As a copywriter, I spend my time crafting marketing content for businesses, but my true passion lies in writing for the sake of expression. Although it may seem contradictory coming from someone in my field, I feel uneasy about authors who write solely for profit. Books should hold a special significance; reducing them to mere "content" diminishes their artistic value. The authors I admire are those who invest their essence into their works, seeking profit as a secondary outcome of sharing their thoughts and creativity. Here are the eight books that have significantly influenced my journey.

# 8. The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson

In my early twenties, I stumbled upon this book, and it reshaped my understanding of success. Back then, I believed that highly successful individuals were inherently different. Olson's insights dismantled this misconception, showing me that anyone can cultivate success through consistent, seemingly insignificant actions. Although I might not gain much from this book now, after years of self-improvement reading, it was an excellent launching pad for me.

> “The truth is, what you do matters. What you do today matters. What you do every day matters. Successful people just do the things that seem to make no difference in the act of doing them and they do them over and over and over until the compound effect kicks in.” > — Jeff Olson

# 7. 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson

Ah, Jordan Peterson! His presence is ubiquitous across blogs and podcasts. My feelings about this book are mixed; it arrived in my life during a challenging business phase, prompting me to confront my issues. The first chapter, "Stand Up Straight With Your Shoulders Back," resonated deeply with me. However, upon revisiting it during a better period, I found it disheartening—almost comically so. Peterson's portrayal of life can feel overwhelmingly bleak, leading me to wonder if he intentionally emphasizes struggle to motivate readers to seek the joys of life. Despite my complicated feelings, this book left a substantial impact.

# 6. Awaken The Giant Within by Tony Robbins

At a low point in my 9-5 job, I discovered Tony Robbins on YouTube, and his insights opened my eyes to human psychology. I later read Awaken The Giant Within, which motivated me to elevate my standards and pursue my aspirations. Although some content feels outdated, the book was pivotal in my decision to leave behind unhealthy habits and embrace freelance copywriting.

> “Enjoy making decisions. You must know that in any moment a decision you make can change the course of your life forever...” > — Anthony Robbins

# 5. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

Life isn’t a fairytale; it's competitive. Greene's The 48 Laws of Power divides opinions—some view it as a guide for manipulation, while others see it as a protective manual. Regardless, it provides valuable insights into power dynamics. Greene’s anecdotes illustrate each law’s real-world application, which helped me reflect on my past experiences and approach new relationships with greater caution.

# 4. Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz

Years ago, I faced significant resistance in starting a freelance career and dating. Psycho-Cybernetics helped me confront deeply rooted negative beliefs that hindered my progress. Maltz, a cosmetic surgeon, observed how his patients' self-image influenced their happiness post-surgery. This book allowed me to break free from negative thought patterns that had restricted me for years.

> “A human being always acts and feels and performs in accordance with what he imagines to be true about himself and his environment…” > — Maxwell Maltz

# 3. The Thrive Programme by Rob Kelly

In 2018, I faced overwhelming anxiety while preparing for a solo trip across Europe. After a failed attempt to board my flight, I sought help from a hypnotist who recommended The Thrive Programme. Although I didn’t follow her advice immediately, I later read the book and found it transformative. It introduced me to the concept of "locus of control," shifting my perspective and enabling me to address my anxiety more effectively.

> “This anxiety is not happening TO me. I am creating this myself. I can calm myself down. I can do this.” > — Rob Kelly

# 2. The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida

Throughout my life, I've struggled to find joy in the present, particularly when working in unfulfilling jobs. Deida’s The Way of the Superior Man resonated with me, affirming that a man often feels unfulfilled until he identifies his purpose. The book’s spiritual and relational insights are unparalleled, and I wish I had encountered it sooner; it would have guided me in navigating relationships more effectively.

> “As long as life continues, the creative challenge is to tussle, play, and make love with the present moment while giving your unique gift.” > — David Deida

# 1. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius, the epitome of wisdom. I first encountered stoicism through a friend, leading me to buy Meditations. Initially, I struggled to engage with it, but during a particularly challenging week filled with anxiety and personal setbacks, I revisited it. The words resonated deeply, providing solace and clarity. Each reading has brought me a renewed sense of purpose and happiness, helping me prioritize what truly matters in life.

> “Remember how long you have been putting this off, how many times you have been given a period of grace by the gods and not used it...” > — Marcus Aurelius

I’ve read Meditations multiple times, and each experience has enriched my mental well-being and overall happiness. It stands as the most significant literary work I have ever encountered.

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