10 Incredible Books That Inspire Life Changes
I am a great lover of books, and those that inspire mindfulness and big life changes are always captivating reads. This collection of life changing books to read will make you re-evaluate your life, perhaps see things from a different point of view, take charge of your dreams, and make the most of your time.
1. 4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss
Have you always dreamed of ditching your 9-5 job and pursuing a career that doesn’t require you to be in the office? Timothy Ferriss is a (controversial) guest lecturer at the University of Princeton who has spent the last five years pursuing hi own dreams and goals, cultivating a life where he works to live, instead of living to work. If you’re stuck in your job, drowning in the cubicle life, this book is your life raft.
2. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Randy Pausch was a computer science professor at Carnegie Melon University. He took part in one of the university traditions of giving a lecture upon the presence that it was your last chance to talk to your students: except for Professor Pausch, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given only a few months to live, it really was his last lecture. Captured in this book is the sincerity of the professor’s last lecture, caught on tape and transformed into an anecdotal memoir that inspires you to live for a purpose and chase your dreams.
3. 35 Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say by Maura Cullen
Even the title makes me smile, because I know that, even with the best intentions, I often put my foot in my mouth. A simple guide on how to engage in dialogue with those who are different from you, this book embraces the idea of “intent versus impact.” If you’ve ever wanted to bridge the gap of diversity with your dialogue, this is an essential guide to becoming more inclusive with your language (and hopefully your life).
4. Daring Greatly by Dr. Brené Brown
Dr. Brené Brown has spent the last thirteen years studying vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame. Have you every thought to be open and honest about your vulnerability? To share when you are feeling raw? Whether you’re starting a new relationship, dreading a difficult conversation with a family member, or need that push to get up and lead an important meeting, Dr. Brené Brown wants you to embrace your vulnerability and use it as a tool in your arsenal. Because seeing your vulnerability as a strength, and not a weakness, will have a big impact on how you live your life and interact with those around you.
5. A Million Miles In A Thousand Years by Donald Miller
After writing a best-selling memoir, Donald Miller is given the opportunity to bring his book to life as a film. There’s just one problem: Donald doesn’t like the way his narrative is played out. So Donald sets out to change his life and lead a better story. This novel inspired me to take a look at my own life and ask: if my life is a story, am I living a good one? Be careful: after reading this, you just might start having adventures of your own.
6. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
A fascinating book about how your mindset changes when your future is no longer certain. An unforgettable, life-affirming reflection on the challenge of facing mortality and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a gifted writer who became both, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer and went from living his life to fighting for it, from planning his future to living solidly in the present. His story, of carrying on in the face of great adversity, and making a virtuous and meaningful life, is one we can all learn from.
7. Thirteen Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy Morin
As a licensed clinical social worker, college psychology instructor, and psychotherapist, Amy Morin wrote an article that went viral and was picked up by Forbes magazine. The article (now the book) focuses on the challenges people can overcome by relying on their mental strength and focusing on the positives, and strategies you can use to avoid habitual decisions that can hold you back in life.
8. How To Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
Practical formulas that you can put into action to eliminate debilitating fear and worry and start living a life of happiness. “Fascinating to read and easy to apply,” use this book to find some life changing ideas.
9. Finding Your Element: How to Discover Your Talents and Passions and Transform Your Life by Ken Robinson
Sir Ken Robinson is an internationally recognized leader in the development of innovation. Although the title might sound a little new age-y, the book is all about finding your passion, discovering it or unearthing it once more, and following it fearlessly to make you happy.
10. The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun
by Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin gives a lively and compelling account of a year in her life where she dedicates her time to her happiness project, “test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier.”
