🌟 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.

🛠️ The ultimate creator tools list – A handpicked list of the best software, apps, and platforms for creators, solopreneurs, and online business owners. These are the exact tools I use to grow my brand, automate workflows, and scale my business.

🎥 The ultimate video gear guide – The best cameras, microphones, lighting, and accessories for high-quality content creation — whether you’re filming YouTube videos, online courses, or social media content. I break down my go-to gear for different setups.

✈️ Best travel resources – As a digital nomad and global citizen, I’ve tested a lot of travel services, co-living spaces, and gear. This guide covers my top recommendations for flights, accommodations, and essentials to make travel smoother.

📖 My reading list – A curated collection of 100+ must-read books on business, mindset, self-improvement, high performance, and more. These books have shaped my thinking and helped me grow in all areas of life.

🎙️Best podcasts – The top podcasts I listen to for business, personal branding, high-performance living, and deep conversations. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or creator, these are worth subscribing to.

📺 Best YouTube channels – YouTube is one of the best platforms for learning. This is my handpicked list of the most valuable YouTube channels across business, self-improvement, health, and productivity.

📝 Best blogs – The top blogs I consistently read and recommend on business, personal branding, self-improvement, health, productivity, and more. These blogs have been a major source of inspiration, insights, and actionable strategies over the years.

💬 Best quotes – A collection of powerful quotes on success, discipline, mindset, business, health, life, quotes from creators, entrepreneurs, famous people, and more. These aren’t just words — they’re principles that have shaped my thinking and helped me grow.

🎓 Best online courses – I’ve taken (and created) a lot of online courses over the years. Here are the most valuable ones I recommend for learning business, content creation, and high-income skills.

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📚 15 essential books I recommend

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.

🚀 Business & wealth

• The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco – Why traditional financial advice keeps most people broke and how to build wealth faster.
• Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini – The science of persuasion and how to ethically influence people in business.
• $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi – How to create an offer so good that people can’t say no.
• The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson – Timeless wisdom on wealth, happiness, and decision-making.
• The One Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan – How to eliminate distractions and focus on what truly matters.
• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel – How to think about money, risk, and financial freedom long-term.

🧠 Self-help & high performance

• Atomic Habits by James Clear – The best book on building powerful habits and eliminating bad ones.
• Mastery by Robert Greene – The blueprint for becoming world-class in your field.
• Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins – A raw and intense book on mental toughness and resilience
• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie – The ultimate book on communication, networking, and building strong relationships.
• Deep Work by Cal Newport –Teaches how to master focus and eliminate distractions to produce high-value work in less time.
• The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma – A framework for starting your mornings with purpose to boost productivity and success.

🏋️‍♂️ Health & longevity

• Outlive by Dr. Peter Attia – A deep dive into optimizing health and longevity.
• Lifespan by Dr. David Sinclair – Everything you need to know about aging, biohacking, and extending your healthspan.
• Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker – The definitive book on sleep science and how it impacts everything from productivity to longevity.

↳ View all my recommended books

📱 Favorite apps on my iPhone right now

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 – My go-to app for organizing everything in my life and business.
• Canva – Perfect for creating social media graphics.
• Wise – The best app for international money transfers and managing multiple currencies.
• CapCut – Best mobile video editor for quick, high-quality edits.
• ChatGPT – My go-to AI assistant for brainstorming and content creation.
• Perplexity – The best AI-powered research tool.
• Claude – Another AI tool I use for writing and creative work.
• Voicepal – Converts text to high-quality AI-generated voiceovers.
• Voicenotes – Great for recording ideas and notes on the go.
• Unfold – Best for creating clean, aesthetic Instagram stories.
• Tone Studio – Minimalist photo & video editor with curated filters and overlays.
• Skillshare – A go-to for learning new creative and business skills.
• MasterClass – Learning from world-class experts in different industries.
• Blinkist – Quick book summaries for key takeaways in minutes.
• Shortform – Deep book summaries and insights beyond Blinkist.
• Snipd – AI-powered app for saving and summarizing podcast highlights.
• Todoist – Best task manager for keeping track of my daily priorities.
• Apple Notes – Fast, simple, and perfect for jotting down quick ideas.
• Apple Health – Tracks my steps, workouts, and overall wellness.

↳ View all my recommended creator tools

📺 Favorite podcasts / 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.

• 📖 The Diary of a CEO (Steven Bartlett) – Deep, raw conversations about business, success, and mindset.
• 🎙️ The Tim Ferriss Show – The ultimate long-form podcast on personal growth, business, and high performance.
• 🧠 Modern Wisdom (Chris Williamson) – Covers everything from psychology to philosophy to self-improvement.
• 🧪 Huberman Lab (Dr. Andrew Huberman) – Science-backed insights on health, fitness, and brain optimization.
• 🎬 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.

↳ View all my recommended podcasts

↳ View all my recommended YouTube channels

📖 Favorite blogs I follow

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 – The best blog for SEO, content marketing, and ranking on Google.
• NeilPatel.com – Covers SEO, digital marketing, and online business growth.
• James Clear – One of the best sources on habits, productivity, and continuous improvement.
• Farnam Street (Shane Parrish) – Mental models, decision-making, and thinking better.
• Justin Welsh – High-quality insights on personal branding, content creation, and solopreneurship.
• Tim Ferriss Blog – Deep insights on business, high-performance, and learning from world-class experts.
• Ben Meer – Systems, high-performance, and personal growth.
• Mark Manson – No-BS life advice, psychology, and personal development.
• Ryan Holiday (Daily Stoic) – Stoicism, discipline, and mental toughness.
• Scott Young – Learning, deep work, and self-improvement strategies.
• Darious Foroux – Productivity, success habits, and mindset strategies.

↳ View all my recommended blogs

📧 My favorite newsletters

I don’t subscribe to just any newsletter.

The best ones deliver real insights, not fluff — whether it’s about business, personal growth, or high performance. These are the ones I open every time I get a chance.

🚀 Business, solopreneurship & personal branding

• Founder OS (Matt Gray) – Systems thinking, audience growth, and scaling your personal brand businesses.
• The Saturday Solopreneur (Justin Welsh) – The best insights on building a one-person business and personal brand.
• Contrarian Thinking (Codie Sanchez) -> The best newsletter on buying boring businesses and thinking differently about wealth.
• The Koe Letter (Dan Koe) – Solopreneurship, content, and designing a high-leverage lifestyle business.

🧠 Self-Improvement, productivity & mindset

• 3-2-1 Newsletter (James Clear) – The most concise, actionable newsletter on habits and self-improvement.
• Brain Food (Farnam Street – Shane Parrish) – Mental models, decision-making, and clear thinking for a smarter life.
• The Curiosity Chronicle (Sahil Bloom) – Business, finance, and mental models for success.
• LifeNotes (Ali Abdaal) – Actionable productivity tips, practical life advice, and high-quality insights from across the web.
• Systems Thinking (Ben Meer) – Practical self-improvement, systems, and high-performance strategies.
• 5-Bullet Friday (Tim Ferriss) – A mix of business, mindset, and interesting experiments from Tim Ferriss.
• Wise & Wealth (Darius Foroux) – Productivity, decision-making, and wealth-building for high achievers.

🩺 Health, longevity & performance

• Dr. Peter Attia – Deep dives into longevity, optimal performance, and cutting-edge health science.
• Neural Network Newsletter (Dr. Andrew Huberman) – Neuroscience-backed insights on focus, sleep, and cognitive performance.

↳ View all newsletter examples

💬 Inspirational quotes to live by

These are the principles that drive me every day — whether in business, health, or personal growth.

↳ View the best quotes collection

↳ View my top 10 rules for success

🔥 Favorite things to do

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 favorite things I love doing the most.

• 🏋️‍♂️ Training & 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.
• 🏄‍♂️ Surfing & 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.

• ✈️ Traveling & 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.
• 📖 Reading & 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.
• 💻 Building & 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.
• 🎥 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.
• 🍣 Eating great food for health & 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.
• 🧘‍♂️ Deep conversations & 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.
• 🏔️ Nature & 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.
• 🎶 Listening to music & 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.
• 📷 Photo and video – I love capturing moments from my travels, workouts, and daily life. Whether it’s with my Sony A6700, DJI Osmo Pocket 3, or just my iPhone, I’m always looking for the best way to document and share experiences. Check out my ultimate video gear guide for everything I use.

🌍 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, Venezuela 🇻🇪 A 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.
• ⛰️ Canaima, Venezuela 🇻🇪 This 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.
• 🌊 Morrocoy, Venezuela 🇻🇪 Another 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.
• 🏖️ Choroni, Venezuela 🇻🇪 A 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.
• Merida, Venezuela 🇻🇪 – A completely different side of Venezuela—cool mountain air, stunning Andean views, and adventure activities like paragliding. A great escape from the tropical heat.
• 🏙️ Caracas, Venezuela 🇻🇪 I 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.
• 🏄‍♂️ Lombok, Indonesia 🇮🇩 One 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.
• 🏙️ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 🇲🇾 A 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.
• 🌿 Bali, Indonesia 🇮🇩 A 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.
• 🏖️ Da Nang, Vietnam 🇻🇳 One of my favorite places to live as a digital nomad. Amazing beaches, great food, affordable cost of living, and super underrated compared to Bali.
• 🎨 Guatape, Colombia 🇨🇴 A 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.
• 🌴 Cancun, Mexico 🇲🇽 I 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.
• London, UK 🇬🇧 I 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.
• Algarve, Portugal 🇵🇹 Some 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.
• Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹 A 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.
• Mexico City, Mexico 🇲🇽 Easily 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.
• Istanbul, Turkey 🇹🇷 A 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.
• New York, US 🇺🇸 One 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.
• Lake Tahoe, US 🇺🇸 One 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.

✈️ Top places I’d like to visit next

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 🇵🇭 Stunning 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.
• 🌴 Brazil 🇧🇷 From 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.
• 🏔️ Argentina 🇦🇷 Exploring Patagonia, seeing Buenos Aires, and experiencing Argentinian steak and wine — it’s all on my list. Also, trekking to Fitz Roy and Perito Moreno Glacier would be epic.
• 🏝️ Maldives 🇲🇻 A 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.
• 🏝️ Bora Bora, French Polynesia 🇵🇫 Another paradise island with turquoise lagoons and stunning overwater villas. I’d love to compare it with the Maldives and see which one is better.
• Roraima, Venezuela 🇻🇪 Ever 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.
• 🌅 Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦 I’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.
• 🎌 Japan 🇯🇵 From 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.
• ❄️ Antarctica 🇦🇶 The ultimate adventure destination—remote, untouched, and unlike anywhere else on earth.
• 🏜️ Petra & Wadi Rum, Jordan 🇯🇴 An ancient wonder in the middle of the desert. Petra’s ruins and Wadi Rum’s landscapes look straight out of another world.
• 🏔️ Nepal (Everest Base Camp) 🇳🇵Everest 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.

📽️ Top 10 documentaries I love

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.

• 🧬 Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever – A fascinating deep dive into the world of biohacking and longevity, following Bryan Johnson’s extreme efforts to reverse aging and extend human life.
• 💰 How to Get Rich – Financial expert Ramit Sethi helps people shift their money mindset, redesign their spending, and build wealth without sacrificing their lifestyle.
• 🏔️ 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible – The insane story of Nirmal Purja, a former Gurkha soldier, who set out to climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in just 7 months — a feat previously thought impossible.
• ⛰️ Aftershock: Everest and the Nepal Earthquake – A gripping account of the 2015 Nepal earthquake and its devastating impact on climbers at Mount Everest and the people of Nepal.
• 🌊 The Deepest Breath – A breathtaking documentary about freediving, exploring the extreme mental and physical limits required to push beyond what seems humanly possible.
• 🌍 Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones – A fascinating look at the world’s longest-living communities, uncovering their lifestyle habits, diets, and mindsets that contribute to exceptional longevity.
• ⚽ Beckham – An inside look at the legendary career of David Beckham, covering his rise to football stardom, controversies, and personal life.
• ⚽ Ronaldo – A deep dive into the life of Cristiano Ronaldo, showcasing his relentless work ethic, mindset, and the sacrifices behind his success.
• 🏀 The Last Dance – A behind-the-scenes look at Michael Jordan’s final championship run with the Chicago Bulls, revealing his mindset, leadership, and the intense pressure of greatness.
• 🌎 Down to Earth with Zac Efron – A refreshing documentary series where Zac Efron explores sustainable living, health, and cultures around the world, uncovering ways to live better and more consciously.

❓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!

What about you? What are some of your favorite things? Send me an email at support[at]navid.me and let me know!

Last updated: 2025-02-25