5 Books That Can Change Your Life in 2018

We’ve all heard the common stats that the average American reads about one book per month, but the average CEO reads 4-5X that amount. 

Is it a coincidence? Probably not.  It gives people knowledge and a new perspective.

Warren Buffet, for example, spends 80% of his time reading.   Grant Cardone says that a book may only cost $10-20 but can unlock an idea worth millions. 

I’m not sure how many books I read in 2017 but I know it wasn’t 52. But I’d be willing to guess that I read more books in 2017 than I did the previous 5 years combined.

Here are a few that I read this year that changed my views and why you should give them a crack in 2018:  

1)     The Greatest Salesman in the World – Og Mandino

“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”

Despite its catchy title, this is not a traditional sales book by any means. Yes, the principles certainly translate to sales, but they are really life lessons that can benefit anyone looking to be successful.  The story follows a poor camel boy who aspires to reach a life of abundance and achieves this by following 10 guiding principles. 

Take heed of the advice here and you will be unstoppable.

2)     Shoe Dog – Phil Knight

“So that morning in 1962 I told myself: Let everyone else call your idea crazy … just keep going. Don’t stop. Don’t even think about stopping until you get there, and don’t give much thought to where “there” is. Whatever comes, just don’t stop.” 

Have you ever found a book that you literally could not put down for the life of you?  That’s what Shoe Dog was for me.  I actually read this in the fall and clearly remember blowing off plans because I couldn’t stop reading Phil Knight’s memoir of the rise of Nike. 

For anyone interested in Entrepreneurship, International Business, Sales or Athletics, this is a must-read. 

3)     Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win – Jocko Willink, Leif Babin

“Discipline equals freedom.”

Jocko Willink has had a major impact on my life in 2017 and this book was my gateway to him.  This book takes the lessons that Jocko and Leif experienced in Ramadi, Iraq and how to apply it to any team, family or business. The main takeaway is to practice discipline and hold yourself accountable at all times in order to lead a successful team. 

Major bonus points if you follow-up with Jocko's podcast.   

4)     Tools of Titans – Tim Ferriss

“What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do.”

It’s hard to even call this a book as much as it’s really an Encyclopedia of hundreds of successful people in different disciplines. 

The book is a follow-up to Tim’s podcast and allows the reader to learn the tips, tricks, and tactics that have made these people successful. He splits the book into three main sections: Health, Wealth and Wise. The book may take you all year to read but it is well worth the time.  

5)     The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom – Don Miguel Ruiz

“Whatever happens around you, don't take it personally... Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves.”

At first glance, this does not seem up my wheelhouse. It is a book that’s based on ancient Toltec wisdom on the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. 

But as soon as I saw that Tom Brady reads it every year, I had to give it a try and I’m glad I did. It’s a small book that really packs a punch and can help to shape your perspective of life around you.  

Here are a few others I really enjoyed this year. 

·       Grit

·       The 10X Rule  

·       Eleven Rings

·       The Alchemist

·       Spartan Up   

 Not much of a reader? Consider checking out my podcast, TR Talk, instead.   

Which books should I add to my 2018 list?