What I'm reading

January 27, 2022

ICYMI: This week I did a podcast that digs into the framework I've been breaking down in this newsletter. If you want to hear my system and deeper rationalizations, you can listen here.

In 2009 I told myself and others I was a reader. But as I thought back on my year, I realized I'd read less than 10 books.

I asked myself a question that changed everything: would a reader read 10 books?

Noooo. So I had a decision to make. Would I hold to my identity of being a reader, or would I let it go and adopt another one?

Here we are in 2022 and I've averaged over 50 books a year since that point and over 75 a year the last 5 years.

(If you're curious about how to read more, feel free to reply and I can give you some tips.)

I am not exaggerating when I say reading is the foundation of where I'm at today.

So, I decided it'd be fun to take a break from the normal topics and give an update on what I'm reading right now.

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Just Finished

I've read this book 3 times now, each time around the start of the year. I like it because it's a quick and easy read, but a great goal-setting reminder.

This book is a summation of many of his best interviews in book form. I enjoyed it, but I'd suggest just listening to the interviews instead.

Currently Reading

I heard of this book from Cal Newport's podcast and realized I'd heard of this note-taking system. Since I've been working on improving my book notes, I thought it'd be a great time to learn a little more about the system.

I heard this book recommended in two different spots so I figured I'd give it a shot.

This book digs into the science of happiness and tries to make it extremely accessible. I've just started, so I cannot speak to whether it's a good one yet or not!

This book is about exploring your calling in life and I've recommended it more than almost any book I've read. It really reframed calling and purpose for me in a way that opened up my perspective.

I'm on my third time through this book and you could probably say it's the motivation for much of my work today.

Up Next

I am currently planning to reread a number of the "classics" to really refresh some of my thinking.

I have read this book twice and this will be my third time. In essence, this book attempts to help you realize that you don't need to do more, but instead do less better. I'll probably reread his book Effortless, which is a follow-up, soon after.

I read this book in 2018 and figured it was time to revisit it. Read this book if you want to start new habits or eliminate bad ones.

This book changed me the first time I read it and so I want to reread it as a reminder. I really think that in today's go go go world, those who can step back and reflect will be the world changers.

I've enjoyed Donald Miller's books in the past but had originally not planned on reading this one. But, as I'm working on a new project with a similar tilt, I figured I should check it out. I'll try and remember to report back on it.

Question of the week

You probably know what's coming... what are you currently reading?