10 Books That Changed My Life And How
Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.
The average CEO reads a book a week or 52 books in a year. Leaders are readers and that’s because books allow you to tap into another person’s wealth of knowledge and life experiences in a short amount of time.
Growing up, I developed a penchant for narratives that powered my dreams, helped me articulate my thoughts, and grounded me in the grand scheme of life beyond myself. As an adult, I realised how instrumental books were in shaping my self-development.
The habit of reading has become a non-negotiable for me as I strive to better my quality of thought, life and contributions to those around me.
1. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin S. Sharma
I first read this as a 12-year old but found myself reading and re-reading it as I grew up.
This book planted the seed of mindfulness and self-mastery in me as a young girl and I found myself intrigued and drawn to the idea of living simply and with intentionality.
Since then, I picked up the habit of constant reflection which gave me the courage and reminder time and time again to run my own race instead of comparing myself to others.
2. The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Giver was my first taste of a dystopian novel and it led me to contemplate deeply about the relationship between opposites such as good and bad, weak and strong. It depicts a society void of all negative aspects (and, as a result, positive aspects) and it taught me to be grateful for how the downsides can help you to appreciate the upsides in life.
3. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
A very simple book and study about how hard work prevails. The hypothesis that you can achieve success after 10,000 hours of dedicated work made me double down on committing to my dreams and not give up so easily.
4. Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book taught me the value of compounding when it comes to habits. When you shift your perspective to making gradual improvements, you learn how to trust the process and enjoy it rather than to be overly focused on the outcome.
This was a super encouraging mindshift for me and it gave me the power to constantly find ways to improve because these minor adjustments can pay dividends
5. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
I picked this up in one of my English Literature modules in University and it has shaped the spirit in which I work towards my ambitions.
It opened my eyes to the news of the world around as well as the larger social fabric I belonged to. It’s an abstract idea, but it moved and humbled me greatly as I thought about the social impact of the work I can do as a woman in the 21st century.
6. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
A very simple book about the basics of wealth management. It made me conscious of my financial behavior and how I can effect the change I want so as not to ‘blindly’ repeat financial myths.
7. Start With Why by Simon Sinek
This book was pivotal in my last career change, or as millennials would like to call it, “quarter life crisis”.
For so long, I wrestled with what I should be doing when I could have looked inward into my purpose for doing things. This was something I really struggled with in today’s restless era where it’s easy to be distracted by the fast, new and the shiny.
8. 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran
I never realised how much the sense of urgency can be re-created. This book also made me cherish my time a lot more.
Reframing your perspective of time can help you cherish your most important asset that cannot be taken back once lost- your time.
9. Principles by Ray Dalio
Made me realise how integrity is one of the most important values to me. This book helped me to uncover and refine personal principles especially as a financial consultant as I can set the tone across all aspects of my business.
It also empowered me to stick to my guns in downtimes and stay grounded during the upsides of my life.
10. Never Split The Difference by Chriss Voss and Tahl Raz
I learnt the power of emotional intelligence and the art of verbal and non-verbal communication through this book.
Most importantly, it taught me to pay attention to empathy and kindness, 2 aspects of a person’s character that speak more to me than the depths of their pockets or number of possessions they have.
While creating this list, I realised that these books gave me the curiosity to dismantle assumptions about people and society around me. On top of that, it was refreshing to see how each book refreshed my persistence to chart my own path along the way. The wisdom and insights in each book have played a fundamental role in my growth as a person.
I hope this list reminds you of the inspiration reading can bring you. You never know where you may pick up a thing or two that has a multi-fold impact in all aspects of your life.
Which books have changed your life, and why? I look forward to hearing your recommendations.
Cheers,
