The Importance of Continuous Learning: My Current Reading List

I’ve always believed that growth comes from constant learning. Whether in business, personal life, or relationships, there’s always something new to discover, apply, and refine. This month, my reading list has been a source of both inspiration and actionable insights.

From better understanding how services deliver value to tackling the challenges of SEO, the books I’m reading have not only shaped my thinking but also directly impacted how I approach my work and life. Here’s what’s on my reading list and the lessons I’ve taken away so far:

1. Bad Therapy: Why Kids Aren’t Growing Up by Abigail Shrier

This book came highly recommended by my partner, who’s deeply concerned about the systems that shape the next generation, especially in the USA. Shrier takes a critical look at how overprotective environments and societal trends are failing to prepare kids for adulthood.

Key Insights and Reflections:

• Resilience Over Comfort: Shrier highlights how shielding kids from failure stunts their ability to grow. This hit home for me. As a parent, especially to a child with Down syndrome, I’ve learnt that life is full of obstacles, and it’s not about avoiding them but learning to overcome them.
• No Sugar-Coating: I don’t tippy-toe around my kids when it comes to life’s realities. I want them to know that life is hard, but with the right mindset and effort, they can face challenges head-on.

How I’m Applying This:

• With my son, I encourage him to try new things, fail, and try again. It’s not always easy, but it’s how he learns resilience.
• In my professional life, I’m focusing on creating an environment where my team can experiment, fail, and grow without fear of judgment.

2. Three Months to No. 1: The Definitive Guide to Google SEO by Will Coombe

Six months ago, I decided to take SEO into my own hands. Our website ranked 42nd for “courier London” and 30th for “same day courier London.” Now, we’re at 33.7 and 12th place, respectively. This book has been instrumental in helping me achieve these results.

Key Insights and Reflections:

• SEO is About Patience and Consistency: Coombe makes it clear that SEO isn’t a quick win. It’s a process of steady progress, much like personal growth.
• Small Wins Build Momentum: For example, writing SEO-optimised blog posts has been a game-changer. My friend, who runs a big IT agency, said I’d need to write 240 posts to start seeing results. I’ve completed 110 so far, and the improvements speak for themselves.

How I’m Applying This:

• I’ve created blog posts that address common customer questions, like “What is the best same-day courier service in London?”
• Beyond rankings, I’ve learnt to think about how content provides genuine value to my audience.

3. Value as a Service by Rob Bernshteyn

This book has reshaped how I think about delivering value—not just in business but in all areas of life. Bernshteyn emphasises that value is measured by the outcomes you deliver, not the effort you put in.

Key Insights and Reflections:

• Focus on Results: Clients don’t care about how hard you work; they care about what you achieve for them. For example, I now communicate our courier service’s value by highlighting outcomes like “on-time delivery” and “peace of mind,” rather than just listing our services.
• Simplify Your Message: Clear, straightforward communication is far more effective than overcomplicating things.

How I’m Applying This:

• In business, I’m rethinking how we present our value proposition—shifting from “what we do” to “what results we deliver.”
• Personally, this insight has helped me simplify my own goals. Instead of overloading myself with tasks, I focus on what truly moves the needle.

Why Continuous Learning Matters

Each of these books has given me something unique:

• Bad Therapy reminded me of the importance of resilience and truth, both in parenting and life.
• Three Months to No. 1 has shown me how patience and small actions create meaningful progress.
• Value as a Service has challenged me to think critically about how I deliver and communicate value, whether to clients or my own family.

Continuous learning isn’t just about reading—it’s about applying what you learn. It’s about adapting, growing, and taking action to become better every day.

Final Thoughts

These three books have had a profound impact on how I approach my work, parenting, and personal growth. They’ve reminded me that success comes from resilience, persistence, and clarity of purpose.

What’s on your reading list right now? Have you read anything recently that’s shifted your perspective? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your recommendations!