With the new year approaching many of us are working towards the life we want in 2018 and going forward. When you’re on the path to greatness it’s imperative that we shape our mind by reading books that will keep us on said path. This is vital to changing our mindsets because what we read, watch on TV or the conversations we have shape who we are rather we know it or not. Therefore, setting aside sometime to read and explore different concepts and methods is vital to our success.

Here are 10 books that are absolutely game changers for anyone who want’s to change their mindset in 2018 and going forward.

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1.  The Road Less Traveled

By M.Scott Peck

The Road Less Traveled was first published in 1978 but didn’t become a bestseller until 1983. This book is a cross of psychology and spirituality, this non-fiction book is packed with insight and wisdom about the attributes that make for a fulfilled person.

Two of my favorite quotes from this book are:

“Delaying gratification is a process of scheduling the pain and pleasure of life in such a way as to enhance the pleasure of life in such a way as to enhance the pleasure by meeting and experiencing the pain first and getting it over with. It is the only decent way to live.” – M.Scott Peck

“Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.” – M.Scott Peck

2. Getting Grit: The Evidence-Based Approach to Cultivating Passion, Perseverance, and Purpose

By Caroline Miller

This is one of the best books for anyone wants to develop authentic grit to go after their passion. Psychology author and coach Caroline Miller created this guidebook full of self-assessment tools, daily exercises and life tips to empower us towards our dreams.

Favorite quote:

“Developing authentic grit means experimenting with these ideas, practicing them over and over, learning what works through trial and error, and evolving from a cook who masters one behavior at a time to a master chef who blends them all together repeatedly with hard work and for the right reasons.” – Caroline Miller

3. The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

By Steven Pressfield

Even though this book is only 165 pages it still provides value for anyone trying  to navigate life and learn how to win. Depending on what stage/age you’re in life this book can definitely mean various things to different people. But regardless of age this book is a great motivational tool and present especially for the holidays.

4.   Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential

By Barbara Oakley, Ph.

If you’ve never discovered your purpose or talent this is a great book to help you realize it. In this book it gives us a broader look at how we can discover our unknown talent or skill. Barbara Oakley draws on neuroscientific knowledge to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths and overcome preconceptions with a positive mindset.

5. The Big Picture: A Guide to Finding Your Purpose in Life

By Christine B. Whelan

Although this book is aimed college graduates, The Big Picture will resonate with anyone who wants to discover their purpose for a fulfilling life. Christine B. Whelan utilizes quizzes and and thought-provoking questions such as “What are my talents? How can I use them to help others and create meaning?” This is truly a book I recommend for anyone who feels like they’re lost in life and can’t quite figure out one’s purpose for living.

6. Outliers: The Story of Success 

By Malcolm Gladwell 

This best selling book is not your average motivational book. Malcolm Gladwell argues that success is tightly married to opportunity and time on task. This was born is ideology that has caused much debated since the release of this book in 2008. Gladwell states he believes it takes approx. 10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery in a specific skill, industry.

Two of my favorite quotes from this book are:

“Practice isn’t the thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.” – Malcolm Gladwell

“It’s not how much money we make that ultimately makes us happy between nine and five. It’s whether or not our work fulfills us. Being a teacher is meaningful.”  – Malcolm Gladwell

7. The Giving Tree

By: Shel Silverstein

The Giving Tree is a story of a tree who loved a little boy. The tree loves the boy and does anything she can for him as he grows older – without regard for what she’s getting in return. Although this book was published in 1964 it still has a deep meaning that we can all take to our lives. Shel Silverstein in my opinion utilized symbolism to make a deeper point in this book.

8. The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham

By Ester and Jerry Hicks 

This one of the best self-helps books anyone can read if they’re interested in not only expanding their minds, but to instill positive affirmations.

9.  7 Habits of Highly Effective People Personal Workbook

By Stephen R. Covey 

This is one of the best workbooks around for anyone working on personal development. Stephen R. Covey utilizes cognitive therapy a mode of therapy whose sole aim is to get a person to improve his or her thoughts and mindset. Any person can do that with a little reorientation regarding what’s important to them, especially as these personal values turn into a real action plan.

10. The Alchemist

By Paulo Coelho

Last but certainly not least is my favorite book out of the 10 I’ve shared. The Alchemist is a narrative about a young shepherd named Santiago and his quest to find gold. However, during Santiago finds the ultimate treasure is actually found deep within.

Two of my favorite quotes from this book. 

“When each day is the same as the next, it’s because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises.” 
― Paulo Coelho

“Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.” – Paulo Coelho

What books are you reading or planing to read to help with your own personal development? Comment below & if you liked this article please share! 

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