I devour books for breakfast.

No really!  Anyone that knows me well, knows that I LOVE books.  I’ve had my nose stuck in books from the moment I learned how to read.

The fountain of knowledge, the adventures, the emotions and thrills, the insights of authors contained within the pages of every new book I open is a new wonder to behold and transports me to a new world with new perspectives.

As a Director in a busy and thriving accounting firm, romance and crime books aside, I also read many books on business and personal/professional development.

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear

One of my favourite reads of 2020.  Thought provoking and insightful, this book delves into the science of habits and the idea that from small changes come big things.  The book introduces the concept that habits are automatic responses, and when good habits are formed, you create freedom in your life.

“You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.”

James Clear

2. Limitless by Jim Kwik

Another fascinating book that turns our common belief that we only use a small percentage of our brains on its head – quite literally.  This book provides you with the realisation that learning is a super power that is achievable by anyone.  The brain is a muscle and it gets stronger the more you use it.

Filled with practical insights and ‘Kwik Start’ exercises so that you can ‘learn how to learn’, I would strongly recommend getting this book in paper form, along with an exercise book for plenty of note taking.

3. Eat that Frog! by Brian Tracy

A classic book about time management filled with so many practical and simple strategies to conquer procrastination and claim back your time.   It is a short book, but every page is filled with so many valuable insights that can be implemented into your life straight away.   And might I add there is no better feeling than tackling and conquering that challenging task (your frog) as your first action for the day!

4. The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins

I love anything that Mel Robbins does.  Her Instagram posts during COVID were raw, real and highly entertaining.

In her book, Mel Robbins delivers insights into how you can push yourself to break through your fears and procrastination and live your best life – all delivered with stories, humour and no BS.  In the book, Mel Robbins explains the power of a “push moment” – that moment where you gather enough energy to start something, and it takes just 5 seconds for your brain to act.

5-4-3-2-1 blast off!

5. Deep Work by Cal Newport

The subtitle of this book, ‘Rules for focused success in a distracted world’ says it all.  The book highlights the incredible power of focus allowing you to produce your best work faster, whilst gaining back more time in your life.  The book is filled with stories and methods to achieve intense, distraction-free concentration.

It takes practice and discipline, but when ‘deep work’ practices and rituals are implemented, an instant and significant boost in productivity will follow.  The book takes the philosophy of working smarter, not harder to the next level.

6. The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

How you wake up each day makes a significant difference to the levels of success you can achieve in all areas of your life.  This book focuses on the importance of setting up a morning routine to kick start your day and takes you through it step by step.  I have implemented and evolved my own morning routine to suit my lifestyle and based on what gives me joy – the results have made a huge positive impact in my life.

What are you waiting for? Pick up a book today, your life will certainly be all the richer for it. And if there are any books out there that you have loved, please share them with me. I would love to hear from you.