Build Your Foundation Before You Build Your Career

People often ask me, “What are the best books to read to become more successful?”

My answer isn’t to read more books—it’s to read the right books, slowly.

Don’t just read them. Analyze them. Highlight them. Discuss them. Most importantly, implement one lesson at a time until it becomes part of who you are.

If I were starting over at 20, this is where I would begin:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Build character and live by principles.
Poor Charlie’s Almanack – Learn to think through mental models and sound judgment.
Sapiens – Understand humanity, history, and why societies work the way they do.
Atomic Habits – Create systems that make good behavior automatic.
How to Win Friends and Influence People – Master communication and relationships.
The Psychology of Money – Understand that wealth is driven more by behavior than intelligence.
So Good They Can’t Ignore You – Develop rare and valuable skills instead of chasing passion.
Freakonomics – Learn to question assumptions and understand incentives.
Man’s Search for Meaning – Build resilience and discover purpose.
Meditations – Cultivate wisdom, perspective, and inner peace.

These books aren’t just about becoming more successful—they’re about becoming a better thinker, a better leader, a better partner, and a better human being.

Knowledge alone doesn’t change your life. Applied knowledge does. Read with intention, reflect on what you’ve learned, and put the ideas into practice. Over time, those small improvements compound into extraordinary results.