Sometimes we get lost in the software development bubble. We're so focused on frameworks, deadlines, and pull requests that we forget to step back from the glow of the monitor and look at the bigger picture.
Don’t get me wrong, engineering a beautiful, well-optimized, scalable, disruptive, innovative software that will leverage the market (did I use enough tech buzzwords there? 😁) is incredibly rewarding. But a person’s mental health, personal growth, and overall well-being are the foundation upon which that great work is built. Without a solid foundation, everything else can crumble.
That's why I make it a point to read or listen to a few non-technical books every year. These books give me perspective, challenge my assumptions, and provide tools that apply just as much to my life as they do to my career.
I view reading these kinds of books like eating a turkey dinner. I might love the drumsticks and thighs but dislike the wings. That doesn't mean I should hate the whole bird. I just take the parts I find nourishing and move on. It's not about 100% agreement; it's about finding valuable insights.
Here are my top three non-software development books that have had a real impact on me.
1. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
“Being wrong opens us up to the possibility of change. Being wrong brings the opportunity for growth.”
The title says it all. If you're not put off by the blunt language, this book is a powerful reality check. Manson's core argument isn't about becoming indifferent; it's about choosing what is truly worth your energy and attention. In a world full of noise, this is a superpower.
Why it’s great for tech professionals: The tech industry is filled with things to stress about: imposter syndrome, critical code reviews, keeping up with the latest JavaScript framework, and bugs that only appear on a Friday afternoon. This book provides a mental framework for deciding which battles to fight. It teaches you to stop sweating the small stuff—like a minor comment on a pull request—and instead, invest your limited f*cks into solving valuable problems and focusing on what truly matters for the project and for your own growth. It's an operating manual for a more resilient mindset.
2. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
This book is less about fleeting motivation and more about building robust systems for improvement. Clear breaks down habit formation into a simple, four-step pattern (Cue, Craving, Response, Reward) and provides actionable strategies to build good habits and dismantle bad ones. The central idea is that small, 1% improvements compound into massive results over time.
Why it’s great for tech professionals: As developers, we live and breathe systems. We build them for our applications, so why not for ourselves? Atomic Habits applies concepts we already understand—like iteration and continuous improvement—to our personal lives.
Want to learn a new programming language? Don't just set a goal to "Learn Go." Create a system: "Every morning, I will write Go code for 15 minutes before checking email."
Struggling with focus? Implement a system to remove distractions and make it easy to start deep work.
Want to be healthier? Attach a new habit (like a 5-minute walk) to an existing one (like finishing your lunch).
This book is a practical playbook for engineering a better you, one tiny commit at a time.
3. The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages by Leo Buscaglia
“Every moment spent in unhappiness is a moment of happiness lost.”
This is, without a doubt, one of the most impactful books I've ever read, and ironically, it's the shortest. You can read it in 5-10 minutes, but its message will stick with you for months. The book is a simple allegory about a leaf named Freddie who, along with his fellow leaves, changes with the passing seasons, finally facing the autumn and winter.
Why it’s great for tech professionals: Our careers are defined by constant change. Technologies become obsolete, projects end, teams are restructured, and companies pivot. It can feel like a relentless, forward-only treadmill. "Freddie the Leaf" is a beautiful and gentle reminder that life, and our careers within it, has seasons. There are times for growth (spring), times for stability (summer), and times for letting go (autumn). It teaches us to find beauty in every phase and to cherish the present moment, rather than always worrying about the "next big thing." It's a 10-minute read that can provide a month's worth of perspective, especially when you're feeling burnt out or questioning your path.
What About You?
Stepping outside the technical world has been a game-changer for my clarity and motivation. These books have provided me with new ways to think about problems, manage my energy, and appreciate the journey.
Now, I'd love to hear from you. What are your go-to non-software development books for productivity, motivation, or well-being? Drop your recommendations in the comments below!
Kenny out! ✌🏽