I know we’re in the digital era, but i’m still a ‘feel the paper in my hands’ type of book reader. Have we got advanced enough for that to make me cool and retro yet? I do love a podcast, but you can read a book even when your battery dies – yasss I know, I really am a fountain of knowledge.
As much as I love a good crime novel, self-development books are a favourite of mine for a different way to ‘learn’. I think self-development is so important for everyone, but especially if you have big career goals! I’ve read some truly inspiring books recently that I would go so far as to say, have changed my life.
It would be rude not to share this list, so i’ve complied a sassy summer reading list for you:
If you follow me on Instagram, this won’t be the first time you’ve heard of this book. You would have seen endless quotes from it posted on stories! I’ve been a fan of Peterson for a while now, so I was patiently waiting for the release of his book, but the fact that the book became a no.1 bestseller on Amazon is all the proof you need that my opinion isn’t biased! It’s less of a self help book, and more a dive into human behaviour and the psychology behind it. If you can understand the psychology behind what we do, you can understand yourself, and the world, so much better. I feel like this book helped me become a more positive person; someone that looks at a problem and immediately thinks about how to overcome it, rather than dwelling on it in a negative demeanour.
I was going through a bit of an emotional time when I first started reading it and whenever I felt like the world was getting on top of me, I would sit and read it. Just a few pages later, I would always feel a weight off my shoulders and would have gained a little nugget of wisdom that altered my perspective on whatever was getting me down; helping me manage it. As you can probably tell, this book has a special place in my heart and is one that I know I will read again and again as I move through the different stages of life. It can be a bit heavy at times, (Peterson is ridiculously smart and his vocabulary can be a bit full on at times), but it is 100% worth persisting with. If you read 1 book from the list, it should be this one.
2. The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck – Sarah Knight
I read this over a year ago now, but it was another one that totally enlightened me! My mother declared over dinner one evening that she wasn’t sure she liked me reading this book. She said she didn’t think it was very ‘christian’ of me. (It would help you understand the hilarity of this to know that my mother is an atheist). But, I can see where she got that from…the provocative title can lead you to think this book is about quite literally f*cking everyone else off and just doing whatever you want, all the time. But it really isn’t like that. The book separates between caring about people’s opinions, and their feelings. We should care about people’s feelings (to an extent), but their opinions we can’t control anyway. I think we all spend our teens and early 20’s pretty restrained by what other people think of us. But I never realised how much this concern can stop us from progressing, or even just being ourselves. Just a few years ago,I was probably one of the most self conscious people ever, (I know this can be hard to believe when I spend hours posting pics of myself online – but it’s surprisingly common among bloggers). I reigned in my blogging because of this. I was too worried to say anything of value or post certain things – to really open myself up, because of what people might think of me. Once I let that go, I could finally throw myself into what I do and live as my true self, unrestrained.
3. The Values Factor – Dr John DeMartini
Confession: I haven’t finished this book yet. Full disclosure; I’m actually only two chapters into it! But, the first two chapters are sooo valuable, (pun intended), that i’m pretty confident that even it all descends into shit from here on, (which I really doubt), it would still be worth reading for that first bit. The book basically helps you establish your values, so that you can make sure the path you’re choosing to walk down aligns with those values. A life aligned with your deepest values is a happy life, and the book is based off of the belief that if you follow a career aligned with your values, you will be successful, whatever it is that you do. Before I read this book, I was 100% sure that I knew what my values were and that I was undoubtedly pursuing a life, and a career, that was in line with them. Oh sweet ignorance…
The book contains a 13 part questionnaire that allows you to reveal your true values. In the two hours I spent on this, I learnt more about myself than I probably did in a year at Uni! You can’t start progressing with what you’re doing, if you’re not yet clear on what that actually is, so even if you think you’re 100% clear on what your values are, I’d recommend you give this a read. You’ll undoubtedly unveil a new level of clarity!
4. How to Be An Overnight Success – Maria Hatzistefanis
I’m sure the title of this book attracts a lot of people, but it actually deterred me! I’m sceptical of anything that offers immediate results, because I’m a firm believer that there is no ‘cheat code’ or ‘fast track’ to success – it takes hard work! But, as the book explains, becoming an overnight success is really a result of weeks, months or years of hard work behind the scenes. This book provides you with tonnes of practical advice that will make those steps towards success much clearer. Maria, the brain behind ‘Rodial’ and ‘Nip and Fab’, shares so much of her valuable experience in such a relatable and easy to digest way. It’s a must if you want to work in the fashion industry, but I also think its applicable to anyone wanting to ‘go it alone’ and start something new.
I hope you enjoy these boss books & please do drop me a message and let me know if you decide to read any of them!
Leela x
Just a heads up, the link to your instagram at the top of the page still links back to your old username! <3
Oops! Thanks so much for letting me know! xx