People who know me well know that I read… alot. I love diving into books on mindset, personal development, leadership, and faith – which is why I get asked all of the time what I’m currently reading.
Looking back on 2024, here are my highlight books for 2025…
Courage is Calling (Ryan Holiday)
There are so many times in life where we’re called to that place where we can take a risk despite uncertainty, or stay paralyzed in our fear. In Courage is Calling, Ryan Holiday explores the nature of courage, where it comes from, and practical ways to cultivate it in our daily lives. The best news in this book? Courage is a skill that can be nurtured and grown.
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10x Is Easier Than 2x (Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy)
Want to grow bigger, faster? Do more of the same, working harder for 2x results, or make the kind of shift that will lead you to your version of 10x. Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy reveal how exponential growth requires a shift in mindset and approach, and why aiming for 10x growth forces innovation, clarity, and focus, while 2x goals often result in overwhelm. In one word: Gamechanger.
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The E-Myth Revisited (Michael E. Gerber)
Sound familiar? Most small businesses fail because their owners work in their businesses, not on them. In The E-Myth Revisited, Michael Gerber debunks common entrepreneurial myths and outlines how to create systems-driven businesses that thrive independently of the founder. Think about that for a moment – this book represents the opportunity to create a business that works without you.
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The Creative Act: A Way of Being (Rick Rubin)
Metallica, RUN-DMC, Johnny Cash, Adele, Aerosmith, The Beastie Boys… Having produced records for artists like these, Rick Rubin knows a thing or two about creativity. In The Creative Act, he offers insights into the nature of creativity, emphasizing mindfulness, authenticity, and embracing imperfection. Rubin shares his philosophy on unlocking creative potential in everyone, and inspires readers to tap into their unique creative flow.
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River of Doubt (Candice Millard)
The untamed Amazon tested Theodore Roosevelt’s resolve, pushing him to his physical and mental limits. The River of Doubt delivers a gripping narrative that follows Roosevelt’s exploration of an uncharted river in South America, revealing the perils of the jungle, the resilience of his team, and the indomitable human spirit.
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Walking With God (John Eldredge)
Life is a journey of faith, and in Walking With God, John Eldredge offers a deeply personal exploration of what it means to live in close communion with God. The book chronicles Eldredge’s experiences of listening to God’s voice, seeking guidance in prayer, and finding purpose through faith with practical tools for deepening spiritual connection.
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The Art of Impossible (Steven Kotler)
What seems impossible is often just a matter of pushing boundaries. In The Art of Impossible, Steven Kotler explores the science and psychology behind achieving extraordinary results. Kotler breaks down the formula for peak performance, blending motivation, learning, creativity, and flow with actionable advice for experiencing flow and achieving ambitious goals.
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Living Life Daily (John Gamades)
I’m including this one as my own personal passion project. Designed to motivate and challenge you every day, this book offers 365 thought-provoking prompts that will push you to reflect, take action, and embrace meaningful change. Whether you’re striving to set clearer goals, build resilient habits, or cultivate a winning mindset, each daily entry is packed with wisdom and practical advice to help you take small steps toward big results.
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Never Finished (David Goggins)
In this follow-up to Can’t Hurt Me, he challenges readers to push beyond their limits. Goggins shares personal stories of overcoming physical and mental barriers while offering practical advice for building resilience. The book is a call to action for readers to outwork excuses and step into the uncomfortable parts of life.
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Essentialism (Greg McKeown)
When everything is a priority, nothing is. So, how do we get locked in on what really matters? In Essentialism, Greg McKeown provides a guide for cutting out the noise to lead a more meaningful and productive life. He outlines a systematic approach to identifying priorities, saying no to distractions, and aligning efforts with purpose. The key? Intentional living.
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Intimacy With the Almighty (Charles Swindoll)
From the book description online, “Noise and words and frenzied, hectic schedules dull our senses, closing our ears to His still, small voice and making us numb to His touch.” That’s where I was before reading this book. Like many of the other books on this list, Intimacy With the Almighty forced me to slow down and reflect, taking a much-needed timeout from the hustle to spend some time with God.
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My Classics List
Think and Grow Rich (Napoleon Hill)
It’s a blueprint for turning thoughts into results. Success begins in the mind, where thoughts and beliefs shape reality. In Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill distills timeless principles of wealth and achievement drawn from studying the world’s most successful individuals. From how to develop a definite purpose, ways to harness the power of desire and persistence, and the use the mastermind principle to achieve success, this book continues to be a go-to.
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Extreme Ownership (Jocko Willink & Leif Babin)
Leadership begins with total accountability. In Extreme Ownership, Navy SEALs Jocko Willink and Leif Babin draw from their battlefield experiences to reveal principles that translate seamlessly to life and business. By embracing extreme ownership, decentralized command, and teamwork, they demonstrate how taking responsibility for everything in your world drives mission success.
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The Go-Giver (Bob Burg & John David Mann)
Success is not about how much you get but how much you give. In The Go-Giver, Bob Burg and John David Mann share a compelling parable about generosity and service as the keys to fulfillment. Through five transformative laws, this book inspires readers to build wealth, relationships, and impact by creating value and living with authenticity.
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Start With Why (Simon Sinek)
People don’t follow what you do—they follow why you do it. In Start With Why, Simon Sinek unveils the power of purpose in inspiring action and building loyalty. By introducing the Golden Circle framework, Sinek explains how starting with “why” can transform leadership, drive innovation, and create a lasting impact in business and beyond.
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FISH! (Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, & John Christensen)
Work doesn’t have to be dull—it can be vibrant and energizing. In FISH!, John Christensen and his co-authors bring to life the lessons of Seattle’s Pike Place Fish Market, where employees transform their workplace with enthusiasm and playfulness. This book offers practical strategies to create a culture of engagement, accountability, and positivity, making work a place where everyone thrives.
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The Takeaway
Wisdom abounds, and it resides in the pages of books like the ones above. There are certainly great books that did not make this list. I’d love to hear from you… What’s the next great read I should get my hands on? Drop me a message at john@depthnotwidth.com with your suggestions for my 2025 reading list, and thank you for being part of the Depth Not Width community! – John
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