42 Life-Changing Books For Mastering Every Area Of Your Life

These 42 life changing books will improve every aspect of your life.

These books have shaped my beliefs and values. They have shifted my perspective, in terms of how I see myself, others, and the world.

In this blog, I break down my book recommendations into 10 different areas of life.

I would not be who I am today if it was not for these incredible books.

If you are committed to expanding your mind and mastering every area of your life, read this!

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Books open your mind to what is possible.

The mission of Project Life Mastery is to be a positive example of the unlimited possibilities that life offers for those that are truly committed to mastery. I have been obsessed with learning and growing in all areas of my life since I was 17 years old.

Unfortunately, as Jim Rohn says, “Most people in life major in minor things.” A lot of people know more about celebrity gossip than they do about their mind, body, and spirit. You want to make sure that you are majoring in things that matter.

There are only so many areas of life that truly matter. If you end up neglecting these areas, negative consequences will ensue. Thus, it's worthwhile to feed your mind and invest your time and energy into learning about different aspects of your life.

Did you know that reading strengthens your brain? Using MRI scans, researchers have confirmed that reading involves a complex network of circuits and signals in the brain. As your reading ability matures, those networks also get stronger.

On top of giving your brain a workout, reading is also one of the most effective ways to find solutions to problems. Whatever adversity that you're currently facing in life, there is someone who has been through the same adversity and they've been able to overcome it.

Not only that, but they've shared their wisdom and experience in a book that you can buy for $10-20. You get to benefit from their lifetime of knowledge. How incredible is that? Your behaviors follow your beliefs. If you implement what you learn, your life will change.

It's that simple.

Whenever someone asks me what books they should read I often respond with, “What area of your life are you focused on right now?” The books you read should always be relevant to what you want to move towards or away from. That's why I've broken down 10 categories of life and my best 4-5 recommendations in each category.

Let's dive into 42 life changing books for mastering every area of your life!

NOTE: These links are Amazon links and will direct you to the Amazon.com website when you click on them.

GENERAL SELF-HELP

1. Awaken The Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny, Tony Robbins

I first read this book when I was 21 years old. Tony Robbins has been one of the biggest influences in my life. A lot of what I believe in and who I am is based on his teachings.

The concept of my brand, Project Life Mastery, was inspired by Tony. He coined the term life mastery. That idea resonated with me and I decided to go ahead and build a business around it.

Another book of Tony's that I recommend you read is called Unlimited Power. This book is based on the concept of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) which is a methodology for producing change within yourself.

2. Think And Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill

Some people discredit Napoleon Hill based on certain stories that have emerged about him. Nonetheless, this book is a classic which focuses on the psychology of success. Napoleon draws on stories of millionaires of his generation to illustrate his principles.

There is even a chapter inside of the book that is focused on sexual transmutation, which teaches you how to channel your sexual energy to create success. Desire for success is the strongest of all human desires. Learning how to channel that energy into whatever it is that you want to accomplish is a valuable thing.

3. The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey

Inside his book, Stephen presents a framework for personal effectiveness and success. He argues that change starts from within. Thus, if you want to cultivate success in life you first have to develop your character. He draws upon the 7 habits of highly effective people, which include the following

Be Proactive
Begin with the End in Mind
Put First Things First
Think Win-Win
Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Synergize
Sharpen the Saw

One of my favorite habits is to “seek first to understand, then to be understood.” People are too quick to project their rigid opinions and beliefs onto others. Even if I don't agree, I always strive to always listen and understand others' perspectives.

4. 12 Rules For Life: An Antidote To Chaos, Dr. Jordan Peterson

Dr. Peterson is a well-known Canadian clinical psychologist and University professor. This book is more challenging to read than other self-help books. I suggest that you watch his debates and lectures on social media first.

Doing so will help you understand his position on certain topics before diving into the book. He explains things in such interesting ways that it's difficult to disagree with his viewpoints. His principles are rooted in helping people think differently.

One powerful piece of wisdom that I've learned from him is that you want to reflect upon a belief from multiple viewpoints. The goal is to have an open mind and be flexible to determine the highest form of truth.

MINDSET

1. Grit: The Power of Passion And Perseverance, Angela Duckworth

Inside her book, Angela highlights something called the Hard Thing Rule. She talks about the importance of doing one hard thing every day which helps to build grit. You don't grow and become more by staying comfortable.

You get stronger by stepping outside of your comfort zone every day and doing things that make you uncomfortable. When you wake up every morning ask yourself, “What can I do today to challenge myself?”

My one thing is taking a cold shower every day. Your's can be whatever you want, as long as it is uncomfortable for you.

2. Relentless: From Good To Great To Unstoppable, Tim Grover

Tim was the trainer for famous athletes like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwayne Wade.

In this book, he talks about the mindsets of athletes and how they differ from the average person. On top of that, he reveals what it takes to achieve the kind of relentless discipline and success that famous athletes have.

3. Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind And Defy The Odds, David Goggins

David is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, cyclist triathlete, and runner. Anything extreme, he's done it. This book is the story of his life. Although he came from a dysfunctional beginning, he still went on to achieve great things in life.

It's inspirational to read how he was able to turn his life around. If you are someone who struggles with procrastination or laziness, this book will show you how you can master your mind and do the impossible.

4. Mindset: The New Psychology Of Success, Carol Dweck

Inside her book, Carol breaks down the difference between the fixed mindset and the growth mindset.

People with a fixed mindset don't believe that it's possible to change. Conversely, people with a growth mindset believe that abilities can be developed through hard work. She talks about how people can put a growth mindset into action to accomplish great things in life.

HEALTH

1. How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease, Michael Gregor

This book is promoting a vegetarian diet. What I love about this book is that every chapter is focused on a specific disease.

More importantly, the knowledge is backed by science.

A lot of diseases are preventable if you change your lifestyle and eating habits. I've considered buying this book as a gift to people because the information is so valuable.

2. Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill: The Complete Guide to Fats, Oils, Cholesterol, and Human Health, Dr. Udo Erasmus

Many years ago I interviewed Dr. Udo Erasmus on my YouTube channel. Dr. Udo is the world's expert in essential fatty acids. He is the creator of Udos Oils and the co-founder of the Udo's Choice supplement brand.

In this book, he talks about the science of fatty acids and sheds light on the manufacturing processes that turn healing fats into toxic fats.

3. The Reboot with Joe Juice Diet: Lose Weight, Get Healthy and Feel Amazing, Joe Cross

I came across this book after watching Joe Cross's documentary, Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. In his documentary, he talks about how he did a 90-day juice cleanse, transformed his body, and healed the symptoms of his autoimmune disorder.

Not only that, but he inspired many others to do the same. This book is a practical guide on how to do a juice fast and reboot your body. I was so inspired after reading it that I ended up doing a 14-day green juice fast.

4. Your Body's Many Cries for Water, Dr. F. Batmanghelidj

This book shares clinical and scientific research that highlights the importance of water. At one point in his life, Dr. Batmanghelidj worked in an Iranian prison. While there, he was able to treat and cure the ailments of prisoners through water therapy.

In the book, Dr. Batmanghelidj talks about how many diseases are caused by dehydration. Thus, it's so important that you keep hydrated, especially if you feel fatigued or struggle with brain fog.

MENTAL HEALTH/ADDICTION

1. Man's Search For Meaning, Dr. Victor Frankl

Victor Frankl was an Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor who lived in Auschwitz. In his book, he talks about being an inmate of a concentration camp and how his experiences shaped his understanding of meaning.

While he was in Auschwitz, he became fascinated with studying how people were able to find empowering meanings from horrific circumstances. In particular, why some people make it through suffering while others do not.

He went on to popularize the theory of Logotherapy, which is designed to help people find meaning in their lives. In the words of Victor Frankl, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s way.”

2. Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence, Dr. Anna Lembke

Dr. Lembke was recently a guest speaker on the Joe Rogan podcast where she talked about mental health and addiction. After listening to the episode I was inspired to read her book. Her book sheds light on the power of dopamine.

For those of you who don't know, dopamine is a neurotransmitter in your brain. When you overstimulate dopamine, you experience a dopamine crash. In her book, she talks about how our lifestyles contribute to a lot of mental health issues and advocates that people do a dopamine detox.

3. The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity – And Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race, Daniel Z. Lieberman & Michael Long

This book changed my life.

At the time, I was addicted to achieving more, which is caused by dopamine. The authors describe how our society has grown from a desire for more dopamine. They also talk about how dopamine deficiencies can lead to mental health issues and addictions.

This book shifted my values in life. Over the last few years, I've been spending less time focused on achievement and more time focusing on the here and now. As a result, I've been able to rebalance the molecules in my brain and feel happier and more fulfilled.

4. Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions, Russell Brand

For those of you who don't know, Russell Brand is a famous comedian and actor. He has publically expressed his struggles with addictions to drugs, alcohol, sex, and pornography. In his book, he shares his story of addiction and introduces the 12 steps that are used in Alcoholic Anonymous.

More importantly, he offers advice and wisdom from his experiences as an addict. Through his writing, he encourages people to identify the pain that their addictions are masking.

5. Your Brain on Porn: Internet Pornography and the Emerging Science of Addiction, Gary Wilson

When I was a teenager I was addicted to pornography. I never thought there was anything wrong with it. Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of how it was affecting my brain.

This book shed light on that. It talks about how pornography overstimulates dopamine, objectifies the opposite sex, and inevitably ruins relationships.

RELATIONSHIPS

1. The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts, Dr. Gary Chapman

In his book, Gary Chapman shares that there are 5 Love Languages or 5 ways that we can communicate love to someone – words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, physical touch.

If you want to get your needs met in a relationship you must know what your love language is and communicate it to your partner. Equally so, you must know what your partner's love language is.

A lot of people make the mistake of assuming that their partner has the same love language as them. Thus, many of the challenges that couples face stem from not acknowledging one another's needs.

This book has a quiz that helps you determine what your love language is and provides some great advice on how you can show up for your partner's love language.

2. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert, John Gottman

Dr. John Gottman is a professor of psychology at the University of Washington. He specializes in studying the habits of married couples. In this book, he shares the behaviors and skills that help couples create healthy and long-lasting relationships.

You don't have to be married to receive value from this book. It's a great guidebook for anyone who wants to embody the qualities that help make a relationship successful.

3. Cupid's Poisoned Arrow: From Habit to Harmony in Sexual Relationships, Marnia Robinson

This book shares a different approach to love-making with your partner. When you have an orgasm, you experience a dopamine crash. It takes two weeks for your brain to normalize and achieve a state of equilibrium.

Having orgasms consistently can negatively impact your relationship. It can make you feel more irritable and less connected to your partner. This book touches on tantric sex and teaches you how to create more passion and intimacy in your relationship.

4. The Way of the Superior Man, David Deida

This book is designed for men, but women can read it as well if they want to understand men on a deeper level. In his book, David Deida touches on a lot of important issues that men face.

This work has helped build the men's group movement. Each chapter of this book is filled with so many pieces of wisdom that offer practical tips on how men can live more authentically.

FINANCES

1. Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!, Robert Kiyosaki

In this book, Robert Kiyosaki shares a story about his Rich Dad and his Poor Dad. His Poor Dad, who was his biological father, had a belief system that was similar to the rest of society – go to school, get a good education, work until you're 65 years old, and then retire.

Conversely, his Rich Dad instilled within him the belief that he should start a business of his own as a way to create financial abundance. In the book, Robert talks about the difference between an asset and a liability and explores how you can use money as a tool for creating wealth, among other things.

2. Money: Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom, Tony Robbins

This book is based on Tony's extensive research and 1-on-1 interviews with 50 of the world's greatest financial experts, some of which include Ray Dalio, Carl Icahn, Warren Buffett, and Sir John Tempelton.

This book influenced my investing mindset and strategy. If you don't want to read the whole book, Tony has a shorter version called Unshakeable.

3. The Millionaire Fastlane: Crack the Code to Wealth and Live Rich for a Lifetime, MJ DeMarco

In this book, MJ criticizes the get rich slow mentality for creating wealth which preaches the importance of going to school, getting a good job, and saving for retirement. Instead, he teaches an alternative road to create wealth that will help you become a millionaire, faster.

I attribute a lot of the success that I've had in my business to the teachings I've learned inside of this book.

4. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth, T. Harv Eker

This book talks about the inner game of wealth and helps you understand what your money blueprint is. Harv believes that each of us possesses an internal money script that determines how we relate to money.

Your blueprint is based on the people with whom you surround yourself and the experiences that you have in life. In his book, Harv outlines 17 ways that the money mindset of rich people differs from that of poor people.

BUSINESS

1. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It, Michael Gerber

A lot of people decide to become entrepreneurs because they like doing something and want to make money from it. However, just because you like something doesn't mean you'll succeed in the business world.

This book talks about the value of working ON your business instead of IN your business. Michael shares some of the most common challenges that business owners face, and his strategies for how to create a successful business.

2. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich, Tim Ferriss

This book shifted my entire perspective on work and business. Tim Ferriss' book taught me that it is possible to escape the rat race and create life on my terms. I learned that I didn't have to work 40 hours a week and postpone living until I retired at the age of 65.

Instead, I could systematize, automate, and outsource my business so that I could live large NOW and create financial freedom. This book taught me that I have the power to create the life of my wildest dreams, which is what I have gone on to accomplish.

3. Principles: Life and Work, Ray Dalio

Ray is a billionaire investor who founded one of the world's largest hedge fund companies.

In this book, he shares the guiding principles that have contributed to his massive success. He walks you through a 5-step process for achieving your goals and dreams in life.

4. Sam Walton: Made in America, Sam Walton

This is the autobiography of Sam Walton, who is considered to be one of the greatest entrepreneurs in the retail industry.

Sam came from humble beginnings. He went on to build the empire, Walmart, which is now one of the largest retail stores in the world. In this book, he shares his rags to riches story and his principles for running a successful business.

MARKETING

1. Influence: Science and Practice, Robert Cialdini

This book talks about what influences us as human beings. In particular, Robert talks about the factors that lead someone to say “yes.” This is extremely important when we talk about the world of marketing.

Robert talks about the psychological principles that guide human behavior, which include social proof, scarcity, liking, authority, and reciprocation. If you're interested in marketing, mastering these principles will contribute to your success.

2. Getting Everything You Can Out of All You've Got, Jay Abraham

Jay Abraham is one of the best marketers in the world. He works with some of the largest companies in the U.S.

Using examples from his own experience, Jay talks about a lot of amazing marketing principles in this book. He explains how to you can find and create new business opportunities using his success principles. If you have an online business, this is a must-read book.

3. Traffic Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Filling Your Websites and Funnels with Your Dream Customers, Russell Brunson

Russell is a digital marketing expert and the co-founder of ClickFunnels. In the world of business, attention is the most important thing that you can have online. If you don't have people's attention, you can't sell your products.

In this book, Russell shares 20 of his best-kept secrets about how to market and get traffic to your product.

4. Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen, Donald Miller

This book will help you identify the story of your brand and why people need to connect with your story.

Donald gives strategies for how to communicate your story effectively so that you can attract people and build a raving fan culture.

SPIRITUALITY

1. A New Earth: Awakening Your Life's Purpose, Eckhart Tolle

This is one of the most life-changing books I've ever read.

In this book, Eckhart talks about the importance of living in the present moment. He guides you through a process of how you can awaken to a new state of consciousness, one that will bring you lasting fulfillment and happiness.

2. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself, Michael Singer

Michael Singer was a very successful entrepreneur, multi-millionaire, and CEO of a billion-dollar public company. After experiencing a spiritual awakening, he stepped away from all of his success to pursue a spiritual practice.

In his book, he teaches people how to surrender and let go so that they can remove the negative blocks that reside inside of them. He has a great course that I recommend called Living From A Place of Surrender.

3. Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior, David R. Hawkins

In his book, David Hawkins talks about the connection between consciousness and human behavior. He introduces what he calls “the map of consciousness.” Every human being can measure their consciousness on a scale from 1 to 1,000.

Anything between 700-1,000 is considered to be enlightenment. Less than 200 is considered to be “force” which is equated with suffering. When you raise your consciousness beyond 200, you set yourself on the path to experiencing fulfillment in life. I've noticed that my consciousness has expanded just from reading this book, before putting anything into practice.

4. Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender, David R. Hawkins

In this book, David talks about how to free yourself from negativity and let go of the inner blocks that are preventing you from experiencing happiness, joy, success, and ultimately, enlightenment.

5. Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives, Dan Millman

This book is about a boy who goes to college with the hopes of becoming an Olympic athlete. He has everything going for him, but something is still missing. In effect, he is struggling with his mortality.

He meets a man named Socrates who challenges him and teaches him how to become a peaceful warrior – to live in the present moment. This book will make you question your beliefs about success and happiness.

More importantly, it will help you connect to the peaceful warrior inside of you, reminding you that everything in life is unfolding exactly as it should.

CHRISTIANITY

1. The Bible

Being a Christian is a huge part of my identity and my life. My relationship with God is the most important relationship that I have. It is the foundation for everything that I do and experience in life.

There is so much wisdom in the Bible. If you're a Christian, it's the ultimate source of authority that is worth prioritizing. I do a Bible study ritual a few days a week which helps me stay connected to my faith.

2. The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Rick Warren

This book helps you identify your purpose in life and how you can start living with a sense of purpose. Once you know God's plan for you, you can start focusing your energy on what matters most for you.

3. The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus, Lee Strobel

I originally watched the movie The Case for Christ, which poses a compelling case for the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection. If you want to go deeper with this topic, I recommend reading Lee Strobel's book.

Lee was a former Atheist whose wife decided to convert to Christianity. As a journalist, he was concerned so he sought to prove why God did not exist. Through his research, the evidence provided otherwise. Inevitably, this knowledge led him to convert to Christianity as well.

4. Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence, Sarah Young

This is a book that you read daily. Each chapter is a passage and a prayer that helps you connect to the words of God.

If you're a Christian and you have the desire to strengthen your faith, this book is a must-read.

These are 42 life changing books for mastering every area of your life.

Over the last 17 years, these are the best books that I've read. They have shaped my thinking and changed my interpretation of the meaning of life.

If personal growth is one of your goals right now, I highly recommend that you dive into one of these books that resonate most with your current stage of life. Happy reading!