5 Books That Shaped My Thinking in 2019

Happy (almost) 2020! As we enter a new year, I’m reflecting on the books I read that shaped my thinking in 2019. This year I read some classics, along with some new titles. Here are the few that really resonated for me and left a lasting impression.

1) The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C. Maxwell

A classic that ranks as one of Maxwell’s best on leadership, I loved the structure of this book: one Law per chapter with exercises to reinforce learning. Two Laws stuck out to me. The Law of Consistency reminded me how small steps build in an exponential way to help us grow ourselves and our skills. The Law of Contribution taught me how developing myself enables me to develop others, and as a leader, this is a primary responsibility I get to practice every day.

2) If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Happy? by Raj Raghunathan

Based on a ton of interesting research, this book helped me understand ways in which we may be unintentionally sabotaging our own happiness (example: the salad bar experiment!) and what we can do to boost happiness. I made note of his section on self-compassion (see the next book!), along with the scientifically proven benefits of being grateful. Highly recommend for my more data-driven friends interested in happiness.

3) Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff

This book has been on my nightstand for years. Yes, YEARS! I finally opened it in 2019, and I’m so glad I did. This is an excellent overview of a topic that we all need to take a closer look at – if not for ourselves, for others who need us to practice self-compassion in order to be better leaders, colleagues, friends, and family members. My key takeaway is Neff’s breakdown of how you can create a self-compassion mantra to practice every day, moment by moment as needed.

4) Brave, Not Perfect by Reshma Saujani

The author has a fascinating story that she shares with us openly and honestly, in the hopes that we readers will strive for bravery, not perfection. In fact, Saujani’s message is to go out and practice imperfection. Some of her guidance is to “do the opposite of what your anxiety is telling you,” meaning look for what makes you uncomfortable and do that. Maybe you’ll fail, and if so, you will learn something, which is much more important than giving into your fears. Also, I absolutely loved the section about lifting up other women as we all enter into bravery – so inspiring! 

5) The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

Although I’m a few years late to this party, this book had me laughing and thinking from cover to cover. As Rhimes went through her “Year of Yes”, she said yes to many new things that scared her or initially she thought would not be interesting. One “yes” was to foods that energize her and enable her to be her best self. I loved this approach to taking care of ourselves. Let’s not say: here’s all the things I’m not having, not doing, etc. Instead, let’s say: here’s all the things I am doing so I can live my best, do my best, and give my best. YES to that! 

Other Notable Books Read This Year

• Big Potential by Shawn Achor
• The Motivation Manifesto by Brendan Burchard
• Leadershift by John Maxwell
• No Ego by Cy Wakeman
• Radical Candor by Kim Scott
• Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis
• The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
• The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
• Be Fearless by Jean Case
• Happy This Year by Will Bowen

What books shaped your thinking in 2019? What’s on your reading list for 2020?

Happy New Year, everyone!