Books that Changed My Life

One of the principal influencers in my journey of personal growth and learning has been books. A variety of books from a variety of authors. Books expose us to new ideas and different styles and methods of going through the process of becoming all we can be. They can be empowering and they can help us overcome sticking points in our own philosophies.

I first realized that I did have the ability to speak confidently with people when I read How to Win Friends and Influence People for the first time as a teenager. Before that, I was so debilitatingly shy that my lip quivered when a girl tried to talk to me! Read voraciously and indiscriminately. If there are nuggets of wisdom that you can use, take them and make them your own. Below is a list of books (In no particular order) that have had a significant impact on my life. I’m eager to hear your thoughts too! What books have most impacted you? List them in the comments below!

• 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership – John C. Maxwell

Written in John Maxwell’s personal and affable style, I consider this a must read for leaders and aspiring leaders. After each law is described, you’ll find yourself agreeing with Maxwell and mentally incorporating it into your interpersonal relationships.

•  Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor E. Frankl

Sometimes shocking, sometimes profound and always impactful. Every time I read it I feel a deeper understanding for what makes us human and a desire to be a little better myself.

•  The Motivation Manifesto – Brendon Burchard

Written in prose sounding like the Declaration of Independence this is one of the most empowering books I’ve read. It will make you believe in yourself a bit more. After sitting down with this book for a while, you’ll want to go out and tackle all of the challenges life brings; and come out on top.

• How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie

This is an oldie but still a best seller for a very good reason: it’s timelessly relevant. This book taught me, a boy too scared and shy to ever engage someone else in conversation, how to confidently speak to people. Once I learned the techniques described by Carnegie, I was able to build on it and add my own personality. I wouldn’t be where I am without this book.

• Education of a Wandering Man – Louis L’Amour

L’Amour’s autobiography may seem out of place to some, but I simply couldn’t put this book down the first time I read it. It taught me that all of life is an education; that learning doesn’t only take place in schools. L’Amour was a fascinating and inspiring man with an equally fascinating life.

• Do the Work – Steven Pressfield

This book is so short, you can probably finish it in a single one hour sitting. But don’t let the length fool you. I’ve read this one at least 20 times because it motivates me like nothing else. Pressfield teaches how to cut through all of the resistance that prevents us from achieving our dreams.

• Start With Why – Simon Sinek

There’s a reason that Simon Sinek is regarded as one of the great contemporary thought leaders. If you want to galvanize what you need to do to tackle any big endeavor, you must start with why! Sinek describes the philosophy in detail and shows readers how to establish a “why” that facilitates motivation and action.

• Everyone Communicates, Few Connect – John C. Maxwell

If Dale Carnegie got me started as a communicator, John Maxwell helped me understand how to incorporate my own personality into the process. He teaches how to find common ground and truly connect with people. If you aspire to become a great leader, this is another must read as it will not only help you rally people to your cause, it will help you build them up to be all they can be.

• Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion – Robert Cialdini

Warning: while you read this book you’ll be awakened to all the times people attempted to persuade you towards an idea or product and you weren’t even aware it was happening. Fascinating, scientific and incredibly revealing, this book teaches how to understand why people agree to certain things and how to incorporate it into your life or business.

What are your favorite books? Please list them in the comments!