Austin's Portfolio

🧠 Reading and Learning

4 min read

Reading and Learning: Leveling Up Your Mindset

I’ve always been passionate about reading and learning. To me, it’s like leveling up your mindset - gaining new perspectives, absorbing valuable lessons, and improving your approach to life.

I especially enjoy nonfiction, where I can dive into the minds of strong-willed, determined, and successful people.

Understanding how they view life and the principles that drive them helps me see common threads between achievers and gives me practical insights that can be applied to my own life.

Why I Read

  • Learning from Success:
    I love studying how successful people think and act. Whether it’s in business, self-improvement, or mindset, seeing how their principles overlap gives me guidance for shaping my own path.

  • Leveling Up:
    Each book I read feels like a step forward in building a better, more efficient version of myself. Whether it’s developing habits, understanding human nature, or learning new skills, reading helps me stay on track for personal growth.

  • Applying Knowledge:
    The best part about reading is using what I learn. I’m always looking for ways to apply concepts from books to real-world situations, from business strategies to personal development techniques.

My Reading Tools

  • Kindle + Obsidian:
    I rely on my Kindle to read, and I sync my highlights directly to Obsidian. This allows me to keep track of key takeaways and refer back to them anytime. It’s like having a personal library at my fingertips, with my highlights organized and accessible whenever I need them.

Favorite Books

Self-Improvement and Mindset:

  • The Magic of Thinking Big
    A classic on setting ambitious goals and thinking with a growth mindset.

  • Atomic Habits
    A powerful guide on how small, consistent changes can lead to big results.

  • Failing Forward
    A book on how to turn setbacks into learning opportunities and growth.

  • Your Next 5 Moves
    A strategic approach to thinking ahead in both business and life.

Business and Marketing:

  • $100 Startup
    Insights on how to start small businesses with little capital and maximize returns.

  • Dan Kennedy Books (multiple)
    A treasure trove of practical marketing and sales wisdom from one of the masters.

  • Steal Like an Artist
    A creative take on how to find inspiration and make it your own.

  • Essentialism
    Learning how to focus on what really matters and eliminate distractions.

  • $100M Offers
    A breakdown of how to craft offers that customers can’t refuse.

  • How to Win Friends and Influence People
    Timeless advice on building strong, meaningful relationships.

  • Cashvertising and Scientific Advertising
    Two powerful books on the psychology behind advertising and selling.

  • Adweek Copywriting Handbook
    A deep dive into the art of persuasive copywriting.

  • Wizard of Ads and Boron Letters
    Classic marketing insights and advertising strategies.

  • Ogilvy on Advertising
    Practical lessons on creating effective advertising from the legendary David Ogilvy.

  • The Copywriter’s Handbook
    A comprehensive guide to mastering the art of copywriting.

  • Ultimate Sales Machine
    A step-by-step guide to creating a streamlined and successful business.

  • Influence
    Understanding the psychology of persuasion and how to influence others ethically.

  • Eat That Frog
    Strategies for overcoming procrastination and focusing on your most important tasks.

Philosophy and Psychology:

  • Nietzsche
    Exploring his profound ideas on personal strength, power, and individuality.

  • Stoicism (Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus)
    Learning timeless lessons on resilience, mindfulness, and leading a virtuous life.

  • Carl Jung
    Delving into the human psyche and the power of self-awareness.

Fiction:

  • Stephen King (Short Stories)
    His short stories offer a perfect blend of suspense and psychological depth.

  • HP Lovecraft (Short Stories)
    Master of cosmic horror, his stories dive into the unknown and provoke deep thought.

Reading fuels my curiosity, sharpens my skills, and strengthens my mindset. It’s not just about gathering knowledge - it’s about applying it to become a better, more efficient version of myself. Whether through books on self-improvement, business, philosophy, or fiction, I’m always looking to expand my understanding of the world and how I can contribute to it.

Graph View