I get a lot of questions asking about how I’ve grown and developed my perspective and designed my life with intention. And almost invariably the best advice I can give anyone is to: 1- just start trying and 2- read inspiring books. Below are the books that have made a great impact on my life and helped me in significant ways.
(No affiliate love here, links are all to Amazon because it’s the easiest site to reference.)
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey
Okay, if there was ever a manual for my life, this would be it. I picked up the teen version when I was at a low, low, low point in my life as a college junior and it changed the trajectory of my life. As with all things, you get out what you put in – and after putting a heck of a lot of time and reflection on this book, I’ve become a much kinder, happier, and reflective person.
The E-Myth Revisited, Michael E. Gerber
Just finished this book in October of 2010. Such a realistic and applicable book for small business! I cannot recommend this book enough for entrepreneurs. I plan to go through it again and restructure my business following Gerber’s advice.
Walden, Henry David Thoreau
Love this transformative book (and author). It’s incredibly easy to relate to – even in the twenty-first century – and really puts things in perspective philosophically.
The Pursuit of Perfect, Tal Ben-Shahar
If you struggle with black and white thinking, perfectionism, or unrealistic expectations, this book will give you some great methods to incorporate in your life for a more balanced way of living and thinking.
The Art of Possibility, Rosamund Stone Zander, Benjamin Zander
These authors have a great knack for questioning limiting beliefs and re-framing our entire lives. Great techniques for changing your thinking for the better, and bigger things in life.
Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert
Yes, there’s a good chance you’ve already read this incredibly popular book. But it’s totally worth mentioning again – such a great and funny memoir about re-designing a life with intention. The movie only glanced upon the wisdom present in these pages.
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Franklin
Okay, I’ll admit it right now: Ben Franklin is my history crush. I have an undying fascination with this incredible guy. Though it might not be for everyone, I’ve learned a lot about living the well-intentioned life from Ben.
Stay tuned! I’ll be adding more books to this shelf as I go along.
