This year I’m challenging myself to read 25 books. I had an idea to read one book together with Safana. I wanted to be a better spouse I can and I purchased The Muslim Marriage Guide by Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood last year but never got around to reading it. The idea is for us to read the same book together, reflect and leave marginalia in the book for discussion as and when needed. This may help us in better understanding each other and make our marriage stronger.

Another book-related idea I got from the What Should I Read Next? podcast Episode 313, pick a tough book, like a thick or a dense book on a particular topic of your interest and read a set number of pages every day. I like this idea because this will help me to read classic novels that people including myself say they want to read but never get to read them.

Finished reading: The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll 📚

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the Bullet Journal Method or analogue productivity.

A key takeaway is a process called Migration. Here, you review all open tasks from the previous month and re-evaluate it’s purpose and validity. If the task adds value to your life, keep them. if not, cross it off and move on! This along with weekly review will uplift your productivity ten fold.

In a nutshell, Ryder has done a brilliant job explaining the Bullet Journal method in a simple and easy to understand / implement language.

Go get this book!

I just finished reading: The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Ramsey, Dave 📚

Dave Ramsey has a polarising effect on people who are aware of his teachings and philosophy. This book is very much targeted for an American audience. But, the principles are universal and can be translated to every country and culture.

The Total Money Makeover shows a simple path to building wealth, long-term. The baby steps will take lots of focus and sacrifice. But, Dave’s Baby Steps will ensure one to keep their wealth because they have worked hard for it.

For someone struggling with crippling debt and living payslip to payslip, I think this book gives hope and encouragement. Should one choose to follow the Baby Steps, they definitely can become debt-free and build wealth; provided they work the plan and stick with it for long-term.