I’m a firm believer that reading (or listening) to books is an ideal way to interrupt the non-stop chatter of the mind. Through that interruption of our old patterns, we have a better chance to create new and healthier ones. Here’s a list of books, in no particular order, that have resonated with me and myself:
1. “Rising Strong” – Brene Brown
A book written in a relatable voice that teaches you about the concept of “wholeheartedness” and encourages you to be OK with a little vulnerability and struggle. Man up and get sensitive…wait…what?
A book for the perfectionist. Work on releasing some of those unrealistic expectations. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with a Brene Brown book. She’s also got one called “Daring Greatly” that you should check out. This is the 15th book on the list, but I snuck it in this way so the post was a little off. Take THAT, Perfection.
3. “Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself” – Kristin Neff PhD
How funny is it that we need books to tell us how to be nice to ourselves? Humans are hilarious. This is a good one for the person that’s trying to stifle some loud, negative self-talk. Shut up in there, am I right?
4. “The Motivation Manifesto” – Brendon Berchard
Says it all in the name, doesn’t it? A boldly written manifesto that discusses human nature in the first section and breaks down the steps to personal power in a series of nine declarations. If you like your reading to the point and with a flair for the grandiose, this one’s for you.
5. “Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success” – Steve Harvey
Steve Harvey drops a little knowledge on you. This one is about how you have to identify what your “gift” is and use that to move forward. He comes from more of a Christian direction sometimes (which some of you may enjoy) but, the underlying message goes way beyond that. Wise words up in here.
6. “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” – Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves
A book on improving your self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. IQ without EQ makes Johnny an awkward boy. Tap into the thing that we all have in common: emotions and humanity. Won’t help you with psychopaths, but what will…ya know?
For the people who don’t have a strong handle on what exactly they might want to do, this one will help get your thought process on the right path. Get ready to find your tribe and ask yourself basic, but important, questions like: “My tribe?? What are you talking about? I was born in Cleveland.”
8. “Choose Yourself” – James Altucher
I love this one because it talks about how the norms of going to college, employment, and our retirements are evolving and how we need to begin to choose ourselves in the face of these changes. A great one for the independent people that don’t need no 9 to 5 to be happy.
9. “The Obstacle is the Way” – Ryan Holiday
Face your resistance head on. Do uncomfortable things. Make the best out of every situation that presents itself to you because you don’t control everything that happens. Based primarily on the philosophy of the stoics. Get your Marcus Aurelius on.
10. “The Untethered Soul” – Michael A. Singer
For the people who enjoy exploring the concepts of consciousness and awareness. You probably do yoga and meditate on the reg. A book that reminds you that you are not the thoughts that go through your mind all day. Get ready to think outside the box.
11. “Man’s Search for Meaning” – Viktor E. Frankl
This book is on every list for self-betterment…and for good reason. It’ll make you appreciate what you have and realize just how much people are able to withstand when they find themselves forced into unthinkable circumstances. A must read for anyone. Seriously. Are the words in italics making you feel my passion? I hope so.
Getting more out of life doesn’t mean doing everything at once. Dial in on the one thing that’s most important to you and allow that choice to help you make other life decisions. Focus, people. FOCUS.
13. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” – Stephen R. Covey
I’ll tell you what’s highly effective…this book. Practical and actionable.
14. “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff and It’s All Small Stuff” – Richard Carlson
Not every little thing in life has to be a big deal. 100 short, sweet, and realistic tips/reminders to spend less energy stressing out and more time appreciating life and going with the flow.
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Courtney Diamond 
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