In our ongoing series, we handpick some of our favourite reads to add to your bookshelf or Kindle. Here are the next 5 books in our list of 50 inspiring books to change your life. Happy reading!
50 Inspiring Books to Change Your Life: Books 6 to 10
The Four Tendencies
by Gretchen Rubin
We first discovered Gretchen Rubin years ago when she ran a popular blog, The Happiness Project, that developed into an international bestseller of the same name. It was also on her blog that she began exploring the concept she refined later into The Four Tendencies. Gretchen worked out that most people fit into one of 4 personality types – Upholder, Obliger, Questioner and Rebel – that govern the way we think, act and respond to life situations. You might be shocked to discover that, even though you’re rebellious by nature, your actual type is Obliger (someone who meets other people’s expectations, but fails to keep up with their own). A fascinating, and insightful, read.
Who it’s great for: If you’re wondering why your partner can never accept things at face value (Questioner), or why you struggle to make time for yourself when you give so much to everybody else (Obliger), dip into this book for further illumination.
Why we love it: Gretchen has a straight talking, engaging writing style that cuts through to the heart of any subject. She creates a simple personality template that will stimulate tons of discussion with your friends and family.
One more thing: You can also take The Four Tendencies Quiz online to figure out your own personality type.
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece, The Alchemist, needs little introduction for its more than 150 million fans worldwide. This deceptively simple tale follows Santiago, a shepherd who quits the hills of Andalusia to go on a journey of self-discovery. The experiences and people he encounters along the way change his life, and the lessons taught by his story have changed countless lives around the globe.
Who it’s great for: Absolutely anybody who has ever felt that there is more to life than their present circumstances.
Why we love it: The Alchemist is a literary road map for following your dreams. The story is packed with wisdom and spirituality, without knocking you over the head with any single idea. It’s one of those books that you will read again and again.
One more thing: Paulo is fairly prolific on social media, we especially enjoy his Instagram page.
Writing Down the Bones
by Natalie Goldberg
Writing Down the Bones might just change your writing life forever. Natalie Goldberg, a Zen practitioner, teaches writing as a spiritual practice. Her mission is to get you to free your mind and your words, letting your natural creativity flow without censorship.
Who it’s great for: Aspiring and developing writers and bloggers will get the most out of this book, but even if you’re just writing for fun (e.g. journalling) there’s plenty of helpful advice here too.
Why we love it: Natalie’s technique of free writing (just keep your hand moving across the page, don’t think or edit) is brilliant for overcoming writer’s block. Her tips are delivered in short, witty chapters that offer surprising depth.
One more thing: Natalie’s book, Wild Mind, goes deeper into her Zen-like teachings about writing and creativity.
The War of Art
by Steve Pressfield
Marie Forleo calls him her favourite author and it’s not hard to see why, after reading The War of Art. This book is a game changer for any creative, as it identifies the major force that gets in our way — Resistance. Steve Pressfield outlines how resistance shows up whenever we are called to do our greatest work, how to recognise it, and what to do to overcome it.
Who it’s great for: Writers, artists, entrepreneurs, anybody trying to build a dream but struggling with imposter syndrome, creative blocks and other resistance monsters.
Why we love it: This is a quick read but it’s brimming with helpful tips and encouragement and not one word is wasted. Steve offers a kick in the butt just when you need it.
One more thing: We also recommend Steve’s follow-up, Turning Pro, about how success begins when you decide to stop acting like an amateur.
The Four Pillar Plan
by Dr Rangan Chatterjee
What’s the secret to a longer, healthier life? Learn to relax, eat right, move more and sleep better. Simple right? In his best-selling book The Four Pillar Plan, Dr Rangan Chatterjee (BBC 1’s Doctor in the House) breaks it down into bite-sized, easy to follow chapters that explain the basics of living well.
Who it’s great for: Built around small, everyday changes as opposed to a strict diet or exercise routine, this book will work for you whether you’re a couch potato or a fitness freak.
Why we love it: Dr Rangan has a warm, authoritative voice and a totally non-judgemental approach to staying healthy. His recommendations like taking a Screen Free Sabbath every weekend, walking 10k steps daily, or going 12 hours daily without food are backed by science.
One more thing: For more steady encouragement, listen to Dr Rangan’s podcast Feel Better, Live More.
Do you have any recommendations for books to change your life? Let us know in the comments and keep up with this series by signing up to our newsletter below!
[…] the COVID-19 outbreak, reading is more necessary than ever. This week for our ongoing series of 50 Inspiring Books that will Change Your Life, we recommend some books to offer comfort, perspective and one to light a fire under your a*se. […]