10 Year Reading List

Reading hasn’t really been a hobby of mine, but only because I never really done any research on books in my free time. But now that I did so, there’s a good chance I will follow through the list I created. My list transitions from the first few books about time management and habits (because I procrastinate a lot) to works about purpose in life and future possibilities. The list is supposed to represent a timeline as I transition into adulthood, but the list might easily change since it’s difficult to know what my interests are 5-10 years in the future. Anyway, here it is:

2025 - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

I’ve heard of this book before, and my mom recommended me this book several times already, but it never really interested me - until now. Covey’s seven habits listed in his book help empower individuals to take control of their lives, which I think will be really helpful as I live more independently in college.

2026 - Atomic Habits by James Clear

This is another book about building not just habits, but atomic habits. The book delves into the power of small but consistent improvements to achieve more significant results over time. In college, I have a long journey ahead of me, so it is important I set a good foundation at the very start.

2027 - So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport

Ever heard of the statement “following your dreams”? So Good They Can’t Ignore You challenges this by arguing that pursuing skills and expertise rather than primarily following your passion, is the key to a fulfilling and successful career. I feel like this book would help me look at the world in a new perspective, because I sometimes forget that my passions aren’t everything.

2028 - Quiet by Susan Cain

Quiet by Susan Cain explores the life and mindset of introverted individuals such as deep thinking, focus, creativity, and much more. I feel like this book could help me offer insight about shaping my life in college around these qualities, considering that I am more on the introverted side.

2029 - Range by David Epstein

This book revolves around the lives of generalists, where Epstein argues that they are often better suited to excel in complex and unpredictable environments. He examines the lives of the world’s most successful athletes, artists, musicians and much more. I feel I could learn a lot from this book as I try and settle into the world as an adult.

2030 - The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss 

The 4-Hour Workweek offers a “lifestyle design” that challenges traditional work-life norms. A step-by-step process is detailed that prioritizes mobility and time while still achieving professional success. I feel this book could be very useful for me when I try and look for internships or jobs later on.

2031 - The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama

I really enjoyed Siddhartha by Herman Hesse so I believe I would also really enjoy this book. Similarly, The Art of Happiness explores the concept of cultivating inner peace and true happiness from within, rather than through external sources such as material possessions. 

2032 - The Second Mountain by David Brooks

This book officially marks the transition from a life focused on personal ambition and achievement (the “first mountain”) to one of finding meaning and joy through commitments like family and tradition (the “second mountain”). I feel like at this point in my life, there will be an important transition of translating everything I learned into something beneficial or helpful to the world.

2033 - The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek

The Infinite Game introduces an idea of an “Infinite Mindset”, where long-term value and purpose is prioritized over short-term goals. Contrasts are used comparing the “infinite mindset” with other mindsets often seen in traditional business and leadership. I feel like it is important to think about what I would like to do in the long-term when I am an adult, so I can introduce a sense of balance in my life.

2034 - Thinking in Systems by Donella H. Meadows

And lastly, Thinking in Systems explains how we can use “systems-thinking” to understand how things work, identify root problem causes, and make better decisions. I feel like this book would be a great closer to my 10-year reading list because not only does it help me with personal ambitions, but also crucial life-skills I will need as an adult.

That’s pretty much it! Like I said, this list could change if I get recommended another book. I’m excited to start and see what the books are like past their summaries!