Did five books really change my life? If you would have told me twenty years ago that I would write a blog about books that changed my life, I probably would have laughed. I was not a reader. In fact, for a long time, reading was one of the hardest things for me to do. Focusing on the words, keeping my mind from wandering, and actually understanding what I was reading? That felt impossible.
Something changed about ten to fifteen years ago. I could not tell you exactly what it was, but one day, books just started clicking for me. Now? I read about thirty books a year. I know that is not a huge number for some folks, but for me, it feels monumental. And along the way, certain books have done more than entertain or educate. They have truly changed how I think and how I live.
Of course, there have been plenty of great reads over the years: Mindset by Carol Dweck, Grit by Angela Duckworth, classics like The Lord of the Rings and the George R.R. Martin series. But today, I want to share five books that genuinely changed my life. OK, six… because I had to sneak in an honorable mention.
Let’s get to it.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
This is not your typical creativity or productivity book. The Creative Act is part philosophy, part meditation, and part life guide, written by legendary music producer Rick Rubin. Instead of focusing on how to make things, it explores how to be a creative person and live with intention.
I stumbled on this one during a trip with my wife. I had some alone time, so I wandered into this boutique-style bookstore in downtown Pittsburgh. There it was, sitting on the end cap. I have always been a fan of Rick Rubin’s work in the music world, but I was not prepared for this book.
I read the first few pages right there in the store and thought, holy #$%!, this is written for me. I immediately went to a bar, ordered lunch, and kept reading.
What stuck with me? The idea that a true artist creates for themselves. It does not matter if anyone else likes it. I am the audience. Since reading it, I constantly ask myself: Am I creating this because it brings me joy, or because I think it will sell? That is why some days, I struggle to hit record on a podcast or sit down to write a blog. I want it to mean something, not just fill space.
The Way of the Wizard: Twenty Spiritual Lessons for Creating the Life You Want by Deepak Chopra
Blending timeless wisdom with storytelling, The Way of the Wizard presents spiritual lessons through the lens of Merlin and Arthurian legend. Chopra uses the relationship between young Arthur and his teacher Merlin to illustrate how we can awaken to deeper truths in our everyday lives.
I wish I could tell you exactly why I picked up this book. Maybe it was my love of Arthurian legends. Maybe it was because I was just starting to enjoy reading. Honestly, it felt like this book picked me.
What grabbed me right away was how Chopra weaves folklore and actionable life lessons together. The story of young King Arthur digging the ditch still sticks with me. It taught me that lessons are everywhere if we are willing to see them. We just build walls that block our view.
This book taught me to step back, look at life with new eyes, and think about the end game while still being present. I have learned to ask: Am I on the right path? And if not, how can I adjust?
Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams
A small but mighty book, Zen in the Martial Arts is a collection of short stories and reflections from journalist Joe Hyams, who trained in martial arts under several great masters. The book distills Zen principles into practical wisdom not just for martial artists, but for anyone seeking mindfulness, patience, and purpose.
This one came to me in a bookstore in the most unexpected way. A stranger and I were browsing the same section, and he handed me this book and said, This one. This is the one you want. Kind of weird when I think about it, but he was right.
Even though it is written from a martial arts perspective, the lessons translate beautifully to life, coaching, and teaching. Every August, before my season starts, I re-read it. It is practically memorized at this point.
My favorite lesson? Even the Masters Have Masters. We are always learning from each other, no matter how good we think we are. Because of this book, I approach everything with more thought and purpose. I never do something “just to do it.”
Notes to Myself: My Struggle to Become a Person by Hugh Prather
Originally written as the author’s personal journal, Notes to Myself is a candid collection of thoughts, confessions, and realizations about life, relationships, and self-discovery. Its raw honesty resonates with anyone on a personal growth journey.
This one found me at a time when I felt lost. Life was fine, on the surface, but I was wandering. I honestly do not remember how I came across it. But it came into my life when I needed it most.
One passage changed me:
“I am convinced that this anxiety running through my life is the tension between what I ‘should be’ and what I am. My anxiety does not come from thinking about the future but from wanting to control it.”
At that moment, that was exactly how I felt. It taught me that we all face these moments. We cannot run or hide from life. We need to approach it head-on.
I think the best way to explain how this book changed me is with another quote from it:
“As I look back on my life, one of the most constant and powerful things I have experienced within myself is the desire to be more than I am at the moment… It is seeking out more of me; or better, it is, thank God, flushing out more of me.”
That has stuck with me ever since.
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
The Last Lecture is based on a talk given by computer science professor Randy Pausch after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The book is an expansion of that talk, filled with humor, wisdom, and reflections on living fully even in the face of death.
This was an impulse buy. The book was on sale at the register, and I thought, Well, this could be interesting. I was not prepared.
I have never read a more soul-crushing book. Pausch tells you up front why he is writing it. You know how the story ends, but you are still not ready for it.
One of his lessons that will always stay with me: Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted. That line alone changed how I view setbacks and life in general.
This book made me think more about legacy. What does legacy really mean? For me, it is not about fame or fortune. It is about purpose and creating memories.
Honorable Mention: The Reagan Diaries by Ronald Reagan and Douglas Brinkley
The Reagan Diaries compiles entries from President Reagan’s personal journals written during his presidency. Rather than a polished biography, it gives a raw and human glimpse into the daily thoughts of a world leader.
Reagan was the first president I really remember. I am not a very political person, but I wanted to know: what was it really like to be president? Not in a biography kind of way, but in his own words.
Most of the entries are short, but very honest. What struck me most was how little things made him happy: a movie on TV, a simple moment.
It also changed how I think about journaling. Some days he only wrote four words. It reminded me that showing up matters. You do not need to write a novel or have a life-changing revelation every day. You just need to do something, anything.
So there you have it: the five books (plus one honorable mention) that have genuinely changed my life. They shaped how I see the world, how I coach, how I create, and how I live. If any of these books call to you, give them a try. You never know which one might pick you.
Until next time, happy reading.
