Modern Wisdom #177 - Jim Mullane - How To Get Better With Books
Jim Mullane, the creator of the popular Instagram page @GetBetterWithBooks, shares his insights on cultivating a reading habit and enhancing book retention. He discusses common pitfalls new readers face and offers practical tips for selecting inspiring books. Jim highlights the rapid growth of his self-help platform, emphasizing the joy of reading diverse genres. He recommends impactful titles like 'Atomic Habits' and 'Educated,' while exploring the unique value of fiction in personal growth. Get tips to make reading a fulfilling part of your life!
52:03
Reading vs. Wisdom
- Reading many books doesn't equate to wisdom.
- Some books offer superficial value, despite popularity.
Quitting Books
- Don't feel obligated to finish books you dislike.
- Treat books like movies: stop if uninteresting.
Starting to Read
- Start reading by prioritizing your interests.
- Similar to starting exercise, start with what you enjoy.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Enhancing Your Reading Habits for Personal Growth
01:53 • 2min
The Rise of a Self-Help Instagram Phenomenon
03:23 • 2min
Redefining Reading Habits
04:58 • 11min
Cultivating a Passion for Reading
15:36 • 17min
Navigating Personal Development Literature
32:55 • 13min
Inspiring Reads: Memoirs and Personal Growth
46:06 • 6min
The Power of Fiction in Personal Development
52:01 • 2min
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Mark Manson
In this book, Mark Manson argues against the typical self-help advice of constant positivity, instead suggesting that life's struggles give it meaning.
He emphasizes the need to focus on what truly matters and to accept and confront painful truths.
The book is divided into nine chapters and uses blunt honesty and profanity to illustrate its ideas, encouraging readers to find meaning through values they can control and to replace uncontrollable values with more meaningful ones.
The 5AM Club
Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life.
Robin Sharma
The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma is a book that advocates for the importance of starting your day early to achieve success.
The book is presented in a story format, following a struggling artist and a disillusioned entrepreneur who are mentored by a billionaire.
It introduces the concept of the 'Victory Hour,' a 20-20-20 morning routine that involves exercise, reflection, and learning.
Sharma emphasizes the need to optimize the first hour of the day to improve focus, reduce stress, and increase productivity.
The book also discusses themes such as tapping into full potential, escaping complacency, and developing the four interior empires of mindset, heartset, healthset, and soulset.
The Road to Character
David Brooks
In 'The Road to Character,' David Brooks delves into the lives of some of the world’s greatest thinkers and leaders to illustrate how they built strong inner characters.
The book contrasts 'résumé virtues' (external achievements) with 'eulogy virtues' (internal character strengths like kindness, bravery, and honesty).
Brooks examines figures such as Frances Perkins, Dwight Eisenhower, Dorothy Day, and others, highlighting their personal struggles and the virtues they developed.
He argues that modern society often prioritizes external success over internal character, and he provides practical advice on how to rebalance these aspects of life.
The book is a call to rethink priorities and strive for a life marked by humility, moral depth, and meaningful relationships.
Can't Hurt Me
Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds
David Goggins
In 'Can't Hurt Me,' David Goggins shares his astonishing life story, from a childhood marred by poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse to becoming a U.S.
Armed Forces icon and one of the world's top endurance athletes.
The book reveals Goggins' philosophy, known as the '40% Rule,' which suggests that most people only tap into 40% of their capabilities.
He provides a wealth of practical strategies and principles for personal development, emphasizing self-discipline, accountability, and the necessity of embracing discomfort to unlock personal transformation.
Goggins' story and advice serve as a blueprint for readers to push past their perceived limits, confront their fears, and unleash their full potential.
Atomic Habits
James Clear
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.
Educated
A Memoir
Tara Westover
In 'Educated,' Tara Westover recounts her journey from a childhood in rural Idaho, where she was raised by survivalist Mormon parents who opposed public education and medical care, to becoming a scholar at Harvard and Cambridge University.
The book details her struggles with physical and verbal abuse, her self-education, and her eventual admission to Brigham Young University.
Westover's story is a powerful exploration of resilience, the importance of education, and the complexities of family relationships.
She navigates the tension between her desire for knowledge and her loyalty to her family, ultimately finding a way to reconcile her past and present selves.
As a Man Thinketh
James Allen
In 'As a Man Thinketh,' James Allen emphasizes the profound impact of thoughts on an individual's character, actions, and circumstances.
The book is based on the principle that 'a man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.
' Allen uses the metaphor of a garden to illustrate how thoughts, like seeds, grow into actions and shape one's life.
He argues that by controlling and cultivating positive thoughts, individuals can change their circumstances, achieve success, and find happiness.
The book stresses personal responsibility and the transformative power of thought in shaping one's destiny.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Robert Pirsig
This classic novel by Robert M. Pirsig is a personal and philosophical odyssey that delves into the author's search for meaning.
The narrative follows a father and his son on a summer motorcycle trip from the Midwest to California, intertwining a travelogue with deep philosophical discussions.
The book explores the concept of 'quality' and how it informs a well-lived life, reconciling science, religion, and humanism.
It also touches on the author's own struggles with his past and his philosophical quest, making it a touching and transcendent exploration of human experience and endeavor.
Deep Work
Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
Cal Newport
In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy.
The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill.
These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'.
Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.
Shoe Dog
Phil Knight
Shoe Dog is a memoir that chronicles the journey of Phil Knight as he builds Nike from its humble beginnings as Blue Ribbon Sports.
The book is a personal and detailed account of Knight's experiences, from his early days selling Japanese running shoes out of the trunk of his car to the global brand Nike is today.
It highlights his relentless work ethic, the challenges he faced, and the key relationships with his partners and employees that were crucial to the company's success.
The memoir also touches on Knight's personal life, including his family and the emotional struggles he encountered along the way.
Models
Attract Women Through Honesty
Mark Manson
This book focuses on the concept of 'non-neediness' and emphasizes the importance of honesty in relationships.
It advises men to be genuine, vulnerable, and true to themselves, rather than trying to impress women through manipulative tactics.
The book is divided into sections such as 'Honest Living,' 'Honest Action,' and 'Honest Communication,' and it provides practical advice on overcoming anxiety, developing true confidence, and polarizing women to determine their interest.
It also stresses the importance of self-investment and living a life that aligns with one's true values and desires.
Digital Minimalism
Cal Newport
In 'Digital Minimalism', Cal Newport argues that we need to be more intentional about the technologies we allow into our lives.
He proposes a philosophy of digital minimalism, where individuals focus their online time on activities that strongly support their values and ignore the rest.
The book highlights the negative effects of behavioral addictions created by technology, such as solitude deprivation and the fleeting nature of social media satisfaction.
Newport suggests a 30-day 'digital declutter' process and other practices to help readers integrate digital minimalism into their lives, emphasizing the importance of optimizing technology use to support personal goals and values.
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Daniel Kahneman
In this book, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind, explaining how the two systems of thought shape our judgments and decisions.
System 1 is fast, automatic, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, effortful, and logical.
Kahneman discusses the impact of cognitive biases, the difficulties of predicting future happiness, and the effects of overconfidence on corporate strategies.
He offers practical insights into how to guard against mental glitches and how to benefit from slow thinking in both personal and business life.
The book also explores the distinction between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self' and their roles in our perception of happiness.
The Moral Animal
Why We Are the Way We Are
Robert Wright
In 'The Moral Animal', Robert Wright delves into the world of evolutionary psychology to explain human behavior, emotions, and moral conduct.
The book uses Charles Darwin's life and personal conduct in Victorian England as a case study to illustrate how evolutionary forces shape human behavior.
Wright discusses topics such as jealousy, altruism, and social class, arguing that many of our actions are driven by subconscious genetic strategies aimed at survival and the propagation of our genes.
The book also explores the paradox of how moral and responsible actions can emerge from a strictly Darwinian interpretation of human behavior, suggesting that understanding our evolutionary past can help us override our primitive programming and develop a more common moral outlook.
Watership Down
Richard Adams
Watership Down is an adventure novel that tells the story of a group of rabbits who flee their warren after one of them, Fiver, has a premonition of impending disaster.
Led by Hazel and Bigwig, the rabbits face numerous perils, including hostile rabbit communities and human threats, as they search for a new home.
The novel explores themes of leadership, freedom, and survival, contrasting the democratic and caring leadership of Hazel with the authoritarian rule of General Woundwort.
The story is rich in anthropomorphic details, including the rabbits' own culture, language, and mythology, and it provides deep insights into the trials and triumphs of life through the eyes of its rabbit characters.
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Sir Michael Howard
The Ride of a Lifetime
Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company
Robert Iger
In 'The Ride of a Lifetime,' Robert Iger shares his experiences and the lessons he learned during his 15 years as CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
The book covers his early career, his rise to the CEO position, and his strategic decisions that transformed Disney into a global media giant.
Iger discusses key acquisitions like Pixar, Marvel, and 21st Century Fox, and emphasizes the importance of leadership principles such as optimism, courage, decisiveness, fairness, and integrity.
He also reflects on his relationships with influential figures like Steve Jobs and George Lucas, and how emotional intelligence played a crucial role in his business dealings.
The book provides insights into Iger's vision for Disney, which included a focus on high-quality branded content, embracing technology, and expanding globally.
Start with Why
How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
Simon Sinek
In 'Start with Why', Simon Sinek introduces the concept of 'The Golden Circle', which consists of 'Why', 'How', and 'What'.
He argues that successful leaders and organizations start with their purpose or 'Why', which inspires loyalty and trust.
Sinek uses examples such as Apple, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Wright Brothers to illustrate how this approach can lead to significant influence and success.
The book emphasizes the importance of leadership and purpose in inspiring others and achieving long-term success.
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Dale Carnegie
First published in 1936, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie is a timeless guide to improving interpersonal skills.
The book is divided into four main sections: Six Ways to Make People Like You, Twelve Ways to Win People to Your Way of Thinking, and Nine Ways to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment.
Carnegie's principles emphasize the importance of genuine interest in others, active listening, and avoiding criticism and argument.
The book offers practical advice on how to build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and influence others by aligning their self-interest with yours.
It has been a cornerstone of personal development and business success for generations.
Zero to One
Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future
Peter Thiel
In 'Zero to One,' Peter Thiel argues that true innovation comes from creating something entirely new, going from 'zero to one,' rather than incrementally improving existing ideas.
He emphasizes the importance of vertical progress through technology and the benefits of monopoly in driving innovation.
Thiel also discusses the need for long-term planning, the importance of finding the right co-founders, and the power law in startup success.
The book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to think critically and aim big to build the future.
12 Rules for Life
An Antidote to Chaos
Jordan B Peterson
In this book, Jordan B. Peterson offers twelve profound and practical rules for living a meaningful life.
He argues that happiness is a fleeting and unpredictable goal, and instead, people should seek meaning as a defense against the suffering inherent in life.
The book is divided into chapters, each representing one of the twelve rules, such as 'Stand up straight with your shoulders back,' 'Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping,' and 'Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient).
' Peterson draws on examples from his clinical practice, personal life, cutting-edge psychology, philosophy, and ancient myths to provide a guide for personal improvement and coping with adversity.
Principles
Ray Dalio
In 'Principles: Life and Work', Ray Dalio shares the principles he has developed over his career that have helped him achieve success.
The book is divided into three sections: the first section explains how Dalio's principles were formed from his personal and professional experiences; the second section outlines life principles, such as embracing reality, being radically open-minded, and understanding the importance of pain and reflection in personal growth; and the third section focuses on work principles, including the use of radical truth and radical transparency to transform an organization.
Dalio advocates for systematizing decision-making into algorithms, learning from failures, and building a culture where it is okay to make mistakes but unacceptable not to learn from them.
Economy of Truth
Practical Maxims and Reflections
Vizi Andrei
Economy of Truth offers a thoughtful exploration of maxims as a way to navigate life's complexities.
It combines original reflections with insights inspired by notable thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca.
The book is designed to provoke thought and introspection, making it a valuable tool for personal reflection.
Thunder at Twilight
Frederic Morton
Thunder at Twilight by Frederic Morton is a captivating historical account that delves into the vibrant city of Vienna during the pivotal years of 1913 and 1914.
The book masterfully intertwines the political tensions, cultural richness, and personal stories of figures like Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Adolf Hitler, and Russian revolutionaries, setting the stage for the outbreak of World War I. Morton's narrative is both engaging and informative, offering a unique perspective on the era.
Jim Mullane is the man behind the fastest growing Instagram page focussed on self-development & books @GetBetterWithBooks.
Developing a reading habit & retaining what you read is a goal many of us have.
Today expect to learn the most important elements of creating a reading habit, how to avoid the most common pitfalls when starting reading, a ton of Jim's best suggestions for his favourite books including a load you will have never heard of and so much more...
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Buy Can't Hurt Me - https://amzn.to/3bWTx1X
Buy Deep Work - https://amzn.to/3goosYu
Buy As A Man Thinketh - https://amzn.to/3gi8sHf
Buy Economy Of Truth - https://amzn.to/2LXqQYc
Buy Educated - https://amzn.to/2LSOHrX
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