It’s often said the average CEO reads 60 books a year, while the average worker reads less than one!  I don’t know if this is true or not, but personally, I try to read or listen to 25 – 30 books a year.  I wish I could do more, but alas, time doesn’t always permit me to.  The 5 books below have influenced my life and how I think.  I could make this list 10 – 15, but for the interest of time, I’ll keep it pared to 5!  Next time I’ll create the 20 books that everyone should read.  Until then, please do yourself a favor and check one of these out for your next read.  

Side note, the links below are not affiliate links, I don’t make a commission for checking these out.  Seriously, they’re just great books!

Atomic Habits – James Clear – The 1st law (Cue): Make it obvious. The 2nd law (Craving): Make it attractive. The 3rd law (Response): Make it easy. The 4th law (Reward): Make it satisfying.

Tools of Titans – Tim Ferriss – Tidbits of information from Tim’s long form interviews on his podcast in the areas of Health, Wealth and Wisdom.  Tim’s podcast was my gateway drug into podcasts and was instrumental in how I think about learning and asking quesitons.

David and Goliath – Malcolm Gladwell – There’s always a story behind the story and Malcolm teases these out like no other.  For example, did you know that shepherds were experts with slingshots?!

Kitchen Confidential – Anthony Bourdain – This book taught me that butter and fats make everything better.  It also gave me a whole new perspective on food, chasing goals and grit.

When Genius Fails – Roger Lowenstein – The first hedge fund that failed and was saved by the government, in my life, was Long Term Capital Management.  The smartest people in the room were right all the time, until they were wrong.  Ego is the enemy (which would also be book 6, but this list stops at 5!)