Reading is an invaluable asset that helps us shape our thoughts and actions. By reading, we can unlock our true potential at earth-shattering speeds.
When we allow ourselves to be immersed in new ideas and foreign concepts, we expose our minds to a new way of thinking. These new perspectives help us gain a competitive advantage over others - and the best part about it, is reading is virtually free! (other than our time of course 
)
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” - Dr. Seuss
So read more, grow your imagination and invest in your future. I guarantee you won't regret it.
On that note, here's my list of book recommendations:
- The Magic of Believing by Claude M. Bristol
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- One Small Step by Robert Maurer
- As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
- Mastery by George Burr
- Get Off Your But by Sean Stephenson
Love life,
Sean
P.S. Please leave some of your own recommendations in the comments! I'd so love to hear them.
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill was given to me at 18 as a gift. The chapter on Master Mind turned things around for me in the direction I wanted to go. Speaking only for myself, I need to read it again, and recreate that action. Thanks.
Hey there Sean, Good books, read the Alchemist, thank you. A good short story is " A Message to Garcia" by Elbert Hubbard. Right up your alley, and should be required reading for all burgeoning adults (of any age, Ha!) entering the fickle world of society and business. Chus my friend, Robert
Thanks Sean I have been trying to read a book now for over three months but get distracted constantly, I guess the key is to set aside the time each day and try and avoid been distracted.
Hi Sean... YES I agree with you " Get Off Your But by Sean Stephenson" is a GREAT and amazing book to ready... LOVE IT. Thank you for taking the time and sharing your knowledge and experiences through this book! You are a great inspiration! Love ya...
Sincerely yours
Leticia
♥Namaste♥
Hi Sean,
I agree that readers are leaders. I have always been a big reader-about a book a week. What I missed was people to discuss them with, so now I have a radio show http://SuccessBlueprintRadio.com where I talk to best selling authors and give them a forum for reaching more people. I truly believe that it's our responsibility to teach what we learn and pass on the knowledge we acquire to others.
Magic of Believing is my favorite classic, happy to see it on your list. Have you read Kevin Hall's "Aspire"? I'm helping him take it to the NY Times Best Seller list.
I'm a big fan of your videos, too.
Lynn Pierce
Hey Sean
Andy Andrews would have to be my all time favourite - his style of writing is easy but delivers a powerful message, he has a number of books starting with the Traveler's Gift, then Seven Decisions - one of his latest the Noticer I read in one day, simply could not put it down!
Health, Happiness and Abundance to all
Kaz Spence
nice to meet you,Sir ;if you see the Alvatar movie you can touch the level 6 Da Silva memory from rei ki type,it's good the control of our power,and have the deep memory for out of Emotion type,the control is most important for our live,and the control can save live of us,but if we out from the control we can meet the our teacher and create the line for every fenomene like Avatar,it's good control from DaSilva thank you have a nice day
Alfred North Whitehead once said "Western philosophy is just a series of footnotes to Plato" and Mortimer Adler added "Aristotle wrote all the footnotes". Read Plato and Aristotle. I have personally read all of Plato's works and I have started on Aristotle. These are the greatest thinkers of all time. If you can spend a few months reading their work, taking notes and thinking about it, you will have taken in within a few months what they spent their whole lives learning. By reading Plato and Aristotle you are not just reading into two great thinkers from a distant time and place; you would be reading into all of history, much of the present, and maybe even some of the future.
Hi Sean, thanks for your thoughts about reading. It needs a plug these days I agree. The most instructive and generally illuminating book I've read recently was Recovering from Co-Dependency by Laurie and Jonathon Weiss. I'm currently reading You Forever by T. Lobsang Rampa and it's a blast.
Hi Sean, thanks for your article about reading. The most instructive and generally illuminating book I've read recently was Recovering from Co-Dependency by Laurie and Jonathon Weiss. I'm currently reading You Forever by T. Lobsang Rampa.
Sean,
You inspire me! I love to read and just added your list of books to my got-to-read list.
A few books I really admire are Pure, Barefoot Doctor's Handbook for the Urban Warrior (both by Stephen Russell), Learning to Love Yourself by Gay Hendricks, and Out on a Limb by Shirley MacLaine.
Cheers!
Hi SEAN, I am so grateful to have come across your website...I think that we may have met before but I don't remember .. because I have a "disability" too, Its called a Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI for short.. I am also a motivational speaker and would be honored when you get in touch with me.. Why? because I know that we must meet to in order to combine our positive energies in to a larger one..
I want to thank Brian Johnson of Philosophers Notes http://www.philosophersnotes.com/no relation to me for the connection to you.
LOVE
FF
ps my website is http://www.iamfantasticfrank.com
The Headmistress at my school, over 60 years ago, regularly quoted 'without a love of books the richest man is poor'
The 6 Pillars of Self-Esteem!
Hi Sean, thank you for your thoughts on my beloved topic. I can't imagine my life without books. Not reading books in the 21st century for me would be living in a cave. You have to be knowledgeable, and your knowledge n is TV.The longer we live and the more we read the more interested we get in more and more stuff. My house house too, Sean, is full of books. I have books even in the kitchen on a special book-shelf. Books are my best friends.Some five years ago I made a big shift in my choice of books. As of today, they are "Matthew, Tell me about Heaven" by Matthew and Suzanne Ward. Three more books by the same authors. In my opinion every family- children and adults - would benefit by reading them.We have been taught about second coming of the Messiah, while in fact we ourselves are the Messiah we've been waiting for. So what's the message? The answer is clear and it is in those books. They are so interesting and the main thing is they are telling the big Truth. I could not do anything until I read each of the. They are a gift from Heaven for all of us living on the planet Earth today. With best wishes to each of you, dear readers, Diane.
+1
Hi Sean, I enjoyed listening to your message and note that the first book mentioned is The magic of Believing, a great book written many years ago. I am also on a reading program and have learnt a lot about myself and what it takes to be successful. I particularly like the books by Og Mandino and also What to Say When You Talk To Yourself by Shad Helmstetter. Thanks again.
Stieg Larson's new trilogy! good books if anyone's looking for fiction
I envy you lot that can read and store it in your memory. I'm dyslexic, short term memory being the problem. When I was a bo I had stacks of books which I would try to read and it really got me so frustrated.
Peace to you all and happy reading
John
Sean, cute to fit your own book into the list, is it availbale on amazon?
I was a compulsive reader from childhood on and now as a grandmother of 72 I have been taking my grandaughter on our adventures with each other to the library on rainy days (we live in the rainforest)
Now 4 years old everybody asks, how did she learn to express herself so well etc.
She totally knows the conept of the library and the librarians delight in her coming, since she comes asking for books she has herd of and asks where she can find them.
Of course we go hiking together, too.
I am therefore so delighted to hear this speach of yours, I soo agree with you, word for word.
Thanks
Olga
Hi, Sean!
Great post & video! Of course, my favorite Book is the Holy Bible, which is the LIVING Word of God and brings me peace as well as guidance on how to live life to the fullest--taking into account the spiritual realm. My husband comlains about the number of books I own, saying "You'll never read all of those!" He looked disgusted at me the other day when I'd been to a bookstore and bought 10 books for $10. Sometimes I may be reading 2 or 3 books at once, just at different times of the day. I dream of a large library with bookshelves that reach from floor to ceiling someday, with one of those ladders on rollers to climb up to reach the top shelves!
Dear Sean, I love to read too! I challenge you to read the Book of Mormon from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is a history of a people that Columbus found on this the American Continent when he landed here and he called them Indians. In the Book of Mormon they are called "Lamanites" and the book is there history and downfall as well as the light skinned people called "Nephites". I think you will find this book not only interesting but has many concepts that will be applicable to anyone's good life! This book is true and I so admire you and desire for you to read it! You can get a free copy and you may all ready have a copy from the missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can call: 888-537-2200. Just call this number and you will get a free copy.
I thank you for listening to me about something that can be a "pearl of great price" for you. Ocalla H Harper
thanks sean for your videos which helps me in my thinking in putting things into perspective, leading a balanced lifestyle of setting boundaries while at the same time being flexible, admitting to others what i am in denial about and leading a truly happy lifestyle. thank you very much. may you have many more spiritual and material possesions than what you have now because you deserve it.
Hi Sean, It’s nice to see you for a long time! (In real life in Calgary/2009) Your book is very good and I ‘m getting off my “But”s. I hope some day I can introduce my website to you. Now I recommend you very interesting book: Social Panoramas: Changing the Unconscious Landscape With NLP and Psychotherapy by Lucas Derks and you can find it here: https://secure.aidcvt.com/chp/SearchResult.asp?Ty...
Happy greetings from Finland and I hope you’ll tell me one day what did you get out of the book. I myself have learned to be a Social Panorama Consultant. Lucas gives amazing tools to work with people. Have a good time with the book and sunny summer! Aini
Sean, I just posted your article, "Readers are Leaders," on my blog: THE LEARNING CLINIC WORLDWIDE. I hope this is OK with you. Dated June 10, 2010 at: http://www.docmeek.com
SEAN
Interesting that you would mention, "As A Man Thinketh" by James Allen. I used to have that on audio tape and listened to it regularly, probably at least 50 times, read by Robert Young. Definitely a must!
I highly recommend anthing written by Mouni Sudhu, "Concentration / A Guide To Mental Mastery" is my favorite. I play a lot of Internet and live poker so I'm constantly studying poker materials. I get Sports Illustrated, National Geographic, three poker magazines and a couple more every month.
You can see I'm currently not reading any books. Sorry. I'm a workaholic, letter writer, article writer, book writer, book research reader, magazine reader, article reader and computer nerd. If I had to read a book it would be, of course, Concentration by Mouni Sadhu.
Thanks, I thinketh I will.
jim
Way to go, Sean! I love reading and have been reading all my life. Now all I have to do is get off my but . . .
)
Recently read THE GREAT LEAP by Gay Hendriks and THE OTHER BRAIN by Douglas Fields. Two completely different and great books. Love and Blessings, Doc Meek, June 10, 2010, Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA: http://www.docmeek.com
Dear Sean, It's so good to see you again.Reading has been my greatest hobby since my childhood.Book has been my sleeping pills as well.I cannot sleep without reading a book. I've read many books of many famous Author.Right now I'm reading "Man Are From Mars,Women Are From Venus. As soon as I finish reading it,I'm going to read all of these yours recommendation. Thank you Sean from bottom of my heart.You always has been very great .My sincere love and gratitude.
Hi Sean,
I strongly agree with you about reading. Where ever I go there is a book with me and never a dull moment.
It just create a bit of a 'problem' if you can call it a problem. I concentrate too much on the book and forget to reach to the people around me. Is that good or not so good?
How do I balance?
A good place to start self-help reading is:
Self Matters by Dr. Phil McGraw.
After finishing that, I began reading, The Self Matters Companion,
a workbook with exercises, by Dr. Phil McGraw. About halfway
through the exercises, WHAM! I got a ‘REAL’ look at myself.
I was astonished! My ego defense was cracked, I saw my phony life.
I saw that my written answers to the exercises were only wishful crap,
and nowhere near the truth. A lifetime of preference falsification lies
became apparent. Habitual cowering servitude, in praise of abusive
parental relationships, from day one; became manageable.
I was a well adjusted phony before reading, The Self Matters Companion.
Soon after my glimpse of reality, my father returned from his grave,
attempting to re-enforce my fears of him.
So, I told him to rape my mother; again.
Break the bones in her face again; and lie about it.
Tell the insurance company, and the children, it was an accident;
she fell, and hit her face on the dresser.
I tell him there's no easy fix for stupid, or for those sick fits of wrath.
Ignorance, was my bliss. Now, I see a below average frustrated chump,
with ‘STUPID’ written across my forehead, in invisible letters plainly visible
to all my exploiters.
“We are all struggling.”
Live, Learn, and $hare
Jay
Hi Sean,
Definitively "Get Off Your But by Sean Stephenson" is on my recommendation list, short, straight to the point and powerful stuff in there, I´ll also include:
Unlimited Power by Anthony Robbins
See You At The Top by Zig Ziglar
The Difference by Jean Chatzky
I couldn´t agree with you more, feeding our minds with brand new ideas through reading really allow us to see things in a different way.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Sean,
Great message and I couldn't agree more. One of the books I've read, several times, is "Leadership on the Line" by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky. This is a wonderful book about leadership and looking at situations from different perspectives.
Another book I recently read and enjoyed was "Living Your Life Lke There's No Tomorrow" by a gentleman named Larry L. Hite. This book isn't on the NYTimes bestseller list but when I picked it up I was amazed at the simple lessons Mr. Hite shares. The book is very inexpensive and very practical.
Take care,
Chris
HEY Sean!
GREAT book list! I have heard of most of them and have read none of them! I will add them to my personal list. THANKS!
There are so many, many great books, but the one I am reading now is Fantastic and SHORT
It really points out what is important in life.
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. I am sure you have read it. It was big a few years ago.
Take Care
Ann http://AnnGraphics.com (Yes, THAT is a shameless plug
I love to read almost as much as I love hiking, sailing and gardening. I usually read several books at a time. A few I'm working on at the moment: The Shadow Effect by:Chopra/Ford/Williamson, The Kingdom Within by: John A. Sanford, Just Listen by: Mark Goulston & Green Like God by: Jonathan Merritt. You've piqued my curiousity, I'd like
to try your book, Get Off Your But!
Hi Sean, thank you for your thoughts on my beloved topic. I can't imagine my life without books. Not reading books in the 21st century for me would be living in a cave. You have to be knowledgeable, and your knowledge can't be from TV.
Hi Sean, thank you for your thoughts on my beloved topic. I can't imagine my life without books. Not reading books in the 21st century for me would be living in a cave. You have to be knowledgeable, and your knowledge n is TV.
The longer we live and the more we read the more interested we get in more and more stuff. My house house too, Sean, is full of books. I have books even in the kitchen on a special book-shelf. Books are my best friends.
Some five years ago I made a big shift in my choice of books. As of today, they are "Matthew, Tell me about Heaven" by Matthew and Suzanne Ward. Three more books by the same authors. In my opinion every family- children and adults - would benefit by reading them.
We have been taught about second coming of the Messiah, while in fact we ourselves are the Messiah we've been waiting for. So what's the message? The answer is clear and it is in those books. They are so interesting and the main thing is they are telling the big Truth. I could not do anything until I read each of the. They are a gift from Heaven for all of us living on the planet Earth today. With best wishes to each of you, dear readers, Diane.
Hey Sean,
I loved your list of book recommendations. I enjoyed reading " The Four Agreements" too!!
I just finished reading " Travelling at the Speed of Love" by Sonia Choquette which was a real spiritual workbook and utterly insightful. Also " Ask and it is Given" Esther and Jerry Hicks which I refer to all the time to help me to keep myself centred on Joy and Happiness.
I agree 100%.
You rock my world, Sean.
Sean-
Good stuff !! I am wondering if by using "audio" books if I am cheating or if you feel the result is the same ? I find that for me an audio book reaches me just as well or sometimes better, plus I can have it going when at the gym or in the car. Do you think I am getting the same results ?
I am sure you are. Whatever fits you better. It's convenient, saves your time, fills your time with a good stuff.Plus you listen to great readers, often they are the authors. This is the 21st century, time flies like never before.
I personally do both but prefer reading with a pencil/pen. highlight thoughts I liked or copy them out and write my comments in my reading books notebook. Reading is the best time of my life. The longer I live the more I appreciate a wonderful world of reading. Keep on, Jay! Communicate with the smartest people of our Universe. In love and peace, Diane.
Jay,
We have multiple sense organs and each one of us use them differently and in varying degrees. What this goes on to say is that some are more inclined to learn from feedback from the eyes, some from the ears.
You can understand this by the fact that we have wine tasters/ tea tasters who have such an incredibly developed sense that they can give wonderous results. Same with people in the perfume industry!
So just dont worry! You are NOT cheating yourself !
Love and regards