If you are a book worm like me, you love diving into a great read.
But there’s an even better feeling when you get something OUT of a great book. Sometimes it is hard to find a book with concepts you can immediately implement into your life and career.
One strategy is to scan the best-seller list and choose a career book. Or, you can do this: ask yourself which area of your career you want to improve; find related books; conduct a career experiment.
Let me save you a bit of time. Here are my six favorite books with strategies you can implement TODAY. Quick list, quick strategies, real results. Find what you need and start now!
If the career area you want to improve is not listed below, check out my larger book list with 24 books in eight different career areas.
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Summary: Get rid of busy and be productive. Do only what is essential.
Strategy to start today:
Make a list of what you hate doing (cooking, cleaning, meetings, emails, etc.). Which of these can you automate, outsource, tweak, or do without?
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Summary: Understand the science behind habit formation so you can change bad and create healthy habits.
Strategy to start today:
Make a list of habits you want to change and order them from most important to least. Beside each one, write down what triggers the bad habit (or lack of a good one). Finally, write out a new trigger for the new habit.
The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
Summary: Get out of your comfort zone and say yes to opportunities.
Strategy to start today:
Say “yes” to an event or project that has the potential to help your career, even if it scares you. Get out of your comfort zone.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Summary: Learn techniques that help you better connect with others, which in turn improves your personal brand and likeability.
Strategy to start today:
Be a good friend ALL day. No complaining, actively listen to others, offer advice, smile more, and be helpful.
10% Happier by Dan Harris
Summary: A few minutes of meditation each day can make you 10% happier.
Strategy to start today: Take five minutes to meditate. This does not have to be the “ooohhhhmmmmm” kind of meditation. Simply get in a quiet place and focus on your breathing. Every time a thought enters your mind, re-focus on your inhales and exhales.
Presence by Amy Cuddy
Summary: People assume that confidence starts from within and then is displayed through your actions; however, science shows that you can become more confident by using actions first.
Strategy to start today:
Before a meeting, client appointment, presentation, or social event, spend two minutes in a power pose. Whether this is in your car or in a bathroom stall, do this: stand tall with feet hip-width apart and place your hands on your hips like Superman.
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*This article contains affiliate links for the books listed! As a bookworm, I only recommend books I loved reading. I hope you enjoy them, too!
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