I paid a visit to my town’s new bookstore this morning and the moment I entered was transported to a place of calm and happiness – hard to find in the lead up to Christmas. There is something magical about a bookshop and my long-held dream is that I will have my own one of these days.
Books have played a big part in my life. At university I studied English Literature (reading books for three years sounds like complete bliss now), one of my favourite jobs was working in a bookstore, where I loved hanging out in the travel and personal development sections when my boss wasn’t looking and in my quest to change career and figure out what I wanted from life I read many, many books.
If you’re looking to hit some personal development goals next year, like changing careers, increasing your productivity or revamping your self-care then there are some wonderful books out there to help you.
As we approach the end of the year and start to wind down, I thought I would give you a run-down of ten books that have really helped me. There might still be time to get one on your Christmas list! I’ve provided links to Amazon as well, although my Aussie friends will also be able to source on booktopia. I also let you in on the five books I’m hoping to read in 2019. Maybe you can tell me if they’re any good?
The crossroads of Should and Must, Elle Luna
A beautiful book with a simple message – in life there are two paths, should and must. The book is for those who have chosen should for too long and feel like it’s about time they give must a shot. Should is how others want us to show up in the world and as someone who had always done the things that others expected of them, I was really inspired and fired up by this book. It’s a relatively short read with beautiful illustrations but really packs a punch. If you’re on the verge of changing careers but need some extra encouragement then read this.
“Whether you want to advance faster at your present company, change jobs, or make the jump to a new field entirely, the goal is clear: to build a career that thrives on your unique passions and talents. But to achieve this in today’s competitive job market, it’s almost certain that at some point you’ll need to reinvent yourself professionally.” When I first read the blurb of this book, I thought it might be a bit too corporate for me but after hearing a podcast with branding expert Dorie Clark I decided to give it a go and was so glad that I did. This book is chock full of relevant advice for mums returning to the workforce or changing career because, lets face it, we are looking for something different from the norm so we need to convince future employers and clients that we know our stuff. How do we do that? By defining who we are and rebranding ourselves. If you’re looking to do something different with your life, then read this book first. An intelligent but accessible read.
Rethink your career, Joanna Maxwell
This book is aimed at those in their 50’s and 60’s but it is very relevant for mums who are returning to the workforce or seeking a career change. It is packed full of exercises to get you thinking about your strengths, your values, what you want from your life and what you want from the next phase of your career. It also deals with practical issues like money and how to gain experience in your chosen field when you don’t have any. If you’re interested in career coaching but can’t make the investment just yet, then definitely get this book because it takes you through many of the exercises that I would use with my clients.
Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo
Some of the advice is a bit extreme (I’ll fold my t-shirts however I like thank-you) but if you can look past that then all sorts of life changing magic could happen for you after reading this book. On the surface a book about decluttering but it’s so true that if you can start to strip your life down to the things that are most essential, or which bring you joy, then there is space for so much more. Since reading this book I buy a lot less and question my purchases much more. If you’re looking to make 2019 the year you declutter your life then put this on your reading list.
Organised Enough, Amanda Sullivan
For those who know me and have spent time in my home you will know that whilst I aspire to Marie Kondo’s philosophy, really I am just about organised enough. Most things in my home have a place and I usually know where to find what I need. My husband will be seriously disagreeing right now and thinking we could do better, but I think that for two very busy people with small children, we do ok and are organised enough. After reading Marie Kondo’s Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, I came across Amanda Sullivan’s Organised Enough while browsing in a bookstore one day and I seriously love this book. Not only does this book give you realistic decluttering advice, it also helps you devise systems and habits so that you manage your life better and keep the clutter at bay. This is the decluttering guide for anti-perfectionists.
The Barefoot Investor, Scott Pape
This one was on the Australian bestseller list forever, demonstrating just how many of us need straightforward financial advice, systems and habits. Scott Pape’s four buckets method has revolutionised the finances of people up and down Australia and has made a big difference in my household, although, at times, it has driven my husband to his wits end! If you haven’t read it yet then where have you been? If you haven’t implemented it yet then schedule in your first financial date night now. You might need it after this silly season!
The $50 Weekly Shop, Jody Allen
Whilst we’re on the subject of finances, this book helped me cut my grocery bill and get more organised in the kitchen. It has given me menu planning hints and tips and made me feel less guilty about serving chicken wraps for my kids every Wednesday. It also has some thrifty recipes in the back with the sections on sweet treats and snacks being particularly good.
The Art of Extreme Self-Care, Cheryl Richardson
This book was given to me by Naomi Arnold, the life coach who helped me transform my life and it was a gift that really nourished my soul. This book gives you 12 self-care strategies for you to work on one month at a time. Designed as a practical, action-oriented program, each chapter challenges you to alter one behaviour that keeps getting you into trouble. If you’ve decided that 2019 is going to be the year you take better care of yourself then you would do well to start with this book.
Project Me for Busy Mothers, Kelly Pietrangeli
This is a really great go-to guide for mums wanting to take more control of their lives. Like a life coach in a book it is filled with practical strategies and recommendations to help you increase your happiness in the areas of your life that need most attention. It also has a really helpful resources section at the back of the book.
On my reading list for next year
I keep a very long reading list on my phone and usually have one or two books on the go. This year I really want to get to:
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Mark Manson
Because anybody who can write about themselves in the third person and use the word ‘fuck’ in the intro to their book 127 different times deserves to be read in my book! I also quite relate to his viewpoint, there are only so many things in life that we have the time and energy to give a fuck about, so maybe we should concentrate on the ones that matter?
In this book CEO and entrepreneur Emma Isaacs shows her readers that you can’t plan every detail and wait for your confidence to kick in. You need to take action now, do what’s right and figure out the rest as you go along. As a girl who has never liked to “wing-it” this book really intrigues me and I suspect it is something I really need to hear. I’m on a massive quest to improve my confidence next year so may be picking this one up in the airport as I jet off on my family Christmas hols.
Buddhism for Mothers, Sarah Napthali
I usually have some kind of parenting book on the go and have been meaning to order this one for a long time. In the early days as a parent I was really lacking in confidence and needed to be told what to do so I consulted the likes of Gina Ford. Nowadays I trust myself a lot more and feel like I want to focus on myself, my triggers and how I am showing up as a parent rather than constantly trying to improve my kids. I’ve heard some good things about this book.
The Happiest Kids in the World, Rina Mae Acosta
A Dutch friend of mine first mentioned this book to me a few months ago and since then I keep seeing reviews everywhere so think the universe is trying to tell me something (I spend too much money on books maybe?). In this book Rina Mae Acosta and Michele Hutchison – an American and a Brit, both married to Dutchmen and raising their kids in the Netherlands – report back on what makes Dutch kids so happy and well adjusted.
Conquer your Year, Natalie Macneil
Described as the ultimate planning system for entrepreneurs, I have heard a lot of good things about Natalie Macneil and this book, which is filled with tips and exercises towards setting achievable goals. With monthly themes, daily schedules, big picture goal setting, space to manage projects, and even daily doodles and inspiration, this is the ultimate one-stop planner every entrepreneur needs on her desk. Since running a family is a lot like running a busy business, I figure there’s a lot that busy mums could learn from this one too.