The Books That Changed My Year: Wisdom, Balance & Big Ideas

The World Unfolding

Author

Jeff Rehmar
November 07, 2024

Hey there,

In this week’s edition of The World Unfolding, I’m sharing a few of the best nonfiction books I’ve read this year. My approach to reading is pretty simple: I usually start with Audible or Libby, and if a book really resonates, I buy a hard copy to keep for future reference. Here are four that made the cut, each packed with valuable insights.

Quick side note: Last month, I sent a cold email to Jason Fried, co-author of It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work, and he was kind enough to personally reply! Hearing back from someone who’s made such an impact on my approach to work and balance was surreal and a great reminder of the value in reaching out.

Self-Help / Philosophy | 242 pages | 4 hrs 7 mins on Audible | Published 2020

Naval Ravikant is known for his unconventional wisdom on wealth, happiness, and life’s biggest questions, and The Almanack of Naval Ravikant distills these ideas into a practical guide for living well. Curated by Eric Jorgenson, the book covers everything from wealth-building without luck to developing a calm, fulfilling life. Naval encourages readers to focus on “specific knowledge”—unique, deeply personal skills that can’t be easily replicated and are essential for true self-discovery and success.

Takeaways:

  • True wealth is about inner peace, not just money.

  • Focus on “specific knowledge” that’s hard for others to copy.

  • Happiness is a choice that takes practice, not an end goal.

Business / Entrepreneurship | 224 pages | 5 hrs 10 mins on Audible | Published 2022

In Never Enough, Andrew Wilkinson shares his journey as an entrepreneur, revealing the often-hidden costs of striving for “more.” Wilkinson, founder of MetaLab, offers a candid look at the struggles of business ownership, including stress, overcommitment, and the pressure to keep growing. He explains how he eventually learned to focus on “enough” rather than always pursuing the next big thing, realizing that peace of mind was worth more than constant expansion.

Takeaways:

  • Sometimes, success means knowing when to say “enough.”

  • Set boundaries to avoid burnout, even if it means turning down opportunities.

  • Balance ambition with happiness—constant growth isn’t the only path.

Memoir / Lifestyle | 354 pages | 9 hrs 32 mins on Audible | Published 2015

Helen Russell’s The Year of Living Danishly takes you on her journey of moving from hectic London to rural Denmark and immersing herself in Danish culture. Denmark consistently ranks as one of the world’s happiest countries, and Russell digs into the reasons why—from work-life balance and trust in society to Denmark’s obsession with hygge, the concept of cozy, contented living. Russell uses humor and honesty to explore what makes Danish life so fulfilling and how we can apply these insights anywhere.

Takeaways:

  • Work-life balance and trust are key components of happiness.

  • Embrace simplicity and prioritize personal time.

  • Hygge—finding contentment in cozy, simple pleasures—can be life-changing.

Business / Workplace Culture | 240 pages | 3 hrs 44 mins on Audible | Published 2018

Jason Fried, co-founder of Basecamp, argues against the glorification of “busy” in It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. Fried’s guide is filled with practical strategies to keep work environments calm and productive without the long hours and chaos we’re so often told are necessary. He emphasizes the importance of boundaries, encouraging a clear divide between work and personal life. For Fried, the secret to true productivity isn’t more hours but better-focused time, and this book lays out ways to achieve that balance.

Takeaways:

  • Productivity comes from focus, not longer hours.

  • Set boundaries to keep work from taking over life.

  • Success isn’t endless growth—it’s achieving quality over quantity.

🎉 Spread the Word & Unlock Exclusive Rewards!
If you’re enjoying The World Unfolding, why not share it? When you refer 3 friends, you’ll get early access to next week’s edition—a little sneak peek as a thank-you for spreading the word. And for 5 referrals, I’ll send over an exclusive PDF with highlights from some of my favorite books, full of insights on growth and productivity.

Thanks for being here and helping this community grow—it means a lot.

– Jeff

Each of these books brings something unique to the table. They’ve shifted my perspective on work, life, and what it means to pursue goals in a balanced way. If you’ve read any of these—or have other recommendations—I’d love to hear what’s resonated with you recently.

And next week, a new adventure awaits…✈️ I’m traveling and will be sharing a flight review of my journey, complete with highlights, tips, and everything that went right (or wrong)! Whether you’re a travel pro or looking for fresh insights, it’ll be a fun one.

Happy reading, and see you next week!
Jeff Rehmar