If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants
Sir ISAAC Newton
I’m a big believer in not reinventing the wheel. Nearly everything you want to do, someone has done it before and someone has written books about how to do it. Someone once said that through the words on a page, we have access to histories greatest thinkers, philosophers and scientist. I truly believe that, and we can learn from them all. The quote above truly exemplifies the value that I receive from books. Books have allowed me to see just a little bit further than I otherwise would have.
This page is a compilation of books that I have read and have been able to take something from. Every one of these books taught me something new, whether it was a new insight, a way to think, how to do something or just a better understanding of a small concept. This is not a full review of these books. However, I do try to provide a couple notes for why I enjoyed reading them, why they’re worth reading and what I got out of it. The standard for these books being on this list is that each one has helped me to build a better and more accurate model of the world I find myself in.
Atomic Habits – While the Slight Edge was the theory and formed a foundation to build from, Atomic Habits was the practical application of that theory. It breaks down step-by-step exactly what you need to do to effectively apply the best practices of habit building.
Key Insight – In order to see change, you need to be in it for the long haul. Not for a week, month or even a year. This is a journey that should last the rest of your life.
The Slight Edge – This book is all about your mindset. A key idea that I’ve always had with me is that in order to be successful, you have to do things that other people don’t. That idea meshes perfectly with the Slight Edge philosophy. The ideas in this book are familiar ones we’ve heard before. However, many people have yet to fully incorporate them into their mindset.
Favorite lines – Do the thing and you shall have the power; Have integrity when no one’s watching; Easy to do, easy not to do.
⭐️The Index Card – School does not teach you anything about money. No education on how to use it, how to make decisions regarding it or how to leverage it to truly make your life better. It’s no wonder than so many Americans are in debt and can’t fully afford retirement. I don’t think you can truly live out your full potential if you have a poor relationship with money. Fortunately, a book like this exists. The title says it all, money doesn’t have to be complicated and they make it very easy to understand. A must-read for anyone wanting to get their finances in check.
Comment – The rules are simple and easy to understand. Everyone can follow them and by doing so can have a more productive relationship with money.
⭐️The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking – Being able to think more clearly, will have a tremendous positive impact on everything you do and improve the decisions you make. There are only a few actions that separate great thinkers from average and mediocre thinkers. Anyone can do these actions and receive the benefits of having a better and clearer understanding of the world.
Key Realization – Thinking more effectively is a skill, and like any other skill, can be improved upon with deliberate practice.
The 4-Hour Workweek – This book is a prime example of thinking outside the box. Filled with ideas about productivity and approaches that might seem a bit jarring at first. How could it be so easy? The real question is why haven’t you tried these things before? How to hack your life could just as well have been a valid title for this book.
Key Takeaway – When it comes to your life and career, you can choose to live inside of the box, or your can choose to live outside of it.