Have you read these 10 books?

I love reading books that inspire me to be a better, stronger person and that also support me in being an even more effective coach. It’s almost impossible for me to walk into a bookstore and come out empty handed. Amazon packages are a regular sight outside my front door and my Kindle is also always well stocked!

Below are another 10 of my favourite books, all of which have some incredible lessons and insights to share. I’ve read most of these books more than once, each time gaining something different more or different from them depending on where I am at in my life. I hope you take the time to read some of these…you will definitely be happy you did!

  1. David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell
    This book is filled with stories about underdogs who won out against all the odds. It throws out conventional ideas of what it takes to be successful and offers ‘out the box’ views on subjects such as the downsides to privilege and the benefits of learning difficulties.
  1. The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
    This book was recommended to me by Bo Eason who has been one of my most impactful mentors and coaches. He has been instrumental in supporting me as I personally grow and evolve every day. In this book Steven Pressfield helps you identify your inner creative battles against fear and self-doubt and shares advice on how to win those battles. He examines the negative forces that keep you from realizing your dreams, and shows how you can defeat your fears to achieve your creative goals. This is a must read for anyone who’s had trouble realizing their passion. 
  1. Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
    Switch examines why it is often difficult for people to switch their behavior, and how, by understanding the mind, it is possible to find shortcuts that make change easier. Through scientific studies and stories, Switch provides simple yet effective tools for implementing changes.
  1. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
    Through a combination of entertaining stories, solid data and practical advice, Lean In examines the prevalence of and reasons for gender inequality at work. It encourages women to lean into their careers and life by seizing opportunities and aspiring to leadership positions. 
  1. Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
    Blink examines the phenomenon of snap judgments, meaning the split-second decisions we make unconsciously. These snap judgments are important decision-making tools, but can also lead to bad choices and a host of problems. Blink explains how we can best make use of them.
  1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
    This brilliant masterpiece is an absolute must read book! It tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago’s journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.
  1. The Little Book of Talent: 52 Tips for Improving Your Skills by Daniel Coyle
    This book is a manual for building a faster brain and a better you. It’s an easy-to-use handbook of scientifically proven, field-tested methods to improve skills in sports, music, art, math, and business. It’s the result of five years of reporting from the world’s greatest talent hotbeds and interviews with successful master coaches. It breaks down the complexity of skill development into 52 clear, concise directives. This book is an essential guide for anyone who ever asked, “How do I get better?”
  1. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams by Deepak Chopra
    “The creation of wealth has always been regarded as a process that requires hard work and luck–often at the expense of others. In this incredible book, Deepak reveals how to align with the subtle yet powerful, unseen forces that affect the flow of money in our lives.”
  1. The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Deborah Ford
    Debbie Ford believes that we each hold within us a trace of every human characteristic that exists and the capacity for every human emotion. We are born with the ability to express this entire spectrum of characteristics. But, our families and our society send us strong messages about which ones are good and bad. So when certain impulses arise, we deny them instead of confronting them and giving them a healthy voice and then letting them go. She shows us the effects of living in the dark, of keeping all our supposedly unsavory impulses under wraps and how by doing this we deny ourselves the power and freedom of living authentically.
  1. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed To Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown
    This book offers an accessible and engaging walk through the ten principles that you can follow to live a more fulfilling life, defined by courage, connection and compassion towards others – something I believe we all want in this life. This book is an absolute ‘must read’ in my opinion, as are all of Brené Brown’s books !

That’s my list! I’d love to hear what your favorite books are so please share them below. And let me know what you learn from any of the books on this list that you read. I challenge you to read at least 3 books before December 31st and begin stetting yourself up for the most magical 2016 possible.

Until next week – embrace your inner truth, live your purpose and make your contribution in the world.

With gratitude and appreciation,
Lauren

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