Five Quick Reads to Finish the Year

If you’re bored of the telly and tired of scrolling, your next option is to turn a page.

This no man’s land time - between our out of offices going on and our first ‘Did you have a good Christmas?’ - all the days and hours seem to blur into one stretch making it a very good time to pick up a book. I find and fear my brain will turn to complete mush if I don’t do some light reading, so the pre-requisite is that any book I pick up during this period must be short enough to read in a day or two and it influences the mindset I take into the new year.

If you’re like me, here’s some options. If you prefer to go mushy, crack on.

Ego is the Enemy - Ryan Holiday

If you’ve known me for any length of time, you’ll know that this one of my all time fave books because it talks about being a life-long student as a means of achieving success in life. It talks about humility, elbow grease, perseverance, respect, diligence and more. It’s a recipe for success. >>>

“Greatness comes from humble beginnings; it comes from grunt work. It means you’re the least important person in the room—until you change that with results.”

The Alchemist - Paulo Coehlo

Santiago’s story teaches us that we are the masters of our destiny, everything we need is within us and the path to our hearts desires is rarely linear and can be full of dangers (our fears) that can bring us to our knees. The most important thing is that we get up from each fall because the universe works in our favour when we are active participants. >>>

When Breathe Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi

Inspirational and tragic all at the same time. Life is finite and whilst you cannot spend every minute thinking about death, being aware of your mortality will energise you to live honestly, with purpose and with urgency. The very fact that Paul was unable to finish writing due to his death should spur you that time waits for no person. >>>

The Power of Vulnerability [audio] - Brene Brown

Authenticity, courage, self-awareness, openness, allowing others to see your whole self - all the things that enable you to live a richer, meaningful and more fulfilled life. >>>

DO Purpose - David Hieatt

As a business and brand owner, I’ve always got one eye on ensuring we’re refining and fulfilling our purpose. It’s our compass and if you need some help navigating either your business or personal purpose, this book gives a lot of direction. >>>