Read These Books to Challenge Your Thinking
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Are you someone who’s interested in personal growth, but dislike reading self-help books? Perhaps it’s time to think outside the box and challenge your perspective on what self-improvement means.
Whether it’s harnessing a hidden talent or making a big plan to travel the world, these books will unlock your mind and inspire you to transform your life!
The Shepherd’s Life: A Tale of the Lake District by James Rebanks
Interested in a different perspective of life, outside the city? James Rebanks, a fourth-generation shepherd, shares his experiences of growing up and working on his family’s farm in the stunning landscapes of England’s Lake District.
Through Rebanks’ stories and philosophy, you will learn about the traditional way of life in the Lake District and the struggles that come with it. But what makes this book truly special is the way Rebanks writes with love and respect about the land and the animals. This book will challenge your thinking about how we live and connect with the natural world and creatures around us.
Get the book here: Physical Copy, eBook
Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
If you’re interested in the psychology behind how we interact with each other in society, mathematician Nassim Nicholas Taleb explains how uncertainty drives many of our interactions by delving into the hidden asymmetries in our life and how we can make the most of them.
Taleb uses examples from various fields, such as finance, politics, and philosophy, to show how the principle of risk applies to different life areas. This book will challenge the way you think about responsibility and accountability.
Get the book here: Physical Copy, eBook, Audiobook
Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts
Have a dream of travelling the world? Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel is not only a travel guide but also shows you how to do just that, such as how to save money, plan your trip, and make the most of your time on the road.
Potts also shares stirring stories from his own travels that will inspire you to see the world differently. This book will expand your thinking about travel as you join Rolf Potts on his adventuring around the world.
Get the book here: eBook
Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World by Timothy Ferriss
Packed with short interviews from some of the most successful and influential people in the world, Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World is a collection of life advice from a wide range of people, from athletes and entrepreneurs to artists and scientists.
You’ll hear about the Bozoma Saint John technique for getting past work blockers, Tim Urban’s “deathbed test” for assessing priorities, and Tony Hawk’s thoughts on family. Perhaps you’ll walk away from each reading session with valuable insights and wisdom to apply in your own life.
Get the book here: Physical Copy, eBook
Hegarty on Creativity: There Are No Rules by John Hegarty
John Hegarty, one of the most respected figures in the advertising industry, shares his thinking on creativity and the advertising world in this book. He argues that there are no rules when it comes to creativity, and that the best ideas come from thinking differently.
Overflowing with anecdotes and stories from Hegarty’s long career, you will leave with assumptions about creativity overturned and your mind churning with your own unique ideas.
Get the book here: Physical Copy, eBook
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
Deep Work is a game-changer for anyone looking to boost their productivity and achieve success in an increasingly distracted world. Cal Newport argues that to be truly successful, we need to focus on deep work, which he defines as “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.”
Newport provides practical advice on developing this skill through digital practices that allow the human brain to focus without constant distraction by social media, email, and other addictive distractions. Read this book to help you achieve greater calm and effectiveness in your work!
Get the book here: Physical Copy, eBook, Audiobook
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Text by
Nate Desmond
A growth marketer by trade, Nate has led growth efforts at large corporations (Google, YouTube) and early-stage startups (CollegePlus, SumoMe). A firm believer that growth can improve our world by accelerating positive change, Nate writes occasionally at Buck-Fifty MBA.
