Read your way to success!

Something I place a great deal of importance on is what you feed yourself. And I’m not just talking about the food and drink you put in your body.

What you consume on a daily basis intellectually will also have a massive impact on your mindset and your emotional health. A constant diet of social media and mindless telly is about as good for you as living solely on crisps and fizzy drinks – ie, complete rubbish!

Regular listeners of the podcast will know that I’m an avid reader, and there are several books that I’d recommend that could have a fantastic impact on your personal and professional life. I’ve learned so much from all of them and they’d definitely all be on my ‘must-read’ list.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

This is a great book which provides invaluable insights into the power of small habits and their impact on personal growth.

It emphasises the idea that success is not determined by grand gestures, but by the accumulation of tiny habits over time. By focusing on the principles of habit formation and the compounding effect of small actions, readers are inspired to take control of their lives and make positive changes. Atomic Habits instils the belief that even the smallest of habits, when consistently practiced, can lead to remarkable transformations.

I really liked the actionable strategies for building good habits and breaking bad ones – they’re game-changers. By focusing on the daily choices we make and understanding the science behind habit formation, you’re empowered to reshape your life, one small step at a time. As I always say, you don’t start training for a marathon by running 26 miles on Day 1!

Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

I firmly believe that starting the day on a positive note is essential for productivity and personal well-being. I’ve talked about my morning routine on more than one episode of Behind the Fa?ade – it’s the time I set aside every day to journal, work out, and reflect upon how I’m progressing my goals.

Hal Elrod's Miracle Morning introduces a revolutionary approach to starting the day with purpose and intention. He emphasises the power of dedicating those early hours to personal growth and self-care. By incorporating activities such as meditation, exercise, affirmations, reading, and journaling, readers are inspired to create a morning routine that sets a positive tone for the entire day. It empowers you to take charge of your mornings, cultivating a mindset of productivity, mindfulness, and success. It’s a catalyst for creating a life that is grounded in purpose and driven by passion!

Deep Work by Cal Newport

In the age of constant distractions, Cal Newport's Deep Work explores the importance of focused, uninterrupted work for achieving peak productivity and creativity. Newport argues that our ability to concentrate on cognitively demanding tasks without succumbing to distractions is becoming more and more impossible.

It’s an essential guide for achieving peak productivity and cultivating a deep sense of fulfilment, offering practical strategies for carving out undistracted time, eliminating shallow work, and harnessing the power of concentrated effort. By diving into deep work, readers are inspired to reclaim their ability to produce quality work and cultivate a mindset that values sustained attention and promotes the development of skills that are undoubtedly valuable, but increasingly in today's fast-paced world.

Who Not How by Dan Sullivan & Benjamin Hardy

In "Who Not How," Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy present a groundbreaking approach to achieving goals by focusing on finding the right people to help you rather than trying to do everything yourself.

Collaboration and leveraging the expertise of others are vital elements in achieving success: by seeking out the right collaborators and delegating effectively, readers can amplify their impact and achieve greater results without burning themselves out in the process.

The book serves as a roadmap for strategic collaboration and exponential growth and encourages you to let go of the need to do everything yourself, something that I’ve really taken to heart. ‘Who?’ is the first question I ask myself now whenever I start a new project – and it should be the first question you ask too.

Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley

Being recognised as a thought leader and an authority in your chosen field can open doors to new opportunities and create significant impact. In "Key Person of Influence," Daniel Priestley offers a step-by-step guide to building a personal brand and becoming a recognised authority in your sector. Basically, it’s a blueprint for cultivating a personal brand that magnetises success.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or just someone looking to stand out in a crowded marketplace, it’ll give you the tools and mindset to become a key person of influence. There are real-life examples and success stories shared all the way through that will definitely make you want to take action!

These books have all played a huge role in my personal and professional development, and can help you become the best version of yourself: igniting motivation, empowering personal growth, and transforming your life. ?

Whether it’s the power of small habits, the importance of morning routines, the focus on concentrated work, the value of collaboration, or the art of personal branding, each book offers invaluable insights and actionable strategies.

Remember to play the long game - the journey towards personal growth and success is a continuous one. By feeding your mind with what you find in these books, you can equip yourself with the tools to create a life that is truly fulfilling… something you definitely won’t get on a strict diet of Twitter!?