As the new year begins, there's no better time to fine-tune the habits that define your daily life.
The Texas Standard Guide to Staying Sharp was crafted to help you start the year with confidence, focus, and intention. From mastering personal style to staying physically and mentally sharp, this guide will help you explore practical insights that aim to improve multiple aspect of your life.
Welcome to a year of looking, feeling, and living at your best.
To help get things rolling, the Texas Standard team put together a quick reading list that captures the Texas Gentleman’s spirit—focused, timeless, and resilient.
These books aren’t just great stories—they’re reminders of grit, progress, and the enduring power of resilience. Whether you’re after timeless wisdom or epic Texas tales, this list is packed with inspiration to keep you moving forward this year.
Grab one and see where it takes you.
Greenlights
Matthew McConaughey
"We grew up believing there was no greater pride than being from Texas, and no better place to learn how to find your footing."
A mix of memoir and self-help, McConaughey offers life lessons and “prescriptions” for navigating challenges and embracing opportunities. The Academy Award-winning actor is a proud Texan, and his storytelling is deeply influenced by his upbringing in the Lone Star State.
The Daily Stoic
Ryan Holiday
"The quiet stillness of Texas mornings teaches us what the ancients knew: simplicity and clarity lead to strength."
Written by a Texan author, this book provides daily meditations inspired by Stoic philosophy to cultivate discipline and resilience. Ryan Holiday resides in Bastrop, Texas, and often incorporates his connection to nature and Texas culture into his work.
Ego Is the Enemy
Ryan Holiday
"In Texas, you’re reminded that the vastness of the land will always be bigger than any one person’s ego."
This practical guide explores how to overcome self-importance and build a life rooted in humility and purpose. Holiday’s Texas roots influence his grounded approach to philosophy and personal growth.
Mind Gym: An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence
Gary Mack
"Texas taught me that mental toughness is like the unrelenting summer heat—you can’t escape it, so you learn to thrive in it."
A motivational book that provides mental training techniques for athletes and anyone striving to achieve personal excellence. Mack’s methods resonate with the strong sports culture prevalent in Texas.
Lonesome Dove
Larry McMurtry
"A man’s luck is made in Texas, but it’s tested in the journey to survive her."
A Pulitzer Prize-winning epic about the American West, written by one of Texas's most celebrated authors. McMurtry, a native of Archer City, Texas, captures the spirit and history of Texas in this masterful novel.-
Old Yeller
Fred Gipson
"In Texas, a boy grows up learning that loyalty is worth more than gold, especially when it’s shared with a dog like Old Yeller."
A heartwarming and emotional story set in post-Civil War Texas, suitable for all ages. Gipson, a Texan author, drew from his rural upbringing in the Texas Hill Country to create this enduring classic.
Goodbye to a River
John Graves
"Texas rivers aren’t just water—they’re the veins that hold the history of the land."
A lyrical and reflective journey down the Brazos River, exploring Texas history and natural beauty. Graves, a Texan, intimately portrays the landscapes and traditions of his home state.
Travels with Charley: In Search of America
John Steinbeck
"Texas is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession. Above all, Texas is a nation in every sense of the word."
Steinbeck chronicles his road trip across America with his dog Charley, spending a memorable section exploring Texas. His observations capture the state’s unique identity and the pride of its people.
All My Friends Are Going to Be Strangers
Larry McMurtry
"There’s a wildness to Texas that can both comfort and crush you—it’s where I learned to write and where I learned to love."
A semi-autobiographical novel about a young writer navigating life, love, and fame in Texas. McMurtry draws from his personal experiences in his home state to craft this deeply relatable and reflective work.
Big Wonderful Thing: A History of Texas
Stephen Harrigan
"Texas doesn’t just have a history—it has a mythology that shapes every one of us who call it home."
A comprehensive and engaging look at Texas's history, culture, and identity. Harrigan, a Texas native, captures the state’s complexities and grandeur in this monumental work.
STAY SHARP
Do You Know Your Texas Trivia?
Knowing and appreciating all things Texan is more than just fun—it’s a meaningful way to honor the history, culture, and values that make this state unique.
Check out these quizzes, courtesy of Texas Monthly.
The Texanist’s Texas Trivia Test #1
We’re all about finding ways to stay sharp—showing up ready for the day and making small adjustments that keep life in balance. That’s why we’re spotlighting Spiritless, a brand rethinking the way we drink without compromising on quality, flavor, or tradition. Founded in 2019 by Lexie Larsen and her team, Spiritless delivers the taste and ritual of a classic cocktail, minus the alcohol, with offerings like Kentucky 74, a non-alcoholic bourbon, and Spiced, a smooth cinnamon whiskey.
But Spiritless isn’t about giving up drinking altogether—it’s about finding a middle ground. As Lexie puts it, “98% of our customers also drink.” Lexie suggests whether you’re mixing Spiritless with your favorite bourbon for a lighter take on an Old Fashioned or opting for a Spiritless pour to feel sharper the next morning, it’s a solution for those who want to enjoy the evening and be ready for what’s ahead.
For us here at Texas Standard, staying sharp means finding balance without giving up the good stuff. Whether it’s easing into the evening with a pour of Kentucky 74 or lightening up a classic cocktail, Spiritless has earned a place in our routine. We’ll still be sticking around for one more, but for that last drink, we’re reaching for Spiritless—just enough to enjoy the moment without paying for it in the morning.
If you're ready to look sharp this year, we've got te shirt for you. The Tejas Guayabera is the ultimate blend of tradition, comfort, and style. Its timeless design and premium craftsmanship make it the perfect foundation for any occasion. Whether you're dressing up or keeping it casual, this shirt adapts to your look with ease.
Staying sharp isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you live and the values you carry with you. This quiz gives you a chance to see which Texas icon matches your personality, drawing on the qualities that make them legendary.
A few members of our team tried it out, and it got us thinking about how these legends align with what we strive for at Texas Standard.
Take the quiz and see which Texas legend matches your style. It’s a great way to celebrate the qualities that make Texas—and Texans—truly remarkable.
