I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news. After years and years of research and observation I’m able to share with you the secret to living a happy life, and I know you’re excited as I am. That’s the good news! The bad news is it isn’t easy and it involves doing a lot of the things you were taught in school but probably don’t enjoy all that much.
Ready?
The key to finding happiness is… knowledge.
FACT: Every problem in your life and every hurdle you will encounter has been already been worked through and solved by someone else smarter than you. Chances are that someone wrote the solution in a book that you can pick up for a couple bucks. There is some GREAT advice out there, you just have to be willing to seek it out and read a book or three. It’s a shame that our education system instills in us a total disdain for books because for many of us our first experience with reading was with books we don’t care about that were being forced down our throats. I know for me it took two solid years of cool-down after college before I really started reading again. Tim Sanders, author of the best-selling book Love Is the Killer App said this about reading books:
Do you try and even mixture- magazines, books, television, and radio? I say there is no option. I’ve looked at all the possibilities and books are the answer. Books should be your diet’s staple because they are the complete thought-meal, containing hypotheses, data, research, and conclusions, combined in a thorough attempt to transfer knowledge. If they’re good, they contain that essential value prop, that meta-idea, or that statement of fact that gives the reader a unique perspective.
I couldn’t agree more. So what now? Here are a few of my favorite books, broken down into some categories that might help you decide which one suits you best.
For the “I don’t really like to read” guy (or girl):
The Dip by Seth Godin

I recommend this book to a lot of “first time” readers, because it really helped me get into reading. It’s tiny and can be read in one waiting room session at the dentist. I’ve found that once my friends read this book and learn the simple yet profound message that’s contained in it, the idea “hey, I could really learn something from books” pops in their head, and things seem to take off from there.
For the “I really like fiction, tell me a story!” person:
The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho

This is a classic, I almost feel silly recommending it because so many people have read it, but there’s a good reason for that. It’s a very inspirational story about realizing and following your dreams. It’s full of lessons and Paolo Coelho weaves everything into a beautiful story that everyone will love.
Here are a few more of my favorites, also check out my friend Derek Sivers’ book list, he’s got some great books on it and he does a great job breaking down the value of each book.
17 Lies That Are Holding You Back & The Truth That Will Set You Free by Steve Chandler

A very straight forward book that applies to anyone looking to improve their life. Out of all the self-help books I’ve read this one cuts straight to the chase and I found it very useful.
Lynchpin by Seth Godin

I found this book surprisingly useful to creative types. It’s practically a must read if you want to find more fulfillment with your job but it’s got some great advice too for those who struggle with creativity.
The Four Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss

This book changes lives. If you like being the kind of person who thinks outside the lines and doesn’t go with the status quo, this is your book. Don’t read it if #1 You want to stay in your current crappy job and #2 If you enjoy “always fitting in”.
For me personally, I can’t begin to describe the difference books have made in my life. To maximize the amount of reading I do, I’ve been reading a lot of audiobooks lately, and even though I don’t spend a ton of time in my car, I typically go through one audiobook every 2 weeks, between working out and driving. Audible.com gives you one free audiobook when you sign up, it’s worth checking out!