Sometimes we get lost in the software development/tech bubble and have to remember to take a step back from the computer screen and look at the bigger picture of life.

Don’t get me wrong, making a beautiful, well optimized, scalable, disruptive, innovative software that will leverage the market (did I use enough tech buzzwords here? 😁) is great but a person’s mental health and well-being are more important.

I try to read or listen to a few non-software development books every year. These books usually give me perspective about life. I may not agree with all the views in these books and that’s OK. I view reading these self-help books as a turkey dinner. I may like eating the drumsticks and thighs but dislike the wings. However, it does not mean it should hate the whole bird, I just take the part I like and move on.

These are my Top 3 non-software development books for 2019:

#3

Title: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
Author: Mark Manson
My favorite quote: “Being wrong opens us up to the possibility of change. Being wrong brings the opportunity for growth.”

I guess the name of the book gave it away. If the crude language doesn’t bother you, you can learn a few things that will help you take charge of your life.

#2

Title: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
Author: James Clear
My favorite quote: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

This book will give a step by step process on how to implement good habits and eliminate the bad ones; creating great habits is essential in every area of your life.

#1

Title: The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages
Author: Leo Buscaglia
My favorite quote: “Every moment spent in unhappiness is a moment of happiness lost.”

This is by far the BEST book I’ve read this year. Ironically, it is the shortest. It is a must-read as it will take about 5-10 minutes to complete. It talks about the seasons of life and shows that we need to cherish every moment.

Do you have any book suggestions for my 2020 reading list? Please let me know.

Kenny out!