Six of My Favorite Books

Giving someone a book recommendation is hard. There is so much behind a book. Do you want to inspire someone? Do you want someone to be entertained? Do you want to introduce someone to a contrarian idea? Said differently, there isn’t a one size fits all approach to book recommendations. The best book recommendations come from knowing the person and what might help them continue to grow, learn, and be challenged.

With that disclaimer out of the way (and having no idea if any of these books will be interesting to you), here are 6 books that have had an outsized impact on shaping my thinking.

Pathless Path by Paul Millerd

This is one of a few books that I re-read annually. It challenges the idea that success requires following a traditional, linear career ladder. Millerd shares his journey of stepping away from expected norms to build a life centered on curiosity and personal meaning. Reading it helped me reframe what a fulfilling life actually looks like. It taught me that work doesn't have to be something I endure, but something I intentionally design.

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport

This book makes a compelling argument for using technology as a deliberate tool rather than letting it dictate our attention. This book forced me to look honestly at my online habits. It shifted my focus back toward real-world presence, quiet reflection, and deeper engagement with life. As a result of reading this book, I have zero social media apps on my phone, I plug in my phone in my kitchen (as opposed to in my room), and I use my phone for less than an hour per day.

Deep Work by Cal Newport
This book highlights the rare skill of focusing without distraction on demanding tasks. Newport shows why deep, uninterrupted attention is a superpower in today’s noisy economy. It fundamentally changed how I structure my calendar and protect my attention. I learned that my best ideas and highest value come from focused execution, not constant busyness.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey

This book covers the timeless principles for proactive living, personal integrity, and building strong relationships. Rather than offering quick surface-level hacks, this book focuses on developing character from the inside out. This book gave me a practical framework for taking full responsibility for my choices. It grounded me in the habit of leading myself before trying to guide or support others.

Essentialism by Greg Mckeown

McKeown argues for the disciplined pursuit of "less, but better" in everything we do. The core message is about cutting out non-essentials so you can pour your energy into what truly matters. This book shifted my mindset from trying to do it all to making trade-offs with confidence. It showed me that saying "no" to good things is necessary to say "yes" to great ones.

Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

This book is slightly different from the previous five. Burkeman reframes time management around a stark reality: the average human life lasts about four thousand weeks. Instead of offering tricks to clear your inbox, he encourages us to embrace our finite limits and let go of impossible expectations. This book freed me from the anxiety of trying to conquer time. It helped me make peace with trade-offs and focus on living meaningfully right now.

If you found this useful, let me know! I’d love to hear from you! Also, if you think a friend would benefit from these ideas, please feel free to share.