Recommended books for people who want to enhance their life circumstances.
This is the bookshelf for people who want to live the life they were born to live.
Life comes in many forms and you’ll need to work out for yourself exactly what you want: – what you want more of and what you want less of.
It is a big ask expecting to gain meaning and purpose for your life by having someone do something to you. Sooner or later I have to do something to yourself; that involves thinking, listening, introspection, meditation, reflection contemplation, reading, conversation, time, effort, money and action. It was Descartes who said, ‘I think, therefore I am’, but there’s one more step involved. He might have added ‘I do, therefore I am’.
Here are some of the things some people aspire to:
- having a job they love doing so much they’d do it for nothing (and which they did so well they were paid handsomely.
- having a partner they adore and who adores them
- having a loving family
- being fit and healthy. Why, as you get older would you let your health get worse?
- •being financially free. It’s bad not having your finances in good shape. It’s stupid to leave them in bad shape.
You are going to have to work out your own pantheon for successful living. The quicker you can work it out is the best indicator of how smart you are.
Once you’ve worked it out you’ll need a plan, a strategy and some action.
Listed below are some of the books that are worth purchasing if you want to live the life you’d like to live, have the career, the health, the relationships you like to have, and build your finances so that sooner, rather than later you are living in the manner to which you could become accustomed.
John Miller
Instinct To Heal
David Servan Schreiber
Over the last couple of years I’ve been promoting Servan-Schreiber’s book, Healing without Freud or Prozac. It’s difficult to get, but this one has turned up in it’s place.
His new book on the topic of depression is another thoughtful, well-researched down to earth, commonsense approach to what you can do to recognise and then treat the symptoms of depression.
Although written by a trick cyclist it’s definitely not rocket science.
According to Servan-Schreiber, exercise, nutrition, the ability to get your autonomic nervous system ticking over nicely and cognitive therapy stand head and shoulders over medication up at the depression front line.
The epidemic of depression will continue to escalate at the same rate as the epidemic of dysfunction in all other body systems – unless people start to keep themselves fit and healthy and do the things that fit and healthy people do to keep themselves in good shape.
The foundation of a good mental health strategy is a good health strategy.
If you’re stressed or depressed this is a book you must get.
Man’s Search For Meaning
Viktor Frankl
Few books in recent decades have had the continuing impact of Dr. Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning — the classic best seller now considered to be one of the most important contributions to psychiatry since the writing of Freud. In it, Dr. Frankl gives a moving account of his life amid the horrors of the Nazi death camps, chronicling the harrowing experience that led to his discovery of his theory of logotherapy.
A profound revelation born out of Dr. Frankl’s years as a prisoner in Auschwitz and other concentration camps, logotherapy is a modern and positive approach to the mentally or spiritually disturbed personality.
Stressing man’s freedom to transcend suffering and find a meaning to his life regardless of his circumstances, it is a theory which, since its conception, has exercised a tremendous influence upon the entire field of psychiatry and psychology.
This is a must buy. If you think you’ve had it tough, read this book. If you think there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, read it again.
Psycho Cybernetics
Maxwell Maltz
Happiness and success are habits. So are failure and misery. But negative habits can be changed–and Psycho-Cybernetics shows you how!
This is your personal audio guide to the amazing power of Psycho-Cybernetics–a program based on one of the world’s classic self-help books, a multimillion-copy bestseller proven effective by readers worldwide.
Presenting positive attitude as a means for change, Maltz’s teaching has the ring of common sense. Psycho-Cybernetics is the original text that defined the mind/body connection – the concept that paved the way for most of today’s personal empowerment programs. Turn crises into creative opportunities, dehypnotize yourself from false beliefs, and celebrate new freedom from fear and guilt.
Testimonials and stories are interspersed with advice from Maltz, as well as techniques for relaxation and visualization. Dr. Maxwell Maltz teaches you his techniques of “emotional surgery”–the path to a dynamic new self-image and self-esteem and to achieving the success and happiness you deserve.
This was one of the first great personal development books.
Think And Grow Rich
Napoleon Hill
The world’s most remarkable formula for success.
This book has sold over twenty million copies worldwide. The classic of classics on the subject of personal achievement, it has helped literally millions of people to lead richer, fuller lives, to attain career advancement, to improve personal relationships, to define true joy in life, and frequently to build substantial monetary wealth as well.
Best of all, you will learn that there are no prerequisites for achieving unlimited success. The principles can be applied by any individual in any occupation, at any age, regardless of your economic circumstance. Think and Grow Rich is so powerful that you will appreciate its message the moment you begin to apply its principles.
Once you’ve mastered this you’ll be well and truly on the road to success.
This is one of the most widely read, and reread books in the field of personal development.
How To Win Friends And Influence People
Dale Carnegie
This is one of the all-time personal development classics. You’ve probably heard about this book, as it’s one of those titles that have become part of the cultural lexicon.
Written in 1936, it is based on courses in public speaking that had been taught in adult education classes by Dale Carnegie since 1912 (and to put to rest a popular assumption, he was no relation to the magnate Andrew Carnegie). It is written in a highly personalized, colloquial style that is reminiscent of a lecture.
This book was designed with professional people in mind, and designed to help professional people do better in business by helping them make social contacts and improve their speaking skills. It was also written with a certain…earnestness in mind. Carnegie was a big believer in sincerity when it came to dealing with other people.
If you want to set yourself up for success, buy the book and attend a Carnegie course.
The Power Of Positive Thinking
Norman Vincent Peale
Translated into fifteen languages with more than 7 million copies sold, The Power of Positive Thinking is unparalleled in its extraordinary capacity for restoring the faltering faith of millions. In this insightful program, Dr. Peale offers the essence of his profound method for mastering the problems of everyday living.
You will learn: How to eliminate that most devastating handicap—self doubt How to free yourself from worry, stress and resentment How to climb above problems to visualize solutions and then attain them Simple prayerful exercises that you can do every day, through-out the day, to reinforce your new-found habit of happiness.
Eliminating all the negative thoughts that prevent you from achieving happiness and success, The Power of Positive Thinking is an inspiring program that will help you create a positive change in your life.
The Power of Positive Thinking has helped millions of men and women to achieve fulfillment in their lives. In this phenomenal bestseller, Dr. Peale demonstrates the power of faith in action. With the practical techniques outlined in this book, you can energize your life — and give yourself the initiative needed to carry out your ambitions and hopes.
You’ll learn how to
- believe in yourself and in everything you do
- build new power and determination
- develop the power to reach your goals
- break the worry habit and achieve a relaxed life
- improve your personal and professional relationships
- assume control over your circumstances
- be kind to yourself
This is probably one of the best Christian oriented books ever written. Peale just plucks out quote after quote from the Jewish book of fairy tales and weaves them, into the fabric of the every day lives of regular folks.
If you’re not a Christian but want to benefit from some of the wisdom passed on down through the ages, buy this book. It’ll put a spring in your step and a smile on your face.
Peale knew success and spread it where-ever he went.
How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success
Frank Bettger
This business and personal classic, ‘How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling’ is for anyone whose job it is to sell. Whether you are selling houses or mutual funds, advertisements or ideas — or anything else — this book is for you.
When Frank Bettger was twenty-nine he was a failed insurance salesman. By the time he was forty he owned a country estate and could have retired. What are the selling secrets that turned Bettger’s life around from defeat to unparalleled success and fame as one of the highest paid salesmen in America?
The answer is inside How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling. Bettger reveals his personal experiences and explains the foolproof principles that he developed and perfected. He shares instructive anecdotes and step-by-step guidelines on how to develop the style, spirit, and presence of a winning salesperson. No matter what you sell, you will be more efficient and profitable — and more valuable to your company — when you apply Bettger’s keen insights on:
- the power of enthusiasm
- how to conquer fear
- the key word for turning a sceptical client into an enthusiastic buyer
- the quickest way to win confidence
- seven golden rules for closing a sale.
I picked this one up originally as a well thumbed second hand book, and couldn’t put it down. Frank made a success of his life selling insurance. His aphorism; ‘Show me a man who shows his plan 5 times a day and I’ll show you a millionaire.’
I think that’s true.
The Magic Of Thinking Big
David Schwartz
Set your goals high and then achieve them.
Millions of people throughout the world have improved their lives using The Magic of Thinking Big. Dr. David J. Schwartz, long regarded as one of the foremost experts on motivation, will help you sell better, manage better, earn more money, and — most important of all — find greater happiness and peace of mind.
The Magic of Thinking Big gives you useful methods, not empty promises. Dr. Schwartz presents a carefully designed program for getting the most out of your job, your marriage and family life, and your community.
The Magic of Thinking Big gives you useful methods, not empty promises. Dr. Schwartz presents a carefully designed program for getting the most out of your job, your marriage and family life, and your community. He proves that you don’t need to be an intellectual or have innate talent to attain great success and satisfaction — but you do need to learn and understand the habit of thinking and behaving in ways that will get you there. This book gives you those secrets!
* Believe You Can Succeed and You Will
* Cure Yourself of the Fear of Failure
* Build Confidence and Destroy Fear
* Think and Dream Creatively
* You Are What You Think You Are
* Make Your Attitudes Your Allies
* Learn How to Think Positively
* Turn Defeat into Victory
* Use Goals to Help You Grow
* Think Like a Leader
The Richest Man In Babylon
George Classon
From The Publisher
Acclaimed as a modern-day classic, this celebrated bestseller offers an understanding of-and a solution to-personal financial problems. Based on the success secrets of the ancient “Babylonian parables,” it is the most inspiring book on wealth ever written.
Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People
Stephen Covey
From The Publisher
In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen R. Covey presents a holistic, integrated, principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems.
With penetrating insights and pointed anecdotes, Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity — principles that give us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.
Covey’s incredibly successful book is a pathway to wisdom and power. It offers a revolutionary program to breaking the patterns of self-defeating behavior that keep us from achieving our goals and reaching our fullest potential, and describes how to replace them with a principle-focused approach to problem-solving.
What got me was ‘First sharpen the axe.’
7 Strategies For Wealth And Happiness
James Rohn
James Rohn 1930 – 2009 was one of America’s great public speakers. I was fortunate enough to have attended one of his seminars, listened to many of his speeches and read his books. I still love to listen to the mellifluous voice that oozes good sense for successful living. Truly an inspiring man.
From The Publisher
Jim Rohn, “America’s foremost business philosopher, ” shows how to unlock the fountain of prosperity within you through seven keys to success. He has transformed the lives of literally millions of people through his inspirational seminars and popular audiotapes. This book, first released in 1986, has sold hundreds of thousands of copies.
‘Things change when you change. Things get better when you get better.’
If you want to become a better person, get a better handshake, a better smile …’
I just love listening to this elder statesmen of motivational speaking.
The Power Of Focus
Jack Canfield
From The Publisher
Whether they are corporate professionals, budding entrepreneurs, or own a home business, most people are looking to achieve more in less time, while earning enough money to live comfortably.
This book reveals the proven techniques thousands of people have used to attain all of the money they wanted while living healthy, happy and balanced lives.
The Power of Focus is a practical, no-nonsense guide that shows readers how to reach their business, personal and financial goals without getting burned out in the process.
Canfield, Hansen, and Hewitt have taken the best ideas from their own successful careers (seventy-nine years of combined business expertise), and distilled them into ten powerful focusing principles. The result is a treasury of insights that is enjoyable to read and easy to understand
At the outset, the book identifies the three most important fundamentals for consistent success: developing unusual clarity; understanding that habits determine your future; and using a “no exceptions policy” approach to focus on what you want. Numerous anecdotes and inspiring stories help to reinforce each principle.
You’ll See It When You Believe It
Wayne Dyer
From The Publisher
Live the life you’ve always wanted.
Wayne W. Dyer takes us to new plateaus of self-awareness with You’ll See It When You Believe It. He shows that you can direct the course of your own destiny by tapping the truly amazing power that lies within you.
You’ll See It When You Believe It demonstrates that through belief you can:
- make your most impossible dreams come true. turn obstacles into opportunities
- rid yourself of guilt and inner turmoil
- spend every day doing the things you love to do.
A new life is waiting for you.
The Psychology of Winning
Denis Waitley
From The Publisher
The world’s foremost producer of personal development and motivational audio programs now brings you a remarkable set of strategies that can change your life dramatically.
There is often only a small difference between the top leaders in every field and those who merely “do well.”
In The Psychology Of Winning, Denis Waitley offers simple, yet profound principles of thought and healthy behavior that guide men and women to the top in every field of endeavor…principles that give you the winning edge in every situation.
Being a winner is an attitude, a way of life, a self-concept. It’s a heads-up, full-speed-ahead way of living and being. It’s an expectation of success that you can master with your personal coach, Denis Waitley.
With Denis Waitley’s expert training, you will finally be able to:
Transform your high expectations into real outcomes
Concentrate on your desires and the rewards of success, instead of fear and failure
Visualize and act out winning situations to guarantee your success.
The Psychology of Winning is your opportunity to think, behave and perform as a total winner every day of your life.
Who Moved My Cheese
Spenser Johnson and Ken Blanchard
With over a million copies in print, the #1 New York Times bestseller Who Moved My Cheese? has grown from a guide and training tool for America’s top corporations and organizations to a cultural phenomenon that is changing people’s lives.
While a few analytical or skeptical people find the story too simple on the surface, the vast majority of readers’ responses reveal it is the clear simplicity that makes it so easy to understand and apply to changing situations at work or in life.
This bestseller, written by Spencer Johnson, M.D., the co-author of The One Minute Manager®, the world’s most popular management method, is reaching beyond the business community, where it has been the #1 Wall Street Journal Business Bestseller for more than 30 consecutive weeks.
It is now being embraced by hundreds of thousands of readers-from community leaders and college coaches to parents and children-helping them to adapt to change.
Whether it’s the challenge of a changing relationship, or moving to a new neighborhood, or the downsizing and merging of corporations, people are finding that the simple story of Who Moved My Cheese? is an unthreatening and invaluable source of comfort and advice. It is no wonder that this diminutive tome has become a runaway bestseller.
The Three Little Pigs
Ladybird books
This is the classic story of enterprise, resourcefulness and cunning.
Buy it for yourself and keep reading it to your kids until all of you know it off by heart.
That will lay down the foundation for a successful life.
The Three Little Pigs is my second favourite book.
My favourite? ‘Paul the Hero of the Fire.’