MARCH 20, 2024
7 Books I'm fairly certain will change your life
Last week, I did an ‘Ask me Anything’ on my Instagram stories, and multiple people asked me for book recommendations.
Instead of just answering there, I took some time to reflect on the books that have shaped my life and business the most.
I landed on 7.
But before I share them, I feel compelled to say a word of caution.
I know most of you are trying to do something – for many, it’s starting and scaling your businesses, for others it may be cultivating positive relationships, advancing your career, or simply feeling happier.
I know it’s tempting to think that the next book will have the magic answer.
Consuming new information can feel like you’re taking action.
But don’t get trapped in a cycle of book after book after book.
More often than not, this will leave you stuck with a lot of information, too overwhelmed to implement any of what you learned. (And so you don’t).
What books can’t give us is action and implementation.
We need to give that to ourselves.
So if you decide to read one of these books, I challenge you to take immediate action on them.
And because you know I don't leave you hanging, I've included one action idea with each book. It's just one idea, so feel free to take it or leave it.
Here they are:
Mindset (Carol S. Dweck)
Psychologist Carol Dweck is like the OG of Growth Mindset (she literally coined the term). For those who think mindset is a little woo-woo or “fluffy”, this book shares powerful research to un-fluff it for you. It’ll show you how your beliefs about your abilities can impact every aspect of your life, from business to personal relationships.
Action idea: Get into the habit of adding “yet” to thoughts you have around your abilities. The subtle change from “I can’t do that” to “I can’t do that YET” reminds you of your potential to develop your abilities with effort and time.
Expectation Effect (David Robson)
Yes, more on mindset (it's that important). This book expands on how our expectations shape our reality. Robson shares fascinating insights into how our expectations influence anything from how we age to how successful we are. It can get a little repetitive, but it really drives home the point of harnessing the power of positive expectations.
Action Idea: Set a positive expectation for a specific goal you have and maximize the expectation effect by visualizing yourself achieving it daily
Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett & Dave Evans)
This book is a marriage between Design Thinking and Meaningful Living. Based on a popular Stanford University course, the authors share really hands-on practical tools and strategies for building a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling. I read it about 7 years ago and it completely changed how I think about what I want for my life (and how I approach getting it).
Action Idea: Use a prototyping approach to map out different life paths you could take, and identify small steps you can experiment with in each path.
Man's Search for Meaning (Viktor E. Frankl)
A classic for good reason. Written by psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, who survived Nazi concentration camps. It will show you the importance (and possibility) of finding purpose in life, even in the most difficult circumstances. No matter what you’re going through, your inner world belongs to you.
Action Idea: Write down three things that give your life meaning and reflect on how you can prioritize them daily.
The Big Leap (Gay Hendricks)
Let me be clear: I don’t agree with everything in this book. BUT it introduces the concept of the "Upper Limit Problem" – which, for me and many of my clients, it is the kind of thing you can’t unsee once you see it. You’ll have to read the book to find out what it is ;)
Action Idea: Sit with the idea of the Upper Limit and jot down ways in which you’ve ensured your return to baseline in the past.
The Mountain is You (Brianna Wiest)
Brianna has an incredible and deeply moving ability to help you see where and how you are “the mountain” in your life – your own biggest obstacle. This book will speak to you about self-sabotage like no other, and you won’t be the same after reading it (I wasn’t).
Action Idea: Identify one way you’re self-sabotaging and write down the underlying fears or beliefs fueling this behavior.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant (Eric Jorgensen)
Naval is an entrepreneur and investor, and – in my opinion – one of the most brilliant thinkers of our time. He’s completely transformed how I think about business. This book is a collection of all his thoughts on wealth, happiness and personal freedom. You’ll be able to read this over and over again, and find a new golden nugget each time.
Action Idea: Think about where you could leverage compound interest in your life – start a small habit that will pay off 10x over time, such as reading 10 min every day.
Psst... the digital version of this book is available for free, here.
These 7 books have shaped me in such a way that I frequently reference and apply their ideas.
And the key word there is: apply.
I’m fairly confident these books can change your life.
But remember: Magic happens when you combine inspiration and implementation.
Don’t just read. DO.
And hey, since I’m always on the lookout for new things to learn and apply, I’m curious: Do you have a book that changed your life? I’d really appreciate it if you reply and share it with me! 💛
Rooting for you,
Charlotte
P.S. If you're feeling completely overwhelmed by your business and trying to do all the things, check out my Boundary Blueprint to reclaim your sanity here.
And whenever you’re ready, here's how I can support you:
1. Book a 1:1 Power Hour with me – a one-time intensive coaching call where we'll develop a clear path forward and address the mindset shifts necessary for your success. Learn more about what we can work on and book your slot here
2. Join me for 1:1 business coaching. Working with me isn't just about scaling your business or brand, it's about scaling you. I’ve helped countless clients navigate their entrepreneurial path with clarity, ease and confidence. Don't settle for the hustle-norm, and redefine success with balance at its heart. Apply here.
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Hi, I'm Charlotte. I help ambitious women start and grow online businesses that aren't just successful, but also provide joy and freedom.
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