Books To Read That Will Make Positive Impact On Your Mindset

There is nothing like the feeling of cuddling up on the couch with a blanket and a good book. Reading is a fundamental source of motivation, inspiration and enlightenment, and it can even change our perspective on life and how we respond to those around us. Check out my list of recommended books that will make a positive impact on your mindset by changing the way you view yourself and others.

1. “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Live, Parent, and Lead” by Brené Brown — Before we can make impact on others, we must first ensure that we truly know ourselves. We can learn more about ourselves through exploring our responses to emotions that many humans tend to suppress, like fear, grief and disappointment. We must realize that vulnerability isn’t something that we should avoid; instead, we should choose to embrace it. Love, joy, belonging, creativity and so much more tend to grow in our most vulnerable moments, and Brené Brown’s “Daring Greatly” recognizes that in all aspects of life.
2. “Your Life Isn’t for You: A Selfish Person’s Guide to Being Selfless” by Seth Adam Smith — Based on his own experiences, author Seth Adam Smith shares his philosophy on how living for others can greatly enrich our own lives. “Your Life Isn’t for You” brought me to tears as Smith told his story of overcoming a downward spiral that led to a suicide attempt at 20 years old. Throughout this extraordinary read, Smith reflects on the many reasons why his choice to make impact on others shaped him into the person he is today. You’ll step away from his prose with all the motivation in the world to get out there and start making impact in your community now.
3. “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters” by Priya Parker — Throughout my life, I have experienced moments of feeling overwhelmed, nervous, and anxious when it comes to hosting meetings, conferences, and even family gatherings. However, Priya Parker’s “The Art of Gathering” provides excellent insight on steps for overcoming these emotions so you can feel confident as a host. This book illuminates an entirely new approach to how we gather as humans, and it is both a journey and guide for transforming the ways we make positive impact on each other through gathering.
4. “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity” by David Allen — Stress is a completely natural part of life, but learning how to manage it can open our minds and help us reach even greater heights. In “Getting Things Done,” David Allen shares his methods for stress-free productivity by exploring the ways we can overcome the negative emotions commonly associated with stress. By applying the rule of “Do it, delegate it, defer it, drop it,” we can increase personal organization, efficiency and creativity in both our work and personal lives.

Reading is just one of the many ways we can explore other perspectives that shape the way we view ourselves and the world around us. I encourage you to explore these titles and read more about how making impact can benefit your mental health.