Reading List
These are the 8 books I recommend individuals read to build a more successful life. I have put them in order of my recommendation. I have also included many ways to get them for free.
*If you use a link to purchase a book I receive a small commission, thank you for your support!
#1: Can't Hurt Me
By David Goggins. The book recounts David Goggins journey from 297 lbs. and working as an exterminator to the toughest individual on the planet. It shows you what humans are truly capable of if you master your mind. Chapter 3 is one of the most motivating and awe-inspiring insights into our body and brain’s capabilities that I have ever found.
Note: He is generous with his expletives.
Rent: I only found the eBook on Libby [1] for free.
To Own: Audible for the audiobook (It includes extra conversations between Goggins and his ghostwriter which is very beneficial.) Hardcopy on Amazon.
#2: Think and Grow Rich
By Napoleon Hill. Think and Grow Rich is the quintessential book for developing the proper mindset to be more successful. Many successful individuals site this book as the gateway to unlocking their potential.
Note: The book is almost 100 years old and it shows its age in several places.
Rent: I originally rented the free audiobook via Libby and then bought my own copy on Google Play, so I can listen to it each morning when I am getting ready for the day.
To Own: The audiobook can be purchased for less than a dollar on Google Play and Apple Books. Also found on Audible. Hardcopy on Amazon.
#3: You Are a Badass
By Jen Sincero. An amazing book on mindset and going for your dreams. She does a phenomenal job of making living the life you desire seem so simple to achieve, focusing on making things happen instead of waiting for them to happen.
Rent: I used Libby to get the audiobook for free.
#4: Rejection Proof
By Jia Jiang. It is the perfect book if you find yourself struggling to get past your brain’s fear of rejection. Jia tells his story of conquering his fear of rejection by purposefully being rejected 100 times. The journey completely transforms his life in ways he didn't think possible.
Rent: I used Libby to get the audiobook for free.
#5 Greenlights
By Matthew McConaughey. He teaches an important lesson during the book: he didn’t know what he was doing most of the time. He just went for it and used The Not-So-Secret Recipe to Success: try, fall, learn, adjust, repeat, and succeed, to become one of the world's biggest movie stars. It is an extremely educational and entertaining book.
Rent: I used Libby to get the audiobook for free. Matthew narrates the audiobook which is incredibly enjoyable to listen to!
#6 Awaken The Giant Within
By Tony Robbins. It is one of Tony Robbin's first books. The book is a quick read teaching you that you possess far more potential than you know. Tony is a wonderful teacher about the power of mindset.
Rent: I used Libby to get the audiobook for free.
#7 Living With a Seal
By Jesse Itzler. Jesse Itzler, serial entrepreneur, ultramarathon runner, and husband of Sara Blakely (creator of Spanx), hired David Goggins in 2011 (before Goggins was well-known) to train him for 31 days. The book is wildly entertaining and shows your true barriers exist only in your mind.
Rent: I used Libby to get the audiobook for free.
#8 The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie
By Andrew Carnegie. The book is Andrew Carnegie's life story. I recommend the book because it shows the secret to Carnegie's immense wealth was simply taking initiative and going for it. He climbed the ladder from an uneducated bobbin boy making 2 cents/hr to becoming one of the world's richest humans of all time, by simply not letting his brain's doubt stop him.
Rent: I have been unable to locate a copy to rent.
Own: The audiobook can be purchased for less than a dollar on Google Play and Apple Books. Also found on Audible. Hardcopy on Amazon.
What Is Libby?
Libby is a free app that connects to your library card. It allows you to rent eBooks and audiobooks for two weeks at a time. Some library collections are more expansive than others. However, it is my all-time favorite app as it provides access to some of the world's best books for free.
*I am not well-versed on Libby's access outside of the United States.