If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my adult life it’s this:
If you don’t tap into a positive voice on a daily basis, you have no choice but to listen to the voice already in your own head. And that guy… well let’s just say he usually doesn’t have something good to say.I have found that the best way to get a positive voice in my head on a daily basis is with a good book.
I love audiobooks too, in fact, I rarely go out and about without a set of headphones in my ears with an audiobook playing, but there is nothing quite like owning and reading an actual physical book.
I like to bookmark, highlight, and underline sentences that pop out at me. If you are into enhancing your levels of happiness and success I strongly encourage you to start reading some great books.
Personal development is crucial to growth and, like bathing, it must be done daily. I have a running list of books on my phone. Every time someone I would consider successful mentions a book title, I write it down. This is my list:
1. The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer
This was the very first personal development book I ever read and it had a tremendous impact on my life. This book helps the reader to understand that the universe is for you and within you. Anything is possible with the proper intentions. When you join my email list I will send you my (printable) set of intentions I derived from this book that you can use daily and design the life you really want (I have them framed and on my bedroom wall).
2. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
This is a classic. Written in old English, it is not an easy read. Which is good because it forces you to read it slowly. It’s definitely a staple for anyone with a personal development strategy. This book outlines the similarities that every successful person portrays. It turns out that every one of them, no matter the time period in which they were born or any other factors, they all have the same things in common.
3. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
I thought this title to be strange, it almost seems devious. Win friends? However, I now believe this book to be a must read for everyone. The truth is, if we don’t learn how to interact effectively with people, we will not succeed in life. People are the common denominator in everything we do. From family, to friendships, to work, to going about your daily routines, people are everywhere. Understanding how people’s minds work is critical to becoming a likable, happy, and successful person in all areas of life.
4. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz
Acquiring success lies first in mindset. I’ve discovered that when we change our minds we quickly change our realities. This book opens a world of possibilities simply by taking small steps to think big.
5. Sell or Be Sold by Grant Cardone
This book is a must if you are in the sales industry or any other industry. Even a stay at home parent will benefit greatly from this book. All transactions in life are a sale. When you tell your child it’s bedtime, one of two things will happen. Either you will sell them on the idea or they will sell you on letting them stay up 15 minutes longer. If you learn how to become an effective salesperson you will always get your way in life. I also love this book because it dissects what selling really is and debunks the crazy stigmas associated with the sales.
6. Journey of Souls by Newton
I read this book because I’ve been afraid of death since I was a child. This book may or may not align with your current belief of life after death but it will give you a strong sense of peace if you also share this fear. I have not felt this fear again since reading the book.
7. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by Harv T Eker
I was at a networking event and this book was a raffle prize. When they held it up I immediately said I really want that book, and I got it! It is an excellent insight on mindset. Why do poor people stay poor and rich people stay rich? Drop a certain individual in any country on the planet and one will generate success quickly the other will not. Why? Turns out we have been programmed since childhood to be either one or the other. The good news is that you can change your programming a choose which one you want to be. Great read.
8. Un***k Yourself by Gary John Bishop
This book is a wake-up call! Holy Moly, there is a lot of power packed into this quick read or only a 3 hour audiobook listen. If you spend your days procrastinating, thinking, overthinking, beating yourself up for not being farther ahead, this book is for you. Not for the easily offended but definitely a life changing message.
9. The Leadership Train by Orrin Woodward
I love this book, it reads like a novel and is an easy read. Brings the reader into the incredible world of entrepreneurship in a fun and unique way.
10. The Four Year Career by Richard Bliss Brooke
If you’ve ever questioned the nine to five grind or felt like there must be more to life than a cubicle and two weeks vacation each year, you definitely need this book. This book outlines all the ways available to make a living today and enables the reader to make an educated decision.
11. Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John C. Maxwell
If you want to be an effective leader in your home or in your work, this book is a must. It teaches the reader effective questions to ask for maximum results. Many of us are used to telling people what to do but this book teaches the skill of asking the right questions so that that person figures out what they need to do without being told. Great stuff!
12. Mad Genius by Randy Gage
As the title suggests this book is mad! It really pushes your brain to think even bigger and in a almost scary way. If you enjoy a challenge and really want to stretch your thinking to greater lengths this book is great.
13. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
Another classic but this book helped me immensely to live, travel, and become more fearless. I started listening to it as an audio on airplanes to help get me through the anxiety of flying. It did a lot more for me than just help me ditch that crazy fear. I helped me to view my world through a whole new lens
14. The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
If you have people living in your house, you need this book. Sometimes we are unaware that the way we express our love and appreciation is ineffective because we are not speaking in our spouse’s or child’s love language. I ordered 2 copies of this book and my husband and I read it at the same time while I was away at a training. It has definitely helped us with our communication and happiness as a couple.
15. I Can See Clearly Now by Wayne Dyer
This is not a book you read from cover to cover but rather a chapter at a time. It has caused my to reflect on my own life as Wayne Dyer does on his. As you explore what has led from nowhere to now here and all the moments in between that have shaped your life, you almost begin to see your life unfolding in reserve. Wayne Dyer takes you on a cool journey here.
What’s Next…
I still have some books on my list that I haven’t gotten to yet, and the list is always growing. Here are my upcoming reads so far:
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
2. Intentional Living by John Maxwell
3. A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson
4. Up Your Game by David Bradford
5. The 45 Second Presentation by Don Failla
6. Skills with People by Les Giblin
7. The Magic of Believing by Claude Bristol
8. Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell
9. I’m OK You’re OK Thomas Harris
10. From Tears to Triumph by Marianne Williamson
11. Grit by Angela Duckworth
