Six Books that Shaped Me
Over the past couple of years, I set a different type of goal for myself: to read ten books a year. The goal itself wasn’t meant to be extremely challenging; however, based on the books I picked, I had no idea engaging this goal would become. The amount of knowledge, lessons, insight and introspection that I experienced has had a permanent impact on my mindset and on my growth. Out of all the books I’ve read, (and because I couldn't choose just five) here are my top six books:
The Power of Now by Eckart Tolle
This was the first book I read that spoke about the concept of ego. Helping me become more aware of parts of me that were more ego-driven.
It really opened my perspective on what is truly motivating some actions or decisions: is it the ego or the soul?
In growing that awareness, I can now see when people are not moving from their ego. And when they may not be as aware of their self to move from a deep place
You can just tell when people are moving from their ego
Ego is defensive and insecure; Ego can be extremely narcissistic. Ego can be your biggest downfall.
I know people tend to love the concept of manifestation, law of attraction, speaking things into existence; but you don't know whether or not you are actually speaking from a soul-centered or ego space; then how do you even know if what you’re speaking is even good for you?
Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change by Pema Chodron
This book really spoke to the concept of getting “comfortable” being uncomfortable
A lot of people don’t necessarily deal very well with the concept of change. When uncertain situations are thrown their way, they tend to recoil and start to feel crushed under the weight of the stress and doubt.
Uncomfortable situations tend to trigger avoidance, distraction; anything to remove ourselves from that feeling of discomfort. We only want to face the things that are familiar, that are comfortable, that don’t challenge us.
We can spend our whole life time chasing pleasure and trying to avoid pain. Loving yourself is not about always feeling good all the time, it’s not about always feeling comfortable; it’s about connecting to yourself in a way to know when you feel happiness and when you feel pain, and allowing yourself to experience those emotions.
Addiction to the idea of gain and loss keeps us running in a rat race.
Embracing change was the best thing I could have ever done for myself and has helped me in handling anything that life’s been able to throw my way, with grace and ease.
The Five Love Languages By: Gary Chapman
The art of communication is an absolute gift. The five languages of love: quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, and physical touch.
We all have a language that we give and receive love. And if we constantly speak in our own language and not in that of the person we want to show appreciation to; we will always be met with misunderstandings.
Learning my love language in the way that I give and receive love. Our love language for giving isn’t the same as how we received love. Which is kind of funny because you would probably think that it is.
Not only the way that I give love but the way that I receive love.
Understanding not only your own language but the love languages of the ones you love. Knowing someone’s love language helps you to communicate how much you appreciate them.
When you learn to speak each other’s language, people feel better understood and appreciated. Improved communication breeds beautiful connections.
As A Man Thinketh/From Poverty to Power by James Allen
This book highlights the importance of mastering the mind.
Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are like seeds. Be careful what you reap because it will most definitely grow.
We have to learn to connect the outward event of our lives to our inward thoughts about our lives.
Self seeking energy will every easily lead to self destruction.
One of my favorite quotes from the book: “You will never be rich until you conquer your spiritual poverty.”
For such a short read, this book has had one of the biggest impacts on my mindset. I’ve probably read this book no less than ten times; and every now and then I’ll just carry this book in my bag to read when I’m on the train or have some down time. The wisdom and insights just never get old.
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
So, the book initially came on my radar after watching an interview of the late Nipsey Hussle where he referenced a lesson from the book. Having a supreme amount of respect for his mindset, I felt compelled to read it for myself.
The book consists of a series of parables that outlines key principles to develop a mindset based around wealth.
One of the best pieces of advice is to keep expenses low even as your income starts to grow; the combination of increased earning with no desire to impress anyone.
Many people never achieve a serious measure of wealth because they never seek it. They never truly seek it, focus on it, and commit to it.
My goal is not to be rich; it’s to be wealthy. The act of wealth starts with enriching your mind.
Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill
For me, this book was a beautiful symbol of the battles we have within ourselves.
One of my favorite takeaways from this read is: there is danger in distraction.
Some people can be considered in a category of “drifters” where they lack a deeper sense of purpose in their action and activity. As a result, their actions can be a bit aimless.
Those who lack direction always move, or drift, with the tide, ride the wave of popularity & trend; not finding their own values and purpose to shape their life in a much more intentional way.
There are only two bases from which we build our entire lives: faith and fear.
The “devil” here is very much an invisible force that appears in many forms and various areas of our lives.
I also recommend Think and Grow Rich by this author as well.
After reading this list, which book would you put on your list to read next? Pick one book from this list and maybe make a point to read it by the end of 2020. Set reading goals for yourself, and learning new insights and knowledge can feel like an accomplishment. You can find all these recommended reads available in my store here.