Top 5 Self-Improvement Books to Read for the Rest of 2024

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

DEEP DIVE

Nowadays, we have so many choices for self-improvement books to read. However, it's not about how many you read, it's the ones that make a difference in your life that count. You’d much rather read 2 books this year but study (and apply them) properly instead of reading 100 books.

In 2020, I challenged myself to read as many books as possible in 6 months (see the image below). How many of them do I return to or remember the main message from? Well, it’s close to 0.

Looking back, I wish I read these 5 books to kick-start my growth journey. Let’s start with the most well-known self-improvement book in the last 10 years.

Atomic Habits

Atomic Habits is a powerful book showing how doing little things consistently can lead to big changes in our lives. When I first saw the graph on getting 1% better each day, it blew my mind but it took me 3 years to appreciate its power. We obsess over perfection instead of embracing tiny improvements that compound over time (as the graph shows). It's the hard work every day behind the scenes that leads to 'overnight successes', whether it's breaking a bad habit or getting the grades you want.

Other key concepts you will learn:

• Why you need systems to reach the goals you set

• The power of identity in becoming the change we want to be

"The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck"

Most personal development books use positive language and inspirational stories to inspire you. Not this book. The first story about Charles Bukowski will shock you. It will also show you how chasing success as your measure of happiness is worthless. Instead, Mark Manson offers refreshing insights on focusing on what truly matters and letting go of the BS.

Be Warned ⚠️: Expect to have your understanding of self-improvement flipped and twisted.

Can't Hurt Me

You will have come across this book if you’ve heard of David Goggins (former Navy SEAL). It also flips the script on self-improvement advice through a raw account of his life’s struggles to become one of the toughest men alive.

Expect to learn practical strategies and mindset shifts to confront your fears, and unlock your potential. Also, be ready for an unfiltered (sometimes graphic) narrative.

Read this book and follow the action steps. You won't regret it…

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant

Another book jam-packed with simple yet profound ideas to level up. My favourites include how our thoughts shape our reality and why we should keep learning.

Here are a couple quotes that have stuck with me:

Then there’s "the process is the product", reminding us that the journey is just as important as the destination. The book is full of gems like these, so do yourself a favour and study this book closely. It'll make you rethink what success is.

Extreme Ownership

Have you considered what it takes to own your life (SPOILER: not much)? Jocko Willink dives into this question in this book. Like other war veterans, he offers straight talk, no fluff – just like his podcast (listen to it to revamp your mindset).

I recommend reading this book to learn the importance of responsibility and self-discipline. It’s a straightforward, impactful narrative that includes (literally) life-saving lessons that will benefit your journey.

TIPS & TRICKS
TAKE ACTION TODAY

Simple: Purchase one of the books above (or watch a YouTube summary to understand the main concepts first).

When you dive into these books, follow the action steps of each chapter because knowledge without action is worthless. 

THIS WEEK’S RECOMMENDATION

IMO, you should read Extreme Ownership before any other book on this list as it will set the foundation for your personal growth.

Jocko Willink’s TED Talk is an excellent intro to Extreme Ownership. I’d recommend watching this before you watch a summary/purchase the book.

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I also made a video on this topic (peep it below):