New Year, New View

One of my favorite things to give or to receive is a good book. Or even a personal recommendation of a book. It’s something I cherish. I have a bit of an unorthodox way of reading – I typically have five or six books in process at the same time. That’s probably why it takes me longer than most to finish!

As we look ahead to a new year and set our intentions for what we most want to achieve, my gift for you is a list of some of my all-time favorites to help you get there.

The Miracle Morning by Hal Axelrod

This book is about more than just the benefits of getting an early start to the day. This is about creating a morning ritual that paves the way for transformation and success.  Hal has a devoted following and a process he calls LIFE S.A.V.E.R.S.  As Hal says, similar to how an occasional workout won’t get you in the shape you want, an occasional focus on achieving your goals won’t get you there either. It takes a focused, daily routine. Even for those of us who may not always enjoy an early rise, once you start seeing the results you’ll be setting your alarm extra early.

Change Your Questions Change Your Life by Marilee Adams

Marilee introduces Question Thinking, and provides methods, skills and tools to become more effective by focusing on learning rather than being judgmental. She shows you how to refocus the questions you ask in order to achieve more desirable results and to listen without judgement, or as Marilee calls it, “listening with Learner ears.” I’ve found this approach to have a profound impact not only in my work, but in my relationships. When we come from a place of curiosity versus judgement, we unlock possibilities and create deeper connections with others.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

There’s only one book you need to read on organizing your life, and it’s this one. Marie’s approach to decluttering and organizing is radical yet harmonious. She’s a perfect blend of tough love and Zen master. She will have you clearing and making room in your life only for those things that “spark joy.” What a potent barometer for all aspects of our lives.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck, Ph.D.

Based on decades of research, world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, Ph.D.,  discovered that success in almost any human endeavor comes down to mindset, and how we view our talents and abilities. People with a fixed mindset are less likely to prosper than those with a growth mindset. This book talks about the difference between the two and how you can achieve success through a growth mindset.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

A powerful, powerful gem. This book will change the way you view resistance. It will make you open your arms to resistance and embrace it. It will also shine the light on what it means to be an amateur versus a professional and how we can all operate as professionals, no matter the endeavor. Steven has a way of pulling back the curtain on the creative process and debunking many myths about what it means to create.

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

My “MVP”. There are so many nuggets of wisdom in this book such as how to operate from your Zone of Genius, identifying and eliminating your self-sabotaging behaviors, and the powerful idea of Einstein Time – that YOU are where time comes from.  This is a must-read for anyone looking to grow and live a BIG life.

The right read at the right time

I truly believe the universe sends us what we need, when we need it. I have no doubt that rings true for when these books found their way into my life. My hope is that one or more on this list finds its way to you within your own divine timing.

Which books have made the greatest impact for you and why? Share the title or link to the book in the comments below. We can all add to our list!

*Photo by Jessica Ruscello