7 Books That Changed My Life
"The man who doesn't read books has no advantage over the man who can't read them" – Mark Twain
Intro
Hey! What's up?
My name is Simon! I used to be a huge video game nerd(I used to play more than 6 hours a day on average!) Yeah, I know… it was that bad. It's not something I'm particularly proud of, but I've grown a lot since I've quit them!
Anyway, video games created a subjective reality for me. It was an escape that I used to get away from the miserable life I was leading at that time. Not something I would wish upon anyone.
I was alone, depressed, unhealthy and by all standards unfulfilled. Until one day (after another relationship failed), I decided I had enough and it was time to actually start taking control of my life. Actually manning up and being responsible for where I was going with my life.
I started reading books, exercising more, going out to nightclubs, meeting women and exploring all the interests my mind had to offer. Life felt limitless. And I truly believe that's the way it's supposed to be.
I've made many changes the last couple of years and a great deal of this I owe to the 7 following books that have changed my life. I've found these really valuable in the creation of myself and therefore I would like to share them with you guys. They contain a lot of inspirational ideas and might help you out with the things you're struggling with!
7 Habits Of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey
This was the book that introduced me to self-development and a new way by which I could structure my life. It has formed the foundation on which I have build my character.
This book encompasses so much more than just 7 habits that will make you "effective". It is (IMO) the cornerstone/building block/essential element for building a successful life. If you only read one book on this list, this is the one to pick.
Here's an overview of the 7 habits for building a successful life;
- Be proactive (Own Yourself)
- Begin With The End In Mind (Know where you want to go)
- First Things First (Take action on what's Important)
- Think win-win (Make people gain something from your interactions, give back)
- Seek first to understand, then to be understood (understand people and connect deeply with them)
- Synergize (Working together produces better results. Be a light to be around)
- Sharpen the saw (Take care of yourself mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually)
This book has taught me many things I've been able to integrate in my daily life. For instance it has taught me that you should build your self-worth on your character and a standard for acceptable behavior you have set for yourself.
It has also taught me how to relate better to people. It's easily written, comprehensive and very actionable and that's why it makes this list of must-reads.
The key-elements I've learned from this book;
- Be a good man (character > personality)
- Owning yourself is the foundation for success.
- Between action and reaction there's a space, use it wisely
- If you don't have any goals in life, don't expect to reach them either
- Do the shit you're supposed to do, whether you feel like it or not.
- Knowing how to handle people is the most important trait for achieving any success
The Way Of The Superior Man – David Deida
This book was recommended by quite some people who have built a character that I admire and therefore I was very interested in reading this book. It's about a man's purpose in this world and how he should carry himself throughout life. It also includes the things that shape his character and a large portion is devoted on how to handle women.
It has taught me many things but mostly how to relate better with women. I used to be the overly nice guy (still am sometimes) but this book has certainly helped me improve this dramatically.
I'm very interested in becoming a "real man" (whatever that means by your definition) and frankly no-one has really taught me exactly what that means.
I believe that's caused by the fact that we have a lack of role models. A shortage of "real men" Combine this with insufficient knowledge and in-comprehensive teachings and you'll know exactly why my generation is clueless on how they can actually be men.
I see them resort to steroids, violence, drugs, cigarettes and whatnot to compensate on the outside what they lack on the inside. I think it's a shame that personality gets confused with real character strength and that challenge/struggle isn't valued anymore.
And therefore I'm trying my best to figure out this "manhood-thing" by myself with the help of some great books and scarce role models (Greg Plitt, Elliott Hulse, Owen Cook)
The key-elements I've learned from this book;
- A man's highest priority is sharing his deepest love with the world (passion)
- Female energy is chaotic and emotional, Masculine energy is structured and logical.
- All her complaints are an indication that you don't have you shit together. Don't reason but act (actions > words)
- Turn her chaotic moods into love.
- You already have everything you need to be happy. Show women you want them but not need them. You are the prize.
- Women are abundant
- Women like to be "ravaged" (dominant sex)
As A Man Thinketh – James Allen
This book has been recommended to me by the majority of people who are into self-improvement. It talks about how a pure man cannot possibly fail and how our thoughts create our circumstances.
This book has been a real eye-opener for me and definitely changed my perspective on life and how I go about my days.
It has helped me to see flaws in my own character and improve upon them. It made me more conscious of the thoughts I was harboring about others but also about myself.
I've created for myself a certain standard for acceptable thoughts about myself. I don't allow myself to bring me down these days. There's really no point in crying about my own failures or shortcomings.
"Grow a pair and move on with the things that are important" is the new attitude I cherish. No-one gains anything from my self-pity.
The key-elements I've learned from this book;
- You create your own reality
- A pure man cannot possibly fail (morality)
- A strong character is the most valuable of virtues
Mastery – Robert Greene
This book has taught me some great principles about the different stages a successful man needs to pass in order to reach his full potential. It has taught me how I can reach the success I'm after by mastering a specific skill/inclination in my life.
It has taught me some valuable lessons on why it is important to discover this calling and to value learning over money. Also why it is important to find a mentor and cultivate social intelligence.
The book describes many "masters" in their journey to success. Mozart, Darwin, Henry Ford and many more. A really enticing read that contains so many gems of wisdom.
The key-elements I've learned from this book;
- It is better to be a master of one thing than a jack-of-all-trades
- Combine your talents (the things you're naturally good at ) with your interests (natural inclinations) to provide value for other people
- Change is always better than comfort
- Find a mentor, it will save you a lot of time
- Action > Learning
- There are many fools in the world, you better learn how to deal with them.
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
This book was more of a story than it was a self-improvement book but if you're able to read in-between the lines you'll be able to find some really cool metaphors in the story.
The books tells the story about a young boy named Santiago. Who decides one day to go out on a journey to Egypt to find treasure. But throughout his journey he encounters many obstacles and learns valuable and practical lessons that can be applied in so many different aspects of his life (and yours).
This book is literally riddled with wisdom. If you only read two books on this list, this would be the second one 
The key-elements I've learned from this book;
- There's only one thing that makes a dream impossible and that's the fear of failure.
- Follow your intuition. Where your heart is, is your treasure.
- Choose something you want. Simply decide and all the universe will conspire in helping you to achieve it.
- No matter how difficult the path, no matter how far until you reach the finish. Take one step at a time.
Awaken The Giant Within – Anthony Robbins
This book has been on my list for a loooong time. I've finally bought it in audio format and have listened to it for over 5 times already. And I'm really glad I finally got it!
This book has the power to change your life. No, I'm not kidding. It will give you all the information you need to start building the life you want.
It basically a manual that will help you; Pick the things you want most out of life, find your motivation behind those goals and overcome your limiting beliefs. Pretty much the recipe for success.
The key-elements I've learned from this book;
- We can change/create our own beliefs
- We can control our own emotional state
- Life can be an adventure if we want it to be
- Don't bring yourself down, there's no point in that. Seriously.
The Game – Neil Strauss
Another great read but this time on a topic that's far more specific than general self-improvement; namely, how to pick-up women. Like I said before, I used to be a terrible video game nerd. I used to play those games for 6 hours each day on average. Yeah it was that bad :/ But after I went trough that wastefull period of my life I found myself deprived of any real social skills (or friends for that matter)
So after that I started to read more books on creating social relationships (aka how to make friends for the socially retarded) and oofcourse how to get girls to take notice of me.
This book teaches you simple steps and the mindset of what it takes to attract women (or at least that's what it promised).
It's definitely more of a story and I believe you'll get more value out of actually watching the instruction videos by rsdtyler but this book has sparked a whole new chapter in my life.
I've become more outgoing, sociable and have had some great relationships with several women the last couple of months. I owe it all to this guy (Which I wouldn't have found if not for this book)
The key-elements I've learned from this book;
- Don't ever be needy, jealous or insecure
- Give women backhanded compliments, use cocky humor.
- You are valuable for who you are (never less than any woman)
- Be tender (funny, humor, emotional) and aggressive (dominant, physical, eye-contact) (show that you're a balanced man)
- Women will test you character. When they try to bring you down, laugh at that/joke about yourself. (show indifference because you know that you're valuable)
Essence
These are all definitely some great reads for the upcoming months! Me personally, I've gotten a tremendous amount of value out of each of those books and would recommend them to any man (and woman) looking to improve his/her life.
These books have build the foundation on which I was able to restart my life after a serious video game addiction and therefore I'm sharing this knowledge with anyone that's interested.
Before I leave you guys I want to ask you one more question; What's the one book (or give me a top three) that has had the most impact on your life?
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read my post! I deeply appreciate it. If you're having anymore thoughts or questions about this topic, feel free to share them with me in the comment section below!
Take care,
Love
Simon
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