Nikki's Book Club - April Recap
- nikolettturai
- Aug 2, 2024
- 12 min read
Updated: Aug 3, 2024
This month's reading was a very insightful one. I made notes across several pages in my little book. Actually, I don't think I mentioned this before. While reading, I use a notebook to write down important information, interesting thoughts and motivational quotes. These not only help me to write up these blog posts but also fortify my learnings. I like to look through my notes, revisit topics to gain inspiration when my motivation lacks and I need more guidance.
Book No. 13 - The Almanack Of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson
If you are like me and had no clue what almanack meant when you first read it, after a quick Google search, you will find it is like a guide or journal. This is book contains the wisdom of a Silicon Valley icon on how to find your own path to wealth and happiness.
Personal Rating: 4/5
Opinion: The book provides the reader with great motivation on how to live a happier and more successful life. I felt the topics around wealth were a bit hard to understand but this is only due to my lack of knowledge in this area. I had to do further research on some of the terms just to get a better understanding.
How to Build Wealth
I wish there could be an easy, step-by-step guide to this but I am sorry I have to disappoint... It is not that straightforward. However, nothing is lost. According to Naval "making money is not a thing you do - it is a skill you learn". Anyone can be wealthy by learning the right skills such as how to sell and build, persuasion and some highly technical or creative skills. Arm yourself with specific knowledge. If you can't code, write books and blogs or record videos or podcasts. Study microeconomics, science, philosophy, game theory, psychology, ethics and mathematics & computing. Everyone is different so don't be afraid to be yourself. Be authentic in your endeavors and do not copy others. Naval's advice: "Be a maker who makes something interesting people want. Show your craft, practice your craft, and the right people will eventually find you."
“Getting rich is about knowing what to do, who to do it with, and when to do it.”
But what is wealth? Wealth is having assets that earn you money while you sleep. Like an online business where people have access to your products and services 24/7. You also need to know that this business can only be truly successful if it gives society what it wants but does not yet know how to get. And once it's done, you scale the business. You should also make sure you pick business partners with high intelligence, energy and integrity.
“Sharks eat well but live a life surrounded by sharks. “
Intentions don't matter. Actions do. Believe it or not, the following 3 decisions you make will determine your future: where you live, who you live with and what you do. When you have difficulty making a decision, if you have 2 similar options, go with the one causing short term pain (this will lead you to long term success). “If you are unsure or cannot decide, the answer is no”. Only say yes to something is you are certain.
Do something you love and something you are passionate about. And remember... “You don't get rich by spending your time to save money. You get rich by saving your time to make money”. Prioritise. Do things that take you closer to your goals.
Learning to Be Happy
A calm mind, a fit body, a house full of love. These things cannot be bought. They must be earned.
Happiness can be easily achieved. It is a state of mind and we have control over our mind. "Happiness, love and passion... aren't things you find - they are choices you make." The biggest mistake people make is thinking they will be happy because of some external circumstances. When I get that promotion, I will be happy. When I visit 5 countries a year, I will be happy. Bullshit! Desire is the contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want. Fewer desires for external things can lead to instant increase in happiness. In other words, happiness is being satisfied with what you have. The following tips might also help:
Lower your identity
Lower the chattering of your mind
Don't care about things that don't matter
Don't get involved in politics
Don't hang around unhappy people - Instead, hang around happy people
Value your time on Earth
Read philosophy
Meditate
Get more sunlight on your skin
Smile
Work out daily
Be less judgmental
Minimize use of your phone, calendar, alarm, email
Don't keep secrets
Learn to love to read
Happiness is a skill that you can learn. You also need to practice it daily in order to develop.
First you know it. Then you understand it. Then you can explain it, then you can feel it. Finally, you are it.
A Note on Health
The book provides some great advice on how to live a healthier life. Naval identifies different forms of health: physical, mental and spiritual. In life, you have three choices: change, accept or leave the situation. This is relevant to this topic too. "The greatest superpower is the ability to change yourself". Of course, there are some circumstances we cannot change such as our genetics or illnesses. However, we can still change how we react to these circumstances.
Easy choices, hard life. Hard choices, easy life.
Wisdom is understanding the long-term consequences of your actions and choices. To stay physically healthy, do a 20mins workout every day or a longer workout 3-4x a week. To be spiritually healthy, meditate. There are many forms of meditation; you don't need to sit quietly with your thoughts for an hour. You can go hiking, you can pray, journal or have a relaxing bath. Do anything that quiets your mind. Finally, your mental health... Your two most common enemies are lies and anger. "Before you can lie to another, you must first lie to yourself". Be honest. "Anger is a hot coal you hold in your hand while waiting to throw it at somebody". Let anger go, don't hold grudges. It will eat you away.
Book No. 14 - 100 Quotes That Will Change Your Life by Library Mindset
A collection of inspirational quotes from the greatest minds on Earth.
Personal Rating: 3/5
Opinion: A tiny book with 100 quotes - 10mins read. Great collection, however, I would have liked to see some explanation/interpretation alongside these quotes.
Here are my top 10 favorite quotes from the collection:
"Some people die at 25 and aren't buried until 75." - Benjamin Franklin
"Surround yourself with people who are going to lift you higher." - Oprah Winfrey
"It always seems impossible, until it's done." - Nelson Mandela
"We work jobs we hate, to buy things we don't need, to impress people we don't like." - Tyler Durden
"We suffer more in imagination than in reality." - Seneca
"One day you will wake up and there won't be any more time to do things you've always wanted. Do it now." - Paulo Coelho
"Win through your actions, never through argument." - Robert Greene
"Step out of your comfort zone and face your fears. Growth takes place when you are challenged, not when you are comfortable." - Vex King
"The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self." - Dalai Lama
"We're what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle
Book No. 15 - What Are You Doing With Your Life? by J. Krishnamurti
Another philosophical book about happiness and ways to live your life. Krishnamurti was an Indian philosopher, speaker, writer, and spiritual figure. I know there is another book on my reading list from him so he must be very influential.
Personal Rating: 3/5
Opinion: Great teachings, however, it is a bit too philosophical to my taste. I prefer more straightforward writing but this is just my preference.
In what manner should one live one's daily life? As though one were living for that single day for that single hour.
Joy vs. Enjoyment: Understanding Fulfilment
Krishnamurti makes a clear distinction between joy and enjoyment. He states, "Joy doesn't come from possessing things. Enjoyment does." This suggests that our pursuit of material possessions, often equated with happiness, only offers temporary enjoyment. True joy, however, arises from experiences and states of being that are not reliant on material wealth. Joy is intrinsic and stems from within, while enjoyment is extrinsic and linked to temporary pleasures. By understanding this distinction, we can redirect our pursuits towards more lasting and meaningful experiences that fulfil us on a deeper level.
How Past Experiences Shape Our Life
According to Krishnamurti, "Thought is the response of stored-up memory," highlighting how our thoughts are often shaped by past experiences. This concept leads to another profound assertion: "Thought is the origin of fear." Our minds use past experiences to predict future outcomes, creating a cycle of fear based on what might happen, rather than what is.
Our perceptions are often clouded by biases, past experiences, and influences, which hinder true understanding and connection with the world. Krishnamurti argues that "The most difficult thing is for the mind to be aware without any prejudice."
From Dissatisfaction to Happiness
You want to change because in your current life you are unhappy. You dislike something or there is a disturbance. This dissatisfaction is a powerful motivator but also a sign of deeper unrest. Krishnamurti notes, "We want joyful things because we can get lost in the feeling; we want to do this because everywhere else in life, we are in conflict or not happy, not satisfied." This pursuit of joyful experiences often serves as an escape from life's challenges, providing temporary relief from dissatisfaction. However, we should seek joy not enjoyment.
"The meaning of life is living." He suggests that life’s purpose is found in fully experiencing the present moment. Krishnamurti emphasizes the significance of mindfulness: "What is important is not what we are doing but whether we can give total attention to it." This focus on presence and attention is key to finding fulfilment in even the most mundane tasks.
“Anger takes many forms: disappointment, resentment, bitterness, jealousy, and so on.” Krishnamurti's statement highlights how these emotions are manifestations of unmet expectations. "Expectations cause pain & anger", he asserts, pointing to the importance of managing our anticipations and desires.
Krishnamurti suggests that "people who fear death have unfinished business; they are not yet fulfilled". This fear often stems from regrets or unresolved issues, highlighting the importance of living a complete and purposeful life.
Book No. 16 - Win Your Inner Battles by Darius Forux
This is the second book from Darius that I’m reading this year and I have to tell you I really like this guy’s writing. His books are short, provide an easy read while they are packed with wisdom and useful information and easy to follow guidelines. In this one, he says he will show you how to destroy fear and live your life with a sense of purpose.
Personal Rating: 4/5
Opinion: Amazing book, again easy to read with a lot of useful information about how to overcome fear. Great tips. I just wish he would have gone into even more detail on some of these topics.
Self-Awareness: The Key to Overcome Your Fears
Darius starts by quoting Waldo Emerson: "Fear defeats more people than any other thing in the world". That is scary. Imagine if the only person stops you from achieving your goals is actually you. That would be a shame. Darius suggests you need self-awareness to be able to control your fears. You can start by asking these questions from yourself? Write your answers down and reflect on them:
What are you good at?
What are you alright at (not the best but not the worst)?
What are you bad at?
What makes you tired?
What is the most important thing to you?
Who are the most important people in your life?
How much sleep do you need?
What stresses you out?
What relaxes you?
What does success look like to you?
What type of worker are you?
How do you want others to see you?
What makes you sad?
What makes you happy?
What makes you angry?
What type of person do you want to be?
What type of friend do you want to be?
What do you think of yourself?
What are your values?
What are you afraid of?
What are your fears?
Confidence and Competence
Fear is an uncomfortable situation. Something we think we cannot control. Somewhat this is correct. We cannot really control what happens to us. However, we can control how we respond to these situations. Therefore, we can control how we react to fear. If you don't like the situation you are in, you have a number of options. You can change the situation, you can just leave it how it is and accept it, or you can continue with your current state but if you decide on this one, you should really stop complaining about your discomfort. You are not the victim of your circumstances. Only if you decide to be so. It takes confidence to take action and change the situation you are in. To create confidence, you should learn new skills and competencies. Learn from your experiences and past mistakes.
"Nothing builds self-esteem and self-confidence like accomplishment". - Thomas Carlyle
The skills you need to develop are emotional intelligence, self-awareness and problem-solving. It also doesn't hurt if you have a thick skin. Don't avoid confrontation. Stand up for yourself but make sure you are respectful of others. Also, don't take things too personally. Sometimes you need to put things into perspective and ask yourself 'Does this really matter?'. And remember, you don't have to be liked by everyone.
How to Focus on the Most Important Things
Sometimes, we have our goals in mind but unsure how to get there. Start small. Break up big goals into smaller, manageable actions and write these down. Be precise, think big, set deadlines and create an action plan. Think about things you will probably have to sacrafice to make things happen. Stop wasting time; life is only short. Focus on your your goals but don't forget to enjoy the journey. To help you with focus and prioritizing, learn to say no. I know it sounds hard but you can try to find a legitimate excuse or postpone by saying 'let me get back to you on that'. However, a straightforward no is the best answer. Remember, you are who you spend time with. So if you want to grow in your professional life, stay around those who prioritize their professional development. If you want to get in shape, stay around those who prioritize their health, exercise and eat mindfully. But be careful. Do not compare yourself with others.
How to Be a Good Leader
Darius provides some points on how to be a great leader:
Inspire people
Make others feel good about themselves
Set a good example
Amplify positivity
Solve conflicts
Stand strong amidst crises
Radiate love
Become fully present
Commit to life-long learning
Take care of your body and mind
The Way to a Happy Life
Darius as others have some tips on how you can live a happier life. First of all, find your purpose. Who do you want to be? How do you want to get there? Make sure your motivators are intrinsic and not extrinsic. If you want to be happy, manage your thoughts and expectations. Give but do not expect anything in return. Otherwise, you can get disappointed. Manage your stress and anxiety to be able to think clearly. Live in the present moment and enjoy the moment. Stop feeding your ego. Expose yourself to different things - read all kinds of stuff, travel, hang out with different people.
Darius also collected 25 things people should know and do:
Struggle is good.
Don't complain.
Spend time with people you love.
Don't be in a relationship if you are not in love.
Exercise daily.
Keep a journal.
Be grateful.
Don't care about other people's opinion.
Take more risks.
Pick industry, not job.
Lead the way.
Money is not important.
Be nice.
Learn every day.
Rest before you get tired.
Don't judge.
Think about others.
Give without expecting anything.
There's no end game.
Enjoy small things.
Don't take yourself too seriously.
Don't blame people.
Create something.
Never look back too long.
Take action.
Finally, he also left a great reading list. I was happy to see that some of these books are also on my reading list for this year. I might tackle this list in 2025:
The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss
0 to 1 by Peter Thiel & Blake Masters
The Magic of Thinking Big by Dr David Schwartz
Purple Cow by Seth Godin
Contagious by Jonah Berger
On the Shortness of Life by Seneca
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
The Icarus Deception by Seth Godin
Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
Bigger, Leaner, Stronger by Michael Matthews
Spark by John Ratey
So here we are, at the end of our April Book Recap. I hope you learnt as much as I did and got inspired and motivated to do something for yourself and start doing things that will take you closer to where you want to be. Do you have a favorite book so far? Is there any you would recommend to me to read? Comment under the post or take it to socials and share it with me on Instagram by tagging @schooloffulfilment.
Love,
Nikki :)
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