Dear reader,

As most people are the average of their 5 closest friends it’s important to keep your social and professional circle tight, so that you can continue advancing towards your goals in whatever field you choose, with the least amount of resistance possible. A common example is someone who tries to stop smoking but is unable to because all the friends they socialise with smoke. Now there’s nothing morally wrong with smoking (unless you subject other people or your children) to second hand smoke, and I have nothing against this at all on a personal level (even as a respiratory doctor). However, if you’re actively trying to stop smoking then hanging out with friends who vehemently parry this will be very counterproductive.

I appreciate that it is not always possible to find people who have the same interests as you, or the the same goals or aspirations. Thankfully, I attribute a significant number of good life choices I made when I was younger to reading or listening to advice from great people. For example, if you want your finances in order here are some good books that you might find useful:

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley

Smarter Investing by Tim Hale

You can get one of the above texts in free audiobook form (or two free audiobooks if you’re a prime member). These are people who have made it in the financial world and by listening to and reading their advice, you will in essence “surround” yourself with these great people. And by doing this enough you’ll be living the five closest friends analogy. Kiyosaki provides a strong foundation for your financial knowledge and ability to differentiate between assets and liabilities through engaging story telling. Stanley explains why most millionaires do not fit the typical image of a lottery winner and that why most of them lead so-called ordinary lifestyles. Hale elegantly deconstructs index investing in a straightforward manner and argues why passive investing is superior to the vast majority of active investing options. If you have time and are keen, I would highly encourage you try all three.

On the contrary, developing discipline and motivation might be more your thing, and if so then perhaps you might want to take a look at these texts:

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson

Grit by Angela Duckworth

Through an epic journey, Goggins takes you through the mental aptitude required to be a successful ultramarathon runner, a quality that you likely need to become successful in any endeavour. Olson describes the intriguing concept of marginal gains and that small incremental improvements will eventually lead to astonishing transformations over time. Duckworth is an excellent author who proposes why intelligence (IQ) can only get you so far in life, and that perhaps another quality namely grit, is essential for success – she even suggests ways that grit (as opposed to motivation alone) can be developed and cultivated.

All the above recommended texts are very readable and listenable. The advantage with audiobooks of course is that you can listen to them at your own leisure or whilst completing household chores, exercising, showering or commuting to your workplace. Remember that you can get any of the above texts in free audiobook format (or two free audiobooks if you’re a prime member).

Hopefully this helps and inspires you – good luck!

Rory