Bonus: Angela Duckworth’s “No Stupid Questions” Podcast

In 'Living with a SEAL,' Jesse Itzler chronicles his experience of hiring Navy SEAL David Goggins to live with him and his family for 31 days to transform his physical fitness and mental toughness. The book details the rigorous training regimen imposed by Goggins, who is referred to as 'SEAL' throughout the narrative. Itzler's journey is marked by intense workouts, humorous moments, and significant personal growth. The book emphasizes themes such as respect, minimalism, and total commitment, showcasing the transformative impact of pushing beyond one's perceived limits.

In 'Nudge,' Thaler and Sunstein argue that by understanding how people think, we can design 'choice architectures' that nudge people toward better decisions for themselves, their families, and society. The book introduces the concept of 'libertarian paternalism,' where gentle nudges guide people toward beneficial choices without limiting their freedom. It explores various aspects of human decision-making, including the distinction between the 'Automatic System' and the 'Reflective System' of thinking, and provides numerous examples of how nudges can be applied in real-life scenarios to improve outcomes in health, finance, and other areas.

In 'Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City,' Matthew Desmond provides a detailed and compassionate look at the lives of eight families in Milwaukee who are struggling to maintain stable housing. The book explores the intersection of poverty, housing, and profit in the United States, highlighting the systemic issues that contribute to eviction and its consequences on families and communities.

Daily Rituals: How Artists Work is a book that delves into the daily routines and working habits of more than 161 highly successful and creative individuals. The book, written by Mason Currey, provides insights into how these creatives structured their days to manage their work and personal lives. It includes profiles of famous figures such as Anthony Trollope, Karl Marx, Woody Allen, Agatha Christie, and many others, highlighting their unique routines, habits, and quirks. The book aims to show how grand creative visions are translated into small daily increments and how these routines influence the work itself. It also explores broader themes such as the balance between comfort and creativity, and the importance of forming good habits to free the mind for more interesting fields of action.

In this book, Angela Duckworth presents a compelling argument that success is driven more by grit, a fusion of relentless passion and perseverance, than by talent. She explains what grit is, how to identify and develop it, and how it can be grown through stages such as developing interests, consistent practice, finding a pro-social purpose, and cultivating optimism. The book is structured in three parts: explaining what grit is and why it matters, how to grow grit from the inside out, and how to grow grit from the outside in, targeting parents, coaches, teachers, and organizational leaders. Duckworth supports her arguments with personal stories, historical insights, and interviews with high achievers from various fields.

Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth.