My 3 favourite personal development books....

So you may have noticed that I love a personal development book/guru/podcast/concept?! It's grown over the years of running the business I think, as I've searched for advice and the guidance as to how to grow this dream of mine! I read lots of books and listen to lots of advice but over the last few years there have been a few brilliant books that have I think probably changed my life, in that they have really changed the way I think. And as we head towards a new year with hope in our hearts for what surely cannot be more of a shocker than 2020, what better time to share them. Maybe you're just fed up with some bad habits you've got into, know there is something better for you or have a burning dream that you just don't know where to start on? It think there is something for everyone here in my 3 favourite personal development books!

In at no.3 (actually I love these all, they are not in order of brilliantness - they are all brilliant) You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero. I remember this being a massive revelation reading this, and I followed it up pretty quickly with one of Jen's other books, You Are a Badass at Making Money. This is a really funny (the audible version is great) easy to read, irreverent introduction to the concept of 'the Law of attraction' so if you've heard people talk about 'manifesting good things' and all that kind of stuff, this is a great, non-weird very real, based on Jen's real life experience introduction. The Law of Attraction makes a lot of sense to me, I think there are varying extremes as to which you can take this theory but to me it just makes common sense, and it's a super positive cheery read, like having a personal coach in your back pocket. I remember after reading it wanting to buy everyone I knew a copy it was so good. So that's your first recommendation.

Second we have James Clear's Atomic Habits. This is just a brilliant book. James is one of the clearest (excuse the pun) communicators I have ever come across. If you don't read the book, please, please, please subscribe to James' newsletter which is the most concise impactful newsletter you will get in your inbox I promise you. It's brilliant, never fails to inspire me and lift me up. The book is a really really interesting scientific (but don't let that put you off) evidence based break down of habits and how they are formed. My favourite take away is the gem that willpower is a myth, and not the way we form habits. There are sooooo many more clever, easier, proven ways to form habits. The way James breaks down the science of habits is so compelling it makes you want to try and form a habit or break a habit just to test out the theories! It's brilliant and has really helped me to embed behaviours and habits that I know are good for me over the last few years. I love this book and I read it over and over again when I'm in-between books, it's a book for life I reckon you could just keep reading over and over again.

And lastly, one of my all time ever favourites has to be Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo. I love this woman so much I got on a plane to New York to attend the book launch! This book is great if you have a dream, or a problem and you need some help to 'figure it out!' it breaks down how you can break down negative thought patterns and it's just full of helpful life principles and practices that can help you navigate the craziness of life with a positive spirit. I would highly recommend bingeing on some of Marie's You Tube interviews with some of the good and great of this world, her channel is called Marie TV. If you're thinking of starting a business, or a have a sticky life problem, or want to make a big change, this book will be a great guide.

So that's my three, but I also just remembered that Mel Robbins 5 Second Rule is also excellent, as a short intro just watch her You Tube video here, its a must watch. I hope one of these jumps out at you if you're feeling like you need some inspiration. I love the start of the year but I know for some people it's not a helpful time of the year and the pressure of the New Year and resolutions and expectations is too heavy, so take it at your own pace, it's never too late.