I want to write a book. It would be filled with the hills and valleys of my life, how I responded to them, and all of the opportunities I had for self-development. In truth, the valleys probably gave me the greatest opportunities.
But I probably won’t write the book. If you have ever checked out the section on self-development in a book store, you know how full it is – an ocean of books all promising to be that answer to your personal growth.
There’s something to be said for self-help books that wax profoundly on philosophy and inspirational messages. They are a lot like attending an amazing seminar or workshop and vowing to live as the presenter tells us to. We leave inspired and then within a week or two, we are back to our old habits. Nothing changes.
“Unless a book really touches you, deep into your core, your mental and emotional habits won’t change”. – this is the statement shared by the Best Writers Online academic writing service’s team after reading all of the provided in the list below.
That said, I can say that there are some books that have touched me to the core over the years. Here are 5 that I still hold onto and that I continue to re-read when I find myself reverting to old habits.
1. You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
In 2008, I was passed over for a promotion to a job I thought I deserved. I was angry and bitter. And from that point forward, I vowed to do work as little as possible – be in on time, leave exactly when I could, take no work home, etc. A friend loaned me a book she had just read – You Can Heal Your Life. The book was a pioneer in “new age” thinking (published in 1984), and many others have expanded on her ideas since. The key premise here is that our thought patterns control who we are, what we become, and even our physical well-being. Every chapter begins with an affirmation, a lesson, and exercises to change our thinking patterns. I thought, “What could it hurt?” And I sunk myself into this book. I had affirmations posted all over my house and office. I fell asleep repeating some of them.
The change didn’t come overnight, but it did come. I “re-made” myself at work. Did it get me a promotion? No, it got me a new position with a large salary increase.
For anyone just starting out on this journey of self-development, this book is the primer.
2. Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting by Lynn Grabhorn
This book is all about emotions, and the need to accept them and use them for learning. When we can analyze our emotions and understand their causes, we can change our lives. It is filled with great stories, humor, sadness, and inspiration. Ever heard of the “Law of Attraction?” She coined it.
3. The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Here is a self-help book from a man who “made it.” The thesis is that there are no secret formulas or overnight success shortcuts, but that success is built from the little things that we make decisions about every day. Every choice results in behavior, and those compound over time, according to Hardy. He illustrates the point with two great stories.
“This is a short read, and each chapter has action summary steps to help the reader make better choices that become habits. I have already done it.” – the CEO of the Online Writers Rating custom writing reviews services company shared his feedback.
4. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
When I was in high school, my chemistry teacher told me that I would never make it in college (I was failing the class at the time). I had two choices – believe what he said or choose to prove him wrong. I chose the latter. And here I am today with graduate degrees and an amazing career.
This is the premise of Dr. Carol Dweck’s book – we can have one of two mindsets – fixed or growth. Her work is based on a year of actual research, and that is one reason why I like it – no “pie in the sky warm fuzzies here.”
The point is this: You can believe the negative messages you get from others and grow up with, or you can chart your own journey to success. The book is filled with examples of the difference between a fixed and growth mindset in our personal and professional lives.
The final chapter is the real meat. Here, the reader is given the practical ways to alter his mindset, get into the “growth” mode, and use it to determine how his life proceeds.
5. The Power of Intention: Learning to Co-Create Your World Your Way by Wayne Dyer
I wasn’t ready for Wayne Dyer a number of years ago. I am now. And if you are ready for an amazing spiritual journey, then this book is for you.
Dyer explains that there is an invisible force in the universe, called intention. And it is connected to us. But the link is often rusty because of our own “ego beliefs.” Those are:
I am what I have; I am what I do; I am what others think of me; I am separate from others and from God, and I am separate from what is missing in my life.
Once you clean off the rust by correct thinking, your connection with this force is re-established, and you can be all and do all that you want.
The book is filled with some pretty amazing real-life stories about the 7 faces of intention (love, kindness, receptivity, creativity, beauty, expansion, and abundance). How does a concentration camp prisoner find beauty in a fish head for example?
The book has gained enough popularity that, it has been translated into over 22 languages.
In the Eye of the Beholder
These are my five. And they have helped me create the world I want to live in – a world that is of my own making, that brings me joy and satisfaction, and that colors the worlds of those around me. You may find others that speak to you. When you do, keep those books close; re-read them often. And be who you know you were destined to be.
Author Bio:
Melissa Mauro is a self-improvement author who is always interested in new projects. She wants to create her own writer brand, that’s why Melissa is looking for fresh platforms for the implementation of her ideas. Creativity and unique style make it possible to deliver valuable and engaging content to her ideal reader.