I read a lot, usually two or three books at one time and feel that my reading addiction has been a real game changer in my personal development. Below is a list of books I believe everyone should read.

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

If you are entering the work force or in a position of leadership (at any level) you need to read this book. If you are in the military or considering joining the military, you really need to READ THIS BOOK. Adopting principles from this book has helped my military career, since of purpose and personal well-being 10x. There is no such thing as a bad team, only bad leaders

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

This book is a classic and I have re-read this book over the years many times as it is a short, easy read along with being extremely profound. Viktor Frankl was a jew, forced to work in four Nazi camps during 1942-1945. During this time he faced some of the most unimaginable suffering a human can face, but that is not what this book is about. Instead Frankl outlines that suffering happens to everyone and it is how you cope with it that is important. Finding meaning in it and moving forward is what human’s desire. Lastly, Frankl has one of my favorite quotes of all time in this book: From all this we may learn that there are two races of men in this world, but only these two - the “race” of the decent man and the “race” of the indecent man. Both are found everywhere; they penetrate into all groups of society

How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Like most books from Dale Carnegie, amazing content, awful title. The “influence people” part can put people off based on the title but don’t let it. This book is a classic and is still relevant today. Additionally, DO NOT get the digital age version, its not really worth it and just sprinkles in the words e-mail and computer throughout. Some of the stories will be dated, but you can easily leverage those ideas to the current day.

So Good the Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Cal Newport

Anything by Cal Newport is worth a read in my opinion. This guy is a machine cranking out peer- reviewed research papers while putting out quality books and blog posts weekly. I particular like this book because it goes against the idea of “following your passion” and instead suggest you should get really good at an in-demand skill then leverage your ability for favorable work conditions. Instead of chronic job hopping, adopt a craftsmen mentality and get really good at something that pays well. Use your spare time for hobbies.

Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins

I don’t know why Navy Seals seem to write the best books, but this one is a gem. The audiobook version has extra content makes the book that much better. Essentially, this book outlines how David Goggins (google him) got to be the man he is today despite growing up in a terrible environment and getting dealt some crap cards in life. The reason it made my list is that it doesn’t have some secret message or get rich quick gimmick, but instead focuses on finding your issues, correcting them and getting after it every day.