So here they are, on the floor. The 10 books that made me who I am today. The core of my personal development. It was quite the job because I have read at least 10 times as many books, but these are the ones that REALLY changed something, in my life, in my way of thinking, in my relation and in my wallet...
What is Personal Development
'Read to Lead' is what they say, and that's absolutely right. It is by reading so much that I was able to develop myself from an insecure little girl to a successfull 'Boss Lady' that is internationally asked to be a guest speaker. I have learned that my 'thinking' creates my reality and that I had to change my way of thinking radically and escape from my victim role. Being successful is a matter of what goes on in that little head of yours, and a lot of the obstacles that you'll find on your road is stuff that you actually created yourself. Quite the insight! This is what we call Personal Development.I subdivided the books into 2 categories (Personal Development and Business Boosters), I didn't put the links to buy the books in here because I didn't see how I could do that... sorry :) Anyway, I hope my selection will inspire you. If it does, please let me know! If it doesn't... well I tried :)
Books for Personal Development
For me, everything starts with YOU, so you have to work on yourself first and only after on your job or business.In random order:
How to win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
I agree the title is a bit weird, but this book has already sold 26 million copies since its release in 1936(!).This book teaches you how to COMMUNICATE the right way: Discover 6 ways how people will like you, 12 ways to convince people of your idea and 9 ways to change people without them noticing.
You can Heal your Life - Louise L. Hay
Unfortunately she passed away a while ago, at a very respectable age, but her books will live forever. This life's work by Louise has changed the lives of many many people. She tells in her beautiful way how our thoughts and convictions about who we are will cause a lot of the emotional and physical challenges we struggle with. You'll find an extensive list of common diseases and their underlying cause. A true inspiration... There are a lot of different versions of this book, as well as a practical guide to change your life step by step.
7 Strategies for Health & Happiness - Jim Rohn
Jim Rohn is a true legend, the Master of Personal Development and a real mentor to some of the most succesvol people in the world. If you're curious about where Anthony Robbins learned most of his wisdom... Correct!The power of Jim Rohn is in his simplicity and the use of simple metaphors. His mantras will stick with your for the rest of your life, like 'For things to change, YOU have to change' or 'Don't wish it was easier, wish you were better' will forever and ever be engraved in my sub conscience.
The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
Does this book even need an introduction?Paulo Coelho is a true phenomenon, this book alone has sold more than 30 million copies. This little story about a young sheepherder, marvelous in it's simplicity, will guide you and help you to learn to listen to your heart and your intuition. Indispensable in every book case, have the teenagers living under your roof read it too (its' quite thin, lol), they will be grateful!
The Secret - Rhonda Byrne
What can I say about this one? This very special book appeared out of nowhere a little over 10 years ago and it set a whole new movement in motion. For me, it was the first time that I had a summary of everything that I thought I knew in my hands in one little book. The world of visualization opened up to me and I started to make my goals very clear and to focus on them and... it worked!
The Celestine Prophecy - James Redfield
This book illustrates for me very clearly how much I have changed. I got hold of it the first time when I was 18 and after a few pages I put it down again. Such crap!! A bladibla story about a secret manuscript and the power of the universe, with a priest already on page 3 (I'm not a big fan of organized religion). I was like: gone with it!!! Clearly I wasn't ready yet :)10 years later, after one of my many relocations, I was unpacking boxes and putting books on shelves. For the first time in all those years I had this book in my hands again. I had heard so much about it and my own life was in such a crappy state, that I decided to give it another shot... I was smitten. James Redfield will be very pleased to hear that since then, I bought and read ALL his books from the Celestine series, each and every one marvelous stories that inspire you deep into your soul.
Books to Boost your Business
There are SO MANY great books about leadership, networking and money management that it is almost impossible to make a 'Best Off' list, but I believe I just did, YES!
Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill
LOL, I love this title! But again: don't be mistaken, this is a phenomenal book. Every time I read it (yes indeed, these are the kind of books you re-read once in a while) I become wildly enthousiastic again and the new business ideas and useful strategies come bubbling up in my head, amazing for a book from 1937!!!The title of the first chapter? 'Thoughts are Things'.Oh yes.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad - Robert Kyosaki
The sub title summarizes it:
what the rich teach their children about money - that the poor and the middle class do not
In this book Kyosaki tells about the striking difference between the two men who taught him the most in his life. On the one hand his own hard-working father, which is very, very clever and works as a professor at the university, but dies as a poor church mouse. On the other hand the father of his best friend, who never completed high school and becomes one of the richest men of the US.What this book teaches you, should be basic knowledge for our children in school. Unfortunately this is not the case, so it is our responsibility to give them that knowledge.The earlier you start, the better ...
The 80/20 Principle - Richard Koch
When you are like me and you want to have maximum results with minimum work, this book is a must-read. There's a reason my name is Lazy Bird ;) Not less than 80% of your success results from only 20% of your efforts... So this book wil teach you to have the right focus and go for that 100%. Do less and earn more, who doesn't want that??
The 4-Hour Work Week - Timothy Ferris
This book is my 20% that resulted in 80% of my success. If you have been paying attention, you know what I mean. Really, this is without a doubt my favorite non-fiction book of all times.And my favorite writer too, because aw yummmm Tim Ferris... ;)Buy it.NOW!
There, this was my all time favorite book list!Hand on my heart: I am 100% convinced that these books will change your life, as they changed mine. I am very excited to read your feedback!
Did you read any of these? What books do you recommend?
X Lazy Bird