I'm always trying to improve and surround myself with people who are better than me in various ways. Thanks to the internet, you can do with with individuals who you would otherwise never know or have the ability to interact with. This happens through podcasts, books, etc.

A couple people who I resonated with and have influenced me are:

Jocko Willink

Jocko is a former navy seal and talks about leadership and extreme ownership. In his podcast, he reads passages from different books, usually military, breaking them down and highlighting important points, along with how they can be applied as a leader and in life in general.

He also discusses discipline, how important it is, and does a great job at covering topics from a detached, objective view rather than being emotional.

Andy Frisella

Andy is a successful entrepreneur who hosts RealAF, along with running several other companies. He's big on mental toughness and telling things the way they are, which I love. While Jocko discusses discipline and it's importance, it was Andy's power list and 75 hard program that actually helped me start building it.

Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand, although being much different from the prior two individuals, created the philosophical system called Objectivism and wrote my favorite book, Atlas Shrugged. While not being an expert, my understanding of objectivism is the idea that:

• Facts are facts, regardless of desires, wishes, and hopes

• Follow reason over faith

• Pursue your happiness and self interest

• Live a life of purpose and productiveness, trading value for value

I believe that these three individuals (along with many others) have helped to shape my views and make me a better individual.