Not just what I read—what I absorbed.
This year didn’t start with some wild resolution. It started with a shift—mentally, creatively, spiritually. And the books I picked up weren’t random. They hit at the right time, with the right message. Not just filling my brain—but sharpening my lens. Here are four that stuck, reshaped how I move, and added weight to the way I lead, create, and show up.
1. Don’t Believe Everything You Think – Joseph Nguyen
This one cracked something open for me. Not in a flashy, “change your life in 10 steps” way—but in a quiet dismantling of mental noise. The idea that not every thought deserves belief? That hit. I’ve carried a lot—expectations, old labels, pressure to perform. This book reminded me that peace isn’t something to chase; it’s something you access when you stop giving your thoughts so much authority. Real talk: your mind can either free you or trap you—and most of us are stuck because we never question it.
2. Self-Improvement 101 – John C. Maxwell
Quick read, but it hits. No fluff, just solid reminders that growth don’t happen by accident. You gotta be intentional with it—daily. Maxwell breaks it down simple: if you want to lead, evolve, or make real impact, you better treat self-improvement like a non-negotiable.
For me, this book landed during a time I’ve been working on leading with a fully abundant mindset. Scarcity still tries to creep in sometimes—old patterns, old doubts. But I remind myself of the road I took to get here. That story—the grind, the lessons, the bounce-backs—it fuels me. Every time.
Can’t lead from lack. I’m learning to catch those thoughts, flip the script, and keep stepping into that next-level version of myself. That’s the real shift.
3. So Good They Can’t Ignore You – Cal Newport
This one flipped the script for me. We always hear “follow your passion,” but Newport challenges that. He makes a strong case that passion isn’t the starting point—it’s the result of putting in real work and building rare skills.
That clicked. I’ve spent years refining how I think, lead, and create. The more I’ve leaned into mastery—whether it’s in my leadership, my art, or how I show up daily—the more aligned everything feels. Passion grows when you know you bring value.
This book reminded me that greatness is built through depth, not hype. When you lock in, improve with purpose, and get clear on your lane, people will notice. That’s where I’m at—focused, intentional, and fully committed to being undeniable.
4. The Power of Awareness – Neville Goddard
This book hit different. It’s not a hype read—it’s internal work. Goddard talks about awareness like it’s a tool, not a concept. The idea that your outer world reflects your inner state? That stuck with me.
Lately, I’ve been more intentional about how I think, how I speak, and what I allow to sit in my headspace. I catch myself now when I slip into scarcity or autopilot. This book reminded me that you don’t wait to become—you embody it now. The mindset, the confidence, the presence—it has to show up before the results do.
This one’s less about steps and more about alignment. It’s one of those reads I’ll keep coming back to. It doesn’t just shift how you move—it sharpens how you see.
Final Thoughts
Every one of these books came into my life at the right time. They didn’t just teach me something—they helped me remember who I am and what I’m building. The shift I’m in right now isn’t loud—but it’s real. It’s mindset, presence, and showing up with purpose every day.
If you made it this far, I appreciate you. I hope something in here speaks to where you’re at or where you’re headed. Keep learning. Keep evolving. And most of all—move with respect, lead with intention, and never forget…
It’s never OK to burn the spot.
Love & Productivity,
– Mr.GLBGrfX