The Books That Shaped My Thinking
I’ve never considered myself a big reader. But every now and then, a book would find its way into my hands and leave a lasting impression. Some I’ve read more than once. Others I revisit just to flip through a few pages and reconnect with something powerful.
Not everyone is into self-help books—and I get that—but I truly believe many of these carry messages that are applicable to everyday life. Especially when it comes to communication, something I struggled with in my younger years. So here’s a personal list of books that have resonated deeply with me:
1. Never Split the Difference – Chris Voss
This book is a game-changer.
Chris Voss, a former FBI negotiator, walks us through some of the most intense situations—hostage crises, bank robberies—and breaks down the mindset and techniques used to defuse them. What I love about it is how practical and human his strategies are. Whether you’re negotiating a deal or resolving conflict in your daily life, this book teaches you to listen better and speak more intentionally.
2. Steve Jobs – by Walter Isaacson
If you know me, you know I’m a die-hard fan of three things:
- Apple and Steve Jobs
- Platzi
- Zelda (but let’s not go down that rabbit hole 😅)
This biography is the only one Steve Jobs ever personally collaborated on. It holds a special place in my heart, not just for its content but because it was a Christmas gift from my parents—the same day they gave me my first MacBook. That combo was life-changing.
3. Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill
This book needs no introduction.
It’s a classic for a reason. The principles may seem simple, but internalizing them can take a lifetime. The key lessons—especially the ones around desire, faith, and persistence—are foundational. I may not remember all the steps off the top of my head (are there 7? maybe 13? 😅), but the spirit of the book has stuck with me.
4. The Bible
This one isn’t a book you read cover to cover.
Thanks to a great friend and brother, I’ve learned how to approach the Bible differently. I started reading Proverbs, and from there, exploring the differences between the Old and New Testaments. It’s a source of wisdom, guidance, and comfort that stays by my bedside—always.
5. The Virgin Way – Richard Branson
How does someone end up running over 300 companies?
Richard Branson’s story is wild, bold, and filled with risk-taking, creativity, and heart. This book isn’t just about business—it’s about mindset. It’s about giving that extra 10%, thinking big, and not being afraid to do things differently.
6. The 5AM Club – Robin Sharma
No, I don’t wake up at 5AM every day 😅
But I tried it for a month, and wow—it really does something to your brain. The book offers a beautiful blend of storytelling and strategy. Even if you don’t stick to the full routine, the perspectives it shares on discipline and productivity are golden.
7. My First Million – Charles-Albert Poissant
I read this book a long time ago, but certain stories have stayed with me—especially the one about Aristotle Onassis (not the philosopher). It gives a behind-the-scenes look at how wealth is built, not just earned. For anyone dreaming of financial independence, it’s an eye-opener.
8. Meditations – Marcus Aurelius
Confession: I’ve never actually read the full book.
But I’ve listened to hours of audiobooks and summaries while walking my dog, Benji. And every time, I’m blown away by the timelessness of Marcus Aurelius’ thoughts. This wasn’t a book written to sell—it was a personal journal of a Roman emperor reflecting on life, duty, and inner peace. That honesty is what makes it so powerful.
These books, in their own way, shaped the way I think, act, and speak. Some are practical. Some are spiritual. All of them—genuinely—have something to offer.
If even one of them speaks to you the way they did to me, then this post was worth writing.