Sometimes we get lost in the software development/tech bubble and have to remember to take a step back from the computer screen and look at the bigger picture of life.

Don’t get me wrong, making a beautiful, well optimized, scalable, disruptive, innovative software that will leverage the market (did I use enough tech buzzwords here? 😁) is great but a person’s mental health and well-being are more important.

I try to read or listen to a few non-software development books every year. These books usually give me perspective about life. I may not agree with all the views in these books and that’s OK. I view reading these self-help books as a turkey dinner. I may like eating the drumsticks and thighs but dislike the wings. However, it does not mean it should hate the whole bird, I just take the part I like and move on.

These are my Top 3 non-software development books:

 The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson

 “Being wrong opens us up to the possibility of change. Being wrong brings the opportunity for growth.”

I guess the name of the book gave it away. If the crude language doesn’t bother you, you can learn a few things that will help you take charge of your life.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

This book will give a step by step process on how to implement good habits and eliminate the bad ones; creating great habits is essential in every area of your life.

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages by Leo Buscaglia

 “Every moment spent in unhappiness is a moment of happiness lost.”

This is by far the BEST book I’ve read this year. Ironically, it is the shortest. It is a must-read as it will take about 5-10 minutes to complete. It talks about the seasons of life and shows that we need to cherish every moment.

Kenny out! ✌🏽