10 Extraordinary Books That Will Change Your Life
Looking for a new book to read?
I’m an avid reader, and I’m always looking for new books for my shelf (e-book or otherwise) that will not only entertain me, but also maybe teach me a few life lessons.
I know I’ve got more to learn, and rereading the Harry Potter series for the 10th time isn’t the most beneficial use of my time, especially as I’m learning to tackle new challenges in work, relationships, and life. So I’ve compiled a list of books that focus on self-help, wellness, confidence, and embracing life to the fullest.
1. Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant
Sheryl Sandberg, reeling from the loss of her husband, feels empty and fears she will never experience joy again. Enter Adam Grant, a psychologist and friend who begins to teach Sheryl the steps you can take to recover and rebound when you’ve hit rock bottom.
Grant combines his research on adversity and recovery with Sandberg’s unique insights to create this story of healing, hope, and perseverance.
2. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
Are you ready to create real change in your life, stop practicing negative self-talk, and begin to live a life you love?
Jen Sincero combines humor and sage advice in this novel of self discovery and inspiration. She’ll guide you step-by-step to help you kick bad habits, take big risks, set life goals, and finally get what you want.
3. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Introverts are here, we’re just not making much noise in this crowded, noisy world. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make a big impact, succeed at work and in life, and learn how to pretend at being an extrovert when we need to.
You may never come to enjoy public speaking, but this book will inspire you to get up and speak out.
4. Defeating Your Self-Bully: A guide to stop beating yourself up and start building confidence for a life you deserve by Renee Hines
This is a book all about positive self-talk, and silencing the inner voices that tell you you can’t, you shouldn’t, you won’t.
Instead of beating yourself up all day, take a stand against your self-bully and start focusing on your health and wellness, and most importantly, your happiness.
5. The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller
The concept is simple, but the effects are extraordinary: “What’s the ONE thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”
The author helps you answer this question, focusing on the one thing you should do, instead of the many things you could do. This is definitely one of those books that will change your life.
6. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown
Every day, we are told through the media (or social media), who we are, what we should look like, and how we are lacking.
Author Brené Brown guides readers through the steps necessary to embrace their imperfections, and have the courage and compassion to love who they are, not who they think they should be.
7. Live More, Work Better: A Practical Guide to a Balanced Life by Gayle Hilgendorff
Do you feel as though your work life balance is a little skewed, making you feel like you’re working more, and living less? Uniquely, author Gayle Hilgendorff isn’t suggesting you shed your 9-5 life, but wants you to find balance with a work/life detox, so you have more life outside of work, without giving it all up.
8. The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking
Denmark is well known to be one of the happiest places on the planet. Author Meik Wiking explains why, using the principals of Hygge, which can most easily be described as cosiness of the soul.
Meik is CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, and has spent years studying Danish life to bring us these little nuggets of wisdom.
9. The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You by Jessica N. Turner
It’s easy to get lost or sidetracked in all of the many activities that build up as the day goes along, but author Jessica N. Turner teaches us that pushing our own needs aside isn’t necessary (or healthy) in order to get through the day.
Taking back your time in the “fringe hours” to do the things you love and practice self-care is so important, and this book is a perfect guide to help you do so!
10. #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso
Sophia Amoruso is not your typical CEO. In fact, she isn’t typical in anything she does. Her backstory is colorful, and when she did decide to pursue a career, it was on her terms, and she did it with style.
Now the Founder, CEO and Creative Director of her own company, Sophia’s book is perfect for women in their 20s who need inspiration starting out on their career path, or for those of us who need a little nudge to explore a new direction.
{This blog post is not affiliated with or sponsored by any of the brands or businesses in this post.}
Which books are on your reading list? Share with us in the comments below!
