Refocusing: Getting back to basics

Written by Corey L. Stokes

When I started blogging, I wanted to document a journey of self-discovery, growth, and progression. However, I realized that I began to focus more on business development and lost sight of my mission and goal. Although I will still post some helpful financial tips occasionally, I feel I need to recommit to my mission to live a life of purpose driven by a commitment to personal growth and making a difference in the world. I need to refocus and get back to basics. So, jumping into 2025 with a mindset of taking action, here is what is on my reading list this year. I feel these books provide valuable insights, strategies, and inspiration to help empower me to reach my goals.

If you are looking for a book recommendation, maybe you’ll find something on this list to help inspire, encourage, and empower you to move the needle toward achieving your goals and make this year better than last year.

Corey’s 2025 reading list

Personal Growth & Development

1. Educated by Tara Westover: This memoir of a young woman who grew up in a survivalist family and taught herself to read is a powerful story of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. It aligns perfectly with my commitment to personal growth and overcoming challenges.

2. The Courage to Be Happy/The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi: Aligns with my commitment to personal growth and emotional intelligence, exploring concepts like self-acceptance and social connectedness.

3. How to Own Your Own Mind by Napoleon Hill: This classic will help me master my thoughts and develop a growth mindset, which is crucial for achieving my goals.

4. Quitting: A Life Strategy by Julia Keller, PhD: Recognizes the importance of strategic decision-making, including knowing when to pivot and pursue new opportunities, a key aspect of personal and professional development.

5. The One-Life Solution: Reclaim Your Personal Life While Achieving Greater Professional Success by Dr. Henry Cloud: Supports my goal of achieving a healthy work-life balance and prioritizing both my professional and personal aspirations.

6. Addicted to Average by Ricardo L. Harris: Motivates me to break free from mediocrity and strive for excellence in all areas of my life, aligning with my commitment to continuous improvement.

7. Cry Like a Man: Fighting for Freedom from Emotional Incarceration by Jason Wilson: Promotes emotional intelligence and self-awareness, essential for building strong relationships and navigating life’s challenges.

8. Tools of Titans by Tim Ferris: Provides valuable insights and strategies from successful individuals, inspiring me to push my boundaries and achieve my full potential.

9. Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferris: Similar to “Tools of Titans,” this book offers valuable wisdom and advice from diverse mentors, fostering continuous learning and personal growth.

10. The Gift of Failure by Dan Bongino: This book reminds us that setbacks are not stumbling blocks but stepping stones to growth. It aligns perfectly with my commitment to resilience and learning from successes and failures.

11. Chop Wood, Carry Water: How to Fall in Love with the Process of Becoming Great by Joshua Medcalf: This book emphasizes the importance of consistent effort and embracing the journey, not just the destination. It resonates deeply with my focus on continuous improvement and cultivating a growth mindset.

12. Medal Monday: My Quest to Run Marathons in 50 States in 50 Weeks 5 Years After Being Shot 5 Times by Aaron Burros (BMR Member): This inspiring story of perseverance and overcoming adversity will fuel my determination to push my limits and achieve ambitious goals.

13. The One-Life Solution: Reclaim Your Personal Life While Achieving Greater Professional Success by Dr. Henry Cloud: This book will guide me in finding a healthy balance between my professional and personal life, ensuring I prioritize both my career aspirations and my well-being.

14. Addicted to Average by Ricardo L. Harris: This book will serve as a powerful reminder to break free from mediocrity and strive for excellence in all areas of my life.

Leadership & Inspiration

15. Discover Wes Moore by Gov Wes Moore: Explores themes of leadership, resilience, and social impact, aligning with my desire to make a positive impact on the world.

16. United by Corey Booker: Provides insights into leadership, public service, and social change, inspiring me to actively engage in my community and contribute to something larger than myself.

17. Across That Bridge by John Lewis: Shares the wisdom and experiences of a civil rights icon, fostering a deeper understanding of leadership, courage, and social justice.

18. Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger: Emphasizes the importance of contributing to society and positively impacting, aligning with my desire to live a meaningful and purposeful life.

19. The Unspoken Truths for Career Success: Navigating Pay, Promotions, and Power at Work by Tessa White: This book will equip me with the knowledge and strategies I need to navigate the complexities of the professional world and achieve my career goals.”

Business & Entrepreneurship

20. Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO: 50 indispensable tips to help you stay afloat, bounce back, and get ahead at work1 by Beverly E. Jones: Provides practical advice for navigating the professional world and achieving success in my career.

21. The Unspoken Truths for Career Success: Navigating Pay, Promotions, and Power at Work by Tessa White: Provides valuable insights into navigating the complexities of the professional world and achieving my career goals.

22. Trust Your Hustle by Anthony Trucks: Offers insights into entrepreneurship and building a successful business, inspiring me to explore potential entrepreneurial ventures.

23. Your First Million by Alan Hamilton: Provides strategies for achieving financial success, which is an important aspect of personal and professional growth.

24. Get the Hell Out of Debt by Erin Skye Kelly: Focuses on achieving financial freedom, a crucial foundation for personal and professional success.

25. Anti-Debt by Kevin Wagonfoot: Provides strategies for managing debt effectively, a critical component of financial well-being.

26. Why Should White Guys Have All the Wealth by Cedric Nash: Explores economic inequality, fostering awareness and potentially inspiring me to contribute to solutions for economic justice.

Personal Enrichment

27. Checklist Manifesto By Atul Gawande: Focuses on the importance of systems and processes for improving performance and reducing errors, applicable to both personal and professional life.

28. 10-10-10: A Life-Transforming Idea by Suzy Welch: Provides a valuable decision-making framework that can be applied to various aspects of life.

29. Building a Non-Anxious Life by John Delony: Focuses on reducing anxiety and cultivating a more peaceful mind, essential for overall well-being.

30. 5 Frames of Mind by Howard Gardner: Explores different types of intelligence, broadening my understanding of myself and others.

For Entertainment & Relaxation

31. Harry Bosch Universe Books by Michael Connelly: A series of engaging crime novels for entertainment and relaxation. – I have 10 books left in the series to include (The Wrong Side of Goodbye, The Late Show, Two Kinds of Truth, Dark Scared Night, Night Fire, Fair Warning, The Dark Hours, Desert Star, Resurrection Walk, and The Waiting)

32. Slough House Series by Mick Herron: Another series of entertaining crime novels. I’m just starting this series; I finished Slow Horses in 2024 and am interested to see where this goes. (the following titles are on my list:  Dead Lions, The List, Real Tigers, Spook Street, and London Rules)

33. Sooley by John Grisham: A suspense novel for enjoyable entertainment.

34. Circe by Madeline Miller: A historical fiction novel for intellectual and literary enjoyment.

35. Dirty Deeds 2: An Urban Fantasy Collection by Faith Hunter: A collection of fantasy stories for entertainment and escapism.

36. Paper Wife by Laila Ibrahim: A work of fiction that can offer new perspectives and broaden my horizons.

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