Your Bookie
Here’s a list of ten books which are a must for anyone interested in investing in themselves:
Man’s Search For Meaning: A tiny book which I picked up off the footpath at Connaught Place. Victor Frankl and his amazing two part story. One, a startling, touching look at his journey in a concentration camp. Two, the lessons that he derived from being there. If we choose to live a life where we self-examine, this is indeed a powerful tool for us.
What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20: The perfect book for 20-year-olds to read, if they’re interested in developing the right mindset at the beginning of their careers. It helps in developing a leadership and an entrepreneurial mindset which will take them a long long way. Told in a very engaging style, starting with a fabulous story from page one itself. I read it at 40 and derived a lot of value from it.
The Culture Map: A great read for those people who do business in any kind of cross-cultural environment. Filled with a lot of anecdotes, Erin Meyer talks about how to do business with someone from every country and culture...China, Japan, America, and across the globe.
Four Thousand Weeks: A departure from typical time management books, this examines the concept of our oh-so short lives and what we can do to make the best of this time.
Atomic Habits: A beautiful toolkit of a book, which, if used to build small doable, habits, immediately begins to transform us on the personal and professional front. I developed the habit of doing push-ups by using this book, going from 0 to 50 push-ups within six months.
The Question Book: Questions being so important to our lives, the question is, do we ask the right questions? This book does the hard work by throwing a barrage of powerful questions at us. Take the time to answer a question. Mull over it. Do a bit of introspection , and then move on to the next question at your own pace.
'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius: Thousands of years ago, the philosopher emperor wrote timeless wisdom. Captured in a loose collection of his quotes, statements and diary recordings. This book encapsulates the wisdom and thought process of the great Roman emperor. it also deeply explores the concept of stoicism. A good read to build one’s own deep thinking habits.
'Predictably Irrational' by Dan Ariely : A fascinating example studded book on how emotions, biases and our unique perspective shape our thinking and decision making. A great read to understand humanity and its weirdness. Also a great aid in decision making.
'Getting To Yes' by Roger Fisher and William Ury: if you negotiate in any way, shape or form, then this book should be the first thing to reach out for. It enables a mindset shift from transactional negotiation and bargaining to a deeper understanding of needs and of the other person, thereby creating a new path.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini : This is a great beginner book for people interested in influencing others. Useful for sales people, leaders, negotiators and everyone in the business of getting others to do things our way. One important disclaimer: It can be used for both good and evil. The key is to use it benignly and not harm others.