Life-changing books: 5 reads that changed the way I think, live, work
Dr. (phil.) Natalia Wiechowski
Holistische Online-Bizz & Transformations-Mentorin ?? Ich inspiriere Solopreneure, ihre Brillanz & kreative (Yin)-Energie freizusetzen. Dein wahres Selbst ist der ??? zu nachhaltigem Erfolg! Bereit für mehr Flow? Follow!
One question I was asked quite often this year was: "What are you favorite books, Natalia?" Or: "Which books dramatically changed your life?"
As the feedback I got was very positive and people started to recommend these books to their friends and family as well, I decided to share my five favorite eye-opening books with you today.
Robin S. Sharma - The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams & Reaching Your Destiny
A book that I would describe as an easy first step towards the idea that life can be a journey full of joy, inner peace and abundance. Robin uses the tale of the lawyer Julian Mantle, a man in the middle of a life crisis, who dares to follow his passion, confronts himself with spirituality and the idea of designing a life of purpose.
Key Take-aways:
- Let go of everything you think you know - and think you are - when you want to know who you really are.
- It is never too late for (any sort of) change in your life and career.
Timothy Ferriss - The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
This read was the reality check and slap in the face I needed in the middle of my sabbatical. Tim taught me how to create the life(style) I want. He introduced me to the idea of lifestyle design and not only convinced me why I should systematically reduce the amount I work, but also explained how.
Key Take-aways:
- There is a big difference between being productive and busy. Are you busy or productive?
- The majority of people chose unhappiness over uncertainty. I am not the majority.
Derek Sivers - Anything You Want: 40 Lessons for a New Kind of Entrepreneur
A short but superb read about Derek's fascinating journey of becoming a multimillionaire until the day he sells his baby. I loved Derek's humor, refreshing honesty and admire his brave decisions. This author questions (almost) everything b-school ever taught you about entrepreneurship and asks you to follow your heart resp. gut feeling.
Key Take-aways:
- As a founder of a company, do what you love. From day one, till the last day. Hire people to support you in matters you dislike.
- You create your world with its own rules when you create a business. Do not allow anyone to convince you of anything else.
Michael A. Singer - The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself
A jewel (endorsed by Deepak Chopra) that entered my life when I needed it the most. Michael used very simple examples and metaphors to show me how I (resp. my mind) stands in my way to a balanced and stunning life. He taught me self-awareness and explained the most sophisticated spiritual teachings in a way that I understand them.
Key Take-aways:
- Do not take your mind too seriously. (S)he is a melodramatic psychopath.
- Death is our teacher and reminder how beautiful life is. (S)he is not a treat.
Greg McKeown - Essentialism: The disciplined pursuit of Less
Greg's book finished teaching what Timothy Ferriss started in my life: Getting more things done in less time. I was encouraged to eliminate tasks and actions that are not in line with my mission, while focusing on things that matter to me. I once again decluttered my work, life and daily habits after reading this masterpiece.
Key Take-aways:
- People often "cannot" stop doing unproductive/toxic things because they feel they have invested too much efford into it to let it go.
- There are countless ways how to gracefully say no. How many do you know?
?What was your favorite book you read in 2016?
Founder, Secret Code Entertainment
5 年Thanks for your recommendations!
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8 年There a big difference between productive/busy/entrepreneur and citizen concern...the last one is about the future that asks every one every where in the world What we are doing with this privilege that GOD accords only to the human being; the domination of the FIRE? That's my favorite book is ''MY AMERICAN JOUNEY'' Of Colin POWELL with Joseph E. Persico...also ..''UN ENFANT DU BRONX'' of Colin POWELL and ''AINSI SIT-ELLE of Benoite GROULT.
Finance| Taxation| Management| Business Consulting| Advisory
8 年The majority of people chose unhappiness over uncertainty. I am not the majority. NEED EXPLANATION please
Breaking the Mold ?? 8 years of coaching people on a mission to communicate so others want in ? Ex Louis Vuitton & Shangri-La Hotels ? Storyteller ? Motivational Speaker ? Communication Expert Join my BTM community??
8 年"Getting Unstuck - A Guide to Discovering Your Next Career Path" by Timothy Butler made me discover this gold mine of promising reads and I will make sure to read them all. Thanks for sharing Natalia.
Director at Processus BPM Ltd (a software consultancy company)
8 年Nice article, some interesting choices, I will make it a point to get through some of these. One I read last year was 'The Originals' by Adam Grant I found it very good to open up your mind.