Books That Saved Me From Myself
3 Essential Reads to Transform Your Life
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Over the past decade, I have read many books on personal growth.
Some were better than others. These 3 were life-changing.
They're well worth the time.
Book #1: The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C. Maxwell
I first read this book in 2022.
Here's why you'll love it:
John doesn't just tell you to grow – he shows you how it will change your life, one day at a time. The Law of the Rubber Band hit me between the eyes: "Growth stops when you lose the tension between where you are and where you could be." I had been waiting for fulfillment to magically appear with the next accomplishment, the next external accolade. Maxwell teaches that most people use only a small fraction of their ability and, as a result, fall well short of who they could be. I kept waiting for “them” to tell me the next move instead of practicing habits that would stretch me into who I could become. As a result of reading this book and leading multiple masterminds on it, I’ve heard my voice again beneath the noise of everyone else’s expectations.
Book #2: Atomic Habits by James Clear
Amid the COVID madness in 2020, this book was recommended to me by the best boss I ever worked for, Gary Whicker. Gary retired a few years ago and has remained a good friend and exceptional mentor to me and many others.
Here's why I think you'll love it:
Clear dismantles the myth that transformation requires massive change. Instead, he reveals how tiny, consistent actions reshape your identity from the inside out. The concept that "every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become" revolutionized how I approach each day. If I want to improve my health, it starts with laying out my workout clothes the night before and consistently working out. When you feel trapped in a life that doesn't reflect who you want to be, the path forward isn't dramatic resolutions destined for failure – it's making small identity-based changes that compound over time. Given enough consistent action, you will look back and not recognize the person you’ve become.
Book #3: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Finally, I think everyone should read this book.
And here's why I think you'll love it:
Written by psychiatrist Viktor Frankl after surviving four Nazi concentration camps and the murder of his entire family, this profound work explores how finding meaning—even in suffering—is the primary human motivation. Frankl lived out his observation that "those who have a 'why' to live can bear almost any 'how.'" This book challenged me to ask more profound questions about my life. Instead of battling the emptiness of achievement without purpose, Frankl's wisdom offers a powerful reminder: our freedom to choose our attitude in ANY circumstance is the one thing that can never be taken from us. This book was life-changing for me.
These books aren't quick fixes or formulas. However, reading them allows you to be mentored by people you will likely never meet. They will get you out of your head and on a true journey of self-discovery.
I'd love to hear: Which of these books speaks to where you are right now?
Great post! Frankl's book changed my life the moment I read it, and I still think about it nearly every day of my life, now, eight years later!
I would also include these in my top best books ever read, aside from the Bible. In fact, the John Maxwell book is one I read yearly. Great article Tarek. Thanks for continuing to add value!