5 Must Reads in Your 20’s to Transform Your Life Forever
Make loads of money, achieve true happiness, find your purpose and set your future self up for success
The 20’s are definitely the most interesting time in your life. The transition from your teenage years to early adulthood will shape the remainder of your life.
Take a look at these options below. If you are in your twenties, you could be: a) graduating from college OR b) saving up to purchase your dream car OR c) visiting your 20th countries over the past year OR d) getting engaged/married OR e) updating your LinkedIn status (in what feels like every few months) OR f) ALL OF THE ABOVE
Sound familiar?
The period between 20–30 years of age is the decade in your life where you’ll have the most energy and so you want to make sure you maximize this time period and set yourself up well in all aspects of your life to enjoy as you (unfortunately and inevitably), age.
If I had to boil it down to 5 BOOKS you must read to get started on everything you want in life, here’s what I recommend:
- Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the creator of Nike — Phil Knight
Ever thought, who came up with the billion dollar idea of having a check-mark on your shoes? Well, Shoe Dog is the autobiography of Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike. The story details the story of Phil Knight & Nike in four parts (Dawn, Part 1, Part 2 and Night), and follows the journey of starting, building up and scaling the company to where it is now. Includes stories about his first days building up the company, working with the first-few employees hired, his personal life and the relationships made during the way.
3 Key Takeaways: (1) Finding your purpose, (2) leadership & (3) failing, but failing fast
2. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Probably the most popular book on this list — Atomic Habits strength comes from highlighting realistic and real-life examples on how making tiny changes to our daily routines, can have remarkable results.
This systematic approach by Clear includes “four laws of behavior changes” to build better habits. I won’t spoil them here for you — but I can definitely vouch the importance of implementing them in your daily life.
3 Key Takeaways: (1) Focus on Systems over Goals, (2) Building your environment & (3) Repetition unlocks value.
3. The Intelligent Investor – Benjamin Graham
For those interested in learning about true investing methodology and how to value stock prices of companies, the intelligent investor is a must-read for you. As the author Graham quotes, “the intelligent investor is a realist who sells to optimists and buys from pessimists”. With teachings on diversification, reading financial statements and stock valuation, those looking to enhance their personal investing portfolio should add this book to the top of their list. Starting to apply these concepts in 20’s will benefit greatly from the multiplier effect, allowing you to greatly enjoy retirement.
3 Key Takeaways: (1) Diversification, (2) Value Investing Principles & (3) Long-term perspective for successful investing
4. Can’t Hurt Me — David Goggins
Known as the toughest man of Earth, David Goggins went from being depressed and over-weight at the age of 26, to becoming a US Navy Seal, record-breaking athlete, and world-class fitness trainer.
So how exactly did he transform himself? By putting himself in uncomfortable situations so his mind was forced to grow. Cold showers, long-distance runs, hours of studying, whatever it is — the more discipline and hard work you can apply to your daily life, the more results and at peace you will be. Goggins story is truly remarkable, and really inspiring in that anyone can be the hero of their own life by being obsessed with improvement.
3 Key Takeaways: (1) We are capable of far more than we believe, (2) Reflect from failure & (3) Perseverance and dedication can go a long way
5. You are a Badass — Jen Sincero
Talk about an eye-opening title for a book! The author Jen Sincero, is not only a best-selling author but she is also a career/success coach and a motivational speaker transforming the lives of millions of individuals. This must read tells us that doing what we love and living for ourselves will ended make us happier and richer — rather than living our life doing what others tell us to do. You are a Badass looks at the limiting beliefs we all think we have, and instead figure out how to take exciting risks, make large sums of money and form strong life-long relationships. Figure out what your purpose is and go all in on that.
3 Key Takeaways: (1) Live for yourself, not others, (2) Don’t let negative thoughts hold you back & (3) Express a desire to learn, have gratitude and take action.
I’m confident that reading these books, and actually implementing the lessons will not only improve your daily life, but have you excited for the adventures and challenges ahead. Happy reading!
Want to truly become the best version of yourself and master the art of self-improvement, habits & investing?
Create your own medium account, and check out my other stories below to get started: