The 2 books that changed me the most in 2020
2020 was quite the year huh. I’m planning on writing a reflection on 2020 (it’s here), but first I would like to share 2 books that influenced me the most in 2020.
The first one is The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson, you can read my review if you want, but it is a reminder to me that consistency is key. I’m currently interested in learning Python and algorithms, learning Japanese, and improving my writing, and I have some small tasks each day that will help me improve these points. It also gave insight of having a philosophy in life, which the next book did too. I recognized that I often am consistent for a couple of weeks, and then come to a halt when I don’t see something shiny already. The end-goal isn’t that important. If you keep going consistently, have some trust, and you will reach it nevertheless.
The second book is Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. My blog post already gives some insights in his life, but he inspires me to keep improving and pushing myself. Seeking comfort was like an automatic process to me. Oh I don’t like that, I don’t want to go to that party, well then I will find an alibi. Staying in my room gaming was life to me. Now I still game for fun and relaxation, but I keep in mind that I should be aware of overdoing it and only allow myself to game if I feel like I did enough that day.
Combining both books is where the real treasure is.
Combined they’re like a map and using them together, you get so much insight about the brain and how to reach happiness and your full potential. However, they might be a map, but there ain’t a red cross. You will learn the roads and the exciting tips of where to go and where not to go in life, but there is no end. You have to keep being consistent, keep getting out of that comfort zone, keep expanding the map, keep hitting the same roads, otherwise you could lose it all in no time. Routes will fade away, you will lose while stuck in the wildernis, wanting to stay in your cave of melancholy.
Sounds like a tough, but a worthwhile, purposeful and happy life.