The 5 Books That Helped Build A Better Me In 2024
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Hi, I’m Jason. If you are a midlife man in a leadership role, I’ve created The Prime Movement for you. It’s a community for those of us who believe in the power of progress - in leadership and in life. Dare to know. Dare to grow.
WHAT’S COMING UP:
As we approach the end of the year I’m going to be taking my own advice, and taking time off to decompress and spend quality time with my wife, family and friends. As the author David Robson tells us: “Social connection is one of the most important predictors of physical and mental health.” So I hope you’ll also be taking the opportunity to do something similar.
In the meantime, I wanted to go off-piste from the regular format. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to say, or more importantly, what would be of most value to you. So below you’ll find some personal recommendations that have helped me on my own journey this year. I hope you can take something from them as well.
Next week is a time to hit pause, to reflect on what’s been and prepare for what’s to come, so I’m currently wrapping up a collection of personal thoughts and insights that I’ll be sharing with you in the spirit of giving.
Until then, my best wishes to you and your loved ones.
5 BOOKS THAT HELPED BUILD A BETTER ME IN 2024
Oh no, I hear you cry, not another end-of-year ‘best books’ list, but I’ve gone down that route for 3 reasons:
This is the only list out there that has been specifically curated for midlife male leaders who want to strive for their prime. Men like you.
Science tells us the printed word is still the best format for retention and recall - based on that, if you read it in a book, there is therefore a greater chance of that information having a positive impact on you.
I truly want to build a community of likeminded men, so in keeping with that vision, I want to encourage you to not only invest in yourself by buying at least one of these books, I want you to consider buying at least one for a friend - there’s something powerful and tangible in the act of giving and books are the perfect format for this, especially if you take the time to write a personal note in there for the recipient - in the words of the legendary basketball coach John Wooden: “Little things make big things happen”.
OK, before we dive in, some context - while I read a lot, I also have a healthy skepticism about a lot of books out there. At one extreme you have the ‘humble brag’ ghost-written memoirs that seek to reinvent history while at the other you have the self-help books from grifters masquerading as life coaches.
So when I say these 5 books stood out to me because they offer practical wisdom for midlife leaders looking to optimize their performance and wellbeing, you know I’m speaking the truth:
Don’t be fooled by the title, this isn’t yet another meditation book trying to sell you serenity, but rather a pragmatic guide for busy leaders who know they need to build mental resilience but struggle to find the time. I bought this after seeing Burkeman speak in London earlier this year and in person as well as in words, what Burkeman does so well is cut through the clutter and offer a refreshingly honest take on what actually works.
In my opinion, this is the most important book of the year for understanding how your brain actually works in midlife. What I love about what Vignola does here is how she takes her cutting-edge knowledge of neuroscience and distills it into practical strategies to help you break negative cycles and achieve lasting change - she shows how it is literally possible to ‘rewire’ your brain. Just as importantly, she does this with such compassion and care - this isn’t a scientist lost in the world of academia, much like our own Dr Brendon, you can tell she really gives a sh*t about people and genuinely wants to help others.
Don't let the celebrity author fool you - this is a masterclass in authentic leadership and personal reinvention. The film star’s insights about navigating major life transitions and staying true to your values while evolving professionally struck a chord with me in a way I didn’t anticipate. In an era where film star memoirs are as disposable as a B-movie, this contains genuine wisdom and life lessons. One hell of a read.
This isn't just another nutrition book - it's a wake-up call backed by compelling science that has profound implications for how we choose to live as midlife men. I think this one hit me harder than most as nutrition is the area I’ve struggled with most historically. What helped me reframe my relationship with food was Van Tulleken's ability to show how it affects not just things like our weight and physical health, but also our brain function, energy levels and decision-making capabilities. His personal experiment with a high-UPF diet is essential reading (it’s worse than you think).
OK, so I’m cheating slightly with this one, as I’m still in the process of finishing it, but based on what I’ve read to date ‘The Laws of Connection’ undoubtedly deserves its place on the list. While the book isn’t aimed specifically at midlife men, we already know the shocking statistics about how many of us struggle with maintaining existing relationships or building new ones. Robson shares some eye-opening research-backed insights into how that’s even more damaging than we realised, but crucially he also shares evidence-based strategies to help us build or strengthen social connections. Essential reading.
THE 5 PODCASTS I LISTENED TO MOST THIS YEAR
Rich Roll - In his own words, Rich was an unhealthy corporate lawyer who decided to change his life at the age of 40 - fast-forward to now and the 57-year-old is an inspirational ultra-endurance athlete and wellness advocate. His podcast explores human potential across the spectrum of mental and physical health, so it’s not hard to understand why he’s essential listening for me.
The Prof G Show - Professor Scott Galloway is an entrepreneur, author and, in my humble opinion, one of the greatest thought leaders of our age. His show covers everything from business and politics through to life advice, but what I love about it is that his provocations are always so stimulating and encourage me to challenge some of my preconceptions.
Found My Fitness - Hosted by Dr Rhonda Patrick, a prominent scientist who has a real gift for turning complex topics into actionable advice. Expect knowledge bombs on nutrition, longevity and optimising your mental and physical health.
HubermanLab - I’ve sensed a bit of ‘hate on Huberman’ in the air this year, which is possibly inevitable given his current level of fame, but for me it’s as simple as the fact he continues to put out an unmatched breadth and depth of content aimed at helping you become a better human, with an A-star line-up of some of the best brains on the planet supporting him on his mission. As essential as ever IMO.
Coaching Revealed - OK, so admittedly I may be biased given I’m a member of The Institute of Coaching, who produce this podcast. But while I listen to my peers in a bid to constantly improve my craft, I also think there are life lessons in there that anyone listening can benefit from.
THE 5 INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS I LEARNED FROM MOST FROM THIS YEAR
@mogawdat - I heard Mo speak earlier this year on stress, and whether it’s in person or on the Gram, the former Chief Business Officer of Google X consistently conjures up words of wisdom that resonate deeply.
@drmarkhyman - The NYT Bestselling author and founder of the @ultrawellnesscenter always shares excellent advice on health and nutrition.
@biolayne - Layne Norton is a midlife man who holds a PhD in Nutritional Sciences and is a champion powerlifter who has set numerous world records. Educational and inspirational.
@robrea_ - Confession. In my ‘old life’ I was a cynic about breathwork. I credit Rob with changing my perspective on this. His posts are a wonderful mix of practical advice and compassionate thoughts.
@drbrendonstubbs - In a world of ‘bro science’ and fake fixes, TPM’s Chief Advisor’s science-backed advice is a signal in the noise.
I hope you find plenty of content there to educate and inspire you. I’ll be back next week to share some personal reflections and insights, but in the meantime, I have 2 asks:
Please invest in yourself and buy a book… and actually read it :)
Please buy a book as a gift for a midlife male friend.
Together we are stronger.
Jason
