As anyone who has read my blogs knows, I absolutely love to read books and I think they have made a huge impact on my level of success. Last year in 2017, I was able to get through 43 books by creating time each day for at least an hour of reading. Of those 43 books, I have 12 that were my absolute favorites and that I find myself recommending time and again both to those financial advisors I mentor as well as to my clients. In Part 1 of this series, I discussed books about prioritizing what’s really important in your life, putting your ego aside, and the importance of limiting distractions and getting to work. In Part 2, I’ll recommend some books that go a bit more into the soft sciences and help you create a more well-rounded, informed life.
In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto by Michael Pollan
Would you believe that the more we worry about nutrition, the more unhealthy we become? This is what Michael Pollan discusses in his important book. In a world where many people believe that a handful of vitamins and a protein shake is what constitutes a ‘healthy meal’, our society is getting fatter and more unhappy by the year. Pollan encourages readers to forget the hype and focus on these simple instructions: Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly Plants. Not only is this way of eating a lot less stressful, but it also lets you actually do what you’re meant to do with food: enjoy it.
The Top Five Regrets of Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departed by Bronnie Ware
Searching for a life of meaning, the author of this book found herself working in palliative care and noticed that her dying patients almost always had the same regrets. She began sharing her thoughts in a blog that become very popular, leading her to gather together everything she had learned in this book. Touching, hopeful, and a must-read for anyone who is searching for a way to create a peaceful and meaningful existence.
The powerhouse couple of John and Julie Gottman wrote a groundbreaking book on relationships, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, that had a profound impact on my own marriage. This book is just as insightful, and provides incredibly powerful and well-researched tips on what really makes women tick and how men can use this information to create loving, supportive relationships. Highly recommended for any man who is in a committed relationship—or wants to be in one.
Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength by Roy F. Baumeister and John Tierney
Do you set realistic goals and stick to them? Do you know how to resist temptation in order to get what you truly want? Can you focus your strength when necessary to power through rough patches? No? Well then you need to read this book. Based on both scientific evidence and anecdotal wisdom, Willpower shows that we cannot reach our goals unless we master self-control.
In the noble quest to know yourself, there is nothing more powerful than reading books on a broad number of topics. These four books were some of my very favorites that I read in 2017 and have helped me be a better husband, business owner, and person. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! If you have any books you believe have been highly influential, I’d love to hear about them! Send me an email at info@TrueMeasure.com so we can chat.
Patrick Tucker, the owner of True Measure Wealth Management, has over 20 years experience in the industry and has spent the last 15 years learning the ins and outs of the fee-only advisory business. He focuses on client behaviors and what ‘wealth’ means for each individual client to provide caregiving plans that lead to a mindful fulfillment of financial goals. A lifelong learner, Patrick uses his continued knowledge to become a valued partner for his clients and help them explore the wisdom of true wealth.