Are you ready to embark on a journey of personal growth with a summer reading list? In this post I will review my top 6 book picks for Summer 2023 that promise to revolutionize your perspectives on money, mindset, and meaningful relationships. As a physician-turned-real-estate-investor, I’ve learned that a well-chosen book can be a game-changer, the deep insights and wisdom that books offer are unparalleled.
You might wonder why you should even bother picking up a book when information is readily available at our fingertips. In our fast-paced, short-attention-span society, why opt for something as traditional as books? It’s quite simple. Books offer an extraordinary combination of growth, insight, and wisdom all in one medium. Unlike the fragmented bits of information we encounter online, a book offers a cohesive narrative, a journey from beginning to end, that no other medium can replicate.
Admittedly, for many years, the only books I read were related to medicine. However, when I ventured into real estate investing and passive income generation, I then sought to improve my business skills, better my mindset, become a more effective father, and a supportive husband, I turned to books.
Books, to me, became mini masterclasses, each one packed with valuable lessons derived from the authors’ experiences and knowledge.
Every book you choose to read has an opportunity cost, it is an investment of your time. As I plan my reading list for the summer, my goal is to select books that will bring immense value to my life. We often find spare moments during our summer travels – on a plane, during layovers, or just lounging by the beach – these are perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in a good book either on paper, digital, or through audio!
So, as I share my top 6 summer reads for 2023, I hope it inspires you to consider your own summer reading list, the books that you’d like to explore, and the value you expect them to bring to your life.
BOOK 1 – THE MIRACLE EQUATION BY HAL ELROD
Let’s dive into our first summer read, “The Miracle Equation” by Hal Elrod. This is the same author who brought us “The Miracle Morning,” a life-changing book that revolutionized how many of us started our day. Elrod’s credibility is already established, and his new book is geared to help us reach our goals more effectively.
“The Miracle Equation” promises a powerful formula for achieving our goals: unwavering faith and extraordinary effort. The book highlights the importance of managing our negative emotions, introducing a unique concept – the five-minute rule. This concept intrigued me; the idea is to intensely experience any negative emotions for a short five minutes, then consciously decide to let go and move on.
What resonates with me in this book, as an entrepreneur and doctor, is the emphasis on resilience. Navigating through the pressures of daily life and staying focused on our personal, professional and relational goals require a great deal of resilience. I’m excited about the insights “The Miracle Equation” can offer me in this area, as well as in the fields of acceptance and goal-setting.
Moreover, the theme of extraordinary effort aligns perfectly with my philosophy of never giving up, making this book a fitting start to my summer reading list. With “The Miracle Equation,” I hope to uncover strategies to boost my personal and professional growth and pass these strategies to my kids.
BOOK 2 – STEVE JOBS BY WALTER ISAACSON
The next intriguing choice in my summer reading collection is none other than Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs, a book that’s been patiently waiting on my shelf. This isn’t your average business book, but rather an intimate exploration into the life and mind of Apple’s co-founder, a man who needs no introduction.
“Steve Jobs” by Isaacson gives readers an in-depth perspective of this extraordinary individual who was known for his unique personality and remarkable success. We all know Jobs as the man who revolutionized multiple industries and faced significant health challenges.
But the question this book asks is: How did he reach those incredible heights? How did he persist and believe in his ideas when faced with adversity?
Reading this biography, I’m excited to delve into the psyche of this visionary, who had the audacity to be different, to persist, and to actualize his dreams in a way few people have done. I anticipate that the insights and lessons gleaned from Steve Jobs’ life will inspire me to do more or more differently. It’s a testament to the power of belief and persistence, even when others might doubt or misinterpret your ideas.
There’s a certain satisfaction in finally moving a book from the shelf to your hands, and I am eager to do just that with “Steve Jobs.” Whether it’s a book that’s been lingering on your bookshelf or a new find, I encourage you to join me on this journey of exploring incredible lives through a good biography and uncovering the valuable lessons remarkable people have to offer.
BOOK 3: ATOMIC HABITS BY JAMES CLEAR
Returning to a classic favorite this summer, I’ve decided to reread “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to improve their lifestyle and productivity. It’s stayed on bestseller lists for a reason, and this reason becomes crystal clear as soon as you turn the first page.
“Atomic Habits” uncovers the simple yet powerful truth of how small, consistent changes can lead to significant outcomes. This aligns perfectly with our philosophy at Passive Income MD, where we advocate taking steady steps in the right direction with periodic course corrections. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are successful habits.
Much of our daily activities are automatic, but have we ever stopped to consider who decided these habits? And when did we put them into place? Clear’s book offers key strategies to create good habits that are not only possible… but become inevitable. Instead, it helps us re-engineer our bad habits, making them almost impossible to follow through on.
James Clear doesn’t just talk about goals, he emphasizes the importance of setting up the right systems to achieve those goals. Many of us start the year off with good intentions and lofty health goals, only to see them fall by the wayside as life gets in the way. “Atomic Habits” provides the blueprint to establish and maintain sustainable habits for the long term. As a book worth revisiting year after year, I’m eager to delve back into this transformative book once again this summer.
LOOKING FOR ANOTHER BOOK TO ADD TO YOUR LIST? CHECK OUT 13 BOOKS FOR SUMMER READING
While the previous books delve into business, entrepreneurship, and financial prosperity, the focus of the last two choices is a domain that transcends all else – relationships. In my experience, it’s not money, but the quality of our relationships that truly enrich our lives. I think we can all agree that there’s no clear-cut instruction manual on how to be an exceptional spouse, parent, or friend.
I grapple with these questions and more on my journey through life. Yet, what I’ve gleaned over time is that intentionality is key. It’s by consciously working on our relationships that we can truly enhance their quality. In the grand scheme of life, happy relationships equate to a fulfilling and joyful existence. As we transition to the final two books, let’s explore how literature can guide us in nurturing these vital relationships.
BOOK 4: US BY TERRANCE REAL
The fourth book on my summer reading list is “Us” by Terrence Real. A close friend suggested this book to me and it delves into the importance of fostering a team mindset in relationships. Rather than thinking of your needs in isolation, the book promotes the idea of viewing relationships as partnerships, independent of each other. The focus shifts from ‘me’ to ‘us’, emphasizing common goals and collaborative efforts for mutual satisfaction.
“Us” also underlines the significance of enhancing communication skills, empathy, and understanding – all of which are fundamental elements for successful relationships. Whether it’s a patient-doctor relationship, friendship, or even the bond between parent and child, these skills can prove transformative.
This is a book that targets an area of my life I’m always working on to improve. If my wife were reading this, she’d probably second that!
I hope that through this reading, I’ll gain valuable insights to better our relationship, not just by focusing on my individual needs, but seeing us as a cohesive unit working towards creating the kind of relationship we both aspire to.
Success in business feels hollow if our personal relationships are faltering. For me, if things aren’t right in my marriage, then everything else seems off-kilter. So, I’m truly excited to immerse myself in the wisdom this book offers.
BOOK 5 – STRONG FATHER’S STRONG DAUGHTERS BY MEG MEEKER
The next book on my summer reading list is “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters” by Meg Meeker. As a father of a pre-teen daughter, I’m becoming more aware of the challenges that come with her growing up. This book is recommended for its practical advice on fatherhood and the secrets to cultivating a positive relationship between a father and his daughter.
The core theme of “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters” lies in fostering communication, empathy and self-esteem in young girls. It empowers fathers to guide their daughters in making informed life choices and instilling resilience. As a dad, I want my daughter to feel capable of making good decisions on her own with the ability to rebound from any missteps and steer herself back on track.
My overall goal of having passive income and time freedom is ultimately to strengthen the bond I share with my family. Yet, no one really teaches you how to be a great dad or husband. Most of what we do stems from our upbringing. That’s why I’m eager to read this book, hoping it will equip me with the knowledge to raise a strong, independent, and confident daughter.
HERE IS ANOTHER LIST OF MY FAVORITE INVESTING, BUSINESS, AND FINANCE BOOKS
BOOK 6 – DIE WITH ZERO BY BILL PERKINS
The last book on my summer reading list is “Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life” by Bill Perkins. This is a book that I’ve picked up countless times, often returning to it for tidbits of wisdom. It’s an interesting piece that inspires you to think about how you spend your time and money, as well as the experiences you cultivate throughout your life.
“Die with Zero” makes a strong case for the importance of maximizing life experiences over the accumulation of wealth. However, it’s not advocating for reckless spending but it highlights the need for a balanced approach. The book provides a new perspective on how you can create an optimal equilibrium, where your professional life flourishes and you can savor all the wonderful things life offers.
I’d highly recommend this book for anyone who’s looking for a deeper sense of fulfillment in their lives. It’s not just about saving money for a rainy day, it’s about making the most of every moment, every experience, and every opportunity. This is a must-read, and definitely one to add to your summer reading list.
Here is a book review of my all-time favorite book, Die With Zero.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS ON A GOOD READING LIST…
To sum it up, these books span a wide range of topics from personal development to entrepreneurship, and from building strong relationships to finding a meaningful balance in life. The common thread that binds them together is their capacity to inspire change, ignite curiosity, and provide valuable insights for personal growth.
In a world where time is the most valuable asset, choosing the right books to invest your time in is essential. So whether you’re aiming to up your business game, improve your relationships, or gain a fresh perspective on life, these books come highly recommended.
Remember, reading is not just about gaining information, but about transforming it into wisdom and action.
So, this summer, consider including these power-packed reads in your list. The knowledge and wisdom they hold can help shape your personal journey and empower you to make better decisions in life.
Read them, reflect on them, and most importantly, implement their teachings in your life. You’ll be amazed at the transformation that follows.
Happy reading!