Traditionally at this time of year we’re all looking to make changes in our lives. Whether it’s making resolutions, setting new goals, or looking at how we can make positive changes to our daily habits and routines.
In this month’s blog post, I wanted to share something that’s really helped me to embed positive changes in my daily life and enabled me to improve my mindset for the better … reading.
It might sound simple, but the benefits reading regularly can have on our mindsets are huge.
When I made the move from corporate to being self-employed, I found that I had extra time on my hands that I’d previously used for commuting. In my corporate life I was driving to and from work and losing around three hours of my day stuck in the car (I know, I really don’t miss it). I tried listening to audio books, but I just couldn’t give them my full attention. I’ve always been an early bird (I’m talking 6am is a lie in!) and I was determined that I didn’t want to lose that extra time in the mornings sleeping or catching up on household chores. I wanted to use it to do something positive, so I made a change.
My new morning routine
Instead of jumping in the car first thing in the morning, I decided I was going to use my freed-up commuting time to read self-development books. I’ve always loved reading these types of books because they inspire me, they trigger my own creative thoughts and feed my brain with positive messages. For me, it’s all about becoming a better version of myself and devoting some time every morning to learning and feeding my brain with positive messages helps me do just that.
I position that time first thing in the morning to set myself up for the day ahead and I make that a regular part of my daily routine. Reading something inspirational and positive first thing in the morning sends my brain messages about things that I want to think about and puts me in a positive frame of mind before I even switch on my laptop.
With that in mind, I wanted to share with you my five ‘must have’ self-development books. These are the books that really impacted me in my first couple of years as an entrepreneur. They’ve inspired, motivated and challenged me and they’ve helped to set me on the right path both personally and professionally.
When I left Italy in May 2021 to return to the UK with limited case space to bring home everything I needed, I just couldn’t leave these books behind. They made the journey with me and are currently sat on my bookshelf as I type.
Book 1 – Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield-Thomas
With such a genius title, why wouldn’t you read this book? It certainly grabbed my attention and this was the first book I read before I left my corporate role and set up my coaching business. Denise is a money mindset coach and her book is a great example of how manifestation is about dreaming, wishing AND doing something about it.
Why I love this book: This book really helped me to see the endless possibilities of what I could achieve when I stepped into my own business journey. Denise’s style of coaching is a little more ‘woo’ than my usual style but so many elements of this book resonated with me and it’s one of my favourites. Since discovering Lucky Bitch, I’ve gone on to read ALL of Denise’s books, that’s how much I love her work.
Book 2 - You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Another great title! Jen is a straight-talking, practical coach (just like me!). The strategies she describes in her books help you to create the life you actually want and those of you that know me know that this is what I live to do; help my clients to create the life they really want.
Why I love this book: Jen really does talk my language. This was one of the first self-development books I discovered that spoke to me about mindset in a straight-talking way. I highly recommend taking the time to check this book out.
Book 3 – She Means Business by Carrie Green
Carrie’s book really helps to get you clear on how to build your business from the ground up. She’s a very down to earth character and she shares the challenges she’s had in her own business right through from being a start–up to achieving success. This one is a read and do book with questions to ask yourself at the end of each chapter and checklists to complete throughout.
Why I love this book: Well, I’ve read it three times so that tells you something! Carrie is very honest throughout her book and shares her failures, fears and her own overwhelm. She also has a membership group, the Female Entrepreneur Association, which is worth checking out if you’d like to find out more.
Book 4 - The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
This book has one clear aim. It’s about getting you from where you are to where you want to be (which is literally what I’m all about). It provides clear, simple principles that you can apply to business and life.
Why I love this book: Jack’s first fundamental is that you need to take 100% responsibility for your own life and I couldn’t agree more. If you follow me on socials, you’ll know that I quote this book all the time, there’s just so much in it that inspires me!
Book 5 - The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
This is another book that was recommended to me and, if you were wondering where my morning routine comes from, it’s inspired by The Miracle Morning. The book explains how you have the power to set your intention and tone for the day ahead.
Why I love this book: It really has helped me to revolutionise my morning routine and that has been so powerful for me. This book gets you thinking about how the first things you do each and every morning can have a big impact on your day. It shows that making small but consistent changes can really bring about a long–term change. And let’s not forget that’s how this blog has come to be, my morning routine now includes my daily reading.
I hope I’ve been able to give you a flavour of some of the amazing self-development books that are out there. There are so many of these types of books available that it can be hard to know where to start when making your selection. A recommendation really does go a long way.
Speaking of which, I’m currently reading The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins and its another game changer! Perhaps I’ll make this an annual blog
If you’ve got any books that you’d add to my list, I’d love to hear about them! Drop a comment below and share away.
If you’re looking for a book recommendation in a slightly different area, perhaps you’re trying to find something that deals with imposter syndrome or limiting beliefs, drop me a message and I’ll happily recommend something.
Happy reading!!