New year’s Eve, when we start thinking about what we’re going to do to be better people, starting tomorrow. Well, soon, anyway. As soon as we’ve finished up the last of the mince pies and other Christmas goodies.
Lose weight or get fit are typically up there with the most popular resolutions. But get a new job or improve my career prospects are also up there. We often start thinking about where we’re going with our careers as we think about getting back to work after the holidays.
With this in mind, I’ve compiled a top ten of my favourite personal development books, focusing on work, productivity, happiness, habits and change.
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
The best guide to starting new habits and stopping bad ones.
Also highly recommended are The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg and Willpower doesn’t work by Benjamin Hardy
2. Mindset by Carol Dweck
Foundational. More to the book than you’d think
3. Nine Lies
Why work life balance is a myth and we should learn to fall in love with work. Busts other common beliefs about work too.
A book in five minites - Nine Lies about Work by Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall
4. Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
Foundational, a great overview if you’re new to personal development books.
Honourable mention to 59 seconds by Prof Richard Wiseman. Quick tips to improve personal effectiveness and happiness
5. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
An astonishing account from a survivor of a WW2 concentration camp that has much to teach us about our response when we’re in a situation we don’t like.
6. The 12 Week year by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington
A practical strategy for getting things done
Review
Update
7. Drive By Daniel Pink
An examination of what motivates us, and it’s not a bigger salary
A book in five minutes - Drive, the surprising truth about what motivates us
8. Brave New Work by Aaron Dignan
Interesting perspective on management theories, why organisations are structured the way they are and how to make changes
9. Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed
Compares the approach to mistakes and failure in the aviation industry with the healthcare industry. Shows us how a healthy approach to failure is better for everyone, with some things we can learn and take away as individuals
10. Best place to work by Ron Friedman
What makes somewhere a great place to work? This book looks at the evidence.
Happy new year!