I am a book junkie, I love my books, the ones I always need to have on my shelf, as well as discovering new must haves!
Our Journey is a series of stories that make up the chapters of our lives. How we show up, what we feel is dependent on which chapter we are on. In the early chapters, we are in discovery mode, and then we hit the know it all stage, then the filled with self doubt phase and ending up with the don’t give a damn closing chapters.
How we read our books and take in the information is often correlated to that experience. We absorb and take in information depending on where we are on our life journey. What resonates at one stage means little at another. It strikes me when I pick up a book that I have read before, upon reading it a second time, I hear the words differently, often find myself more open to challenging ideas and I am able to create new meaning from the pages. It can be rewarding and disturbing to find out that what you thought you knew, you discover how much you really didn’t see or get. That is the beauty of age and growth. Living with a curious mindset, open to new ideas and learning at every stage.
In that vein - I am sharing a few of my favorites with you - some oldies but goodies and some more current, but not the top 10 NYT list! I am a believer that life lessons and leadership are intertwined - we are all human after all and communication, trust, respect, accountability and reliability are traits that benefit every endeavor we attempt to master.
Favorite #1
Power of Habit - Charles Duhigg
Duhigg weaves stories explaining how habits play an important role in our lives - and how these unconscious good and bad repeated behaviors impact our everyday decisions. Based on research he explains how habits are formed and the things we can do to unravel from unhelpful repetitive behaviors to help us move forward with more intention and choice. A great read for individuals and organizational leaders alike.
Favorite #2
Leadership and Self Deception - Arbinger Institute
I didn’t know this was an Institute and consulting company when I read this many years ago - and determined at that time that I should try and work with them. I am now an Arbinger Network Coach - trained in their methodology which I find is a brilliant and insightful way of teaching how to be in the world.
This book illustrates through a story how we deceive ourselves and view our own needs as more important than others and the negative effect of this self-deception in our lives. Moving out of this state is transformative for others and for ourselves, this short read shows a pathway to more freedom, understanding and compassion.
Favorite #3
America the Anxious - Ruth Whippman
Written by a British journalist, who moved to San Francisco from London for her husband’s work. She is hilarious and full of British wit along with thought provoking insights about the American pursuit of happiness that makes it forever illusive. Whippman unpacks some of the major happiness studies in her obsession to uncover the truth. In spite of the fact that Americans spend more money and time in search of happiness than any other nation on earth, research shows that the US is one of the least contented and most anxious countries in the developed world.
Favorite #4
Journey of the Heroic Parent
In my many years of working with parents of children in crisis, Brad has shown to be a light in the darkness. His book illuminates the ways that parents hurt, he shows deep compassion and understanding while providing a pathway forward for renewed hope, wisdom and empathy. Allowing for the parental relationship to begin a healing journey to a happier, healthier state with the children and for the parents. As a result parents can achieve a greater understanding of their kids with love and humanity while developing confidence in their parenting skills benefitting the whole family.
Favorite #5
Thinking Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman
Drawing from his decades of research, that led to his Nobel Prize for his understanding of psychology and behavioral economics. This concise book shows us how we problem solve, make judgments and the weaknesses to which our minds are predisposed. Kahneman highlights our unconscious mind and the way it makes decisions poorly. Written by an extraordinary mind who has contributed untold research to the understanding of human psychology to the benefit of all.
I enjoy spending my time discovering new and interesting points of view and compelling reads and would love to hear some of your favorites that would broaden my perspective and knowledge. If you are willing, please share your favorites with me down below in the comments section.