5 Books That Will Change Your Life

Judge me if you must, but I only read non-fiction books. I’m a bit of a self improvement junkie, love a good autobiography, and can’t get enough of books exploring the intersection of business, psychology, and entrepreneurship. I’ve rounded up a few of my all time favorite non-fiction books that have helped to shift my perspective and have positively impacted my life. I hope you feel the same way when you read them!

Here they are in no particular order:

Essentialism

This book is basically my bible, and the principles it outlines align perfectly with a minimalist philosophy. Author Greg McKeown describes essentialism as “a systematic discipline  for discerning what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything that is not, so we can make the highest possible contribution toward the things that really matter.” The book is easy to read, with lots of real life examples of how we can be more selective about our pursuits and where we invest our time, money, and energy. A must read. Order here.

The Compound Effect

The Compound Effect is based around the idea that little decisions can shape your destiny, and that taking small, smart consistent actions can change your life. Author Darren Hardy uses real life examples to illustrate his thesis and outlines how the compound effect can be used to accumulate wealth, lose weight, and tackle your personal and professional goals. The book debunks the myth of the “overnight success,” and will inspire you to start small and stay the course. Order here.

You Are a Badass at Making Money

This gem, by Jen Sincero, is a fun, frank, and approachable guide to shifting your mindset to get over your money drama and transform your bank account. Filled with hilarious personal anecdotes, and actionable, practical advice, this book will help you uncover your limiting beliefs so you can dream bigger and unlock your money making potential. This is one I revisit any time I’m hit with feelings of scarcity, and it works like a charm. Order here.

24/6

Anyone feeling a little bit dizzy from all those Zoom calls and incessant emails? I’ve read so many books on how to minimize your screen time, but 24/6 is my favorite by far – especially if your career makes it challenging or impractical to unplug. This book, written by renowned filmmaker Tiffany Shlain, will give you the exact blueprint you need to give up your screens for one day a week, creating the space you need to recharge, relax, and connect more with the people and things you value most. If you’re ready to reclaim your time, energy and productivity, 24/6 is the book for you. Order here.

The Artist’s Way

Since its first publication, The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron, has inspired millions of readers to take steps towards a more fulfilling and creative life. The book includes tools, prompts, and practices to help you unleash your own creativity, including establishing a daily writing practice, and The Artist Date, a dedicated block of time to nurture your inner artist. I loved this book so much that I even joined an Artist’s Way community group when I lived in LA. A game-changer if you’re looking to cultivate a regular writing practice, or just want to feel more creative and inspired in your day to day life. Order here.

Next up on my nightstand: How to do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy and The Longing for Less.

P.S. I included Amazon links, but you can support your local bookshops by shopping via Bookshop.org or Indiebound.

Happy reading!

Photography Credit: Torrey Fox for Harlowe James