Navid's favorite things
Welcome to my favorites page. I’m always testing, learning, and optimizing in business, health, and self-improvement.
This “favorite things” page is a handpicked collection of the books, podcasts, blogs, tools, documentaries, and more that have had the biggest impact on my life.
Instead of wasting time searching, you’ll find the best resources right here.
122 favorites
Books
I’ve read hundreds of books over the years, but these are the best ones that had the biggest impact on my life, business, and mindset.
The Millionaire Fastlane
by MJ DeMarco
The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco reveals why traditional financial advice keeps most people broke and how to build wealth fast.
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Influence
by Robert Cialdini
Influence by Robert Cialdini breaks down the psychology of persuasion and how people are influenced without realizing it.
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$100M Offers
by Alex Hormozi
Proven strategies for creating irresistible offers that customers can't say no to. Covers pricing, value stacking, and positioning to maximize conversions.
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The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
by Eric Jorgenson
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson distills insights on wealth, happiness.
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The ONE Thing
by Gary Keller
The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan explains how focusing on just one priority at a time leads to massive success.
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The Psychology of Money
by Morgan Housel
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel explores how emotions, biases, and behavior shape financial decisions, offering timeless lessons on wealth.
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Atomic Habits
by James Clear
Atomic Habits by James Clear breaks down the science of tiny daily habits, showing how small consistent changes compound into extraordinary results over time.
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Mastery
by Robert Greene
Mastery by Robert Greene reveals how to unlock your full potential through deliberate practice, lifelong learning, and discipline.
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Can't Hurt Me
by David Goggins
Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins shares a brutal yet inspiring journey of mental toughness and overcoming adversity.
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How to Win Friends and Influence People
by Dale Carnegie
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie teaches timeless principles for building strong relationships, improving communication.
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Deep Work
by Cal Newport
Deep Work by Cal Newport teaches how to focus without distraction, master your craft, and produce high-quality work in less time.
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The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma is about waking up early and using a simple morning routine to build discipline, boost productivity.
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Outlive
by Dr. Peter Attia
Outlive by Dr. Peter Attia breaks down the most effective strategies for long-term health and performance, covering exercise, nutrition, sleep, and emotional wellbeing to add years to your life.
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Lifespan
by Dr. David Sinclair
Lifespan by Dr. David Sinclair explains the latest science behind aging, revealing what causes it at the cellular level and what you can do right now to slow it down.
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Why We Sleep
by Matthew Walker
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker reveals how sleep affects every aspect of our health and success.
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Apps
I don’t use a ton of apps, but the ones I do use are essential. These are my go-to apps that help me stay productive, focused, and optimize my business and daily life.

Notion
FreemiumMy go-to app for organizing everything in my life and business.

Claude Code
PaidAI coding agent that also writes, researches, and runs full business workflows from plain English.

Codex
PaidOpenAI's agentic coding assistant that writes, edits, and ships code from natural-language instructions.
Wise
The best app for international money transfers and managing multiple currencies.

CapCut
FreemiumBest mobile video editor for quick, high-quality edits.

ChatGPT
FreemiumMy go-to AI assistant for brainstorming and content creation.

Voicenotes
PaidGreat for recording ideas and notes on the go.
Apple Health
Tracks my steps, workouts, and overall wellness.
Podcasts
I’m always learning from people who share valuable insights on business, personal growth, health, and high performance.
These are my go-to YouTube channels and podcasts, packed with knowledge and inspiration.
The Diary Of A CEO
Steven Bartlett · Weekly
Deep, raw conversations about business, success, and mindset.
The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss · Weekly
The ultimate long-form podcast on personal growth, business, and high performance.
Modern Wisdom
Chris Williamson · 3 times a week
Covers everything from psychology to philosophy to self-improvement.
Huberman Lab
Dr. Andrew Huberman · Weekly
Science-backed insights on health, fitness, and brain optimization.
Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal
Ali Abdaal · Weekly
Productivity, self-improvement, and making money online.
YouTube channels
I’m always learning from people who share valuable insights on business, personal growth, health, and high performance.
These are my go-to YouTube channels and podcasts, packed with knowledge and inspiration.

Ali Abdaal
Productivity, self-improvement, and making money online.

Alex Hormozi
Business, marketing, and entrepreneurship with a focus on scaling.

Dan Koe
Deep insights on self-improvement, creator economy, and business.

Iman Gadzhi
Business, entrepreneurship, and personal development with a no-excuses mindset.

Codie Sanchez
Buying businesses, wealth-building, and thinking differently about money.

Noah Kagan
Online business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, broken down in a practical way.

Matt Gray
Systems, automation, and building scalable online businesses.
Blogs
I’ve always been obsessed with learning. The right blog can change how you think, work, and grow.
These are the blogs I keep coming back to. They cover business, self-improvement, productivity, and personal growth, all from people who have real experience and results.
If you want to level up, these are worth reading.
Backlinko
Brian DeanThe best blog for SEO, content marketing, and ranking on Google.
Neil Patel
Neil PatelCovers SEO, digital marketing, and online business growth.
James Clear
James ClearOne of the best sources on habits, productivity, and continuous improvement.
Farnam Street
Shane ParrishMental models, decision-making, and thinking better.
Justin Welsh
Justin WelshHigh-quality insights on personal branding, content creation, and solopreneurship.
The Blog of Tim Ferriss
Tim FerrissDeep insights on business, high performance, and learning from world-class experts.
Ben Meer
Ben MeerSystems, high performance, and personal growth.
Mark Manson
Mark MansonNo-BS life advice, psychology, and personal development.
Daily Stoic
Ryan HolidayStoicism, discipline, and mental toughness.
Scott H. Young
Scott H. YoungLearning, deep work, and self-improvement strategies.
Darius Foroux
Darius ForouxProductivity, success habits, and mindset strategies.
Quotes
These are the principles that drive me every day, whether in business, health, or personal growth.
Discipline beats motivation. Show up daily, do the work, and the results will follow.
You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.
Success isn't about avoiding failure. It's about getting back up every single time.
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.
If you don’t design your life, someone else will.
Your brand is what other people say about you when you're not in the room.
Most people stay stuck because they chase motivation instead of building systems. Success isn't about what you do once. It's about what you do daily.
Video gear
As a creator, I’ve tested a lot of different cameras and gear throughout the years.
I love capturing moments from my travels, workouts, and daily life. Whether it’s with my Sony A7 V or just my iPhone, I’m always looking for the best way to document and share experiences.

Sony Alpha 7 V Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera (Body Only)
My current main camera. Full frame, incredible AI autofocus, 30fps blackout-free shooting, and amazing low light.
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Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
My main lens. Incredibly sharp, fast autofocus, and versatile for any situation.
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, 1TB, Deep Blue
My daily driver for photos, videos, and content on the go. Incredible camera system for quick captures.
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Things I love doing
Beyond business and travel, I have a few non-negotiable passions that keep me energized, focused, and inspired.
Whether it’s staying active, exploring new places, or creating something valuable, these are some of the things I love doing the most.

🏋️♂️ Training and staying active
I love strength training, calisthenics, swimming, hiking, and even CrossFit. Movement is a daily non-negotiable, and I always make time for it, no matter where I am.
Pexels · Skylight Views

🏄♂️ Surfing and water sports
I love being in the ocean, whether it’s swimming, paddleboarding, or just spending time by the water. Surfing is something I’m still learning, but it’s a skill I really want to master.
Pexels · Jasmine Bennett

✈️ Traveling and exploring new places
Few things excite me more than immersing myself in new cultures, trying local food, and discovering unique places. Adventure travel, in particular, is what I love the most.
Pexels · Jędrzej Koralewski

📖 Reading and learning
I’ve been into personal development, psychology, and business books for years. I’m always learning, whether it’s from books, podcasts, courses, or documentaries.
Pexels · freestocks.org

💻 Building and growing my business
I genuinely enjoy creating, testing new ideas, and scaling online businesses. Helping people build personal brands, digital products, and freedom-based businesses is something I’m deeply passionate about.
Pexels · Czapp Árpád

🎥 Creating content
I love documenting and sharing what I learn through writing, social media, and video. Creating valuable content is one of the best ways to impact people at scale.
Pexels · Jakub Zerdzicki

🍣 Eating great food for health and longevity
Wherever I go, I look for the healthiest, highest-quality food. I focus on nutrient-dense meals, organic ingredients, and whole foods, not just for energy but for longevity and performance.
Pexels · Nadin Sh

🧘♂️ Deep conversations and connecting with like-minded people
I enjoy talking with interesting, high-level people who challenge my thinking and help me grow. Some of my best insights have come from deep, meaningful conversations.
Pexels · Gül Işık

🏔️ Nature and disconnecting
As much as I love business and travel, I also need time to disconnect, recharge, and immerse myself in nature. Whether it’s hiking in the mountains, being by the ocean, or just going for a long walk, it helps me reset.
Pexels · icon0 com

🎶 Listening to music and curating playlists
Music is a big part of my day, whether it’s working out, getting in the zone for deep work, or just relaxing. I enjoy curating playlists for different moods and activities.
Pexels · cottonbro studio

📷 Photo and video
I love capturing moments from my travels, workouts, and daily life. Whether it’s with my Sony A7 V or just my iPhone, I’m always looking for the best way to document and share experiences.
Pexels · Matheus Bertelli
Favorite places
I’ve traveled to over 50 countries and lived in multiple places as a digital nomad. Some destinations stand out more than others, whether for their natural beauty, vibe, or unforgettable experiences.
These are some of my favorite places in the world, each with its own unique appeal.

Los Roques
🇻🇪 VenezuelaA paradise of untouched islands with crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. It’s one of the most stunning places I’ve ever been, and it feels like a hidden gem since so few foreign tourists make it here.
Pexels · Fuka jaz

Canaima
🇻🇪 VenezuelaThis place is straight out of a dream. Home to Angel Falls (the world’s tallest waterfall), Canaima is a surreal mix of tepui mountains, waterfalls, and lush jungle. Easily my favorite place I’ve ever visited.
Pexels · Ederik Palencia Ferreira

Morrocoy
🇻🇪 VenezuelaAnother incredible coastal paradise in Venezuela, with turquoise waters, beautiful coral reefs, and laid-back beach vibes. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves the ocean.
Pexels · Hiurich G.

Choroni
🇻🇪 VenezuelaA colorful beach town that has a laid-back, bohemian feel. Great beaches, fun local culture, and a fantastic spot for a more authentic Venezuelan experience.
Pexels · Fuka jaz

Merida
🇻🇪 VenezuelaA completely different side of Venezuela: cool mountain air, stunning Andean views, and adventure activities like paragliding. A great escape from the tropical heat.
Pexels · Arturo Añez.

Caracas
🇻🇪 VenezuelaI spent quite some time here, and despite what people might think, it’s an amazing city with great hikes, good food, and super friendly people. Sabas Nieves, the hike I did daily, became a big part of my routine.
Pixabay · Jrafave

Lombok
🇮🇩 IndonesiaOne of the most beautiful islands I’ve been to. Much better beaches than Bali, world-class surfing, and way fewer tourists. If you want raw nature and adventure, this is the place.
Pixabay · timeworx

Kuala Lumpur
🇲🇾 MalaysiaA city that’s super modern, yet culturally rich, with some of the best food you’ll find anywhere. I love the vibe, and it’s one of my favorite spots in Southeast Asia.
Pexels · MOHAMED AZHARUDIN BIN HABEEB MOHAMED

Bali
🇮🇩 IndonesiaA classic digital nomad hotspot, but for good reason. Great cafes, co-working spaces, beaches, and a strong sense of community. It’s an easy place to live and work from.
Pixabay · Ronin_Studio_Munich

Da Nang
🇻🇳 VietnamOne of my favorite places to live as a digital nomad. Amazing beaches, great food, affordable cost of living, and super underrated compared to Bali.
Pexels · Hac Hai

Guatape
🇨🇴 ColombiaA small but stunning town known for its colorful buildings and incredible lake views. Climbing the famous rock, El Peñol, gives you one of the best views in Colombia.
Pexels · JohnEGo!

Cancun
🇲🇽 MexicoI lived here for a while. Great beaches, great weather, and a fun city overall. Plus, it’s a perfect base for exploring other spots like Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
Pexels · Abbat Studio

London
🇬🇧 UKI lived in London for a few years, and it’s still my favorite big city in the world. The energy, history, culture, and opportunities make it unlike any other place. No matter how many times I go back, there’s always something new to experience.
Pexels · Martyn Day

Algarve
🇵🇹 PortugalSome of the best beaches in Europe, with dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear water. I love the slow pace of life here. It’s a perfect place to relax.
Pexels · Radd

Lisbon
🇵🇹 PortugalA beautiful, historic city with a great mix of old-world charm and modern culture. The digital nomad scene here is growing fast, and I can see why.
Pexels · Jussi Grönvall

Mexico City
🇲🇽 MexicoEasily one of the best food cities in the world. The street tacos alone make this place worth visiting. The mix of history, culture, and energy makes it one of my favorite big cities.
Pexels · Hazael Corona

Istanbul
🇹🇷 TurkeyA city that feels like a blend of East and West. The history, the food, the culture, it’s all incredible. Walking around the Grand Bazaar and along the Bosphorus is an experience in itself.
Pixabay · ulugbekprod

New York
🇺🇸 USOne of the most iconic cities in the world. Every time I go, I discover something new. It’s got that unstoppable energy that makes you feel like anything is possible.
Pexels · Joshua Santos

Lake Tahoe
🇺🇸 USOne of my favorite places for nature and adventure. In the winter, it’s a great ski destination. In the summer, it’s perfect for hiking and being out on the water.
Pixabay · heartfeltproductionslv
Places on my list
There are still so many places I want to experience, whether for their culture, nature, or unique adventures. Here’s my current travel wishlist.

Philippines
🇵🇭 PhilippinesStunning islands, world-class diving, and some of the best beaches on the planet. I’d love to explore El Nido, Siargao, and Coron, especially for their crystal-clear waters.
Pexels · Mark Jefferson Gabileo

Brazil
🇧🇷 BrazilFrom Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls to the Amazon, Brazil is a must-visit for adventure, nature, and culture. The energy of Carnival and football culture makes it even more interesting.
Pexels · Matheus De Moraes Gugelmim

Argentina
🇦🇷 ArgentinaExploring Patagonia, seeing Buenos Aires, and experiencing Argentinian steak and wine are all on my list. Also, trekking to Fitz Roy and Perito Moreno Glacier would be epic.
Pexels · Sergey Guk

Maldives
🇲🇻 MaldivesA bucket-list spot for its overwater bungalows, crystal-clear waters, and unreal marine life. Would love to experience it at least once for a total relaxation escape.
Pixabay · Natures_Embrace

Bora Bora
🇵🇫 French PolynesiaAnother paradise island with turquoise lagoons and stunning overwater villas. I’d love to compare it with the Maldives and see which one is better.
Pexels · Chuck Henjes

Roraima
🇻🇪 VenezuelaEver since I visited Canaima, I’ve wanted to trek Mount Roraima, one of the most legendary tepui mountains with unreal landscapes straight out of a movie.
Pixabay · brainin

Cape Town
🇿🇦 South AfricaI’ve heard Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with epic beaches, hikes, and an incredible vibe. The digital nomad community is growing fast, and it’s also a great spot for surfing, which makes it even more appealing.
Pixabay · jeanvdmeulen

Japan
🇯🇵 JapanFrom Tokyo’s futuristic vibe to Kyoto’s ancient temples, Japan is high on my list. Would love to experience the culture, food, and maybe even go during cherry blossom season.
Pixabay · Kanenori

Antarctica
🇦🇶 AntarcticaThe ultimate adventure destination: remote, untouched, and unlike anywhere else on earth.
Pexels · Mikhail Nilov

Petra and Wadi Rum
🇯🇴 JordanAn ancient wonder in the middle of the desert. Petra’s ruins and Wadi Rum’s landscapes look straight out of another world.
Pexels · Adrien JACTA

Everest Base Camp
🇳🇵 NepalEverest Base Camp is one of the most legendary hikes in the world. After my time in Venezuela’s mountains, I’d love to challenge myself here.
Pexels · Chandra Man Dongol
Documentaries
I love watching documentaries that inspire, challenge perspectives, and provide deep insights into business, health, sports, and human resilience.
These are some of the most impactful documentaries I’ve watched, worth your time if you want to learn, grow, and be inspired.
FAQs
I get a lot of questions about the books, tools, podcasts, and resources I personally use and recommend. This section covers the most common ones. If there’s something you’re looking for that’s not here, feel free to reach out!
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