I get asked frequently, “What is a good book to read for personal and professional development?”  And although there are many amazing books available in the marketplace, but I have found the following books to stand the test of time.  Each book is in my own personal collection and I have recommended them over and over to clients and friends.  These books have made a huge impact on my own self-transformation, enhanced my business, and helped my understanding of others.

This is my top ten list; it is by no means the only ones that I recommend, just the ones I suggest most frequently.  They are not listed in any particular order, since I feel that not one of them ranks higher than another.  I have included a brief description about each book to give you a sense of the ideas, concepts, and practical tools these books offer.

 

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz: This small book is filled with four simple truths; “Be Impeccable with Your Word”, “Don’t Take Anything Personally”, “Don’t Make Assumptions”, and “Always Do Your Best”.  By committing to these four agreements in life, you will begin to experience a profound shift in how you relate to the world and how the world relates to you.

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: This book is great for beginners on the spiritual path. It’s very simple and easy to understand.   His core message of “living in the now” helps one to find the path to enlightenment and freedom.

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers, Ph. D.: This book provides an insightful and engaging look at the destructive effects of fear in all aspects of our lives.  Anyone engaged in creating change will face their own fears. This book provides an understanding of why people feel fear and what they need to do to move beyond those feelings and become unstoppable.

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy, PhD, D.D. :I found this book to be very informative, creative and positively life changing. It is filled with excellent techniques and tools for using your subconscious mind to effect positive long lasting change in your life. If you combine this book with your own personal goals and some faith & believe you will have a true recipe for success.

Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman: This book is based on self-awareness, altruism, personal motivation and our ability to love and be loved. Our chances of success in life depend to a certain degree how in-tune we are with each of those factors. Goleman explains how we can improve our relationships with others around us; family, friends, and co-workers.

The Spontaneous Healing of Belief by Gregg Braden: In The Spontaneous Healing of Belief Gregg Braden tackles the great questions of life: who are we, and what are we capable of creating? He draws the analogy of an all-encompassing computer program to explain how the universe works and what our part in its working may be. And he says that, like a computer programmer, people must understand the code that causes the computer to produce the results they choose. Without the correct codes, results are likely to be something other than the individual wants.

Power vs. Force by David R. Hawkins, M.D.: In this work, Hawkins effectively provides tools to discern truth in both secular and spiritual matters. He shows that integrity, combined with a deep understanding of Truth, gives one the power to achieve goals in the most meaningful and self-motivating way.  Whereas the use of force to achieve one’s goals results in hollow victories that harm others.

Simple Abundance (A Daybook of Comfort & Joy) by Sarah Ban Breathnach: In her book, Sara advocates nurturing our spirits, our relationships and creating serene spaces in our lives. She blends literature and a variety of religions without being preachy.  Over all, it is about tuning into ourselves and paying attention to our basic needs.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill Napoleon: Hill spent over 20 years interviewing the most successful men of his time and then put the findings of his study in his book: Think & Grow Rich. Successful people think differently. Hill states that when the secret appears to you, whether it is in the first ten pages or on the 200th page, that is when your life will change.  Think & Grow Rich is a must read for all those who want success and are ready for it.

A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson: This book is packed with profound and practical spiritual truths. Marianne Williamson’s writing is filled with deep compassion and obviously has considerable first-hand experience of the principles she’s writing about.  Her message is that we are all perfect expressions of love, and that the energy of love and God is all there is. Anything else is an illusion.

 

            Know that at any given time everyone is within their own level of personal awareness in life. Books can be presented to us at various times. However, you may or may not want to read a particular book.  Books don’t always resonate with everyone. Read those you like and discard any messages that don’t ring true for you. Sometimes just parts of these books called out louder to me.  A particular book may not call to you either because it’s not needed within your growth phase or it may never be a book you ever care read.   Either is fine. These are some of my favorites.

Please feel free to share your comments. I would love to know your favorites.