10 Books I Recently Read
Hey everyone! Over the past few months, I've embarked on an incredible reading journey, completing 10 diverse books that range from humorous to deeply profound. My adventure began with an exploration of Stoic Philosophy, delving into the spiritual and intellectual depths it offers. As the year progressed, I shifted gears towards lighter, more entertaining reads with a focus on physical health and well-being. I'm excited to share my thoughts and the valuable insights I've gained from each book. I found these reads not only enjoyable but also instrumental in enhancing my happiness and inner peace. So, without further ado, and in no particular order, let's dive into these remarkable books:
1. Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday
Why I Read It:
I picked up this book in an attempt to confront my fears. Intrigued by what philosophy might reveal about fear and courage, I was searching for insights to guide me through my apprehensions.
What I Learned:
"Courage is Calling" was a revelation in understanding the true nature of bravery in our daily lives. It's a guide on transforming fear into a catalyst for growth and action. On a professional level, it inspired me to make bold, fearless decisions. On a personal front, it became a source of strength, helping me to tackle life's hurdles with newfound resilience. Interestingly, listening to this book during my runs infused me with the energy to power through some of the most challenging training sessions I've faced in years.
Impact:
I’ve become more assertive in my career choices and more adventurous in my personal endeavors. I push myself through hard times, hard training, and things that make me afraid because I want to be a more dependable and fortified person that can help people.
2. Bossypants by Tina Fey
Why I Read It:
After a challenging year in 2023, I was in dire need of a good laugh to lighten the mood and lift my spirits.
What I Learned:
Tina Fey's "Bossypants" was a masterclass in humor and resilience. Her sharp wit and insightful wisdom taught me the transformative power of laughter in overcoming life’s hurdles. Fey's experiences as a woman in show business were particularly enlightening. She shared stories of mental strength and humor in the face of adversity, often turning potentially negative situations into opportunities for respect and boundary-setting. Her relentless work ethic and determination to succeed in two demanding fields – acting and writing – were nothing short of inspiring. It was eye-opening to see how she navigated years of struggle with such grace and humor.
Impact:
Fey's approach has profoundly influenced how I conduct myself at work. I've always leaned towards being overly serious, but her book reminded me of the importance of balancing seriousness with lightheartedness. It's not just about enduring professional challenges; it's about finding joy and laughter in them. Her light-hearted take on professional life has taught me that enjoyment and humor are not just optional – they're essential. I've started embracing a more authentic, relaxed approach in my interactions, and it's made a world of difference.
3. Discipline is Destiny by Ryan Holiday
Why I Read It:
Seeking a way out of a stagnant phase, I turned to "Discipline is Destiny" to reshape my approach to daily habits and decision-making.
What I Learned:
Ryan Holiday's exploration of discipline struck a chord with me. It underscored the pivotal role of self-control and established routines in reaching one's aspirations. The book revealed a profound truth: motivation can be fleeting, and it's discipline that sustains us through those uninspired moments. It taught me to challenge the reluctance that creeps in, especially during early mornings when the comfort of the bed is more appealing than a workout session. I realized that discipline is often what distinguishes the remarkable from the ordinary. To inspire and make a meaningful impact, discipline must be your cornerstone.
Impact:
In response to these insights, I've revolutionized my daily routine, integrating structured habits that boost both my productivity and focus, whether I'm at work or handling personal tasks. This newfound discipline has been instrumental in maintaining steady progress in my health and fitness journey, including committing to simple activities like regular walks. By establishing clear boundaries around my actions and choices, I've fostered a more disciplined, goal-oriented lifestyle.
4. Going Infinite by Michael Lewis
Why I Read It:
As someone aspiring to be an advisor and investor, I was keen to understand the pitfalls that stakeholders in major companies encounter, particularly in dynamic sectors like cryptocurrency.
What I Learned:
"Going Infinite" by Michael Lewis offered less in the way of direct learning and more a captivating narrative centered around Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) and his ventures, Alameda Research and FTX. While I've been closely following the crypto space for the last four years, this book provided an in-depth, albeit somewhat unsettling, account of the rise and fall of these companies. For anyone curious about the intricacies of such high-st
Impact:
Since I was already familiar with much of the subject matter, the book didn't significantly alter my understanding. However, it did reinforce a valuable lesson: the importance of being prudent with investments, especially in unregulated, offshore markets that leverage emerging technologies. It served as a reminder that in the fast-evolving world of finance, caution is paramount.
5. Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Why I Read It:
Seeking more laughter in my life, I turned to Amy Poehler's "Yes Please." After all, one humorous book simply wasn't enough to quench my thirst for joy.
What I Learned:
Listening to Poehler's book during my long runs turned out to be a hilariously uplifting experience. I found myself laughing uproariously while jogging down the local bike path, amused by Poehler's anecdotes and perspectives. Her book taught me the art of lightening up in tough situations, being unapologetically authentic, and pouring my heart into what truly matters to me. Poehler's unique blend of humor and sincerity in approaching life's challenges was not just entertaining, but deeply inspirational.
Impact:
Surprisingly, this book ignited in me a desire to write my own story. Despite Poehler describing the writing process as challenging, she also portrayed it as incredibly rewarding. The way she involved her parents and special guests in her narrative transformed what could have been a strenuous task into a beautiful, enduring memory. This has inspired me to contemplate penning down my life experiences, hoping to find similar fulfillment.
6. The Obstacle is The Way by Ryan Holiday
Why I Read It:
Confronted with continuous challenges in both my professional and personal spheres, I turned to "The Obstacle is the Way" seeking a realignment in how I view and handle obstacles, aiming to build resilience against life's inevitable headwinds.
What I Learned:
Ryan Holiday's book shifted my perspective on challenges, teaching me to see them as opportunities rather than setbacks. It instilled in me the mindset to reframe obstacles as catalysts for growth and learning. The tougher the obstacle, I realized, the more significant the opportunity for personal and professional development.
Impact:
This book profoundly changed how I perceive and react to challenges. By redefining obstacles as learning and strengthening opportunities, I've moved away from a doom-and-gloom mindset that easily derailed me. Now, when faced with an obstacle, I recognize it as a chance to grow, develop, and strengthen. This shift in paradigm has been instrumental in maintaining my focus and resilience in the face of adversity.
7. Above the Clouds by Killian Journet
Why I Read It:
My admiration for ultra-running, coupled with a personal foray into the sport, drew me to this book. As an enthusiast and a participant, albeit a nascent one, I was eager to absorb the stories and experiences of renowned athletes in this field. My aim was to find inspiration to enhance my trail running and get back into top shape.
What I Learned:
"Above the Clouds" is a deep dive into the life of an exceptional ultra-runner, exploring both his athletic prowess and his profound connection with nature. What struck me was the duality of his persona: on one side, a formidable athlete, and on the other, a solitary figure who finds peace in the quiet embrace of the mountains. His journey highlighted the intricate balance between the competitive spirit of sports and a genuine reverence for the natural world.
Impact:
This book has been a catalyst in motivating me to aim higher in endurance sports. Learning about Killian Jornet's dedication to ultra-running has fueled my desire to increase my mileage, commit more deeply to my training, and elevate my performance. His story has not only reignited my passion for trail running but also reminded me of the beauty and challenge that lie in harmonizing athletic goals with a love for the outdoors.
8. Finding Ultra by Rich Roll
Why I Read It:
Having been a regular listener of his insightful podcast for years, I was drawn to read this book to discover the backstory of how he evolved into such an extraordinary individual.
What I Learned:
One of the most profound lessons from this book is that it's never too late to transform your health and fitness. The dramatic benefits of adopting a healthy diet and eliminating harmful habits like alcohol consumption were eye-opening. The book emphasizes the remarkable resilience and capacity of the human body and mind. The recounting of his back-to-back Ironman races across the Hawaiian islands, achieved after overcoming personal struggles and outside his prime fitness years, was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Impact:
This narrative has reshaped my view of entering my forties, infusing a sense of optimism and motivation. It has sparked a desire in me to engage more in long-distance running and rethink my dietary choices, recognizing the significant influence food has on overall health and wellbeing.
9. Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
Why I Read It:
My journey into "Hidden Potential" began with a recommendation from my wife, who thought it would resonate with my newfound interest in acquiring new skills, such as pottery, and my aspiration to learn a new language.
What I Learned:
Adam Grant's insights in "Hidden Potential" brought to light a poignant reality: our society often overlooks genuinely talented individuals. The current educational and professional systems tend to marginalize those who don't fit the conventional success narrative, failing to nurture or even acknowledge the potential in many. This book highlighted the flawed nature of a system that primarily celebrates top performers and outliers, leaving behind those with latent talents and abilities.
Impact:
This book profoundly mirrored my own experiences with the educational system and the professional world, having navigated both as a high school and college dropout. It offered not just hope but also practical strategies for learning and growth. One key takeaway is the value of failure as a more potent teacher than success, suggesting that we should seek wisdom from those who have experienced setbacks. Another significant lesson is the power of teaching in reinforcing one's own understanding. Hence, I've been more inclined to share my knowledge and insights, finding that it enhances my own learning process.
10. Outlive by Peter Attia
Why I Read It:
My interest in "Outlive" was sparked after watching the series Limitless, where Dr. Peter Attia guided Chris Hemsworth through a two-day fast. Dr. Attia's unconventional yet data-driven approach to medicine caught my attention and prompted me to delve deeper into his work.
What I Learned:
Summarizing the wealth of information from this book is a challenge, but here are key takeaways: Firstly, it's never too late to start a health routine that benefits you in the long run. I discovered that even for those who are active and health-conscious, traditional health monitoring and support systems have significant shortcomings. We need to proactively manage our health, as American health standards often fail to prevent or even recognize common diseases. Simple lifestyle changes, like weight training, enhancing VO2 max, and improving mobility, can significantly impact our overall health. A startling revelation was that nearly half of the U.S. population is pre-diabetic or diabetic, highlighting the urgent need for dietary and lifestyle changes.
Impact:
Motivated by these insights, I've revamped my fitness regimen. I now lift weights twice a week, practice yoga 5-7 times a week, and focus on training my VO2 max, ensuring I stay in Zone 2 during runs. I've also revised my diet, reducing sugar intake, increasing protein, and monitoring my calorie consumption to eliminate excess fat.
Conclusion
The diverse array of books I've read recently has been transformative, touching every aspect of my life. My past six months have been a journey of self-improvement, and these books have been instrumental in that process. Whether it's health, mindset, or personal growth, there's always a book out there with the potential to make a profound impact. I hope that sharing my experiences will inspire others to find a book that resonates with them and aids them on their path to self-betterment.
