the stage for a stronger Agile foundation in the coming year.

Here's a sneak peek at the carefully curated reading list for the first half of 2024, seamlessly blending professional Agile enrichment with mindfulness for a harmonious work environment:

1. "Quiet" by Susan Cain - Delve into introversion's power in professional and personal contexts.

2. "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek - Uncover the driving force behind actions, aligning the journey with a deeper sense of purpose.

3. "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale - Explore positivity's impact on career and personal life.

4. "The Meditator's Atlas" by Matthew Flickstein - Cultivate mindfulness for well-being.

5. "Scrum Mastery: From Good to Great Servant Leadership" by Geoff Watts - Elevate Scrum Master skills.

6. "Brand Sense" by Martin Lindstrom - Understand sensory branding in professional and personal endeavors.

7. "Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time" by Jeff Sutherland - Revisit Scrum fundamentals.

8. "The Scrum Field Book" by J.J. Sutherland - Gain practical insights for Scrum Master proficiency.

9. "Digital Body Language" by Erica Dhawan - Navigate the digital realm with finesse.

With the addition of mindfulness-focused books, the goal is to introduce practices that enhance focus, collaboration, and overall well-being within the Agile team. The insights gained from "The Meditator's Atlas" will not only enrich personal lives but will also be integrated into Agile team dynamics, fostering an environment of mindfulness and balance.

Throughout this Agile and mindfulness literary odyssey, I'm committed to sharing my progress. Expect regular updates on LinkedIn and on my blog as I complete each book. These updates won't just recap key Agile and mindfulness takeaways but will also include actionable items, detailing how I plan to implement these insights into my Agile daily life—whether in Agile professional endeavors or in my personal life.

As my wife and I set forth on a transformative journey of personal and professional growth in 2024, we wholeheartedly invite you to be a part of this enriching experience. Share your insights, recommendations, and experiences, and let's collectively elevate our lives. We hope that you join us in shaping 2024 into a year of profound growth, learning, and unwavering support.

Thank you,
-Louie V