In July, I read a few books that I think you’ll enjoy. Excellent Advice for Living is my go-to self-help book—always worth revisiting every year. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success has a slightly woo-woo title, but like Excellent Advice for Living, it packs a year’s worth of wisdom into a quick, powerful read. I know I sound like a broken record, but Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life remains a quick, energizing boost I keep coming back to. And yes, I’m repeating myself, but Hell Yeah or No: What’s Worth Doing is another one to keep on your shelf for repeat visits. The last book isn’t as short as the others, but The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness completely changed how I think about wealth and happiness—especially how the two connect and what that means for my own life.
- Excellent Advice for Living by Kevin Kelly
- The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra
- Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… and Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven
- Hell Yeah or No: What’s Worth Doing by Derek Sivers
- The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness by Eric Jorgenson
For everything I’ve read this year—including these books—check out my full reading lists [HERE].
Excellent Advice for Living
One of my all-time favorite books from one of my favorite humans—he’s the best. On his 68th birthday, Kevin Kelly began jotting down life rules for his kids—simple, profound truths he wished he’d known sooner. That list grew into this little gem: timeless advice on everything from relationships and careers to creativity, kindness, and travel—it has it all. It’s packed with wisdom, easy to revisit, and always gives you something to think about—a must-read for anyone trying to live with more intention, curiosity, and empathy.
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success
A close friend recommended this book when my work stress was at an all-time high, and I’m beyond grateful they did. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success helped me quiet the inner storm I couldn’t tame and reset my perspective.
Chopra flips the script on success. Instead of pushing harder (which I was guilty of), he invites you to align with natural laws and live with ease, clarity, and intention. The result? Peace of mind, deeper relationships, more energy, and a healthier sense of purpose—with peace of mind being my biggest takeaway when I reread it.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or out of sync, like I was (and still am) with work—I highly recommend giving this one a read.
Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… and Maybe the World
This short, powerful audiobook made a bigger impact on me than reading the book ever did. Hearing Admiral McRaven narrate his own stories gives weight and authenticity you don’t get from the page.
Based on his viral 2014 commencement address at the University of Texas, Make Your Bed distills ten lessons learned from Navy SEAL training under Vietnam-era frogmen. Each chapter delivers a practical takeaway about discipline, resilience, courage, and character. The message is clear: start small, do the hard things, help others, never quit.
It’s humble, motivating, and packed with timeless wisdom. If you’re looking for perspective and a jolt of clarity, this one’s well worth your time. Grab the book—or better yet, the audiobook—to see for yourself.
Hell Yeah or No: What’s Worth Doing
I recently listened to this book, and it might’ve been even better than when I first read it. Derek Sivers is one of the best at sharing simple yet powerful mental models. This book is packed with wisdom, delivered in that signature Sivers way: short, clear, and unforgettable.
One of my favorite ideas—and a decision-making filter I use all the time—is this:
If you’re feeling anything less than “Hell yeah!” about a decision—then it’s a no.
Simple as that—but I forget it all the time. We say yes to too many things, spread ourselves thin, and end up overwhelmed. Sivers makes the case that saying “no” more often gives us the freedom to say “yes” to what matters. It’s on Spotify if you’re curious.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness
Naval Ravikant—entrepreneur, investor, and philosopher—is one of my favorite humans. I first learned about Naval from the Tim Ferriss podcast years ago. Since then, I’ve tried to devour everything Naval shares—articles, book recommendations, podcasts, and everything in between.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant is chock-full of timeless principles, like the idea that building wealth and being happy are skills anyone can learn.
Naval makes it simple: getting rich is knowing what to do, who to do it with, and when to do it. Simple as that.
True happiness is a choice only you can make—no one else determines it. I can get behind both of these.
Drawing on decades of Naval’s knowledge and experience building businesses, the book distills his most memorable, impactful ideas—which I appreciate.
I first read the book a few years ago, but this time I listened to the audiobook—and it holds up just as well. It’s on Spotify—highly recommend.
