  I am a self-professed self-help junkie. I'm cool with that. If I'm going to be obsessed with something, I'm okay with it being about growth and development. So, naturally I am also a self-help book junkie as well. Thankfully my LFW Co-Director shares my passion (and my audible library). When I thought about some of my favorite personal development books that really contributed to helping me Direct My Purpose, I thought of these 5 books. Well, actually there were a few others but top 5 seemed like a good place to start. In order to make this list each book had to do the following. 1) Completely shift or impact my world view, 2) Give me a deeper degree of understanding of self-development 3) Provide a new framework or perspective for how I thought about the world and myself. 4) Inspire Action The Now Habit by Neil Fiore I still consider this book the Holy Grail on procrastination. How it provided a new framework for understanding: This book breaks down the science of why we procrastinate in the most comprehensive form I've ever come across. Did you know that most procrastinators aren't lazy, they (we) are actually perfectionists? Did you know that procrastination is our attempt at trying to soothe our sense of worth from perceived threats? While I wouldn't consider myself cured, understanding how and why we do anything is key in beginning to change behavior.  The Quarter-Life Breakthrough by Adam Smiley Poswolsky In a previous post I mentioned how this book was my cure for FOMO. It's also been a go-to in my tribe for re-thinking how we follow our calling to build a life and find meaningful work (sometimes off-the beaten path). How it shifted my perspective: STOP LOOKING AT EVERYONE'S HIGHLIGHT REEL! You know this, we've all heard this, but social media can get you really caught up in everyone else's success and feeling crappy about your own. Not only is "comparison the the thief of joy", it's a really twisted version of the full story. Finding meaningful work isn't about comparing Instagram pages. The real grit and grime of the next person's hustle is not always on display. Banging out a blog post or working on a presentation while your laundry is OVERDUE and your room looks like a crime scene doesn't make it it to the filtered glamour of social media. Your journey, is YOUR journey. It's long, hard, frustrating, but carries its own overjoyed-beyond-belief glory. Be willing. Be grateful. Stay Committed.  Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek Currently reading this one again. And yes, there are soooooooo many books out there on leadership but, Sinek's book resonates with me because of its philosophy on leadership and service. How is gave me a deeper understanding: Sinek's description of true Leaders: "They [Leaders] uphold their side of the social contract. They were willing to make sacrifices for the good of those who chose to follow them. They considered the well-being of others before themselves and sometimes suffered as a result." Sinek's description of service-leadership describes how true leadership comes with a sense of responsibility to those we serve. He describes empathy as the greatest tool a leader can have and that "those who work the hardest to make others succeed, will be seen by the group as the Leader."  The Power of Purpose by Les Brown Technically this is an audiobook but it still counts. Before there were all of those motivational Youtube videos, there was Les Brown. If you were to get up everyday for 30days and listen to this book, you wouldn't need coffee, you'd see purpose in every detail of your life, and you just might be come one of the most motivated individuals in your circle. How this book Inspires Action Your leadership journey is often long and hard. The toughest battle you will face, will not be the subject matter at hand but your ability and your will to persevere through it. That kind of emotional stamina is not always easy. Brown's book inspires you to remember your purpose and to feel inspired to keep moving towards it.  UnFu*k Yourself by Gary John Bishop If the Power of Purpose is coffee then UnFu*k Yourself is straight shots of espresso. Picture the author grabbing you by the shoulders and giving you a firm shake, telling you to "Snap out of it!". I've read this book so many times, there are certain chapters I could quote. Tell me a problem, I could probably refer you to a chapter that would help. How it provided a new framework or perspective Bishop really gets into the impact our subconscious thinking. How it works for us and against us. But his cure to negative subconscious thinking isn't, "think happy thoughts", it's up close and personal, self-awareness training designed to get you out of your habit loops and in living a more conscious (excuse-free) life.  You are a Badass & You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero (Because I tried to stop at 5 and failed) If you want a lesson in living your biggest, baddest, boldest self, read these two...then read them again, then read them again. How these books shifted my perspective and inspired action: Sincero offers a beautifully snarky but authentic view of what it truly means to get out of your own way and live in your purpose even if you are holding yourself back from playing big. Acknowledging your badassery is the first step, learning how to dream big and bring all that you desire into your life, that's next level. What are some of YOUR favorite self-directed leadership books?
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