FMBEMPIRES

FMB READING LIST

One useful read.
One small action.

Choose the area you want to strengthen. Explore a book, try one practical step, and use our free tools to get started.

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The Overthinker’s Guide to Making Decisions book cover by Joseph Nguyen

Decisions & self-trust

The Overthinker’s Guide to Making Decisions

By Joseph Nguyen

Who it may suit

For readers who want a reflective approach to everyday indecision and reconnecting with their preferences.

What it explores

Nguyen describes a short guide with reflective prompts for balancing reasoning, values and feelings. It offers a personal perspective rather than a guarantee that every choice will become easy.

TRY ONE SMALL ACTION

For one low-stakes choice, write your preference before asking for advice. Then name the information you actually need.

This is an FMB practice prompt, not a quotation from the book.

For consequential choices, pair personal reflection with reliable information and appropriate advice.

Find on Amazon.ca (paid link) Author’s overview
Try the free Decision Reset
Decisive book cover by Chip Heath & Dan Heath

Decisions & self-trust

Decisive

By Chip Heath & Dan Heath

Who it may suit

For people who want a structured way to compare choices at work or in everyday life.

What it explores

The authors introduce a four-step decision process designed to address common biases, including overlooking alternatives and favouring evidence that agrees with us.

TRY ONE SMALL ACTION

Before choosing between A and B, write one other realistic option and one fact that could change your mind.

This is an FMB practice prompt, not a quotation from the book.

Useful for thoughtful comparison; take time proportional to the importance of the decision.

Find on Amazon.ca (paid link) Author’s overview
Try the free Decision Reset
Deep Work book cover by Cal Newport

Focus & organization

Deep Work

By Cal Newport

Who it may suit

For readers who want to protect time for demanding work and reduce digital interruptions.

What it explores

Newport explores distraction-free concentration and the place of focused work in a busy professional life.

TRY ONE SMALL ACTION

Choose one task, write its first action, and protect a ten-minute block with avoidable notifications silenced.

This is an FMB practice prompt, not a quotation from the book.

The book focuses on knowledge work. Adapt the ideas to your schedule and responsibilities.

Find on Amazon.ca (paid link) Author’s overview
Try the free Focus Reset
Atomic Habits book cover by James Clear

Habits & personal growth

Atomic Habits

By James Clear

Who it may suit

For people who want to make useful habits easier to start and return to after a missed day.

What it explores

Clear explains how small changes, supportive environments and repeatable systems can help with habit formation.

TRY ONE SMALL ACTION

Choose a two-minute version of one habit and attach it to something you already do, such as brushing your teeth.

This is an FMB practice prompt, not a quotation from the book.

A useful system still needs to fit your circumstances. Progress does not require a perfect streak.

Find on Amazon.ca (paid link) Author’s overview
Start with the free Life Audit
Eight Dates book cover by John Gottman, Julie Schwartz Gottman, Doug Abrams & Rachel Carlton Abrams

Relationships

Eight Dates

By John Gottman, Julie Schwartz Gottman, Doug Abrams & Rachel Carlton Abrams

Who it may suit

For couples who both want to make time for thoughtful conversations about their relationship.

What it explores

This book organizes eight conversation-based dates around meaningful subjects such as trust, money and dreams.

TRY ONE SMALL ACTION

Agree on a relaxed time to talk. Ask each other: what would make this week feel more supportive? Listen before proposing a solution.

This is an FMB practice prompt, not a quotation from the book.

Use it collaboratively, with both people’s consent. A reading exercise is not a substitute for support when a relationship feels unsafe.

Find on Amazon.ca (paid link) Author’s overview
Practice expressing a preference

Read a little. Put something into practice.

These short descriptions are based on author and publisher information, including available previews. They are starting points for exploration, not claims that FMB has personally read or tested every book. Authors’ views are their own; no book guarantees a particular result.

Start with one book rather than another long to-do list. Read a small section, choose one action that fits your life, and notice what helps.

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