3 Books I’m rereading before graduate school

3 Books I’m rereading before graduate school

This Fall, I will begin my Master’s degree in Choral Conducting. Not only will it be the first time in four years that I’ll be a student, but it will also be at one of the most prestigious choral programs in the nation. The preparation I do during these next few months will be crucial. As someone accustomed to the relentless pursuit of excellence, I know the journey toward mastery is never-ending, especially as I begin graduate school.

As I reflected on the most valuable lessons I’ve learned since graduating with my bachelor’s degree, and more specifically, where those lessons came from, I recall these three books that I read either in my final year as an undergrad or within the first year of being out of school:

What are the books I’m revisiting before graduate school?

• The Third Door by Alex Banayan
• The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger
• Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull

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These three books helped shape my mindset around what is possible in my career. They also influenced the trajectory of where I want to go, and the power I have to contribute to a creative culture.

Especially as I see graduate school on the horizon, I think about the importance of equipping myself with the knowledge and insights that will set me apart. How will I get the most out of this degree? This is a question I am constantly pondering, but starting with these three books is a good place for me to be.

These aren’t your typical self-help manuals; instead, they’re rich repositories of wisdom distilled from the experiences of extraordinary individuals. From unlocking the secrets of success to mastering the art of leadership, each book offers unique perspectives that resonate deeply with me.

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The Third Door by Alex Banayan

In a quest for a fulfilling life, we are often presented with two conventional options: wait in line to go through the front door with everyone else or get on the VIP list to go through door #2 if you have established some credibility to deserve to be there. But what if there was an option of a third door–a hidden pathway that bypasses the limitations of conventional thinking and opens up new possibilities?

Alex Banayan’s “The Third Door” is a captivating exploration of this concept. Drawing from his journey of interviewing some of the world’s most successful individuals, Banayan unveils the power of unconventional thinking and relentless persistence.

I have lived by the concepts in this book since the day I read them. This book had a monumental impact on me, and I always swore I would question every major decision in my career to determine whether I am taking the first, second, or third door.

Going to graduate school to pursue a higher education certainly is not the third door; it’s a conventional route that can add value to one’s life and advance one’s career. However, as I walk through this first door, how can I look at it with the lens of a third door? How can I seek “outside the box” opportunities to get the most out of my education? These are the questions I am asking as I reread The Third Door.

The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger

I first discovered this book from the Tim Ferris Podcast, and just hearing how Bob Iger spoke made me eager to get my hands on his book. After reading it, I was inspired by how his career panned out and promised myself I’d never lose sight of what was possible in my own life.

I recently discussed career paths and crossroads with a friend facing a significant life change in her career as a choral conductor, and I remembered my promise to myself. I shared it with her and encouraged her to read this book, and I figured it would be as good a time as any for me to revisit it as well.

At the heart of Iger’s philosophy is the importance of vision and strategy. He emphasizes the need for leaders to have a clear sense of purpose and direction, even in the face of uncertainty. But leadership is not just about vision—it’s also about people. Iger underscores the value of building effective teams and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Iger’s insights remind us that true leadership is not just about achieving individual success—it’s about inspiring others to reach their full potential—a noteworthy goal for directors leading choirs toward success.

These concepts are crucial for a choir director pursuing higher education and academic research, but I urge you to consider how they can also apply in your own life.

Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull

Creativity is the lifeblood of innovation, yet cultivating a culture of creativity within organizations can be elusive. Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, offers profound insights into this challenge in his book “Creativity Inc.” Through a combination of personal anecdotes and management principles, Catmull reveals the secrets behind Pixar’s unparalleled success in fostering creativity and innovation.

Central to Catmull’s philosophy is creating a culture of openness and feedback. He emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where ideas can flourish, free from the fear of judgment or reprisal. As I enter my graduate program, I consider how I can contribute to the culture of the ensembles I am in and the conducting studio I’ll be part of. By embodying the principles Camull outlines, I can contribute to a healthy, creative environment where taking risks and failure leads to success is safe.

This is the book I’ve started rereading first, and it has been captivating to be reminded of how Pixar became Pixar and to be reinspired that this kind of environment is possible within ANY creative field. Looking ahead to my future, I hope that no matter where I go (graduate school or otherwise), I can empower the people around me to be their very best. Catmull’s lessons are an excellent place for me to start.

Conclusion

As I embark on my journey to graduate school in just a few short months, I hope the lessons from these three books will color my perspective in a way that empowers me to get the most out of my education. From unlocking the secrets of success to mastering the art of leadership and fostering creativity, each book offers invaluable insights that will serve me well in the challenges ahead.

To embrace the unconventional, chart my own course, and dare to dream big–these are the North Stars guiding me forward. Pursuing excellence offers no shortcuts, but with the right mindset and tools, we can achieve greatness.

Here’s to the next chapter of my journey: reaching new heights and making my mark on the world.

I’d love to hear from you! Which of these three books resonates with you the most, and how do you plan to apply its insights to your own journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.

Also, if you have any questions or topics you’d like us to explore further, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to support you on your path to success.