The 5 Books That Sparked Milestones Into Action
Introduction: From Engineering Equations to Entrepreneurial Equations
I've always been a collector of ideas. My mind is like a crowded attic filled with dusty inventions, half-baked business plans, and a surprisingly detailed blueprint for a hoverboard (back to the future, anyone?). But when it came to bringing any of these ideas to life, I'd often find myself stuck in a loop of over-analysis.
"Too risky," I'd say.
"No one will care."
"Maybe I need to read just one more book before I'm ready."
Ironically, it was a series of books that finally shook me out of this paralysis by analysis.
But let's rewind a bit.
The Engineer's Mindset: Expertise Over Experimentation
Coming from an engineering background, I was conditioned to believe that success meant becoming the go-to expert in a technical field. You know, the person who can calculate the trajectory of a paper airplane with a slide rule. The path was linear: gain knowledge, solve complex problems, climb the technical ladder to Senior Engineer, Principal Engineer, and eventually, the mythical title of "Engineer Who Actually Understands How the Office Coffee Machine Works."
For years, I focused on this trajectory. I piled on certifications, took on challenging projects, and aimed to be the best in my field. But somewhere along the way, I realized that while I was adding titles to my resume, I wasn't adding fulfillment to my life.
Reality Check: Climbing the ladder is great—unless it's leaning against the wrong wall.
The Business School Epiphany
In a plot twist worthy of a daytime soap opera, I decided to pursue a master's degree in Business Analytics. Stepping into business school was like walking into a parallel universe. Suddenly, I was surrounded by people who spoke in terms of startups, scalability, and (gasp) disrupting industries.
These weren't just engineers tweaking existing systems; these were visionaries building new ones. For the first time, I thought, "Wait a minute—could that be me?"
It was both exhilarating and terrifying. Kind of like realizing you can dance but only when no one's watching.
Enter the Fantastic Five: Books That Changed Everything
Immersed in this new environment, I picked up five books that collectively kicked me out of my comfort zone and into action:
1. Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan
Breaking the Mold
Noah Kagan's book was the jolt of caffeine my entrepreneurial spirit desperately needed.
He writes:
"Business is just a never-ending cycle of starting and trying new things."
And:
"If you are afraid to start or ask, you can't experiment. And if you can't experiment, you can't do business."
For someone who was used to triple-checking calculations before making a move, this was revolutionary. Kagan introduced me to the concept of "Creation Courage":
"The ability to come up with ideas and have the courage to try them out and ask."
I realized that I didn't need to be an expert to start; I just needed to start.
Pro Tip: Set "rejection goals." Aim to get a certain number of "no's" each week. Each rejection is a sign you're putting yourself out there.
2. Launch by Jeff Walker
From Hesitation to Anticipation
Jeff Walker's Launch demystified the process of bringing a product into the world. It wasn't about having a massive advertising budget or a viral TikTok dance (though that could be fun). It was about building anticipation and involving people in your journey.
I learned that sharing the story behind Milestones could be as important as the watches themselves. It wasn't just about ticking hands; it was about the hands that made them.
3. Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal
Redefining Work and Play
Ali Abdaal's philosophy struck a chord:
"Productivity isn't about doing more; it's about doing what matters."
As an engineer, I was no stranger to long hours and complex problems. But was I focusing on what truly mattered to me?
This book encouraged me to align my efforts with my passions. It was like getting permission to spend time on what I loved without feeling guilty about it.
Pro Tip: Identify your "flow" activities—the tasks you get lost in—and incorporate more of them into your workday.
4. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Money as a Tool, Not a Goal
Housel writes:
"Financial success is not a hard science. It's a soft skill, where how you behave is more important than what you know."
This was a game-changer. I had always thought that financial success required complex strategies and insider knowledge. But really, it came down to mindset and behavior.
I began to see money as a tool to build the life I wanted, not the end goal. It freed me to take calculated risks, like investing time and resources into Milestones.
5. Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
Embracing Mortality to Live Fully
Nothing puts things into perspective quite like realizing you have about four thousand weeks on this planet.
Burkeman states:
"It's thrilling recognition that you wouldn't even really want to be able to do everything since if you didn't have to decide what to miss out on, your choices couldn't truly mean anything."
I had been so paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong choice that I ended up making no choice. This book helped me accept that limitations aren't barriers; they're what make our choices meaningful.
Pro Tip: Limit your to-do list to three significant tasks each day. It forces you to prioritize and accept that you can't do it all—and that's okay.
Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
Armed with new perspectives and a fire in my belly (possibly from all the coffee), I decided it was time to act. Not "after I read one more book" or "once I feel ready," but now.
I started by writing down my ideas for Milestones. I talked to friends and family about it, bracing myself for eye rolls or polite nods. Instead, I received enthusiasm and offers to help.
Each step was a leap out of my comfort zone:
Sharing my idea publicly.
Asking for feedback (and bracing for criticism).
Investing time and money without any guarantees.
And you know what? It was exhilarating.
What Milestones Is All About
Milestones isn't just about watches. It's about celebrating the journey—the effort, the late nights, the small victories that often go unnoticed. It's a rebellion against the notion that only the destination matters.
Our mantra, "The Effort is the Reward," embodies this philosophy. Every timepiece is a reminder to savor the process, to acknowledge that each tick of the second hand is a moment you're actively living.
In a world obsessed with instant gratification and quick wins, Milestones stands for patience, craftsmanship, and intentionality.
“I happen to be alive, and there is no cosmic law entitling me to that status. Being alive is just happenstance, and not one more day of it is guaranteed”
An Invitation to Embrace Your Journey
Maybe you're like I was—full of ideas but held back by overthinking and self-doubt. Consider this your nudge to take a step, even a small one, outside your comfort zone.
Write that idea down. Share it with someone. Take a risk, however small.
Remember, the magic happens not when you reach the destination but as you travel the path.
Challenge: This week, do one thing that scares you but brings you closer to a dream or goal. Embrace the discomfort—it means you're growing.
Closing Thoughts
Looking back, it's clear that stepping into the unknown was the best decision I could have made. Milestones is more than a business to me; it's a testament to the power of embracing the journey.
So go ahead—be a rebel in your own life. Challenge the status quo. Celebrate your efforts, no matter how small they may seem.
Life is too short for "maybe someday."
If this story resonated with you, I'd be honored for you to join the Milestones community. Let's celebrate the journey together.
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Thank you for being part of this adventure. Remember, it's not about the destination—it's about the journey, the challenges we embrace, and the milestones we create along the way.
