4 Lifechanging Books

I had just completed three years in business, and I was looking for a business coach.  

I interviewed a few and quite honestly forget most of my conversations with them; however, one woman was memorable for the wrong reasons.  

She asked me what I had been doing to improve my skills and learn more about running a business.  

I replied that I read a lot of books.  

She said with sarcasm, “Oh, you’re one of those book junkies?” She went on.   

“Books only teach you a little about any given subject because they have to serve a big audience.”  

Four Lifechanging Books 

I love to read and was shocked to hear this criticism. I remember feeling offended.   

I could almost see the authors I admire, like Terry O’Reilly, Martha Beck, Gay Hendricks and Gary Vee, frown down on her.   

Their books (and many, many others) are so valuable, and they taught me an abundance of lessons I wouldn’t have otherwise had the opportunity to learn in the early days of running my business.  

• This I Know by Terry O’Reilly taught me the importance of being true to your offer and setting up your business for success. 
• Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck taught me about the clash between our essential self and our social self. I learned how important it is to really listen to the whispers of our essential self, as it has important messages for us.  
• Jab, Jab, Jab Right Hook by Gary Vee taught me the skills to put out a winning offer, something I’ve now done many times and will continue to do for the rest of my working life.  
• The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks taught me to stay in my “zone of genius” and resist the temptation to conform to the zone of competence.   

Proud Reader 

Unlike what that would-be coach implied, I’m not a book junkie. That phrase minimizes what I hope to get from the time I devote to reading.  

Instead, I call myself an avid reader who gains knowledge, insight, and the ability to help myself and others with every book I open. Often, my clients do the same as they move through their divorce. Many have told me they find truly lifechanging books that help them through the transition. 

I’m currently reading Words That Change Minds by Shelle Rose Charvet, which is about leveraging language to be more effective at influencing people.  

What about you? What book is getting your attention right now? Or which lifechanging books do you always suggest to others? I love a recommendation, so please share any good ones.