My Top 7 books of 2023

I started an intentional reading habit back in 2012.

I had newly discovered the world of personal development and the fantastic role books play in this, so I set myself a target to read a minimum of 12 books a year.

Since then, I’ve read over 150 books, and I can honestly tell you that my life has been transformed in the process.

I keep a public record of the books I read on my Pinterest board (yes, I do use Pinterest ??), but every year I like to highlight the ones that have been particularly impactful for one reason or the other.

So, in no particular order, here’s this year’s list of top books!

(PS: I’ve included my Amazon affiliate links for your ease, in case you want to purchase any of the books)

1) 10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less - Dan Sullivan, Dr. Benjamin Hardy

This one’s going on my special bookshelf for the reminder to live out my greatness, instead of settling for average.

It might be a cliche that it’s lonely at the top, but it’s true.

10X is about living life at the highest level - operating in your “unique ability” 100% of the time. 10X is sacrificing the good to get to the great. 10X requires doing less to achieve more.

Almost everyone is operating at 2X level. There’s plenty of room at the top if we decide to shoot for the stars, whatever that might look like in our own lives.

Find it on Amazon here

2) Your Next 5 Moves: Master the Art of Business Strategy - Patrick Bet David

The book title is deceiving in that it massively undersells just how good and how essential a read it is for business owners!

As a solopreneur, I initially thought it wouldn’t benefit me since it seemed to be aimed at bigger companies. I was wrong.

There are so many great business lessons and principles here to take your business from whatever stage you’re currently at to where you want to be. It’s not very often these days that I find a book worth reading cover to cover. This was one of them.

Find it on Amazon here

3) Write to Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Copywriting – Andy Maslen

For ages I dreaded and avoided copywriting, despite being a writer by nature and profession.

“Too much hard work”, I used to say. That was until I read this book, Write to Sell.

As you can expect, Andy does a brilliant job of illustrating what great copywriting looks like and how to achieve it.

I’ve not only learnt loads to use in my social media content writing (my purpose for learning this art form), I’ve also now made it compulsory reading for my LinkedIn coaching clients!

Find it on Amazon here

4) Listening Prayer - Mary Ruth Swope

I was led to pick up this book, which had been on my bookshelf (courtesy of my husband) for years.

I’d never read it or even noticed it, until this particular time in prayer when I was drawn to it and spent the next few weeks reading through it.

Listening Prayer is a beautiful reminder that God doesn’t just want us to talk to Him, He wants to talk back to us - if we’d only just take the time to stop and listen.

This is such a lovely and encouraging book. If you don’t hear God speak to you, or you’d like to experience this more often, I’d highly recommend you read this.

Find it on Amazon here

5) We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power - Rachel Rodgers

Two words - excellent book!

I love how real and down to earth Rachel is about this topic and, most of all, how (realistically) easy she makes it all sound.

The book is both inspiring and practical; informational and entertaining.

Yes, we should all be millionaires and I’m definitely down for joining that club!

Find it on Amazon here

6) Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less – Greg Mckeown

A truly excellent book about the importance of focusing on the most important things in life; of living a life of meaning and purpose simply by choosing what we say yes to and what gets a no.

I thought of myself as somewhat of an essentialist prior to reading this book, but I was wrong.

There’s so much more I can adopt and implement in the “disciplined pursuit of less…but better” - and I certainly intend to do so in 2024 and beyond!

Find it on Amazon here

7) Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! - Guy Kawasaki

The most down to earth, simplified book on finance I’ve ever read. The irony is I first bought and read this book over a decade ago!

I don’t remember getting much from it then. This time round - as a more mature and experienced woman - it was a massive eye-opener that has put many things in perspective.

I’m now clear on exactly what my three paths of wealth are and I’m excited to get into it.

This is definitely a book - and principles – that I’ll be passing on to my own children.

Find it on Amazon here

So there you go, my 7 top reads of 2023!

What’s on your list? Share with me in the comments.

And if you haven’t read my own book, Start Being Visible, on how you can raise your profile, build your personal brand and attract your ideal clients through LinkedIn, you can grab a copy of that on Amazon or on my website .