Over the years I have read many self improvement books as well as books on personal growth, success and philosophy. I believe that every book has it’s own unique quality and worth. Each book teaches us something different and influences our being differently.
It is not possible to read all books out there. In fact, it’s not a good idea to have the habit of reading too many books. No doubt the knowledge and ideas gained would be wonderful, however sometimes there’s no substitute for real experience. And more realistically, in the time and age, not many people can afford to spend a large portion of their time reading books.
I used to read a lot but have cut down considerably in recent times. What I do now is practice selective reading. Basically choosing only books with information that I specifically need (that I need to use in the near future e.g. for specific projects) or books which have revolutionary ideas and messages that are life changing.
Share your list of favorite 'must read' books
My Self Improvement Books Must Read List
1. Awaken The Giant Within – Tony Robbins
The master self help coach delivers yet again. A definite timeless classic in personal development literature. The techniques, strategy and techniques shared in the book are top notch and immensely practical. But the real gem is in the way the information was presented.
Ideas are presented in such an easy to understand and practical manner. Everything makes sense and the practicality of the information is apparent when you read it. The book is a joy to read, the writing is very engaging, entertaining and inspirational. It engages the reader not only mentally but emotionally as well.
2. The Power of Now – Eckhart Toole
Have you ever just allowed yourself to just be? Throughout your whole life, was there a time when you were fully present in the now? If you don’t know what I’m talking about or think that I don’t make any sense, then you’re probably not aware of the experience of being in the ‘Now’.
Being ‘in the moment’ is the focal point of The Power of Now. Our world changes if we just allow ourselves to ‘be’. We will literally see, hear, think and experience things very differently when we are truly present. It allows us to experience the whole, and not just at the surface.
If you’ve never read this book, you must read it. The message and teachings are amazing and life changing. I believe the importance of this book is even more pronounced especially in this time and age when society is so obsessed with materialism and we are constantly being distracted by so many things.
3. Ageless Body, Timeless Mind – Deepak Chopra
Ageless Body, Timeless Mind is a revolutionary book that redefines our understanding of health, the human body and the aging process. Through bridging the mind-body connection, we are able to change the way we age by changing our attitudes towards ourselves.
The book explores how and why sickness and ageing come about to the body and what we can do to control that process. Using both modern science and ancient wisdom, Ageless Body Timeless Mind combines case studies, practical exercises as well as lucid theories to communicate this exceptional understanding.
4. Veronika Decides To Die – Paulo Coelho
Veronika Decides to Die is a novel with a very powerful and vital message to everybody about life, death, sanity and what it means to be truly alive.
The novel is about the story of a young woman, Veronika, who one day decides to kill herself despite having everything one could want in life. Her suicide attempt fails and she ends up in a mental institution with only 1 week left to live (due to overdose of sleeping pills from the suicide attempt). Spending the final week of her life in the mental institution, Veronika discovers what is truly important in life and what being alive really means.
Reading the book really made me re-evaluate how I was living my life and whether I had been truly living. It was also gave me an eye-opening view at the meaning of sanity and the way society has influenced the way people behave and lead their lives.
A true masterpiece that is relevant to everyone. Touching, meaningful and inspiring.
Final Thoughts...
All of us are probably too busy to read regularly, but if you’ve never read these self improvement books before, I strongly urge you to check it out as soon as possible. Do it for the sake of your life and your happiness.
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