I’m a big fan of books, and not just those about travel. Last month, I shared some of my favorite travel books, but this time, I want to talk about the non-travel books that have really made a difference in my life. These books have shifted my perspective and sparked my interest in new ideas, literature, personal development, and so much more. If you’re looking to make a change, expand your mind, or just want a good read, here are twelve books that have had a big impact on me:
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7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey: This world-renowned book taught me how to live a better life by planning my week, sleeping more, being proactive, creating win-win situations, and continuously improving. It reminded me of the small things I often forget that can make me a more organized and thoughtful person. If you haven’t read it yet, you really should!
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The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg: This book delves into why we do what we do and how we can break bad habits and form good ones. It made me reconsider the negative habits in my life and how I can change them. Thanks to this book, I’ve started sleeping at a more regular time, reading more, drinking less, and being more productive.
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Titan by Ron Chernow: This dense but worthwhile biography of J.D. Rockefeller and his rise to power taught me how frugality, slowness, and thoughtfulness can lead to success in life and business. It made me rethink how I make business decisions.
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Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson: Branson’s autobiography inspired me to start my non-profit. His "why wait?" philosophy on starting projects really resonated with me.
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How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: This book helped me learn how to better handle social situations by listening more and empathizing with others.
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Quiet by Susan Cain: As an introvert, this book helped me understand how to balance my space and deal with my social anxiety.
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What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith: This book taught me how to listen, behave, and think better. It reminded me that if I want to move up in life, I’ll need a different set of skills.
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Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink, Ph.D.: This book changed how I think about food by showing me all the ways society and commercials encourage us to subconsciously eat more.
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The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene: This book made me think more strategically in my life.
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Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser: After reading this book, I became more conscious of what I eat and how we treat food workers.
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The Ecology of Commerce by Paul Hawken: This book opened my eyes to the possibility of creating a business that’s also environmentally-friendly.
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The ONE Thing by Gary Keller: This book taught me to focus on the one thing that can make my life better.
These books have reshaped my life in many ways, and I’ve never regretted reading them. They’re thought-provoking, and I encourage you to read them to gain a different perspective on things.
