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Summer vacation is the perfect time to rejuvenate, reflect and get inspired. If you have been following the blog for a long time, you will know that we are of the opinion that the first and most important thing we need to achieve our physical and/or intellectual goals is to have the right mindset. A good way to do this is to read authors of recognized success in this field. Today I want to talk to you about four books that have had a great impact on me and have helped me a lot in my personal growth and transformation to get closer to the person I would like to be. Each of these works offers unique insights and practical advice that can inspire profound change.
I start with the last one I read, “ You Can’t Hurt Me ” by David Goggins . In this book the author, a retired Navy SEAL, describes his own personal journey in which, through extreme hardship, he has been able to achieve tremendous feats, such as completing more than seventy ultra-marathons (often finishing in the top five). first runners) or get the Guinness record for doing 4,030 pull-ups in 17 hours.
The book has great teachings, and for me these are the three main ones:
- Most of the time, our limits are more mental than physical. If we are able to master our mind, we can achieve much more than we think.
- Achieving the things that are truly worthwhile, such as getting the physique we want to have, advancing in our jobs, or learning and mastering a new skill, can only be achieved through work, time, and discomfort. If we are not willing to put in the hours and effort, and we do not want to be uncomfortable at any time, we will not achieve it.
- honesty with ourselves will take us much further than complacency.
Secondly, “ The Greatest Salesman in the World ” by Og Mandino , gives us 10 keys through which we can improve in all areas of our lives . Ideas such as establishing good habits, taking advantage of and living in the present moment, controlling our emotions, a sense of humor or not procrastinating, are developed throughout a fantastic story with a surprising ending. I first read this book many years ago, during my undergraduate studies, and have reread it a few times since. You’re going to love it. Don’t miss it!
Thirdly, we have a book that you may have already read, “ Atomic Habits ” by James Clear (we talked about it in one of the first posts on this blog, a few years ago). In this book, the author shows us in a way that is as understandable as it is surprising, the enormous power we can find in continuous improvement, no matter how small it may be (but it has to be continuous). His mantra, “1% better every day” proves to be a very powerful source of change within the reach of anyone: if you improve 1% daily, in one year you will be more than 30 times better than you were at the beginning:
For me the book had several key lessons:
- Combine new habits with existing ones to automate new ones more quickly
- How to facilitate the introduction of new habits: make them visible, attractive, easy and satisfying
Finally, I would like to talk about one of the books that has had the greatest impact and transformation on me: Undefeated , by Marcos Vázquez . Marcos and his Revolutionary Fitness are a reference for us, for his knowledge, rigor and critical thinking, which in my opinion, make him one of the greatest and best disseminators in the Spanish language about physical and mental improvement. In this book, Marcos proposes a path of personal improvement and transformation that is based on three pillars:
- Health in the holistic sense, including physical fitness, mental health and emotional control
- Stoic philosophy applied to the present moment, as a pillar on which to build greater emotional resilience
- The science behind. All the changes proposed in the book are supported by abundant scientific evidence.
It is highly recommended to read this book with a piece of paper and a pen at hand, to remember and keep in mind the large number of concepts that you will find in it.
These four books will give you valuable teachings and advice on your path of personal growth and transformation. Whether you are trying to improve your physique, your mental strength, build new and good habits or simply be successful in your projects, each of them will be of great help to achieve it. Take advantage of the time this summer to learn and improve with the greatest!
Do you have other books that have inspired or motivated you to improve? Le tus know in the comments!