August 2025 Edition
Books That Fueled My Fire, Reset My Mind, and Helped Me Keep Going
This month’s stack is all about focus, fire, reflection, and emotional honesty. Some of these books carried me through long clinical shifts and late-night studying when I wasn’t sure I had anything left in the tank. Others made me slow down and question how I show up in the world.
If you’re in the mood for a mental reset, a fresh kick of motivation, or something deeper to sit with — this list covers it.
1. Endure by Cameron Hanes
I’ll be honest — I had no idea what this book was really about when I started it, and I didn’t know much about Cam Hanes. I definitely didn’t expect to love a book that talks a lot about bow hunting — but it surprised me. It’s not just about hunting. It’s about pushing limits, building discipline, and choosing the hard thing on purpose. I listened to this during school and clinicals, and it gave me the mental boost I needed to keep going. Even if you’re not into endurance sports or outdoor grit, this book has so much heart, and Cam’s work ethic is seriously inspiring.
2. Never Finished by David Goggins
I listened to this during school, workouts, and some long, tough days — and it gave me exactly what I needed. Goggins isn’t for everyone — he drops the F-bomb like it’s punctuation — but if you can get past that, this book is fantastic. It’s not just about being athletic or physically tough. It’s about doing whatever it takes to become the best at your thing — whether that’s school, work, parenting, business, or simply showing up better in your everyday life. It’s raw, intense, and packed with motivation that doesn’t wear off after the last page.
3. Winning by Tim Grover
I’m not a big basketball fan, and I didn’t know much about Kobe or the other athletes Tim Grover trained — I was just looking for another book to keep me motivated. And this one delivered. It’s not really about sports — it’s about mindset, discipline, and the part of success no one talks about: the grit, the obsession, the sacrifice. Grover is intense, and he doesn’t sugarcoat anything. But if you’re in a season where you’re pushing yourself — or trying to find that next level — this book gets right to it. It reminded me that the hard road is the one worth walking.
4. Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
Ryan Holiday does such a great job of telling stories that stick. He pulls from history, philosophy, and real people you wouldn’t expect — and somehow turns it all into something totally relevant for right now. This book is about recognizing when ego is getting in your way, whether it’s pride, insecurity, or needing to prove something. It’s not preachy — it’s practical and honest. Rooted in Stoic philosophy, but super readable. If you’re working toward something big or trying to stay grounded while growing, this is one to keep close. It’s a reminder to keep your head down, do the work, and let the results speak.
And a new one is coming! Wisdom Takes Work. You can pre-order it here.
5. Surprised by Paradox by Jen Pollock Michel
This one took me a while to read — not because it’s hard, but because it’s so thoughtful. I kept finding myself rereading sections, sitting with the ideas, and then going back again before I could move on. Jen has a way of exploring faith and life that doesn’t rush to resolve everything — she holds space for mystery and tension in a really honest, comforting way. If you’re in a season of asking big questions or wanting something deeper than quick answers, this book will give you a lot to think about — and probably stay with you long after you finish.
6. Scattered Minsds by Dr. Gabor Maté
This book gave me a whole new understanding of how ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) shows up — especially in adults. Dr. Maté explores how early experiences, stress, and even trauma play into attention, focus, and how our nervous systems function day to day. It’s compassionate, eye-opening, and helped me rethink how we respond to distraction, overwhelm, and emotional regulation. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADD or just feel like your brain is always bouncing between tabs, this book offers depth, context, and a lot of clarity. One of those reads that makes you feel seen and understood.
7. Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer
This book was such a fun surprise. It’s part science, part memoir, part deep dive into how we learn and remember — and I found myself totally pulled in. I’m not someone who’s naturally great with memory tricks or flashy brain hacks, but the way Foer tells the story makes you want to try. He starts as a journalist covering a memory competition and ends up becoming a competitor himself, all while learning how memory actually works. It’s nerdy in the best way, but also really human — and it gave me a few simple techniques I still use today. If you’re curious about how your brain works and love a good underdog story, this one’s worth the read.
8. Build the Life You Want by Arthur C. Brooks & Oprah Winfrey
Honestly, I never really jumped on the Oprah bandwagon — but I do love Arthur Brooks. The way he thinks, the way he explains things, and the heart behind his work all resonate deeply with me. This book is all about building a meaningful, grounded life — not chasing constant happiness, but creating something steady and real, even in hard seasons. It’s full of science-backed insights and practical tools, but never feels preachy or overwhelming. If you’re looking to shift your mindset or just re-center your days with more intention, this one is a great place to start.
9. Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski
I wish I had found this book sooner. It’s not just another “take a bubble bath and you’ll feel better” kind of read — it’s backed by science, and it actually explains why we get stuck in cycles of exhaustion and overwhelm. As someone who tends to just keep pushing until I hit a wall, this book helped me understand how to complete the stress cycle, not just manage my time better. It gave me language for the burnout I didn’t always realize I was carrying — and practical tools to start recovering from it. If you’ve been carrying too much for too long, this one’s a must.
10. The River by Peter Heller
I didn’t expect to get so pulled into this one — but I couldn’t put it down. It’s quiet and beautifully written, but there’s a steady undercurrent of tension that keeps you hooked. Two college friends set out on a canoe trip, and what starts as a peaceful escape quickly turns into something far more intense and dangerous. It’s a story about friendship, survival, and the way nature can both ground us and test us. The writing is so vivid, I felt like I was right there on the water. If you want a fiction read with depth, heart, and just enough edge — this is a good one to end the summer with.
Want to Go Deeper?
If one of these books sparked something in you — maybe a craving to journal, plan, or take the next step — I’ve created a few guided tools to help:
- 7-Day Mindset Rest (free) – Start noticing the little things.
- Life Reinvention Planner & Workbook – Clarify what’s next and build a life that fits.
- Awaken Your Potential – Self-discovery in simple, powerful steps.
- Gratitude: A 90-Day Guided Journal – Anchor your days with intentional reflection.
Available as instant downloads or shipped to your door. Explore them here.