Bring on the cooler weather and the snuggly weekends! While I love a beach read, nothing beats a snuggly Sunday on the couch with some coffee and a new book. As the year winds down (seriously can’t believe it is almost 2017!), many of us are starting to think about what we’ve accomplished and what our future holds. In the last year, I’ve found an appreciation for books that motivate me. See below for some of my favorites.
1| The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
This is the book that makes you take a deep breath and say “It’s not just me.” As a young adult, I find myself constantly criticizing my work life, my love life, and my fun life. This book taught me that I’m definitely not alone and gave me perspective. This well-researched book is well worth if you feel like you’ve been doubting yourself. Once you read, you’ll be more sure, more understanding, and more accepting.
2 | Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
I wrote a review on Lean In a few months back but wanted to include it again here as I constantly quote my girl Sheryl. As a woman working in social media, Sheryl is obviously a role model as COO of Facebook. However, she is much more than a powerful woman at a powerful company. Her empathy and resilience is what inspires me most. The book reports on everything from work-life balance to standing up for yourself. One quote I constantly replay in my head is, “Sit at the table.” Almost every week as I find myself just going with the flow at work, I say “Sit at the goddamn table, Marie” to keep myself engaged and valued.
3 | Thrive by Arianna Huffington
This is the book that started it all. After reading this baby, I was inspired to continue to read books that motivate me to be better at work and in life. Arianna Huffington writes about her personal transition from an over-worked mom of two to a well-balanced woman. She speaks about the power of well-being, wisdom, and wonder and how each should be present in your work and personal life. What does this mean, it means taking walking meetings to get mid-day exercise or keeping your phone in another room while you sleep to avoid answering e-mails before bedtime.
4 | Smarter, Faster, Better by Charles Duhigg
This has been my latest inspiration as I read this book over the summer as a recommendation from one of my most inspiring coworkers. This book covers everything goal setting to decision making, essential skills when growing in the corporate world. A little more than two years into the workforce has me challenging myself with things I could have never imaged when I first started. This book has helped me focus those challenges and make them relevant to the everyday work I produce.
I’m always looking for new book recommendations. Especially if they are in the same vein as the ones above. Any suggestions for a growing young professional?
I absolutely love Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. I read it right after I graduated college, and can’t even tell you how much it has helped me!
Wasn’t it amazing! Seriously replay her quotes every day.
I love reading! Always try to find good books! Will add these in my list! Thanks for sharing!
Rita | http://styleroundtheclock.com
I’ve been hearing a lot about lean in! Adding it my list ASAP.
I’ve never been one for super motivational books but these sound motivational without being gimmicky. Lean In sounds really interesting and a read a lot of bloggers can certainly relate to though, now I’m interested enough to check it out.
I love books that motivate and have a running list of next reads. I read ‘Thrive’ about a month ago and really enjoyed it.
What a great list of books. I absolutely love Lean In. Thrive is next on my list and one that I will be reading after I’m done with my current list. Great job with this list!
I love to add new books to read. I haven’t read any of these so I will put them on my Winter list. Thank you.
Lean in has been on my list for a while, but when I saw the speech she gave at a graduation earlier this year I knew she was someone worth learning more about.
I love reading I’m going to have to check these out!
I’ve been constantly adding new books to my Amazon wishlist, so I’m going to have to add some of these-great picks!
xoxo, SS
Southern And Style
Thanks for your recommendations— I have heard a lottt about Lean In! I’ll check these out.
— DT | Here I Scribble
Great selections! I will be sure to check them out. Thank you for sharing them!
These all sound like very motivating books…thank you so much for sharing.
Emma | http://www.creativexplorations.com
I do collection development for my library, and I’ll be adding these to the considerations list for my library. Thank you!
Will have to head over to the library to check out this book. Sounds really interesting.