Books That Shaped My Life

Over the years, I have read many books. Dozens? Thousands? Honestly, I have lost count. Each one has left a mark, some small and some absolutely life-changing.

Below is a partial list of books that have profoundly influenced who I am today. These titles have shaped my thinking, deepened my faith, opened my heart, and helped me grow as a spiritual warrior, a coach, and a human being.

They are listed in no particular order because ranking them feels impossible. Each one offered something different at a unique point in my journey. Some spoke to my mind, some to my heart, and others to that quiet place within that whispers, “You are more than you think you are.”

These books have helped me:

• Find purpose in difficult times
• Learn how thoughts truly shape reality
• Build a deeper connection to Source
• Embrace the balance between strength and compassion

I believe they are foundational reads for anyone walking a path of personal and spiritual growth.

I have taken great value from each of them, insights that I still draw upon in my coaching, writing, and daily practice of living the Shin Dao.

I would love to hear from you:
What books have changed your life?
Which pages have stirred your soul or altered your path?

Please shoot me a message at neil@neilthrussell.com. I would love to hear your takeaways and maybe even discover a few new reads from your list.

The Spiritual Warrior’s Master Reading List

1. The Master Key System — Charles F. Haanel
   A complete guide to harnessing the creative power of thought to shape reality.
2. Think and Grow Rich — Napoleon Hill
   The classic blueprint for success — thoughts become things when backed by belief and action.
3. The Science of Getting Rich — Wallace D. Wattles
   Prosperity through gratitude, clarity, and alignment with universal creative laws.
4. Meditations — Marcus Aurelius
   Stoic reflections on virtue, resilience, and the strength found in calm discipline.
5. The Power of Now — Eckhart Tolle
   Teaches awakening to the present moment as the key to freedom and peace.
6. The Untethered Soul — Michael A. Singer
   Guides readers to release inner resistance and live in flow with life.
7. The Science of Mind — Ernest Holmes
   The metaphysical foundation for creating reality through thought and spiritual law.
8. Power vs. Force — David R. Hawkins
   Reveals the vibrational scale of consciousness and the strength of truth over ego.
9. Man’s Search for Meaning — Viktor E. Frankl
   A profound exploration of purpose, love, and resilience in the face of suffering.
10. A Course in Miracles — Helen Schucman (scribe)
    A spiritual psychology centered on forgiveness and perception as the paths to peace.
11. You Can Heal Your Life — Louise Hay
    Mind–body healing through love, forgiveness, and the power of affirmation.
12. The Prophet — Kahlil Gibran
    Poetic meditations on love, joy, work, and the soul’s eternal truths.
13. Tao Te Ching — Lao Tzu
    Ancient wisdom on balance, simplicity, and the art of living in harmony with the Tao.
14. The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are — Alan Watts
    A playful, liberating exploration of unity, illusion, and the true self.
15. The Hero with a Thousand Faces — Joseph Campbell
    The archetypal blueprint of the hero’s journey — transformation through challenge.
16. How to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale Carnegie
    The timeless art of connection, empathy, and leadership through understanding.
17. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen R. Covey
    Principles for personal effectiveness, character, and aligned living.
18. Awaken the Giant Within — Tony Robbins
    A roadmap for mastering emotions, habits, and purpose-driven success.
19. Good to Great — Jim Collins
    Why do some organizations and leaders achieve lasting excellence through discipline and vision?
20. Leaders Eat Last — Simon Sinek
    Leadership built on trust, service, and creating safe, inspired teams.
21. The One Minute Manager — Ken Blanchard & Spencer Johnson
    Simple, powerful techniques for motivating people and empowering growth.
22. The Art of Exceptional Living — Jim Rohn
    A philosophy of success through self-discipline, integrity, and lifelong learning.
23. The Greatest Salesman in the World — Og Mandino
    Parable of perseverance, service, and faith — achieving success through love.
24. The Strangest Secret — Earl Nightingale
    “We become what we think about.” The foundation of mindset and manifestation.
25. The Richest Man in Babylon — George S. Clason
    Ancient parables on wealth-building, discipline, and financial wisdom.
26. As a Man Thinketh — James Allen
    Thought as creative cause — the mind as architect of destiny.
27. The Power of Positive Thinking — Norman Vincent Peale
    Faith, optimism, and confidence as spiritual tools for achievement.
28. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success — Deepak Chopra
    Effortless fulfillment through alignment with spiritual principles.
29. The I Ching (Book of Changes) — Ancient Chinese Classic
    Wisdom on transformation, flow, and the balance of opposites.
30. The Science of Getting Rich — Wallace D. Wattles (reaffirmed)
    Wealth creation through faith, gratitude, and creative action is aligned with the divine.