Are you looking for some inspirational reads that really deliver?
Read on to find out why these 5 books ended up top of my list.
One of my 2019 resolutions was to read more books and I’ve definitely done that. I’m still old fashioned and love a proper paper version of books. None of this new-fangled audio book stuff for me. I’ve also signed up to the library this year which is amazing and makes reading voraciously a lot more affordable too…!
In amongst all the new reads that I’ve discovered this year, there are 5 books that I come back to time and time again.
These books are the ones I refer pretty much all my clients to at some stage when they come up with similar blocks and mindsets that are holding them back.
If you’re looking for a good, impactful read that will change how you think and shift you up a gear, THIS is your list.
*Sorry / not sorry for not including Amazon links to the books. I prefer to buy from independents.
Top recommended books for health business owners
1. Playing Big by Tara Mohr
If you have ever uttered the words “I just need to do another course before I feel ready” then this is the book I shove into your hands. Anyone that’s ever done a discovery call or coaching with me and has said they don’t feel quite qualified enough immediately gets directed to Playing Big.
The books is far more than just that one topic (though that was one of the most powerful chapters for me). It covers lots of mindset blocks and limiting beliefs that Tara has seen women fall prey too and busts the whole lot open to remind you of what you’re capable of. It’s my number one for a reason and it’s not been toppled by anything else so far.
Get Tara Mohr Playing Big.
2. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
This was a book I’ve had on the long list for a very long time and have seen recommended by so many many but never got around to reading it. I’m so glad I did.
It’s actually one of those books you could happily dip in and out of for a little pick-me-up. I originally got it from the library but knew after reading it that it was something I needed to have on the shelf – and also bought a copy for a client while I was at it because I knew it would help her too.
If you’re struggling with what your purpose is, feeling unfulfilled, know you want an outlet or to be ‘creative’ (and I struggle with that word massively so don’t worry if you do too), then this is a great read. Elizabeth gives so many examples from her own life about finding inspiration (she believes it’s flying around all the time, waiting to land on us) and following her passion.
Get Elizabeth Gilbert Big Magic
3. Money A Love Story by Kate Northrup
I first heard this book recommended I think by Kayte Ferris from Simple & Season, as a ‘kinder’ version of Jen Sincero’s You Are A Badass At Making Money (more on her in a minute!).
If you have any money issues at all – and let’s face it, that’s basically everyone – this is a great read. Kate Northrup talks through her own issues with money and how she’s overcome and changed her mindset to start earning and welcoming more into her life.
Some of Northrup’s concepts include thinking about debt as ‘blessings already received’ (woo, but true), and take you deep with your money stories from your childhood, getting you to analyse what you’ve learned about what money is and does and the beliefs you’ve built around them. As Katye Ferris said, this is a kind and gradual journey you’re taken on to accept and slowly change the way you view money.
What I love about this book is the amount of journal prompts and exercises there are throughout. I know we’ve all had books before that offer us practical ‘to dos’ at the end of chapters – but who actually does them?! Well with this book, and knowing my issues with money, I actually did them and they were so powerful.
Get Money A Love Story by Kate Northrup
4. You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero
This basically does what it says on the tin. If you need a kick up the jacksie from the most energised, go-get-em, no nonsense, you-can-freaking-do-this cheerleader, this is your book.
Jen’s not for everyone – and I’m sure some people might find her JUST DO IT! attitude a bit hard to stomach. But sometimes, you just need the words.
You need the stories and the transformations she’s revealed about how to manifest what she wants, invest in herself in a crazy scary way and basically just up-level her entire life with the power of her thoughts.
You can’t help but smile and feel empowered reading this. I noticed when I put the link below that she’s doing inspirational calendars. I think that needs to go on the Christmas list.. don’t you?
Get You Are A Badass now.
5. The Power Of Now by Eckhart Tolle
For every feisty, exuberant Jen Sincero, there is an Eckhart Tolle. I read a newspaper article (long lost to me now) about truly transformative ‘self-help’ books and this was one of the two the writer claimed actually made a difference.
Eckhart Tolle is king of mindfulness. And when you know Oprah Winfrey sits down to chew it over with him, you know he knows his stuff.
I do find this book is a little like being told off and made to feel like a naughty school-girl. Because his every word remind me that I am not living enough of my life in the present. Instead I spend far too much worrying about the future or wishing I was there.
Tolle also talks about tapping into that true ‘self’ in the centre of my being who is always trying to talk to you and guide you – when I read it I likened it to the ‘inner mentor’ Tara Mohr introduces in Playing Big.
This book isn’t going to give you business lessons. It’s going to give you life lessons and remind you that living in this moment, right there and right now, are all we get. And has business owners agonising about the past mistakes and unclear future, it’s a reminder we all need now and again.
Get The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.
What do you think? Do you like any of these books? Do you have more recommendations for me?
Join the Just Start Now community and join our book club where you can read along with us, discuss and offer other book suggestions that we can all enjoy.
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