Whether you’re a student or making your way in the professional world, never underestimate the power of a great read or two. Whether it’s about organization hacks and work habits or motivation and goal setting, we always encourage you to keep up with some solid reading.
We’re both big believers in the improvements that great books can make in your life so we thought we’d share some of our favorite, life-changing reads with our picks for 7 books that could change your life!
The Last Lecture
Randy Pausch was a professor at Carnegie-Mellon University who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006. He died in 2008 but before he died he gave an incredibly moving lecture called “Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”. “The Last Lecture” is an addendum to the commencement speech he gave after he learned that he was dying, and it’s the perfect ready for those feeling overwhelmed by it all. It’s an especially great must-read for any students who want to take some time to pull back and think about the big picture in life.
Bullet Journal Method
We’ve raved about this one before, this NY Times bestseller and one of Dorian’s favorite organizational books, we’re both now converts of this goal setting and organizational process. No matter if you’re working in a business job or in school, the tools and tips in this book are incredibly useful for maximizing your time, organizational habits, and overall work/school performance.
Tao Te Ching (Stephen Mitchell translation)
A super quick, impactful read, this philosophy book is sort of like a very practical operating system for living your life. Written by an ancient philosopher, it just goes to show how universal good advice and practical wisdom can be. Just make sure you get the translation by Stephen Mitchell linked above, it’s universally regarded as the best one among many, many options.
4 Hour Work Week
Another one of our favorites that we have talked about before, this book is all about thinking about smart work versus hard work. This book is packed with solid tips and an excellent framework for creating success in work, school, and life in general.
Catch-22
An absolutely classic work of fiction, Catch-22 focuses on the absurdity of war, but just like in war, college life is absolutely absurd if you step back and look at it. It was recently made into a tv series as well.
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
We all know how good habits and positively affect our lives, both with school and work and this excellent book is a great deep dive that not only explains how habits are formed but also how to kick bad ones and hang on to the good. Essential reading if you’re embarking on a new school year or a new job.
How To Win Friends and Influence People
Al all-time classic, this book about personal and professional relationships is just as relevant today as it was when it was first published way back in 1936 (seriously!).
A Few More Of Our Favorites
Thinking, Fast and Slow
An international bestseller, this book by a renowned psychologist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, is a fascinating dive into our minds and explains the two systems that drive the way we think. An essential for someone who’s working on developing better habits and efficiencies, both in school or work decision making.
Do You Do It, Or Does It Do You?
An incredibly insightful lecture by Alan Watts, this piece is a must-listen.
Wisdom of Insecurity
The perfect antidote for those struggling with anxiety, stress, and an uncertain future.
Rework
A great look at what it really takes to grow a business on your own as an entrepreneur from the founders of Basecamp.
Sherlock Holmes Collection
The classic detective series isn’t just entertaining, it can teach out a lot about how critical thinking, reasoning, and introspection can play a part in day-to-day life.
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Another absolute classic-for-a-reason, 7 Habits is one of the best and most successful business and self-help books because of it’s no-nonsense approach to building great habits.