1. Take small steps to achieve a big goal – One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way
Robert Maurer assures that you can make big changes in your life without putting in much effort. The theory of continuous improvement, Kaizen, means taking small, planned steps. To start making changes, you can ask yourself small questions and use mental sculpting. The philosophy of Kaizen involves continuous improvement, step by step, day by day.
Another proof of this theory’s functioning is the words of the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu. He said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." This statement reflects the essence of the Kaizen philosophy. So, in your current state, you can already start your movement.
2. Change your mindset and learn new things to move forward – Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
Carol Dweck makes you think twice about your thinking. She gives advice based on examples of how to develop and improve yourself. Her book will help you find the cause of your fixed mindset.
A fixed mindset makes you think that you cannot develop new skills. Remember that even geniuses work persistently to succeed. You are strong in mastering the mindset. So, don't be afraid to gain new knowledge or skills to move forward.
3. Lead effective communication – Everyone Communicates, Few Connect
In his book, John C. Maxwell discusses the transformative power of purposeful communication. He reveals the secrets of building meaningful relationships and strengthening influence. The book bridges the gap between mere interaction and real connection, revealing strategies for effective interaction with other people.
To truly interact with others and make your interaction meaningful, it is important to focus on building relationships rather than just communicating. Effective communication is not just conversation or information exchange. It means understanding the interlocutor, and being confident that your message is clear and meaningful. You can learn more about it in the Everyone Communicates, Few Connect summary.
4. Practice mindfulness breathing – The Miracle of Mindfulness
Thích Nhất Hạnh invites readers on a transformational journey. He offers a series of techniques for developing mindfulness and awareness of a more interconnected existence. The book depicts the importance of life in the present moment and the profound impact of visualization.
Mindful breathing is a simple yet effective technique that helps you anchor yourself in the present moment. Regain control of your mind by gently inhaling a long, deep breath when you feel your thoughts wandering. Remain fully aware of your breath and accompanying sensations. After inhaling, exhale slowly, releasing tension.
5. Allow yourself to open up – The New Corner Office: How the Most Successful People Work from Home
Working from home can be a real challenge when you try to control your schedule or leave tasks until the last minute. Despite being aware of these challenges, people often face looming deadlines without understanding where they went wrong. With extensive experience in remote work, Laura Vanderkam understands how difficult it is to maintain efficiency without losing yourself. This is why she shares some tips in her book.
Don't be afraid to think about something unconventional. Opportunities and ideas don't arise out of thin air. Imagine yourself as a blogger, writer, poet, or athlete. Perhaps, in this way, the Universe will help you figure out which direction to choose for developing your career.
6. Give a damn about something important – The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck
Mark Manson presents a new perspective on life's problems, happiness, and success. The book explains why positive thinking and modern trends can be dangerous for people. After reading, you'll learn how to stop worrying about things that don't matter.
Not giving a damn doesn't mean being indifferent to everything. There are things that are worth caring about. You should care about what matters in your life: family, friends, hobbies, work. Analyze your life values by reading The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck summary.
7. Don't dismiss a child's emotions – The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read
Philippa Perry explains all aspects of parenting, both positive and negative. In the book, the author provides psychologist advice on family communication and how to improve healthy relationships between parents and children. The exercises in the book will help you move from theory to practice immediately.
A child experiences the world through their emotions. Don't dismiss a child's feelings. Establish a connection of support and understanding so the child doesn't hide their true feelings out of fear of you. As a result, they will be mentally resilient and won't have problems with it in the future.
8. Strive for balance – Beat Gender Bias
Karen Morley talks about understanding and overcoming systemic gender biases prevalent in workplaces and society. She describes a compelling picture of what an inclusive world should look like and how we can help to build it. Morley gives an idea of biases, their influence on people, and how to overcome them.
Departing from gender-biased stereotypes is necessary to create a productive and caring environment. Furthermore, adopting a balanced leadership approach is vital. Remember that great leadership isn't about being masculine or feminine. It's about balance, understanding, and motivation.
9. Master non-verbal communication – The Silent Language of Leaders
Carol Kinsey Goman makes non-verbal communication the main theme of the book. Every leader wants to be recognized by colleagues and achieve the best results during negotiations. However, regardless of how well they do their job, they often encounter problems of misunderstanding.
Many leaders underestimate or don't realize the depth and importance of non-verbal communication. Pay attention to body language because every aspect matters, from appearance and posture to charisma, facial expression, and duration of eye contact. Additionally, touch, smell, and sound also play a significant role in this dynamic. These elements contribute to forming a positive or negative opinion about a person, company, or even the country they represent.
Authors create books for men, yet everyone has different tastes. So, there's no single list of the "best" literary works. By reading the books mentioned above, you'll learn valuable information for yourself that will help you find your genre in literature. Read, learn, analyze, and you'll understand that anything is possible in life. Hope this shift in mindset will be a long-lasting one.
