Self Development

[Deer Tamales]

For all my readers out there, give me your best self development books you have read or exercises you have completed and felt like they were succesful.

As my boys are getting older, 7 & 10, I'm increasing my reading, gym time, and getting closer to the lord. All to be a good example for those two young men. It's a scary world we live in.

[txtrophy85]

Two books have had a tremendous impact on me....I read "Think Big and Kick ***" by Donald Trump in 2007 and it was pretty life changing. Also read "Wild at Heart" by John Eldrige and that is a must read for any man, especially a father.

I'm a big proponent of physical fitness, online is a wealth of knowledge on any form of fitness imaginable. I have 3 kids and I want to set a good example for the kids that being fit is a lifestyle.


And of course, a good Christian foundation is paramount

[TxBowHntr]

One that is a bit of a stretch for a self development book, but I thoroughly enjoyed, is The Alchemist. While it is fiction, the story is about putting yourself on the right path, and how the universe tends to open up and help you when you are on said path. I will add it is a short, easy read

[WItoTX]

At your boys age, Jocko Willink has some great kids books. They would be the perfect age for them.

You could also read Extreme Ownership, and then translate it down to your boys level. The reading is likely above their heads now, but the principals are universal at any age. Be warned though, its not a one and done, and it doesn't give you the "3 secrets to a better life" type BS a lot of books put out. It's a continuous improvement, and requires multiple readings, several times a year, the rest of your life. It's absolute gold.

If you don't know who Jocko Willink is, he is a Navy SEAL, author, (multiple) successful business owner, and all around bad *** dude (My opinion).

[Deer Tamales]

At your boys age, Jocko Willink has some great kids books. They would be the perfect age for them.

You could also read Extreme Ownership, and then translate it down to your boys level. The reading is likely above their heads now, but the principals are universal at any age. Be warned though, its not a one and done, and it doesn't give you the "3 secrets to a better life" type BS a lot of books put out. It's a continuous improvement, and requires multiple readings, several times a year, the rest of your life. It's absolute gold.

If you don't know who Jocko Willink is, he is a Navy SEAL, author, (multiple) successful business owner, and all around bad *** dude (My opinion).

Oh i follow Jocko, bad bad man!

[Gclyde28]

At your boys age, Jocko Willink has some great kids books. They would be the perfect age for them.

You could also read Extreme Ownership, and then translate it down to your boys level. The reading is likely above their heads now, but the principals are universal at any age. Be warned though, its not a one and done, and it doesn't give you the "3 secrets to a better life" type BS a lot of books put out. It's a continuous improvement, and requires multiple readings, several times a year, the rest of your life. It's absolute gold.

If you don't know who Jocko Willink is, he is a Navy SEAL, author, (multiple) successful business owner, and all around bad *** dude (My opinion).

I was going to recommend extreme ownership, glad to see someone else is recommending it as well. As you mentioned, may be better for them a little older but I'm actually recommending that everyone at my company read it.

[John Paul]

I really enjoyed "4 Chair Discipleship".

[Raw_Bull]

I've read "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins twice its that good. At least in my opinion.

[Jay-J]

The bible

[Jon B]

Extreme ownership

[Throwin Darts]

This is an excellent book!

[MadHatter]

Earl Nightingale is probably my all time favorite.
All his books are good imo.

[Playa]

Deep Work by Cal Newport
Atomic Habits by James Clear

My personal favorite and one that had the greatest impact on me was The Confidence Gap by Russ Harris.

[Txtourist]

Not exactly self development books, but as a family we read each night. The favorites so far are; flight of passage- Rinker Buck
Spirit of St. Louis - Charles Lindbergh
Canoeing with the Cree- Eric Severud
These are all more adventure books of young people doing some things I can’t imagine doing at their ages, but it’s instilled confidence and big thinking.
I’m not a big fan of Robert Kiyosaki as a person or businessman, but I think his Rich Dad, Poor Dad book is a good way to introduce young people to money and life.
Beyond that, the boys run a little vegetable stand in front of the house selling produce, pumpkins and maple syrup that they help with. They have to help with the planting and maintaining of the garden, as well as purchase and re-sell pumpkins from a farmer.
They’ve had to learn to take care of inventory, count money, pay their wholesaler and speak with adults and strangers.
My parents and I each have some rental property, so they always have some projects they are helping with. They hate it, and they don’t get paid much, especially after “taxes,” but we’re teaching them they can have whatever they want in life if they’ll go for and work it through to completion.
The boys are learning from the Bible, as well as life skills and an emphasis on creating and managing money.
We often say things like pay to play, work hard play hard and only when the works done and the tools are put away.

[ThisLadyHunts]

The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck. An oldie, but a goodie.