How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
I read this book at a pivotal point in my life – I knew in my heart that I wanted to leave my job but I had to get the mind on board as well. Reading this book was part of my decision-making process. Upon finishing the book, I found the confidence to leave my job which I ended up doing a few months later (back in 2021). The book is made up of little snippets of different people’s challenges, their adversities and success stories. Surprisingly, the book was written in the 1950s, yet its message is still relevant in today’s modern world. Dale Carnegie is also the author of another book that is still very popular today – How to Win Friends and Influence People.
Reboot Your Life by Allen, Bearg, Foley and Smith
This book is a comprehensive guide on preparing for and navigating a career break. I originally read this book a year or two before the pandemic and re-read it in the first year of the pandemic. Written by four American women who have taken several career breaks between them, this is a must-read if you’re thinking of taking a career break. One of the sections that stands out to me after all this time is the one about consulting and discussing your career break with family. Although that section wasn’t particularly relevant to me, it may be important for other people out there.
Power by Kemi Nekvapil
Not just for leaders or boss ladies, this book is great for all women (and men). It’s semi-autobiographical in that we learn a lot about the author, Kemi, from growing up in England to eventually making her way to Australia where she now lives. It was the anecdotes and the commentary on race that I found to be the most special parts of this book.
Happy Mind, Happy Life by Dr Rangan Chatterjee
I came across this book by chance and it turned out to be a real gem. This book gives you the perfect opportunity to slow down, while providing you with practical strategies and advice for dealing with modern-day challenges such as work-life balance, screen time and social media. Dr Chatterjee also has a YouTube channel with some really enlightening podcast topics and guests.
Breaking the Age Code by Dr Becca Levy
I’m currently in my early 40s and for the first 36 years of my life, I didn’t give two hoots about aging. Then in my 36th year, coinciding with my discovery of k-pop, I began to feel … not so young anymore. So my late 30s were spent dreading turning 40 (and listening to a lot of BTS – if you know, you know). Around the time I turned 40, I read Breaking the Age Code. Through various examples and studies, Dr Levy argues that if you have a positive mindset as well as positive actions towards aging, you can age gracefully on the inside and out, increasing the likelihood of living a long and healthy life. Becoming older need not be a curse.
Ikigai by Garcia and Miralles
This hugely popular book explores why the Japanese, especially the inhabitants of the island of Okinawa, are among some of the longest living people in the world and how they live meaningful and fulfilled lives well into old age. Through a holistic approach to personal wellbeing – involvement in community, low stress, physically active, balanced diet – they are blessed with more time (and quality time) on this Earth.
What books have changed your life? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Careers, Personal Development and More 