Great Books for Success

The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canfield

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I have read so many books about achieving success and goal setting over the years but by far the one book that has resonated the most with me is The Success Principles. As I am reaching another turning point in my life and making significant positive changes toward my personal goals, I realize how much these principles have become ingrained in me. When I am making decisions and jumping into a new endeavor these are the steps I fall back to. I didn’t even realize I was doing it until I started reviewing the book again to write this piece.

I have referred back to this book many times over the years when I am feeling stuck or not heading in the right direction to achieve my goals. It has been invaluable to me. I have recommended this book to friends, family and even my employees. For example, I use these principles when motivating my sales team as I not only want them to be successful in their job but in whatever it is they are looking for.

“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” ~Rosalynn Carter

If you pick up the hardcopy of the book, you’re probably going to think, this book is huge! I don’t have time to read all this! You do have time. What’s more important than your own personal development and success? Nothing! Personally, I like that I have the hardcopy so I can highlight things in the book or write along the edges. It’s great to look back and focus on what I highlighted.

The book is not written for you to just sit and read page after page. You can do this, but make sure you go back and start implementing it. I found that it was written with principles you need to follow for success such as “Believe in Yourself” or “Feel the fear and do it anyway”. Once you implement the first step you move on to the next one then the next one and so on. In fact, it may take 30 days or more to get through all the steps but in the end, you will be a changed person and hopefully already on your way to achieving your goals! I know I am!

As Jack Canfield wrote in this book

“You have all of the talent and the resources you need to start right now and eventually create anything you want. I know you can do it. You know you can do it…so go out there and do it!”

I would like to recommend some other great books for success, change or inspiration.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

This book may help you become successful in dealing with others in your personal and professional life. He also has principles but they are principles for becoming effective with how you communicate, interact, prioritize, lead others and goals. He writes about finding your Center such as work, family, spouse, money, pleasure, self, etc and how your center may impact how you perceive other areas of your life. It gives you the tools you need for better problem-solving, time management and leadership. Which in turn will help you adapt to change and become the best person you can.

“To achieve goals you’ve never achieved before, you need to start doing things you’ve never done before.” ~Stephen Covey

LEAN IN: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

I was watching some videos on Ted.com and saw Sheryl Sandberg speak. I found her to be so inspiring that I had to buy her book. What compelled me to hear more was how she spoke about balancing family and career but most importantly was her thoughts on empowering women. I think it is so important that as we move through our career we should take the time to mentor and empower the women around us. This is one that I haven’t read yet but I’m looking forward to it.

“The more women help one another, the more we help ourselves. Acting like a coalition truly does produce results.” ~Sheryl Sandberg

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Another inspiring woman, Michelle Obama wrote her memoir. As the first lady, she worked on empowering children and women. In her memoir, she writes about growing up in the southside of Chicago, family and among other things the women that have influenced and mentored her. She is such a strong inspiring woman.

“I have a habit that has sustained me for life, keeping a close and high-spirited council of girlfriends – a safe harbor of female wisdom.” ~Michelle Obama

Now is the time of year to start working on making significant changes in your life. New Year’s Resolutions have come and gone. Maybe some have been met, many have been forgotten. Back to school will be here soon, if it hasn’t already started. I think about back to school shopping. Buying your school supplies and picking out your first day of school outfit. The excitement of seeing friends you haven’t seen in a while. Who will my teacher be? Who will be in my class this year? I’m moving up to middle school or high school, who will I meet? All these things and more! But what about now that we are adults? Fall is a time for renewal. The lazy days of summer are coming to an end. What better time to focus on you and set your goals in motion. Read a book that will inspire you to move to the next level and achieve your dreams. Life is too short not to.

Thank you for traveling through life with me.

Pam