I’ve been on a non-fiction streak.
I used to devour classics, fantasy, crime, romance, even courtroom drama—John Grisham, George R.R. Martin, Neil Gaiman, Ian McEwan, and Haruki Murakami to name a few.
But for some reason, someone flipped the switch and unlocked the magical world of non-fiction.
That someone is Tim Ferris. I read his 4-Hour Work Week four years ago and never looked back. I remember taking away a lifetime’s worth of golden nuggets.
The dopamine hit I got from reading this ONE book now translates to non-fiction.
Since then, my bookshelf has gradually turned into personal finance, productivity, business and startups, and biographies.
This year is no different. Except for Sally Rooney’s Conversations with Friends (good) and Delia Owens’ Where the Crawdads Sing (very good), I couldn’t seem to get enough of non-fiction.
Here are 5 of the books I read this year that changed my mindset the same way the Four Hour Work Week changed me forever:
Atomic Habits by James Clear
As the name suggests, this book talks about how small changes can have a big effect on habit formation—and, subsequently, your life. It describes various systems you can use to form and maintain healthy habits while eliminating those that don’t serve you.
I first “encountered” this book in audio format (Audible). I remember doing my lunchtime walks at the height of the pandemic lockdowns in 2021. I was so fascinated with the takeaways that when I got home, I would replay some bits and type them up in my Notes app.
This year I finally got my own copy. I dog-eared portions (yes, I dog-ear my pages, now sue me), especially about the science and systems around habit formation and how to use them to your advantage.
Specifically, the book discusses four laws of behavior change to reinforce good habits—make it obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying.
The inversion of these four—making it invisible, unattractive, difficult, and unsatisfying—helps eliminate bad habits.
My favorite quote:
- You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.
- If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don’t want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change.
Here’s a full list of my favorite quotes from this book.
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel is an insightful read right to the core. Each chapter pulls no punches.
Morgan Housel shares practical wisdom and real-life knowledge throughout this book. He dives into the psychologically complex relationship that humans have with money.
This captivating read tackles human behavior, especially regarding money and its effects on our lives. It’s an eye-opening account. It discusses how money shapes our beliefs and interactions on a deeper psychological level than most of us think.
This book differs from other personal finance books like Ramit Sethi’s “I Will Teach You To Be Rich,” which discusses systems, tips, and frameworks. The Psychology of Money highlights how we think about money—our mindsets, subconscious and conscious approaches to saving, spending, investing and making money.
The inclusion of case studies in the book drives home the points. Housel used anecdotes from significant historical events, like the 2008 financial crisis, and key figures like Warren Buffet.
Each chapter is bite-sized, and you can finish this book in one sitting or on a long-haul flight.
This book offers readers a fresh perspective on money that you don’t hear daily. It’s definitely worth your time if you want to focus on improving your relationship with money in 2023!
My Favorite Quotes from the Book:
- Wealth is what you don’t see. Spending money to show people how much money you have is the fastest way to have less money.
- Wealth is hidden. It’s income not spent. Wealth is an option not yet taken to buy something later. Its value lies in offering you options, flexibility, and growth to one day purchase more stuff than you could right now.
- Building wealth has little to do with your income or investment returns, and lots to do with your savings rate.
- The hardest financial skill is getting the goalpost to stop moving.
- “Enough” is not too little.
- Getting wealthy vs. staying wealthy: good investing is not necessarily about making good decisions. It’s about consistently not screwing up.
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
This book is a candid memoir of Nike’s founder, Phil Knight. It’s a definite must-read for founders, managers, and business owners. It’s for anyone who wants to be inspired by entrepreneurial grit, relentless hard work, ingenuity, and resilience.
Shoe Dog chronicles the humble beginnings of Nike and its meteoric rise to the top. It takes us through the incredible odyssey of creating the Nike brand.
If you’re wondering where the name “Nike” comes from, you’ll find out in this book. You’ll also end up hating Onitsuka Tiger (at least I did).
Phil Knight spills the tea on Nike’s early days, which started as an ambitious dream for him and his friends. He walks us through their major struggles—lawsuits and the death of a high-profile athlete included. He also tells a lot of funny and oftentimes irreverent anecdotes on leadership, decision-making, competitors, athlete sponsorships, and office politics.
I always describe this book as listening to your cool uncle telling a story over a family get-together.
If you’re looking for a book about passion, dedication, struggles, and the big wins associated with building a business—this one’s for you.
My favorite parts of the book: (spoiler alert)
- When Nike won the lawsuit against Onitsuka
- Steve Prefontaine (”Pre”)
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins is an inspiring and eye-opening read. This book taught me all about mental toughness. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: your mind is stronger than your body.
David Goggins takes us on a remarkable life journey. He shares his personal journey from his troubled childhood to becoming a retired Navy SEAL, endurance athlete, and former Guinness World Record holder for completing 4,000+ pull-ups in seventeen hours.
Goggins is the personification of beast mode. He taught himself how to swim to pass the SEAL’s Hell Week. He finished an ultra marathon with fractured feet and dual stress fractures in his lower legs—not to mention getting rushed to the hospital after the race with rhabdomyolysis. He has regularly placed in the top 5 across 60+ ultra-marathons, triathlons, and ultra-triathlons.
The book shows how failure can be vital in honing extreme mental fortitude. It provides a unique perspective on overcoming adversity with daily habits and routines. It demonstrates Goggins’ grit, responsibility, and radical commitment to personal goals.
Can’t Hurt Me is for anyone looking to push their boundaries to discover their strengths and unlock success at work and personal life.
Goggins is how I managed to go to the gym almost every day at 5am during winter!
My Favorite Concept from the Book:
Taking souls. It means turning our fears, intimidation, and other negative emotions into powerful energy that propels us to achieve the best outcome.
The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger
This book is a must-read for professionals seeking insights into leadership from one of this century’s most influential corporate leaders.
As the former CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger played an integral role in making Disney what it is today. The memoir follows his rise in the business world.
In this book, he lays out an inspiring narrative showcasing his management approach that led to unprecedented success for the company.
Bob lends valuable insights into how to lead and how not to. He shares authentic stories—vulnerable to a fault—touching on successes and failures throughout his tenure.
Read this book, and you’ll see what effective leadership looks like. One that’s people-centric and constantly infused with creativity and innovation.
If you’re looking for captivating stories and guidance on becoming a successful entrepreneur or executive, this book couldn’t be more perfect. It’s also got some juicy tea on Hollywood figures and BTS on Disney movies.
Iger’s writing style is engaging from start to finish, packed with wisdom that inspires leaders. Again, reading it is like listening to your rich, successful uncle over Christmas dinner.
My Favorite Parts of the Book
His relationship with Steve Jobs, and how Bob Iger won him back and got him to sign with Disney
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I’m curious to know what books hit the spot for you this year, non-fiction and fiction alike! Feel free to leave your book recos in the comment section below.
