10 Self-Help/Business Books That Have Truly Worked for Me - Jacqueline

I’m excited to share with you guys some of my favorite self-help/business books. I know that a lot of people find them to be too mundane for their liking, but if you’re looking for guidance in the general sense or simply wisdom to discover what it is you were meant to do, self -help or business books offer that. Maybe you won’t take heed to certain advice or find the author’s words to be too crass or impractical. But you’re just as much in the author’s head as you read along with their book. It’s ultimately up to you to interpret yourself and the world more positively.

Needless to say, It’s a form of relaxation for me. Where I can just tune out, forget the world, and read a book. Tune into what the author was thinking or advice from past experiences. Most of these books offer exercises or steps on how to make better choices and prompts me into thinking about how I’m dealing with personal problems. The key point is to learn something I come across when reading and figure out how true they are to me.

Whether I’m 28, 42, or 60, it never hurts to read about real transformations from people. Self-help books have helped me change old beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions about myself and the world around me. It gave me the gift on how I can set my environment for success. I have put all boundaries aside so I dare to experience more and destroy my limitations. We should all be in the process of constantly changing ourselves.

That’s why I’m always so eager to share with others a list of my favorite books that have truly changed my way of living and perspective in life. For the list of books below, I am putting my highest recommendation. I urge you to get out of your comfort zone and add one of these books to your library.

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek: Simon Sinek’s inspiring Ted Talk is what made me pick up his book. Without figuring out your’ Why’ in your career, you suddenly find yourself drifting away from one opportunity to another. Simon reconnects his readers to figure out why you’re passionate. This book inspires those who seek passion in life, work, family.
#AskGaryVee: One Entrepreneur’s Take on Leadership, Social Media, and Self-Awareness by Gary Vaynerchuk: Gary Vee is one of my favorite’s to listen to whether through podcasts or YouTube videos. The best part of it all is that his advice is raw! It was an instant hook with this guy! He has great insight into self-awareness and business advice on personal branding thru social media.
Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too by Gary Vaynerchuk: The sister book to his ‘ Crush it’ and one of the first books I’ve read from Gary. He’s one of the few entrepreneurs that shares solid advice in the most practical sense whether its business or personal life.
The End of Procrastination: How to Stop Postponing and Live a Fulfilled Life by Peter Ludwig: I think we all have fallen guilty of procrastination. I’ve always thought it was about pure laziness, but Ludwig taps into the depths behind why we’re all putting tasks to the side and how we can achieve more in our career.
So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Cal Newport: Despite mixed reviews, Cal has a few gems he mentions that really encourages thinking in the aged-old ”follow your passion” redefines. The gist of this book is about practicing a skill set for long hours and understanding it. He explains when it comes to building a career, skills trump passion.
You Are a Badass®: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero: Jen Sincero defines what it means to be the best version of yourself. Love that this book highlights what you can do to things you have zero control on.
Steal like an artist: 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Being Creative By Austin Kleon: Steal Like An Artist is not only an easy read, but he offers an interesting take on being authentic by creating work you love. Despite the hustle & bustle of a 9-5 job, creativity and hobbies should never be pushed aside.
Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell: Malcolm Gladwell has a unique perspective about success and he shares it through stories of many successful people. He illustrates how hard work is the performance of success and not material wealth. He factors in the difference between successful and unsuccessful people.
Being Boss: Take Control of Your Work and Live Life on Your Own Terms by Emily Thompson & Kathleen Shannon: Very easy read with practical writing exercises included. This book also includes interviews with experts on social media and career advice. Two women who share their experiences with stress in their past jobs and the hard work being your own boss.
Rich Dad Poor Dad: What The Rich Teach Their Kids About Money – That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki: Kiyosaki has a deep understanding behind the psychological mindset on the ”poor vs rich”. This book is insightful and eye-opening especially for folks whose interests are in financial literacy. I highly recommend this read!