The Books That Defined My 2024 Journey

Reading brings me immense joy; so much so that I typically have a paperback, Kindle, and Audible book all going at once. This year, I devoured 44 books—each with its unique flavor and impact—but a handful left indelible marks on my heart and mind. Here are the ones that resonated most deeply with me:

“Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins

David Goggins’ journey from an overweight, bullied kid to a Navy SEAL and ultramarathon runner is nothing short of astonishing. His mantra, “Stay hard,” and the concept of the “40% rule”—that most people stop at 40% of their true potential—challenged me to push beyond my perceived limits. I vividly remember listening to Goggins’ audiobook while running, feeling unstoppable as his words fueled my pace.

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear

This modern classic on habit formation provided a roadmap for change. The idea that "small habits compound over time" transformed how I approach personal growth. Clear’s advice on “identity-based habits”—focusing on becoming the kind of person who does certain things rather than merely achieving goals—was a game-changer.

“Solve for Happy” by Mo Gawdat

Gawdat’s equation for happiness (“Happiness ≥ Your perception of the events of your life − Your expectations of how life should behave”) is deceptively simple yet profoundly life-altering. After reading this, I found myself more mindful of my expectations and reframed challenges as opportunities for gratitude.

“Factfulness” by Hans Rosling

“The world isn’t as bad as we think,” Rosling declares, and he backs it up with enlightening data. This book dismantled my pessimistic assumptions and instilled a sense of optimism grounded in facts. It’s a powerful reminder of the progress humanity has made and a nudge to view the world through a lens of curiosity rather than fear.

“Churchill on Leadership” by Steven F. Hayward

Winston Churchill’s resilience, wit, and ability to inspire during Britain’s darkest hours are timeless lessons in leadership. One quote that stuck with me: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” This book reinforced the importance of courage and conviction in times of uncertainty.

“Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

Willink and Babin’s principles of taking total responsibility for everything within your sphere of influence revolutionized how I view accountability. Their stories from the battlefield translate seamlessly into lessons for leadership and life.

“First, Break All the Rules” by Marcus Buckingham

The central premise—that great managers focus on individuals’ strengths rather than weaknesses—challenged traditional management paradigms. This book inspired me to rethink my approach to leadership, focusing on what people do well rather than what they need to fix.

“The Score Takes Care of Itself” by Bill Walsh

Bill Walsh’s philosophy on leadership and standards of performance is a masterclass in striving for excellence. His belief in setting a “Standard of Performance” resonates deeply. It’s not about winning every time but about creating a culture of excellence where success becomes inevitable. As a lifelong San Francisco 49ers fan, this book was a fun read.

“Sober on a Drunk Planet: Stoic Sobriety” by Sean Alexander

As someone on a sobriety journey, this book hit home. Alexander’s blend of stoic philosophy and practical advice felt like a lifeline. A favorite takeaway: “Sobriety isn’t about giving something up; it’s about gaining everything.” My wife and I gave up alcohol in September.

“Lead Like Jesus” by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges

This book is a call to servant leadership. By exploring Jesus’ example of humility and service, it’s a refreshing take on leading with purpose and compassion. It’s one of those books that stays with you, urging you to lead not just with your head but with your heart.

“The Greatest Salesman in the World” by Og Mandino

Mandino’s scrolls—principles for living a successful and meaningful life—are timeless. Each page is filled with wisdom, but the idea of persistence stood out most: “I will persist until I succeed.” It’s a mantra that continues to guide me in both personal and professional pursuits.

“Raising Daughters Who Like Themselves” by Kasey Edwards and Christopher Scanlon

As a parent of daughters, this book resonated on a deeply personal level. It’s a guide to fostering resilience, confidence, and self-love in young women. The actionable advice has already impacted how I approach conversations with my daughters, ensuring they grow up believing in their worth. Thankful to my wife for recommending this one as we work to be the best parents we can be to our 3 daughters.

“Your Next Five Moves” by Patrick Bet-David

Bet-David’s approach to strategic thinking—planning five moves ahead like a chess grandmaster—is brilliant. This book taught me to think long-term and align my decisions with my overarching goals, a skill that has already borne fruit this year.

Reading isn’t just a hobby; it’s a journey of transformation. These books—with their wisdom, challenges, and inspiration—have not only expanded my mind but also enriched my life. As we close the chapter on 2024, I’m curious: What books resonated most deeply with you this year?

Super grateful for book recommendations I got this year from Paul Shoberg , Scott Kildebeck , Richard Vickers , Ivan Tornos , John Roosa , Mark Hunter , Tyler Bryson , Mitchel Howell , Danny Vogt , Paul Reitz , Arturo Diaz , Chris S. and Jerry Carlson plus my bride Amy Heady .

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