These are a few of my favorite books I've read in the last year. I usually prefer the audiobook version because I drive a lot for work, and like to listen while I'm editing, washing dishes, or walking my dog. These all include super important points that apply to any creative person, independent thinker, and student of life! I included a link to each book, but you can find them on any platform.
Daring Greatly
by Brene Brown
I love all of her books, but I just finished listening to this one last weekend. It's really powerful and encouraging to show up wholeheartedly as we are and recognize the impact that has on our lives. Our insecurities don't go away when we get to the next level. We have to lean into, learn about, and move forward with them. She dives into how we perceive challenges/opportunities and the importance of owning our mistakes.
You are a Badass
by Jen Sincero
She has a very honest and hilarious, no BS approach to things that are "woo" that makes them more approachable. I really like how she breaks things down, especially money mindset and the stigma behind it. If you haven’t explored the concept abundance vs scarcity, this is a good introduction.
Building a Story Brand
by Donald Miller
This is the most impactful business development book I've read so far. I get something new from it every time I read it. The ideas shared can resonate with anyone and the approach he encourages you to take is vital for real connection.
Big Magic
by Elizabeth Gilbert
This book is wild! She is a very poetic writer and, ironically, created my favorite analogy, the shit sandwich. Which doesn’t sound poetic, but it's a reference for the most disagreeable aspects of one's work. "To succeed, you have to be hungry enough and pick your flavor of shit sandwich." In other words, everything sucks some of the time. What are you passionate enough about to deal with the shitty parts?
Think Again
by Adam Grant
As my only conviction in life is to question everything, this was a thrill to read! 😂 The dance between science and philosophy is always riveting. he explores our default ways of thinking, how our beliefs and identify are shaped from a very young age by how we learn to problem solve, and how we can challenge ourselves to rethink in order to reach our fullest potential.
Find Your Why
by Simon Sinek
This should be recommended reading for every entrepreneur. The most important part of what we do, is why we do it. Happiness is not the same as fulfillment. Happiness is temporary and comes from what we do, while fulfillment lasts and comes from why we do what we do. Simon describes his ideas in this TED talk.
Four Thousand Weeks
by Oliver Burkeman
This is the book I've read more than any other! It dives deep into the philosophy of time, how it's developed it as a construct into something we use as a resource, and how we experience it consciously and subconsciously. I literally bought 7 copies to give out to my friends and fam. Highly recommend the audiobook.
The Tipping Point
by Malcom Gladwell
This is a super interesting read about how human behavior is influenced and even the smallest acts can have huge impacts on how history plays out regarding social epidemics. He sites case studies from pop culture, medicine, city economics, public education, and more. It's crazy how similar and interconnected it all is.
Greenlights
By Matthew McConaughey
I didn't realize before this how entirely self made McConaughey is. Of course he had a leg up in life due to his good looks, but even before fame he had to look for the greenlight opportunities and make the most of certain situations. He is very honest and vulnerable about his struggles and personal development. Highly recommend the audiobook that he narrates.
Atomic Habits
by James Clear
Yes, it's as good as everyone says. Written from the perspective of an athlete, but definitely applies to all aspects of a person's life. Your intention is powerful even if your choices are small. Highly recommend his 3-2-1 Thursday newsletter. It's amazing and super inspiring.
The Practice
by Seth Godin
This is another one I've re-read and probably should again. It provides really great insights and perspectives for all pursuits. The story we tell ourselves leads to the actions we take. We are not a cog in the system, we are the creator and problem solver, the operator of said "system".
How I Built This
by Guy Raz
This one made me cry. I highly recommend listening to the audio version, because Guy Raz is such an animated narrator, was the host of the TED radio hour, and is an actual professional interviewer and storyteller. This book is based on a series of interviews he did with the worlds top CEOs who share their very personal and very human journeys in entrepreneurship. The most moving and compelling stories are human journeys. When he concluded by sharing his, I lost it.
What's on your reading list?
I'd love any recs if you've read or listened to something impactful. I am on a self/biz development kick, but I'm open to just about anything, and if a book really moved you, then it's definitely worth checking out! Please feel free to share some of your favorites!