The Art of Frugal Hedonism: A Guide to Spending Less While Enjoying Everything More by Annie Raser-Rowland and Adam Grubb. A quietly inspiring book on getting back to the real joys in life.

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. We rarely think about the ultimate time management problem: how to best use our four thousand weeks on earth. I adored this book about throwing productivity out of the window in favour of creating a life you truly want to lead.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers. This gorgeous fantasy book is one of the most hopeful books you’ll ever read. It’s a heartwarming look at friendship, meaning, and shaking up your life when you feel lost and directionless.

Company of One by Paul Jarvis. A successful business doesn’t have to be a big business. If your goal is to be happy and live well, then a simple, profitable, and fulfilling company of one is a perfect goal. This book is a great guidebook.

Anything You Want by Derek Sivers. I read this book before quitting my job and starting my business. It’s informed everything since then, including this book.

Create your one-sentence brand promise. This is one of the few marketing school-type activities I think can be worth it. All you have to do is fill in the gaps in this sentence: {Target audience} trust {your business} as the {unique product or service category} that {primary benefit of your offering} because it’s the best way to {solve X problem or

Try easy mode. Don’t give up and stop trying, but don’t strain yourself to succeed by other’s rules and definitions. Rather, opt for slow but ruthlessly consistent progress. Nurture zen-like focus on the outcome that matters to you.

But as we grow up, we soon realise that the society we live in actively penalises people who choose many of the helpful and rewarding jobs we once enthused over. Haven’t done a degree? Good luck earning well. Want to go into teaching? Enjoy trying to buy a house locally.

Break your phone habit and open up more space for imagination, daydreams, and cultivating your thoughts and interests. That means rediscovering not just your focus and tolerance for boredom, but also what it is you really love about life, who you want to be, and what you want to create in your short time on earth.