If your idea of fun includes a crackling fire, a hot drink, and a book that changes the way you think, work, or live, this list is for you! I’ve highlighted some of my favorite reads this year (though they were not necessarily published this year) – books that either changed my mindset, altered my behavior, or set off several proverbial lightbulbs as I read.
A couple of caveats: This list doesn’t include a) books that I’ve already reviewed on my blog, such as Switch and Start Something That Matters, and b) the 4 books The ASPIRE Success Club will read, discuss, and apply in 2013. All of those books, of course, would be included in the Top 12! Also, this list is in no particular order.
Enjoy – and be sure to add your suggestions below!
1. Thrive by Dan Buettner. He studied four of the happiest places in the world to find out what they’re doing right. I love the rich storytelling and applicable ideas.
2. Succeed by Heidi Grant Halvorson. A research-based look at goals, achievement, and motivation. I think I quoted from this book in nearly every ASPIRE call this year!
3. SoulSpace by Xorin Balbes. A delightful client of mine recommended this book which focuses on decluttering, elevating, and personalizing your home or office environment. Inspiring and peaceful.
4. The Freedom Formula by Christine Kloser. Uplifting content about being a conscious business owner – bridging the gap between soul and money. I’ve made this required reading for one of my mastermind groups.
5. Blissology by Andy Baggott. A random picked-off-the-bookstore-shelf selection that won me over! A unique perspective on happiness from a healer/acupuncturist’s point of view.
6. Bossypants by Tina Fey. While maybe not a professional development book per se, Tina is a great example of an intelligent woman succeeding at doing what she loves – and being able to see (and share) the humor in it all.
7. Being Strategic by Erika Anderson. A terrific strategic planning resource with very practical ideas and insightful case studies to support them. Great for business owners and leaders, and could even be applied to strategic life planning.
8. The Hidden Messages in Water by Masaru Emoto. The photos – along with the premise – place this book on the list. It’s all about the kindness, love, gratitude, and how we can heal our planet by raising our consciousness.
9. Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy. Perhaps embarrassing to admit (especially to my MN Vikings fan husband!), I had no idea who Tony Dungy was when I picked this up at the library. I quickly grew to appreciate his calm leadership approach and his refreshing perspective on priorities.
10. The Firestarter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte. Another random pick written in a fun, almost poetic, way. The central theme – pursuing your passion and finding meaning by doing what you love – makes this a winner in my eyes.
11. Onward by Howard Schulz. I’ve read several Starbucks-related books and continue to be intrigued by the company and its philosophy. While I don’t necessarily agree with everything this book offers, it does share some great business lessons about holding your vision and staying true to your beliefs.
12. Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Like Tina Fey’s Bossypants, this is actually a memoir and probably not intended for the professional development genre. It’s an engaging story about one woman’s quest to find answers to some of life’s great questions amid huge life transitions. The themes of strength, courage, and finding oneself really resonated.
The year isn’t over, and I’ve still got a stack to read…as well as about 10 more that could’ve made this list. 🙂 Don’t be surprised if you see an addendum soon (is that allowed in blogging?!).
In the meantime, please tell us – what have YOU read this year?