Men's Resource
Recommended Reading

In 12 Rules for Life, Peterson dives head first into the deep thoughts and actions of everyday life. Pulling from his own life experiences from childhood, as a student, psychologist, professor of psychology, husband, father, and more, he navigates through topics from posture to parenting and self-confidence to humility. Every aspect of life is dissected with the consistent tone being: how to unbiasedly evaluate your current standing and to push yourself forward from your static or regressing state. Most chapters start on the surface; thoughts and ideas you have seen, considered, and contemplated. But then, he unfolds each layer of thought to a depth you unknowingly existed, to an almost unbearable extent. Take your time with this one, much can be learned and applied!

It is no wonder this book has been such a success. From simple principles to the extensive research presented, James Clear lays out a practical and non-overwhelming approach to take control and manage change in your life. Whether eliminating bad habits or initiating and integrating good ones, the book provides examples and evidence for both and how minor changes can make a large impact over time.

In Cry Like a Man, Jason Wilson steps through moments in his life where better control or release of emotions could have helped him cope and process what he was feeling. How it could have changed his life for the better, sooner, but how social pressure pushed those emotions back inside. Every man can relate to this book.

While this is not a book about Christianity, Jason does discuss his faith in "The Most High" and how that turned him towards certain decisions and paths in his life.

One of the best personal motivation books, mainly because it is concise and to the point. The book is short, only 144 small pages with large print. However, this does not mean a lack of context, only a lack of fluff. 10 Key points supported by personal experience in the SEALs, doesn't get much better!

After ten years of not speaking to his father, Larry Elder recounts the day he walked through the doors of his father's diner to tell him off for good. What started as 'I'm going to give him a piece of my mind', morphed into honest discussion, understanding, and even laughter, ending eight hours later. His father didn't know the depth of destruction his words and actions had caused, but Larry didn't truly know the life and genuine nature of his father. From that day on, Larry felt true love for his father and would even tell him so every time they spoke. It's a story of forgiveness that has since inspired many others to initiate the same difficult conversation with their fathers. It's entertaining, inspiring, and a good read.

I recommend this book for one reason only: It is pure motivation. David Goggins proves that if your mind believes a goal is attainable, your body can be brutally forced to reach it. It is beyond incredible what this man has put and continually puts his body through and endures. My only hesitation in recommending this book is that it seems (opinion solely based on the only information I have, this book) all other aspects of life, family included, are placed as secondary priorities to the current fixated goal. That said, the book is meant to be about achieving, over-achieving, and utilizing your mind to its full capability, not family. To that point, it is beyond excellent. Goggins' life and accolades are incomprehensible to the average person, but they will absolutely get you off your ass.

Extreme Ownership takes wartime decision making and leadership principles and applies them to business. From that aspect, the book is excellent. But, in addition, if these principles were also applied to everyday life, i.e. taking complete and total ownership of our decisions and how they effect others, it has an even bigger impact. This book is great for every man who wants to be a good leader.

If you have ever seen or heard about Tim Tebow, there is a good chance it was not specifically related to sports. Maybe it was about him taking a knee and praying on the field or thanking God at the end of a game. Maybe it was even about him after being cut from the Jaguars, now on a plane to Afghanistan to assist refugees in their time of need. However or wherever you have heard his name, I can guarantee one thing, he was on mission. He is one of the most driven people I have heard of or read about and has been more consistent in his message than Bernie Sanders: "you were created in the image of God, by love, in love, and for love" (p.xvi). This book is exactly on mission for Tebow. Using personal stories and experiences, he encourages and motivates his readers to live a mission driven life to help others. It may not be at the level of change he is able to achieve, but change happens one person at a time. Great read for the person that wants to find or better develop their purpose and live a life more fullfilled.