“You are what you read”
So be sure to pick wisely.
The books that have impacted me the most have been either the ones that felt like punches in the gut or the ones that felt like warm embraces. They have either challenged my ideas and have broadened my mind or have gently guided me through life’s difficult moments and critical decisions. In either case, my life has not been the same after reading such books.
Here is my personal list of books that have had the most impact on my life –
1. The Magic Of thinking Big This book was published over 60 years ago and is as relevant today as ever. I read this as a teenager and boy, am I glad I did! It blew my mind completely and taught me nothing is impossible. This book, in fact, was the first of its kind that I had read and it started me on this journey of self discovery and self improvement that continues today.
2. Mindset- The New Psychology Of Success – This book might be the one that has changed my “mindset” the most. It puts forth simple, yet groundbreaking ideas on how sometimes our beliefs can limit us and how to align your beliefs for realizing our potential.
3. Flow: The Psychology Of Optimal Experience – Classic case of when the student is ready, the master appears. I read this book during a particularly difficult time in my life and the timing could not have been better. A remarkable work on finding happiness and meaning in your work and life.
4. Who Moved my Cheese – A timeless classic! A powerful and profound lesson via a sweet and simple story. The lessons from this book have stayed with me for years!
5. The Obstacle is the Way – This book has given me the most valuable gift – a system for turning “trials” into “triumphs” just by way of changing perception. This book will provide you with simple, actionable principals for life for overcoming obstacles and limitations of all kinds- physical, emotional and perceived.
6. Thinking Fast and Slow – In almost all the books I read recently on social and behavioral economics, I have come across Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman’s name. I picked up this book to see for myself what the fuss was about. This book will surprise and sometimes frighten you with the author’s deep, almost freaky insights into our minds. Not a dull moment while reading this one.
Guidance for thriving in the professional world 