“A home without books is a body without soul.” ~ Marcus Tillius Cicero
Within the past year I’ve made a very important and rewarding change to my routine: the 5 am wake-up, started with 30 minutes of reading. For me, there’s no better way to start a day than with a good book.
Books can bring clarity to our lives. They can spark our imaginations, and motivate us. They give us tools to become better, more successful people in all areas of life. We learn from them and we grow in reading them.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Dr. Seuss
I used to think that I had no time to read. That reading articles online, fitness articles, magazine articles and so forth was good enough. Then I started making time to read. I read a couple books a month – depending on the size. It’s almost as if you get your time spent reading back in clear, focused, quality work.
Of the books I’ve read over the past year, there are some classics, and some that you may not have heard of. But each are great reads. They’ll open your mind, spark your imagination, give you strategies to become more productive, and more successful.
Here are 5 books I’ve read in the past year that you need to add to your own personal library.
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
One of the best books I’ve ever read, it’s incredibly difficult to put down once you start reading it. I finished the book in a couple of days simply because I wanted to see where it was headed next.
Where other books tell you the lessons they’re providing you, Coelho let’s you figure it out in a beautifully written parable. I actually lost my copy and just purchased another. It’s a book I’ll read over a dozen times in my life and I can’t wait to give it another go.
“Those who don’t understand their personal legends will fail to comprehend its teachings.”
2. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
How do we see light in hopeless situations? What makes us continue, struggle, and maintain hope when there is no logical reason for it?
Viktor Frankl, a psychologist who endured through Nazi concentration camps in World War II, brings unique and objective insights into the aforementioned questions. As a result developing Logotherapy and forever changing the world of psychology.
It’s shocking what far too many human beings went through, but somehow survived during the horrors of the Second World War.
3. the Greatness Guide by Robin Sharma
Sharma goes over simple, applicable, yet wildly effective strategies that will help you become more focused, productive, and bring you closer to being Legendary.
It’s an incredibly fast read filled with 2-4 page chapters and lessons. My suggestion is to read it slow and with a notebook. Don’t rush through it attempting to get another notch on your book belt. I took a lot of time with this one because I wanted to absorb each chapter. Another book that I’ll read a dozen times before I kick the bucket.
Make sure to apply the tips and strategies that you feel will help you most.
4. Cinderella Man by Jeremy Schaap
One of the greatest stories ever told – in my mind – is the story of James J. Braddock. His promising career and rise in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight ranks. His fall from grace during the depression. The tough times, the swallowed pride, uncompromising morals and values. And then his resurrection that ends with him winning the heavyweight championship of the world.
We hear that everything happens for a reason. Then shit hits the fan and we ask “why me?” Well, sometimes the hard times in life build our character, they prepare us for the good times. Read this book and stop feeling sorry for yourself. This man went through hell, but he never changed who he was, what he thought was right, and he never lost control.
5. Wooden, John Wooden with Steven Jamison
John Wooden was a smart man who had the ability to break down life, and living a good one, into very simple and common sense rules and guidelines. He had by far won the most NCAA championships – light years ahead of any other coach.
He also arguably had more of an effect on his players – all young men, on their way to manhood – than any of his peers as well. Listening Kareem Abdul-Jabar or Bill Walton talk about their former coach, you can hear their admiration for him, and their respect for a great man whom they had a privilege of playing under.
It’s a great book, a quick read, and a must for any library.
What would you add to the list?
Another Must Read: The PowerHowse Challenge.
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