Who Moved My Cheese? - One of the best books I've ever read. It took me an hour to read and it's a best seller. The story of two mice and two little people living together in a maze! Four very different characters whose mission in life is to find cheese for fullfillment and happiness. We can see very quickly how they then approach problems and subsequently deal with matters when their supplies run out or inevitably go mouldy. This book is a great metaphor for life, as all things in our own lives change at some time. It's how we prepare for, and cope with change that counts.
The 100 Simple Secrets of Successful People - This is a really useful book, it runs through many of the recognised traits of successful people. The sub topics - 100 of them are all quite matter of fact, which is good if you want answers rather than more questions! This book is almost a hand book, in that you can pick it up, open it and immediately take away useful information. You can also apply these traits to yourself.
Teach Yourself Entrepreneurship - There are so many books available on entrepreneurship. I like the ones that don't try and teach us business plan presentations! We've all got our own drivers - those things that motivate and excite us. I know from my own experience that we tend to excel at the things we enjoy. This book describes interests that may be more benefiting to some than others. One of the messages in this book is to have a structured plan of working to your strengths.
How to be an Entrepreneur - I especially liked this book, as I could relate to so much in it. The author recognises, and has focused very clearly on, the importance of soft skills - character and attitude based skills. These skills are essential attributes that go hand in hand with what's known as entrepreneurial flair. They also happen to be the difference between low performance and good results. A great book - have a read.
Positive Thinking - Thinking, something we all do. Positive thinking? Not necessarily so. Some personality traits are more inclined to be negative than others. We all possess a mixed bag of these qualities, some of which are confidence blockers, they can stop us in our tracks from what we’d really love to do and achieve – either in our work or our personal lives. The author addresses this head on with easy to relate to examples and practical solutions that can be carried out in the privacy of our own minds. Straight talking language.
Facing Codependence - May seem somewhat different to the others listed, but I’ve included it because I think it’s a wonderful book. I’ve talked about my own experience of the [University Of Life] elsewhere on this website. I know that kids have grown up through turbulent childhoods and have still gone on to become extremely successful. This book talks about how we are and what we do as adults, as a result of our childhoods. It discusses many scenarios and makes recommendations for change. I'd go as far as to challenge everyone in saying that they're in this book somewhere. Recommended as a ‘must read’.
The Secret - As you read The Secret you'll begin to see how the Law of Attraction works and how it applies to us all. The principle being that if you think and subsequently act positively, then you'll attract something positive in return. Apply this to business / work or any other element of your life and it makes perfect sense. As you read the book you'll discover that it goes beyond words of encouragement and that there really is something extremely valid behind it.
The Gift of Dyslexia - Common misunderstanding - People with a Dyslexic condition are said to be slow. In reality, small children with Dyslexia will make literally thousands of calculations in their minds whilst deciphering small words where as children without this condition will not. In fact they can't; their brains generally aren't quick enough. Right from the start, I loved reading this book. An amazing insight into the mind of a person with the gift of Dyslexia. This book's an example of talent and creativity being diguised or hidden in what can actually feel to be the worst kind of circumstance. Read On: [Not all gifts come wrapped]
It's not how good you are, it's how good you want to be - Clear, punchy, to the point and incredibly inspiring. The clue is in the title! There's no sense in dragging things out when there's far more value in shouting them from the roof top. This book echoes what I personally believe and I think you'll agree, Its message is right on the money. Writen by someone that's been there and done that; whatever it is you're doing, you'll probably relate to this book as soon as you read the inside cover - which happens to be written in extremely bold font! Another very useful handbook.
The Art of War for Executives - Includes a variety of profound statements, as well as some great tips and advice. It's easy to see how one can relate the ancient strategy of waging war to a modern strategy of conducting successful [competitive] business. The absolute importance of quality leadership in terms of teams, companies, armies is crucial and will normally mean the difference between success and failure. The traits of a strong and efficient leader [as well as the not so efficient] are all detailed very effectively. If you intend on being a leader, then learn from this book.
The Audacity of Hope - If there was ever a book to inspire, this is it. Anything is possible, anything can be changed and improved. The first thing that struck me whilst reading the words of the now most powerful man on the planet was just how much candidness and humility he displays. Barack Obama is an everyday man and these are his personal views for bettering the lives of everyone. He talks about recapturing the American dream. We should as individuals, all have dreams and ambitions. What an awesome example of a man of real passion overcoming adversity to create real change.
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