Chapter 1: Introduction to Re-Reading

Over the past couple of years, I have immersed myself in reading over 100 books. This journey has been enlightening, allowing me to explore a variety of concepts. Now, I feel it's the perfect moment to focus on a select few books and revisit them. My goal is not just to read but to take actionable notes and integrate some of their wisdom into my daily life.

Here are ten books I plan to revisit in the upcoming days and weeks:

1. How to Live by Derek Sivers

   This book stands out as the best I've ever read among the over 1000 books I've encountered. Each reading sends chills down my spine. Just as I grasp one profound revelation, another one follows closely behind. Though it only spans 113 pages, every sentence is rich with insight. The book combines actionable wisdom with sheer delight, a rare find. As one reviewer mentioned, I find myself wanting to underline every line. Having read it (including audiobook versions) at least ten times, my ambition is to read it a hundred times to fully absorb its exceptional wisdom. Sivers presents 27 strategies for living a fulfilling life, each seemingly at odds with the others. Read it, and you'll uncover the quirky conclusions for yourself.

2. The One Thing by Gary Keller

   "Focus on one idea. Live it, breathe it, and let it consume your thoughts," echoes the wisdom of Swami Vivekananda. Gary Keller builds on this concept, exploring how to hone in on that one crucial goal and combat the distractions that drain our energy. I often find myself scattered across multiple pursuits, making this book a timely remedy.

3. The Wellness Sense by Om Swami

   This book, which I first read in 2014, opened my eyes to Ayurveda. While we often resort to quick fixes for symptoms, Ayurveda urges us to uncover and address the root causes of our ailments. As I approach the end of my thirties, I realize the importance of prioritizing health, making this book exactly what I need.

4. Daily Laws by Robert Greene

   This compilation features 366 insightful principles from Greene's best works, such as The 48 Laws of Power and The Laws of Human Nature. The wisdom contained within is some of the most practical I have encountered.

5. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

   Have you ever had a creative endeavor that you abandoned due to fear? Pressfield identifies this fear as "Resistance." He has authored three books addressing the need to overcome this barrier, with The War of Art being the most renowned. Although I've made progress against Resistance, it still emerges unexpectedly, prompting me to revisit this essential read.

6. Atomic Habits by James Clear

   James Clear emphasizes a simple yet powerful mantra: no zero days. Whether it's doing a single push-up or reading a page, the key is consistency. My tendency to work in bursts has made habit formation challenging, making this book a valuable resource.

7. So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport

   It's well-known that musicians and athletes must practice extensively to excel. Newport argues that everyone should adopt this mindset to cultivate "career capital" and become so skilled that they cannot be overlooked. Having first read this book in 2016, I'm eager to dive in again with a deeper appreciation for mastery.

8. Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey

   A focused life equates to a fulfilling life. In a world filled with distractions from smartphones and social media, Bailey emphasizes the importance of concentrating on essential tasks. I've implemented some of his suggestions, like removing email apps from my phone, yet I still have more to learn.

9. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo

   I've always struggled with clutter, but Kondo's approach of keeping only items that spark joy resonates with me. Although the idea of decluttering is daunting, I hope to rewire my mindset away from hoarding.

10. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

    After discovering Housel's insights through Om Swami’s article, I quickly saw this book gain popularity online. It introduced me to key concepts such as the unseen nature of wealth and how financial advice varies based on personal upbringing. Now, after two and a half years, I'm ready to revisit and note the financial lessons that resonate with my current self.

Explore a ranking of the 90 books I read in 2023, sharing insights and favorites along the way.

Discover the best books I read in 2023 and why they should be on your reading list too.