5 Books That Have Influenced Me and Why

Through my years of personal and professional experience, I’ve gained wisdom and guidance in several places. But if you ask me, five books have made a profound impact on my thoughts and deeds. On that note, I’d like to share these influential books with you with the hope that their insights will inspire you as much as they did to me, and perhaps even contribute to your own journey of growth and discovery.

1. The Checklist Manifesto?

You may wonder how something as trivial as a checklist can impact your life. “The Checklist Manifesto” is not just a captivating read but a motivational one.? More often than not, we blame our lack of knowledge for our failures, but as you deep dive into this book, you’ll know that it is simply because of insufficient knowledge application.

Checklists, simple as they may seem, become potent tools for applying knowledge effectively even for those who are not in positions of power. Backed by personal examples and research, the author illustrates how checklists instil the discipline necessary for success.?

2. Atomic Habits?

When we look for change, don’t we tend to aim for a bigger change? But sometimes, when they say ‘little things matter’, they most certainly do, as evidenced in “Atomic Habits”. You can always make all the difference you need just through small, gradual, incremental changes, which the author calls Atomic Habits. We usually put all our efforts into identifying our goals rather than working on our approach or the systems we follow.?

Instead of aiming for a single goal, work on building systems and habits such that you’re capable of achieving any goal at any given point in time.?

3. Tools Of Titans

We all look up to someone who inspires us to become better individuals. “Tools of Titans” is what I’d like to call a self-help book that narrates & illustrates truths, beliefs, habits, and more of some very high-performing individuals. Thanks to its practical exercises and real-life examples, you’ll be charged with all the motivation you need to overcome challenges and gather courage for the next step.

This book is your nudge to awaken the achiever in you, offering a roadmap to personal improvement and success through the wisdom of those who have excelled.?

4. Science of Everything

The world we live in today is heavily dependent on machines and automation. Whether we like it or not, automation has simplified our lives and made things easier. This brings me to - "National Geographic's Science of Everything"- a fascinating read. As the name goes, it illustrates the science behind things that we encounter in our daily lives. With this, you’re more aware of the workings of things around you from simple inventions like the wheel to complex ones like nuclear reactors.

Beyond its apparent science focus, the book elevates awareness and provides a 360-degree outlook.

5. Soft Skills?

Titled 'The Software Developer’s Manual,' this book is more than its cover suggests, I would personally recommend it to anyone who wants to develop their soft skills and improve their personal and professional life. The book 'Soft Skills' focuses on the importance of cultivating soft skills through 71 short chapters. Whether you're focused on communication, career growth, or effective learning, the book offers guidance.?Each chapter concludes with a 'Taking Action' section that shows how quickly you can achieve positive results. Moreover, the author draws on his personal experiences to provide practical advice.

That was a glimpse into my current reads. Hope you find them helpful.