I’ve always been interested in the books, podcasts, and habits of those that seem to have figured out how to live well. Here’s my list of books that I use frequently in my work with college students and their families. This list gets updated randomly and regularly so check back often as I add other books you might find useful.
The Craving Mind – Dr. Judson Brewer
Recommendation: 8/10
Category: Self-Improvement, Psychology
Dr. Brewer walks us through the fascinating world of addiction, compulsion, and behavior. I think parents and college students can benefit from his insights on how to overcome being a slave to our brains. I am also a sucker for anyone who can take complicated concepts about neurology and behavior into accessible and actionable prose.
The Ego is the Enemy – Ryan Holiday
Recommendation: 7/10
Category: Self-Improvement
I’ll admit I like Ryan Holiday’s perspectives and examinations of life. He almost single-handedly resurrected Stoicism and this little book is full of cautionary tales of those who allowed their egos to take control. While not always the most actionable, this book is a great starting place to better understand how our self-concept is not necessarily a fact or pre-ordained but, if not controlled, can lead us to suffer.
The Obstacle is the Way – Ryan Holiday
Recommendation: 9/10
Category: Self-Improvement
Another Ryan Holiday book but more important than The Ego is the Enemy. In my work, helping clients see that the thing they are struggling with is often not the actual problem – it’s often our perception of the obstacle that’s the problem…thus, the obstacle is not something to remove or avoid but something to lean into. An important book for those on the path of self-discovery.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey
Recommendation: 9/10
Category: Business, Self-Improvement, Organization
It’s just an essential read. Stephen Covey took self-improvement to a whole new level when 7 Habits first came out and all these years later continues to be relevant, applicable, and actionable. It’s a paradigm shift in leading an organized, intentional life without being preachy or cold.
The Index Card –
Recommendation:9/10
Category: Self-Improvement, Organization, Personal Finance
Hands-down the best personal finance book, I’ve ever read. It cuts through all the crap and simply tells you what to do with your money. No sales gimmick. No ‘But wait there’s more!’ Get this book now if you are not a master of personal finance.
Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
Recommendation: 9/10
Category: Self-Improvement
This is another essential read but for a very different reason. The Alchemist is the only modern parable that sums up how to lead a satisfying life when there aren’t instructions at the big intersections. Great lessons and a quick read.
The Way of the Peaceful Warrior – Dan Millman
Recommendation: 8/10
Category: Self-Improvement
This book is SUPER cheesy and one of the worst written books…and I happen to love it. Dan Millman told his story of loss and gain, ignorance and insight, conflict, and, ultimately, how to find peace. So packed with great lessons on how most of us live and how to lead a more satisfying life.
The 4 Hour Work Week – Tim Ferriss
Recommendation: 7/10
Category: Business, Self-Improvement, Organization, Personal Finance
Tim Ferriss is another favorite personality and solopreneur who’s books and podcasts are so dense with information, you’ll want to revisit them over and over. The 4 Hour Work Week, while seemingly a dry, how-to guide on creating passive income, actually generates discussion around thinking differently about how we work. He challenges assumptions about working 40 hours per week, having a boss, being tied to an office, and hoarding money. It’s a good read for seniors in college and those that have just graduated.
Recommendation: 4/10
Category: Business, Organization
Superfast read and super cheesy but another mini paradigm shift in how to conceptualize our lives and specifically our work. I use this book’s suggestions as examples of how to set boundaries – which happens to be a major focus of my work with clients. Not the best book in the world but definitely helpful for those entering the workforce or struggling with feeling bulldozed by others.
The E-Myth Revisited – Michael E. Gerber
Recommendation: 7/10
Category: Business
Absolutely essential book for anyone considering starting a business. Period. The E-Myth explains the difference between a baker and a bakery store owner. One is a technician with skills of baking, while the owner needs to have a job description which includes management, baker, HR, finance, etc.
The Art of the Start 2.0 – Guy Kawasaki
Recommendation: 7/10
Category: Business, Self-Improvement, Organization
Guy Kawasaki might be the happiest, most positive personality writing and talking about business, entrepreneurship, and self-improvement. He’s also super legit since he’s walked the walk…working at Apple, being a big tech investor, and starting several businesses. Highly recommended to everyone considering building a side hustle or starting a business.
The Millionaire Next Door –
Recommendation: 7/10
Category: Business, Self-Improvement, Personal Finance
This was the first deep dive into what the wealthy do with their money, what they don’t do, and how they got it. It kills off the myths of wealth and encourages readers to examine how they use their money – do you buy (or lease) that BMW for the sake of your ego or pay cash for a lesser car and join the tribe of Stealth Wealth? Great book for those who want to lead an enriching but frugal life and are less concerned with glittering displays of their wealth.
Principles – Ray Dalio
Recommendation: 7/10
Category: Business, Self-Improvement, Organization, Personal Finance
Holy, moly this is the biggest book I’ve ever read and full of important insights from one of the most successful and principled hedge fund managers (albeit, kind of a low-bar). Open this book prepared with sticky notes and a highlighter. Best gifted to business school students heading towards finance (and maybe consulting).
Choose Yourself! – James Altucher
Recommendation: 6/10
Category: Business, Self-Improvement
Very much in line with Tim Ferriss, Mark Manson and Tony Robbins. James Altucher’s Choose Yourself is not necessarily a work of literary genius but helpful in promoting independent thinking in work and life.
The Algebra of Happiness – Scott Galloway
Recommendation: 9/10
Category: Business, Self-Improvement
Surprisingly great little book from a man I only recently became aware of. Scott Galloway discusses his luck, success, and challenges in such a fresh, transparent way. He lets us into his world of money and access without bragging or name dropping – just examination of what leads to happiness. Pull the curtain back and take your time enjoying this book.
Designing Your Life –
Recommendation: 8/10
Category: Self-Improvement, Organization
Super dorky and based on one of Stanford University’s most popular classes, Designing Your Life makes a full-throttle attempt at approaching life (decision making) from an evidence-based model. While it may not totally revolutionize each of us leads our lives from now on, it’s densely-packed with helpful insights and actionable steps.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – Mark Manson
Recommendation: 8/10
Category: Self-Improvement
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is surprisingly insightful and relatively well-written. It’s a book I recommend because so many folks I work with are consumed with giving a fuck about everything…which totally stresses them out and leads to bad decision making and feeling awful. Definitely worth a few hours of your time to read through it. Also not bad for parents to read through.
Outliers – Malcolm Gladwell
Recommendation: 8/10
Category: Self-Improvement
Malcolm Gladwell is a master at taking dry, dusty research and weaving it into a compelling narrative. With Outliers, Gladwell talks about why successful people are successful. While there aren’t many actionable take-aways, there are plenty of insights that can be used to focus the reader towards more successful habits.
How to Get Rich – Dennis Felix
Recommendation: 7/10
Category: Business, Self-Improvement, Personal Finance
This book is more interesting and fun than the title would lead you to believe. Dennis Felix simply tells his crazy story of accidentally getting rich. He’s an eccentric British nut who seemed to lead the authentic life and made a bunch of money along the way.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion – Robert B. Cialdini
Recommendation: 9/10
Category: Business
A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy – William Irvine
Recommendation: 8/10
Category: Self-Improvement
Important and a bit serious, this book is a very nice examination of Stoicism and how to incorporate it into daily life. This dovetails well with my use of CBT and DBT as a way to think about how we interact with the outside world and what we really have control over.
The Willpower Instinct – Kelly McGonigal
Recommendation: 9/10
Category: Motivation
I want to have lunch with Kelly. Every book she has is packed full of amazing insights about psychology and behavior. She’s also hilarious. This is a highly recommended read for clients and parents.