Top 10 Books & Movies for Digital Nomads

I’m sure that if I haven't read these books and seen these films, I wouldn’t be where I am now. They were a fuel that empowered my search for a better life, for more balanced values and feasible targets. Books & Movies are like a power-blast in a video game. They speed things up.

If you're serious about your life, and I honestly believe that you are, you might recognise some of the resources. And I am also open to any suggestions you might have, as there is never enough inspiration and the life-enhancing process only ends with life itself.

How To Use Books, Movies & other Resources

A little disclaimer — Some people might think that reading itself transmits the qualities from the paper to the brain of the reader. And then, they're disappointed if that doesn't happen. It's not really the way it happens. The way I do it is, that I simply suck inspiration from the books & other media. And I apply just one or two things that I've learned, to my daily routine. Step-by-step my life changes. Over a course of several years, I can say, this is a hidden magic.

So if you say to yourself, that you don't have time or energy to read & watch, you're digging a deeper hole for yourself. Change it. Read. Watch. Get inspired!

10 Most Inspiring Books

Are books boring or difficult for you? Jump to Movies instead.

Four Agreements

This book changed my view on family and life values so much. It was recommended to me by a friend and it holds solid number one on my list since. If you have kids, this book is mandatory.

4-Hour Workweek

Tim Ferris wrote a great bunch of books about self-improvement, but this one is a founding stone. Helps to put your work & life to balance.

The Intelligent Investor

One of the heaviest books on this list, but well worth it. A stock market bible. Benjamin Franklin is a teacher of Warren Buffet and the book is classics. If you would like to shape your better future, where you don't need to work 9to5, learn a bit about investing and start with this book. And when you're done, try also The Little Book That Still Beats the Market.

Art of Being Kind

When you look at yourself in the mirror, you want to be proud of yourself. This book helps to create a person that is liked and respected. I bet you don't struggle with that, but this read definitely helps to keep things on the right track.

Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t

Being lazy? Need a kick or a slap to get moving? This book significantly changes your view on how to get from the ground and reach feasible targets. Offer what others need, collaborate & learn. Otherwise your shelves would be full of abstract thoughts. If you'd like to continue with Steven Pressfield, read also his War of Art that talks about how to fight with your inner self and win.

So Good They Can't Ignore You

The book puts structure to how you should approach your working career. How to get from lowest levels to becoming well respected and well paid professional or a great employee that just flies through the corporate ladder. Do something that has value for others and do it effectively. Cal Newport will tell you how.

Lean Startup

This is a book I often recommend to freelancers and entrepreneurs with little to non-existent experience. Fact is, that many senior professionals lack some of the agile qualities described in this book.

Outliers

Most of Malcolm Gladwell books are great in revealing unusual views on life around us. This particular book opened my eyes on how the world works inside. That there's way less random events that we think, and that way less is based on pure luck in our lives.

The Millionaire Next Door

Building your wealth, or trying not to loose it as an average middle class citizen? This book explores the minds of rich and poor people ad gave me great insight into how I should perceive things & people around me. Critical book if you currently spend everything you earn.

5 Love Languages

Last but not least book is about relationship. About understanding and about helping you become great partner. It reveals many uneasy ideas, but if you master them, this might be the single most impactful book on your overall happiness. Because good family culture is the core of your happy self.

Other great leaders around me love books as well. And so I'm proud to recommend Derek Sivers' repository , great Jay Money inspirative list on money and Robert Vlach's book inspiraton.

Bonus: The Freelance Way

This book is pretty new and rare. Written by my long-time friend Robert Vlach and being the only comprehensive guide to professional freelancing, it is a must-read piece for anybody looking for freedom in life and work. It is not a quick guide, but a reference for any business thinking entrepreneur, like I am. To read a free chapter of the book, check out freelanceway.eu

10 Most Inspiring Movies

Main criteria for the movie list was, that I would want to watch such a movie over and over again. Although some pieces are well known, some might hidden treasures for you. on a general note, anything with or by Clint Eastwood, with music by Ennio Morricone or with Terrence Hill & Bud Spencer will make your day a better day.

Forrest Gump

Pulp Fiction

The Game

Apocalypse Now

The Truman Show

Surfwise

Rocky Balboa

Schindlers List

American Gangster

Godfather Series

Some other great movies, that didn't make it to the TOP10 list are American Beauty, Untouchables, JFK, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Home Alone, Rivals, Hotel Rwanda & The Help, A Good Year. And if that is still not enough for you, this Lifehack list is bringing a little bit more weird list for you alternative souls out there.

Bonus — Inspirational YouTube Channels

4x Overland with Andrew st. Pierre White
Overland Bound
A2A Expedition Family Travels
4×4 Australia
Mali Mish Family Travels
Living Big In A Tiny House
Marco Schwartz on investing

Media Channels to Watch

If real tangible books are not your cup of tea, there's a ton of other media that might be. To me, audiobooks are a great way how to get educated while driving or travelling long distances. YouTube is awesome for how-to inspiration and TED for mind blowing ideas. And there are also great series such as The Profit starring Marcus Lemonis.

Audible — books read by a professional reader, or author itself
YouTube — great resource of short self-help videos, say #vanlife
Bookstore & Kindle — good old reading experience & new one with a digital twist
TED — huge resource of big ideas & inspiring people

Join Me

I'd greatly appreciate if you have an idea about a great movie or book in mind, let me know the title! It's helping me, but in great scale of things, it helps others as I'd amplify great resources further. I'm mostly into minimalism, simple economy & self improvement.