In the past, we’ve posted about some of the most inspirational and influential business books of all time. What about the books that encourage you to be a better person? The ones that inspire change, improvement and above all–courage.
Let’s take a look at some of the most energizing, uplifting, and confidence-inducing books that have come out over the years. Many people would consider these library essentials, which ones do have? Which ones do you need right now?
1. Drive by Daniel H. Pink
Motivation comes from a universal source for everyone, right? According to Drive author, David Pink, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In his book, Pink unpacks the idea that everyone is motivated by something that is entirely unique to themselves. Whatever that motivation may be, at it’s highest performing level it’s driven by the person’s deepest sense of who they are and what they want to become.
2. Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin
It’s easy to make the excuse that someone is successful strictly because they are genetically gifted or talented. The reality is, in Geoff Colvin’s Talent is Overrated, success is the product of practice. Lots of practice. Colvin delves further into Malcom Gladwell’s 10,000 hour rule and helps his readers reconsider their perspective on what it takes to succeed.
3. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
This book has become a focal point for millions around the world. Covey emphatically walks his readers through the seven steps that he believes will not only help build lifelong habits, but will in turn lay the foundation to becoming a better person.
4. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
Another classic, but James Allen tackles motivation with a much different approach in his 1902 book As a Man Thinketh. In his book, he disregards the notion of motivation requiring immediate action and opts for a more thoughtful route. It all starts with your thoughts, how your thoughts motivate your personality, how personality drives you to not just take action but what type of action you’ll take.
5. The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
It doesn’t take much to explain this book. Norman Vincent Peale breaks it down to simple (and proven!) science: being optimistic improves your overall health and makes you happier. Therefore, by proxy, you put yourself in the likelier position to succeed. Simple as that!