Below I have listed the top 15 books that have shaped the way I think, build discipline, lead, and live with purpose. Each one taught me something crucial, and I return to them often. Although there are many other outstanding books on the subject of personal development, these are my choices (in no particular order).

I originally attempted to make a list of 10, but was completely unable to stop there.

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1. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Identity fuels behavior. Systems create structure. 1% better every day is 37x better over one year. This book would be top 3 no matter what list it’s on.

2. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

“What is essential?”. Saying “no” to the trivial many to make room for the important few.

3. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Giving a name to Resistance. Turning pro is the cure.

4. 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class by Steve Siebold

Individual lessons for quick reference. Direct language and powerful motivation.

5. The Art of Exceptional Living by Jim Rohn (Audiobook)

If there was only one, this may be it. Jim Rohn is easily one of the best of all time.

6. Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill

Fear, procrastination, and conformity are tools of the Devil. Purpose and definiteness are your weapons.

7. Un*fck Yourself by Gary John Bishop

You are what you do, not what you think. Get out of your head and take action—no more excuses.

8. How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind by Dana K. White

Decluttering and cleaning don’t require perfection. Start small, build routines, and stop the overwhelm.

9. Mastery by Robert Greene

True mastery takes time, but every master was once an apprentice. Focus deeply and endure the grind.

10. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Control what you can, accept what you can’t. Be disciplined, humble, and always ready to serve.

11. Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

No one else is responsible—own everything in your world. Leadership starts and ends with you.

12. Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf

Fall in love with the process. It’s not about flashy results—it’s about building the kind of person who gets them.

13. Cultivating an Unshakeable Character by Jim Rohn (Audiobook)

Character is built through decisions, discipline, and values. This audiobook is a blueprint for inner strength.

14. You’re It! by Alan Watts (Audiobook)

You’re not separate from the world—you are it. A mind-bending take on identity, responsibility, and reality.

15. Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

Callous your mind. Suffering is your training ground. Goggins teaches how to own pain and make it your fuel.