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I am often asked about my journey to full-time blogging and the advice I have for aspiring influencers. So, I decided to share something different today: my favorite life changing books. Although working relentlessly is part of the formula, I cannot undervalue how pertinent it is to keep your mind sharp. One of my favorite ways to stay on top of my game and continue to learn is through books. Below, I’ve shared 10 life changing books worth reading – and re-reading – if you ever find yourself uninspired, disheartened, or discouraged.…
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1. Outliers
I remember what it was like to work a desk job back in the day. It was so easy to get bogged down in negative emotions… Feeling like I would never get my lucky break – and that all the successful people out there were lucky or possessed a magical skillset that I didn’t have. Outliers taught me that it’s not the brightest who succeed through case studies about figures we admire (like Steve Jobs), psychology, and research. It was a huge eye opener and mindset shifter.
2. The Obstacle is The Way
Do you ever feel like you’ll never see the light at the end of the tunnel – or are you making excuses to avoid the work you don’t want to do? Written by former Marketing Director of American Apparel, this book is packed with intriguing stories that instill values of discipline, leadership, and resilience. A must-read for any struggling – or aspiring entrepreneur.
3. Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Rich Dad, Poor Dad is a cult classic that divulges the mindset of the rich and the poor – and it is very real. However, I think even “the rich” can pick up a few nuggets of wisdom from this book. It’s a reality check for the majority of us. The part that changed my life was knowing you don’t need to have huge amounts of money, resources, or even a team to become successful. Start where you are with what you have. Then re-train your mindset to make the impossible happen.
4. Shoe Dog
This book first got on my radar when Emily Weiss shared it a few years back. I remember being so overwhelmed and exhausted when I took my blog full-time. It felt like I was alone in the beginning, but Shoe Dog’s inspiring story of perseverance proved otherwise. Reading this book was like a breath of fresh air. If you ever need reassurance that even successful business owners flounder and struggle, this will do.
5. How to Win Friends & Influence People
So you want to be an influencer? Start here. The business of blogging is people centric – meaning your relationships and communication skills are everything. If you want even the slightest improvement in dealing with others, this is the book to read. I love that several of the ideas and concepts are repeated because it helps the information stick.
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6. The Power of Now
Life can feel like such a chaos that our minds never stop working. I know I won’t be the first to tell you that drowning out the noise a few minutes a day can be a game changer. The Power of Now teaches you how to do that! If you feel like your life is on auto-pilot or that it’s spiraling out of control, this book will show you how to reclaim your inner power.
7. How to Be an Overnight Success
This book is authored by the founder of Rodial skincare, which I love because it’s right up my alley. It’s a pleasant surprise with a wealth of practical lessons in business and entrepreneurship. It’s encouraging, easy-to-read, and makes you feel like you’re talking to a close friend in the industry. Maria’s generosity really comes through in her anecdotes.
8. The Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
This book is a like a casual, upbeat read of Outliers, but still amazing nonetheless. It’s filled with statistics, case-studies, and research that support the author’s points of what makes someone original, original. A must-read for the business-minded.
9. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
I honesty feel that running a business is 50% mindset. If you’re in the right state of mind, then you’re already halfway there. Of course, you don’t realize that until you’re already doing it. This book sums it all up nicely – and even goes to explain that you can shift your mindset if it’s not in the right place.
10. Stories From the Influencer Next Door
I’m a firm believer that we cannot do everything on our own – and that life is too short to make all the wrong decisions. That’s why we have the stories of others around us to learn from. I share this book not as a bias (because I’m in it), but because it gives you the stories and lessons of influencers like me that will inspire you along the way. It’s a perfect inspirational coffee table book that you can easily and quickly flip through!
I’m always up for good life changing books so share your favorites below!
