18 Must Read Books

In this article I am simply sharing some of the most influential books that I have in my library. This list is not exhaustive, but it serves as a great starting point if you're looking for something to read to help you progress personally, financially, emotionally, mentally, or any other way, shape, or fashion.

Enjoy!

1. Atomic Habits

In this New York Times Best Seller from late 2018, James Clear lays out a comprehensive guide on how to change your habits and get 1% better every day. This book has made the “top” lists since it’s release, and rightfully so. It is one of the best of its kind. 

https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

2. The Secret

 In The Secret, Rhonda Byrne explains with simplicity the law that is governing all lives, and offers the knowledge of how to create – intentionally and effortlessly – a joyful life. This book is very powerful and changed my perspective on many every-day things. 

https://www.thesecret.tv/products/the-secret-book/

3. Acres of Diamonds

This book was originally a sermon written and orated by Russell H. Conwell, the founder of Temple University in Philadelphia His famous Acres of Diamonds speech explains how one can discover the meaning of true wealth and how to attain it without getting sidetracked by selfishness and greed. 

It is a short read and its message is very powerful. It does a great job in renewing my mindset about the value of all that I have access to.

https://www.amazon.com/Acres-Diamonds-Life-Changing-Classics-Audio/dp/0937539

4. How to Win Friends and Influence People

In this timeless classic, Dale Carnegie covers the fundamentals in creating lasting relationships and becoming influential. He talks about how to handle people, how to make them like you, how to lead them, how to win over their thinking, how to criticize constructively, and how to lead an overall successful life. 

This is a must-have in every leader’s library. 

https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034

5. The Compound Effect

The Compound Effect is based on the principle that decisions shape your destiny. Little, everyday decisions will take you either to the life you desire or to disaster by default. This book is the distillation of the fundamental principles that have guided the most phenomenal achievements in business, relationships, and beyond.

https://darrenhardy.com/the-compound-effect-resources

6. The Slight Edge

Jeff Olson's best-selling book outlines a way of thinking and a way of processing information that enables you to make the daily choices that will lead you to the success and happiness you desire.

https://store.success.com/

7. Think and Grow Rich

Napoleon Hill spent "a fortune and the better part of a lifetime of effort" to produce the Law of Success philosophy. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest writers on success ever, and his most famous work, Think and Grow Rich (1937), is one of the best-selling books of all time.

https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331

8. The Millionaire Next Door

The bestselling The Millionaire Next Door identifies seven common traits that show up again and again among those who have accumulated wealth. Most of the truly wealthy in this country don't live in Beverly Hills or on Park Avenue-they live next door and this book does a phenomenally intricate and detailed series of case studies to show what the true “habits of the affluent” are. 

https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/1589795474

9. The Greatest Salesman in the World

The Greatest Salesman in the World is a book, written by Og Mandino, serves as a guide to a philosophy of salesmanship and success and contains within it the “10 scrolls” which waste not a word. This book has been invaluable to me in my personal life and career and is one of the greatest stories about salesmanship ever told.

https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Salesman-World-Og-Mandino/dp/055327757X

10. The Choice

The choice is about an insurance agent who finds himself caught up in the rat race and having to make a choice. From that moment on, his life takes a turn for the better and he is wisped away on an adventure of self-discovery and personal fulfillment. 

The key is Choice. You have options. You need not spend your life wallowing in failure, ignorance, grief, poverty, shame, and self-pity. But, hold on! If this is true then why have so many among us apparently elected to live in that manner? The answer is obvious. Those who live in unhappy failure have never exercised their options for a better way of life because they have never been aware that they had any Choices !

https://www.amazon.com/Choice-Surprising-New-Message-Hope/dp/0553245767

11. The Magic of Thinking Big

The Magic of Thinking Big gives you useful methods, not empty promises. Dr. Schwartz presents a carefully designed program for getting the most out of your job, your marriage and family life, and your community. He proves that you don't need to be an intellectual or have innate talent to attain great success and satisfaction, but you do need to learn and understand the habit of thinking and behaving in ways that will get you there.

https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Thinking-Big-David-Schwartz/dp/0671646788

12. Rich Dad Poor Dad

Rich Dad Poor Dad is Robert's story of growing up with two dads — his real father and the father of his best friend, his rich dad — and the ways in which both men shaped his thoughts about money and investing. The book explodes the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich and explains the difference between working for money and having your money work for you.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C7M8SX9/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

13. Start With Why

Start With Why shows that the leaders who’ve had the greatest influence in the world all think, act, and communicate the same way — and it’s the opposite of what everyone else does. Sinek calls this powerful idea The Golden Circle, and it provides a framework upon which organizations can be built, movements can be led, and people can be inspired. And it all starts with WHY.

https://simonsinek.com/product/start-with-why/

14. As a Man Thinketh

James Allen’s As a Man Thinketh explains and promotes the direct connection between what we think and the direction our lives take. Part of the New Thought Movement, Allen reveals the secrets to having the most fulfilling existence possible, and it’s easier than any of us could have imagined. You, too, can learn how to master the output of your brain in order to obtain the personal success of which you have always — until now — merely dreamed.

https://www.amazon.com/As-Man-Thinketh-James-Allen/dp/1503055361

15. What to Say When You talk to Yourself

Negative programming prevents individuals from becoming and doing exactly what they want. Any amount of inspirational reading will only provide us with techniques that could work if put into practice. This book explains the principles of self-talk - a unique way of reversing negativity, optimizing outlook, focusing plans and achieving success. The key is in affirming, telling yourself the right things which then reflect in a more positive lifestyle.

https://www.amazon.com/What-When-Talk-Your-Self/dp/1501171992

16. The 12 Rules for Life

In The 12 Rules for Life, Jordan Peterson compiles 12 of his essays that answer some of life’s most profound questions. From skateboarders to lobsters to ancient egyptians, he uses a unique blend of storytelling paired with scientific research in neuropsychology and philosophy to convey the hard-won truths of existence. 

https://www.jordanbpeterson.com/12-rules-for-life/

17. Wild at Heart

This one is for any man who has ever asked himself the questions “why am I here?”, “What is my purpose?”, “Who is at the core of my being?”. This book dives deep into discovering the secret to a man’s soul and has had an astounding impact on me spiritually, personally, emotionally, and holistically

In this provocative book, Eldredge provides a look inside the true heart of a man and gives men permission to be what God designed them to be—dangerous, passionate, alive, and free.

https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Heart-Revised-Updated-Discovering/dp/1400200393

18. Can’t Hurt Me

Last, but not least - Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. In Can’t Hurt Me, he shares his astonishing life story and reveals that most of us only tap into 40% of our capabilities.

This is a great story about how David, through self discipline, mental toughness, and hard work, David transformed himself from a depressed, overweight young man with no future into a U.S. Armed Forces icon and one of the world’s top endurance athletes.

https://davidgoggins.com/book/