12 Essential Books to Build a Purposeful Life: The Ultimate Reading List

by | Sep 4, 2025 | Book Reading, Success Habits

The journey to a purposeful life isn’t paved with luck; it’s built with intention. The right knowledge can be your most valuable tool, and these 12 books are the ultimate guide. They form a curriculum for character, a blueprint for success, and a guide for building a legacy that matters.

This isn’t just a list of books—it’s a path for personal growth, designed to be followed one month at a time. These are the 12 books of the Grim Book Circle, a roadmap to help you reclaim your mind, build your life, and ultimately, leave the world a better place.

Phase 1: Reclaim Your Inner World

Month 1: Reclaim Your Mind

To build anything of substance, you must first build yourself. The modern world is a constant barrage of noise and distraction. The first step is to quiet that noise and find your inner strength.

Read: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.

This isn’t just a book; it’s a manual for Stoicism and a private journal from one of history’s most powerful men. Marcus Aurelius reminds us that our power lies in our mind, not in external events, making it a powerful tool for developing mental fortitude.

Month 2: Reclaim Your Health

You can’t build a strong life with a weak body. To truly thrive, you must take control of your well-being and exit the system designed to sell you quick fixes.

Read: The Science of Being Well by Wallace D. Wattles.

This book provides a simple, direct philosophy for achieving and maintaining health. It’s a powerful reminder that true wellness comes from a holistic approach, not from the latest fad or trend.

Month 3: Reclaim Your Freedom

True freedom isn’t about having more things—it’s about needing fewer. The consumerist culture we live in is a trap. To become a producer, not just a consumer, you must understand the value of simplicity.

Read: Walden by Henry David Thoreau.

Thoreau’s famous experiment in simple living is a profound meditation on self-reliance and the importance of living deliberately. It will challenge you to reconsider what you truly need for a rich and meaningful life.

Phase 2: Build Your External World

Month 4: Build Your Tribe

No one achieves greatness alone. With a firm foundation of self-mastery, the next step is to find people on a similar path. Remember, you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

Read: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

This classic is an essential guide to building genuine, lasting connections based on respect and empathy. It’s a timeless resource for forming a strong and supportive circle.

Month 5: Master Strategy

With your tribe in place, it’s time to build something. Whether it’s a company, a project, or a movement, you need a strategic mindset to succeed.

Read: The Art of War by Sun Tzu.

This ancient text is a masterclass in strategy, applicable far beyond the battlefield. Its lessons on competition, planning, and leadership are crucial for anyone looking to build and lead.

Month 6: Master Wealth

Money is a tool, and you must master it, not be enslaved by it. The goal is to create wealth and invest it wisely to build a life of true freedom.

Read: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.

Hill’s book is more than a guide to financial success; it’s a philosophy of achievement. It lays out the timeless principles of clear goals, persistence, and the power of a determined mindset.

Month 7: Build Your Legacy

The greatest company you can build is a strong family unit, one founded on honor, loyalty, and deep connection.

Read: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.

Tolstoy’s epic is a profound exploration of human relationships and the search for meaning. It teaches us about the enduring strength of the family unit and the importance of building a legacy that goes beyond wealth.

Phase 3: Understand the World and Leave Your Mark

Month 8: Understand the System

To build a life of true freedom, you must understand the forces that seek to control you. By understanding the financial system, you can teach your family how to navigate it without being a slave to it.

Read: Modern Money Mechanics by The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

This document provides an inside look at how money is created in the modern banking system. Understanding its core concepts is vital to protecting your financial future.

Month 9: Remember the Soul

Amidst all the building and strategy, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Life is not just about logic and profit; it’s about beauty, poetry, and the human spirit.

Read: Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.

Whitman’s poetry is a celebration of life and the individual soul. It’s a powerful reminder to slow down, notice the beauty around you, and embrace the poetic side of existence.

Month 10: Build Your Fraternity

One person can make a difference, but a group of honorable men can change the world. It’s not enough to build your own life; you must also build a community that holds each other to a higher standard.

Read: Bushido: The Soul of Japan by Inazō Nitobe.

This book is a deep dive into the samurai code of ethics, outlining principles like honor, loyalty, and integrity—the very foundations of a true brotherhood.

Month 11: Dive Deeper

As you grow older, the focus shifts from the external to the internal. The search for purpose turns into a deeper inquiry into faith and the nature of the soul.

Read: Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross.

This classic of spiritual literature describes the journey of the soul toward God. It’s a book for those who are ready to explore the deeper meaning of their existence, beyond the material world.

Month 12: Die with Honor

When the journey is complete, you must be prepared to leave this world with no regrets. Live in such a way that you can face death with honor and peace.

Read: On the Shortness of Life by Seneca.

This profound essay from the Stoic philosopher is a powerful meditation on the value of time. It teaches us that a long life is not about the number of years we live, but how we choose to spend them. It is the perfect final book to confirm that you have lived a life of purpose, honor, and without regret.

These are the 12 books for life. What’s the first one you’re going to pick up to start your journey of self-improvement?

Common Mistakes to Avoid During GATE CSE Preparation

by | Jan 25, 2023 | GATE

GATE, or the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, is a highly competitive exam taken by students who wish to pursue a post-graduate degree in engineering. For those preparing for GATE Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), it is important to be aware of some of the Common Mistakes to Avoid During GATE CSE Preparation that can help you in order to maximize their chances of success.

Here are some of the most Common Mistakes to Avoid During GATE CSE Preparation:

Not starting early enough

Preparing for GATE CSE can require considerable time and effort, and starting late can leave you feeling overwhelmed. It’s best to start your preparation early, ideally six months to a year before the exam.

Not having a plan

To make the most effective use of your time, it’s important to have a plan of action. This should include a timeline of when to cover which topics, what resources to use, and when to take practice exams.

Skipping the basics

It’s easy to get carried away with the more advanced topics, but it’s important to cover the basics first. Understanding the fundamentals of computer science and engineering is key to success on the GATE CSE exam.

Not Revising enough

While it’s important to cover all the topics, it’s just as important to revise them. Make sure to go over your notes and practice problems regularly to ensure you’re up-to-date on all the material.

Not taking practice exams

Taking practice exams is one of the best ways to prepare for the GATE CSE. It’s important to take practice exams that closely resemble the actual exam, so you can get an accurate sense of where you stand.

Not taking breaks

Studying for the GATE CSE can be intense, and it’s important to take regular breaks to avoid burnout. Taking regular breaks will help you stay focused and energized throughout the entire preparation process.

Not getting enough sleep

Sleep is essential for proper functioning, and it’s important to get enough of it when preparing for the GATE CSE. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to ensure you’re well-rested and ready for the exam.

Not asking for help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck on a particular topic, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your professors, classmates, or online forums to get clarification and advice.

Not managing your time effectively

Time management is key to success on the GATE CSE, so it’s important to know how to manage your time effectively. Set a schedule and stick to it, and make sure to give yourself plenty of time to review.

Not staying motivated

The GATE CSE can be a long and intimidating process, and it’s important to stay motivated throughout. Set realistic goals and reward yourself when you reach them to keep your morale up.

How to become a Software Developer in 2023

by | Jan 17, 2023 | Blog, How to Get Job

Becoming a software developer in 2023 requires a combination of education, experience, and a strong understanding of the latest technologies. Here are some steps to help you achieve your goal of becoming a software developer:

A degree in computer science or a related field, such as software engineering or information technology, can provide you with a solid foundation in computer programming and software development. This will give you a good understanding of the fundamental concepts and theories that are used in software development.

Learn a programming language:

Once you have a good understanding of the basics of computer science and software development, it’s time to start learning a programming language. There are many programming languages to choose from, but some of the most popular ones include Java, Python, C++, and C#. It’s important to choose a language that you’re comfortable with and that is in high demand in the industry.

Get experience through internships or personal projects

Once you have a good understanding of a programming language and the basics of software development, it’s time to start gaining experience. One of the best ways to do this is through internships or personal projects. Internships allow you to work on real-world projects and gain experience working in a team environment. Personal projects allow you to explore your own interests and gain experience working on your own.

The software development industry is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest technologies and trends. This can be done by reading industry blogs and publications, attending conferences, and participating in online communities.

Network on LinkedIn

Networking is an important aspect of any career, and software development is no exception. Attend local meetups, conferences and events to meet other developers and learn more about the industry. This will give you an opportunity to meet potential employers and get a better understanding of the industry.

Specialize in a Domain

There are many different types of software development, and it’s important to specialize in a specific area. Some areas of specialization include web development, mobile development, game development, and data science. Specializing in a specific area will make you more valuable to employers and increase your chances of getting a job.

Be passionate and persistent

Software development is a challenging field, and it’s important to be passionate and persistent in order to succeed. Keep learning and experimenting with new technologies, and never give up on your goal of becoming a software developer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, becoming a software developer in 2023 requires a combination of education, experience, and a strong understanding of the latest technologies. By obtaining a degree in computer science or a related field, learning a programming language, gaining experience through internships or personal projects, staying updated with the latest technologies and trends, networking, specializing and being passionate and persistent, you can achieve your goal of becoming a software developer. With the continuous growth and demand for software developers, the future is bright for those who pursue a career in this field.

That’s How I started Reading Books-Only 2 Pages a Day

by | Oct 28, 2022 | Book Reading, Success Habits

I used to hate books a lot even reeading Only 2 Pages a Day was a difficult job for me. I started listening to Motivational Speakers but I always wonder how these motivational speaker speaks so well and use apt and catchy lines.

It was 2014 and the Nation was going through a lot of turbulance be it political, religious but for me it was Career.

I had started my career as an Software Engineer with Samsung Reseach Institute, Noida in 2012. I got an opportunity to work with a lot of brilliant minds.

We all were different but there was one unique thing among all of us. We all wanted to excel in life.

Some of them landed into top notch IT companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon etc. and few of them joined adminstritive services to serve the nation and few opted to go for higher studies (M. B. A. , M. S. and M Tech from IISc and IITs).

I always wondered why I am not like them? I started looking for options to increase my productivity and find my motivation.

I wached few vidoes of Sandeep Maheshwari, Sadhguru and Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar on motivation, productivity, concentration.

Finally, I decided to appear for GATE CSE in Year 2015. It was a big decision for me because I have been away from my computer science books for more than 2 Years.

Then I decided to join Made Easy Noida so that I could recollect and understand the concepts in depth with renowed teachers like Sh. Subbarao Readdy, Sh Ravikumar Peddapu, Sh. Balakrishna Veerala and Sh. Ramesh Sundaram. (Just to name a few).

I did fairly okay that year but it was not good enough to get into IIT so I tried again next year for GATE 2016.

I was having 2 choices again either to repeat the coaching or do self study. I was not having confidence in that I will be able to complete syllabus on my own.

So I decided to take a middle path and joined Ravindra Kumar Ravula’s Online Classes. He is a very good teacher and at the same time he is growth hugry person and He also wanted same with his students.

Apart from regular classes, He used to upoad some motivation videos regarding GATE and about some life stories.

During the same period, He suggested to read The Magic of Thinking Big by David J Schwartz to keep yourself motivated and he suggested to read only 2 pages per day.

I could never thought that I could ever complete a book but I did. It was an amzing achievement for me.

I don’t read many books but I would have read more than 50 books after that. I also learned Speedy Reading. I will write about it also some time.

Reading helped me to understand different perspective of life and even I started becoming more confident because I always wanted to read books but It was just a matter of start.

You too can. It is just a matter of start.

Start Small Only 2 Pages a Day !

Disclaimer: This post have some external links and few of them are affiliate links.

GATE 2023 Exam Schedule

by | Aug 23, 2022 | GATE

GATE 2023 Exam Schedule is now avalable. GATE is one of the exam that gives a chance to improve your acedamics and also opens multiple career opportunities at the same time.

Through GATE, You can get admission into top IITs and IISc for you masters and also you can apply for jobs at top PSUs.

Here, I have tried to compile all the important informations realted to GATE 2023 Exam Schedule.

Eligibility

Any undergraduate student currently in 3rd year or higher years of any government approved program in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Arts/Commerce/Science is eligible to appear for GATE 2023.

Also, There is not age limit for the examination. All you need to do is fill the application form and prepare for it.

Important Dates :

Important DatesDescription
30th Aug, 2022Opening Date of Online Application
30th Sept, 2022Closing Date of Regular Registration
07th Oct, 2022End of Extended Period (with Late Fee)
03rd Jan, 2023Availability of GATE Admit cards for download
4th, 5th, 11th & 12th Feb, 2023Exam Dates
15th Feb, 2023Candidate’s response available on Application portal
21st Feb, 2023Answer keys available on Application portal
22nd to 25th Feb, 2023Submission of challenges by candidates on Answer Keys
16th Mar, 2023Announcement of Results for GATE 2023
21st Mar, 2023Score Card available for Download

Examination Cities:

GATE Official site also elisted zone wise examination cities.

Zone 1IISc Bangalore
Zone 2 IIT Bombay
Zone 3 IIT Delhi
Zone 4 IIT Guwahati
Zone 5 IIT Kanpur
Zone 6 IIT Kharagpur
Zone 7 IIT Madras
Zone 8 IIT Roorkee

You can see the completed list at below link:

List of Examination Cities

GATE CSE 2023 SYLLABUS

There is not much change in the syllabus for GATE CSE. There are 10 sections mentioned in the syllabus.

These are Engineering Mathematics, Digital Logic, Computer Organization and Architecture, Programming and Data Structures, Algorithms, Theory of Computation, Compiler Design, Operating System, Databases, Computer Networks.

It can be viewed at GATE CSE Syllabus

GATE Official website also enlisted syllabus of other streams as well. You can find it here.

If you wan to appear for GATE 2022 Exam then you may visit the official website of GATE 2023.

Application will start from 30th August 2022. You can login here to fill your GATE 2023 application.

Finally, I wish you all the very best for your eaxmination and more importantly preparation.

Also, You are always welcome to ask any question in comment section related to GATE 2023 Exam Schedule or Preparation.