5 books that have changed my life
2 years ago, I didn’t read.
At least, not for fun or enjoyment.
I was burnt out on all the reading I’d done for years in college and PT school. The last book I had read voluntarily was probably a fantasy novel back in 10th grade.
But at the start of 2023, after going through a rough break-up, moving states for a travel PT contract, and entering a new stage of life where I honestly didn’t know what I wanted my life to look like, I picked up a book at the recommendation of a mentor.
It was called “The Long Game” by Dorie Clark, and it was exactly what I needed at that point in my life. It gave me actionable frameworks and lenses through which to view my life and goals, and provided me with a sense of a comfort that if I put in daily action and played long-term games, things would work out.
Since then, I’ve been hooked on reading, and I’ve clipped through over 50 books over the past 2 years.
Here are 5 that have had a tremendous impact on me.
The Practice of Groundedness by Brad Stulberg. It’s the high-achiever’s guide for how to stay sane, present and grounded in today’s world, and it has quite literally changed how I think and how I operate in daily life. I’ve reread it several times already and probably will continue to every year moving forward.
Discipline is Destiny by Ryan Holiday. This was the book that got me interested in Stoicism, and was (although perhaps a little too on-the-nose) exactly what I needed to read as I prepared for my first bodybuilding show. It’s full of short chapters, actionable messages, and great stories from throughout history to drive home the point—a timeless read.
Beyond Thoughts by Joseph Nguyen. It’s an easy read, and one you’ll finish in less than an hour. But the ideas, specifically regarding our relationship with thoughts and how to ACTUALLY think about thoughts, are incredibly powerful and have had a revolutionary impact on my day-to-day mental health.
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. The first book on money that I ever picked up, and the most impactful. Full of eye-opening paradigms on both money and just human psychology/behavior in general.
The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan. The message is simple, not always easy to implement, yet so effective. The ultimate book on how to reframe any situation for maximum learning/growth. Even if you only read the first few chapters, you’ll have a lot to think about.
If you’re not a reader—it’s never too late to start.
If you are, what’s been your favorite book over the past year? Send me a DM or email! I’m always looking for recommendations, and I’d love to hear from you.
