Mark Ragland

Helping you read more & savor your life | Writing at

[Matt Ragland @mattragland]

A stack of great books for men and dads. Mix of life, work, spirituality, psychology, and mindset.

What are other books that helped you become a better man and dad?

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

Want to read more?

Carry a book with you, everywhere.

You'll look at your phone less.

You'll look like an intellectual and a rebel.

You'll get more chances to talk about books.

The average person checks their phone over 100 times a day. Imagine swapping even half of those for a page or two.

Carrying a book is a more interesting way to live.

Give it a try.

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

Slow down and embrace the ordinary

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

10 things to write in a pocket notebook every day:

• The weather
• Sunrise and sunset times
• Current moon phase
• 2–3 things you're grateful for
• A short quote
• Your to-do list
• A log of what you did
• Random thoughts
• Something you noticed
• The best part of your day

Takes about 10 minutes total. Might change your life.

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

@zbogus77 These are too good 😂

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

@SahilBloom I am working on reading more of the classics too - reading East of Eden right now!

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

@RaphaelCox5 I love the idea of a friend opening a book in 30 years and seeing a note from me from 2026

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

Most people say they want to read more.

Almost none of them do (I used to be one of them).

Here are the 10 rules that changed that.

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

@RaphaelCox5 I think picking a book out for them is part of the fun. It shows you put thought into it, and it'll be a connecting point if they like it!

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

There's no dark lord I need to defeat.

But the knowledge that giant obstacles can be overcome still helps me.

Fantasy books taught me that, and much more.

Here are 5 life lessons from reading fantasy:

1. You can overcome anything if you don’t quit
Frodo and Sam had countless opportunities to quit, but they didn’t. They kept going until they reached their goal. We can do the same.

2. You need help from others
Harry needed Ron and Hermione. Kaladin needed Bridge 4. Your adventure isn’t meant to be a solo experience.

3. You must train
Eragon trained for years so that when everything was on the line, he was ready.

4. There will be setbacks
It looked like all was lost when Aslan lay on the stone table. Never give up hope, and be ready to push through the setbacks you experience.

5. You must leave your comfort zone
Bilbo had to leave the Shire. You are being called to something, but you have to leave what is comfortable to get there.

Stories show us what we're capable of.

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

Reading before bed instead of scrolling is one of the easiest ways to improve your mental health.

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

Tolkien. Seneca. Frankl. Hemingway. Kleon. Sanderson.

They're all on my list of favorite books.

Subscribe, and I'll send it to your inbox.

https://t.co/6PcnzOOJvu

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

It’s always a good day when I get to start a new @FieldNotesBrand notebook

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

I have finished The Sun Eater series.

The final book, Shadows Upon Time, was one of the best in the series and delivered a pretty perfect conclusion.

If you like Sci-Fi, I highly recommend this!

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

Joseph Campbell was a master storyteller who devoted his life to understanding myth and living fully.

Through his study of ancient stories, myths, and people, he had this advice on how to live well:

"You’ve got only one life to live…Pay attention to it…The way to find out about your happiness is to keep your mind on those moments when you feel most happy...This requires a little bit of self-analysis. What is it that makes you happy? Stay with it, no matter what people tell you. This is what I call 'following your bliss.'"

When I read this quote, two actions jump out at me: pay attention and commit.

Many people followed the path they were told to follow. That’s not bad, but maybe you got down the path and realized it’s not what you want.

If you want a different path, you must do the work to find out which path to follow.

Pay attention to what makes you feel alive.

Pay attention to what makes you happy.

Then, commit.

Other people and the scared part of you might try to take you off the path, but don’t let them.

Follow the path and see where it leads.

Even if you only have an hour a day to commit to it. Spending an hour doing something you love will have a profound effect on your sense of purpose.

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

Link: https://t.co/ah9LXOIsJr

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

Screens steal your focus. A notebook gives it back.

I carry a Field Notes pocket notebook everywhere, and it's changed how I think, plan, and create.

So, I'm giving 1 notebook away to 3 newsletter subscribers.

See post for details (link in the replies) ⬇️

[Mark Ragland @markragland]

My latest strategy for being more present in the world and using my phone less: memorize a poem in my notebook.