The Top 5 Books to Read in Your 20s
First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the fact that the title of this article is a little bit misleading. In most cases, you wouldn’t expect an article titled “The Top 5 Books to Read in Your 20s” to be written by a guy still in his 20s. A more accurate title would probably be “The Top 5 Books That Have Helped Me in My 20s”.
I’ve had the opportunity to read some truly incredible, inspiring, and well-written books over the past 8 years, and I still have a lot of great reading to do as I move forward. “Learn in your 20s, earn in your 30s”. That seems to be the motto. Here are my personal Top 5 recommendations to any young person especially, but also to people of any and all ages.
#5 Set For Life by Scott Trench
Out of all the personal finance books I’ve read, I would have to say this one is the most simple, straightforward and applicable to people of all backgrounds. Scott breaks down the book into 3 stages of wealth building, and regardless of where you are at or what your current position is there will be takeaways that can help improve your financial future. Scott goes over things like ways to save, ways to earn more, investing strategies, and much more. However, along with a great overview of how to improve your finances, Scott also provides subtle pointers toward living a healthier, happier, and more productive life. He addresses things like how to eat healthier, how to refrain from wasting time, and also how to take care of things yourself in regards to your personal and financial well-being. This book is an overall great read and I would highly recommend it to any young person who wants to improve their financial standing and have a strong financial future.
#4 The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
The Four Agreements is a spiritual book that contains four basic spiritual teachings or “agreements” that are intended to help reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and worry to promote positive thinking and well-being. The book is written in a simple, compassionate tone that is as soothing as it is uplifting. Regardless of your religious denomination, spiritual background, or personal beliefs, this book will help improve your ability to think clearly and live freely.
#3 Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
David Goggins is a truly exceptional human being, and his story is incredible. A former Navy SEAL, ultra-athlete, world-record holder, and all around badass motherf**ker. This book details his upbringing, journey through the SEAL teams, athletic career, and so much more. You get a personal look behind the life of a man who has run 200 mile races in the blazing desert heat, went through SEAL BUDS training several times, and has completed almost unfathomable athletic endeavors and milestones. Reading this book shows you just how much the human spirit is capable of, and will undoubtedly leave you inspired to go harder and give more.
#2 How To Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
Out of all the books on this list, this one may be my personal favorite to pick up and read. Originally written in 1948, this book provides principles and techniques that are still very applicable in today’s age. The book provides personal accounts of people from all situations and backgrounds that have overcome worry, and is written very simple and easy to understand. But, most importantly this book can provide a much needed breath of fresh air, and a perspective on what life was like in past times where things were less complicated. Although advancements in science and technology in recent times have undoubtedly made things better, sometimes it is necessary to take a step away from the world of “TikToks”, social media, and technology to remind yourself that there is more to life. This book will leave you truly inspired to live life to the fullest. Dale Carnegie expresses a genuine love for life throughout these pages, and provides the tools to help you live with less worry while maximizing your overall happiness and well-being.
#1 The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
In the words of Naval Ravikant “This book is the OG”. Out of all the books on this list, this one is easily the most profound. In this book Eckhart provides a modernized text derived from great spiritual teachers and Zen masters of the past, such as the Buddha, Jesus, and many more. This book will help you become more self-aware, and most importantly, more present. In a time where mind-dominated activity is running rampant, and humans are becoming increasingly distanced from their natural state of Being, this book can be incredibly grounding, healing, and transformative. Along with “The Power of Now” I would also include and recommend his other books “A New Earth” and “Stillness Speaks” as well.
Conclusion
You really can’t go wrong with any of the books here on this list. Whether you are in college, fresh out of college, or even if you are older or at a different point in life, these books will all help you in one way or another. I could probably very easily add an extra 5 or 10 books on to this list, but these are the 5 I would recommend most highly.
