The Ten Most Influential Books I’ve Read

user Effendy Pradana 19 September 2020

I have always been a bookworm. I love getting lost in a new world, trying on a new perspective, or learning something interesting (whether it directly relates to my typical interests or not).

There’s nothing I love more than curling up with a cup of tea and a new book on my kindle with a smelly candle, fluffy puppy, and cozy blanket to keep me company.

For whatever reason, I am not often drawn to novels. I love novels and have a list of them I want to read, but when it comes to actually reading them, they usually fall below a non-fiction on my priority list.

With that said, let’s jump into the books — I hope you find something to add to your reading list!

Personal Develoment

Book 1: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

The Power of Habit is a book that made me take a good look at the things I do without even thinking about it. It also showed me how to hack this human tendency and “stack” my habits into a productive routine.

There is a lot of publicity over the power of habit in a negative light (like the problems caused by addiction) but this was the first time I’d seen a focus on how that system benefits us — why we evolved with it and how to improve our lives by rewiring it.

If you’re looking to make lasting change in your life (whether it’s to read more, get in shape, change your diet, or focus better at work) this book can help you achieve your goal.

Book 2: You are a Badass by Jen Sincero

This is one of my favorites on this list and a book I have read several times. It was my introduction into the “personal development” (aka self-help) world and if you haven’t ventured into this realm of reading, this is a great place to start.

It gives you the basics — has some elements of “The Secret” and many other “manifesting your dreams” books, but does it in a way that doesn’t make you feel stupid for reading it (even if the title makes you feel a bit silly in public).

It’s a quick but powerful read, and one I keep coming back to when I need a good kick in the pants to get motivated, focused, and serious about achieving my goals. I also have the audiobook version, which Jen Sincero narrates herself, which is great for added “oomph”.

Book 3: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

This book gives you an insight into the creative brain behind the author of “Eat, Pray, Love”. I will warn you that it is an “out-there” place in that brain of hers, but I love the way she treats her personal license to creative thinking.

She’s very playful — seeing her creativity as “a genius” — a little minion on her shoulder to help her, instead of looking to become and identify herself as a “genius”. This shift in verbiage removes the pressure of that identity that creates so many of our tortured artists.

She also goes into a lot of detail on what a creative life looks like, how to find it for yourself, and reminds her readers that a creative life does not have to mean quitting your job and pursuing creativity forsaking all others. Instead, it can be finding ways to incorporate that spirit into your existing daily life.


Book

Self Improvement

Career