For Personal Development
by Marie P. Cetoute
Personal development is an ongoing process of fostering a healthy mind, body and spirit. It requires a daily practice of remaining internally connected, while intentionally practicing behaviors that support self-improvement. In doing so, it ultimately translates to being for the greater good of oneself and others.
One of the ways we are intentional about improving ourselves is by caring for our mind. We can do so by expanding our knowledge through reading, whether books or audio. Doing so, helps cultivate a healthy mindset, influence positive actions and produce quality experiences.
The reality is, our mind is a starting point for the creation of many experiences. It is imperative we make sure it is healthy to produces quality experiences.
HOW TO BEGIN?
This page provides a list of quality books that can support your personal development. These books offer invaluable information and strategies that can help you develop a healthy mindset and behavioral practices that will support being your best self.
Take the time to read, highlight and review the information. Most importantly, put the information into practice. The information is a small part of the equation, because there is greater power in execution.
These books are not endorsed for financial gains, yet there is affiliate direct links to Amazon. You can get access the separate Amazon page by clicking on the book image or the book title, and the author names link to their websites.
Choose to share this resource list by sending this information to people you believe may enjoy reading these books.
Take time to DISCOVER ~ CONNECT ~ LIVE
MINDSET:
The Four Agreements: A Practice Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)
By Don Miguel Ruiz
What is the theme? It illuminates how limiting beliefs began – that is leading to our unhappiness and emotional suffering – and offers internal and external changes that can transform the mind and behaviors.
What worked well? The information is clear and well-presented.
What to keep in mind before reading? Keep an open mind. It weaves in spiritual elements.
What are examples of quotes from the book? “You will only receive a negative idea if your mind is fertile ground for that idea.”
“If you look at your life you will find many excuses to suffer, but a good reason to suffer you will not find. The same is true for happiness. The only reason you are happy is because you choose to be happy. Happiness is a choice, and so is suffering.”
What are examples of the solutions provided? It encourages individuals to do the following: releasing an attitude of judgment and victimization, practicing self-love by remaining mindful of the words used to speak of ourselves or others, and making a conscious choice to see life through loving eyes.
The Game of Life And How to Play It
By Florence Scovel Shinn
What is the theme? It discusses the power of the subconscious mind in creating the details of thoughts and words.
What worked well? It offers discussions on the various laws for self-improvement, fulfilling your desires and making a positive impact for others.
What to keep in mind before reading? Keep an open mind! The discussion points incorporate “Spiritual Law” with mention of God.
What are examples of quotes from the book? “The soul is the subconscious mind, and it must be saved from wrong thinking.”
“Man cannot force the external to be what he is not”
What are examples of the solutions provided? It offers examples of affirmations and specific suggestions on how to begin living differently: constant monitoring words one says, make an affirmation upon waking, use of mental visualizations referred as “mental picture,” constant self-assessment to redirect fear-based motives behind actions, power of cultivating appreciation, giving to others what we desire, and constantly acknowledging one’s Higher Power “practicing the Presence of God every minute” for guidance.
The Science of Being Great
By Wallace D. Wattles
What is the theme and problem addressed? It suggests that it is possible to experience life-long personal growth if that is desired, going inward to cultivate greatness and the importance of taking action to create desires.
What worked well? Throughout the short chapters, it offers key ideals for living well; and provides an underlying message of personal accountability for being and creating what one desires.
What to keep in mind before reading? It was published in the earlier part of the 20th century so some of the language is a little dated, yet the information is relevant, and it includes discussions about faith and God.
What are examples of quotes from the book? “Man has an inherent power by which he may grow in whatsoever direction he pleases, and there does not appear to be any limit to the possibilities of his growth”
“If you desire to advance, and you are not doing so, remember that it can be only because your thought is better than your practice. You must do as well as you think.”
What are examples of the solutions provided? It specifies specific viewpoints to uphold in support of cultivating greatness: being consciously aware of oneness with God, practicing thoughts that aligns with who you are and how you want to be, engaging in small and big action steps aligned with the vision, and having the right attitudes (e.g. “generous, courteous, and kindly”) in our interactions with ourselves and others.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success How we Can Learn to Fulfill Our Potential
By Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D.
What is the theme? It offers discussion about the difference between growth mindset and fixed mindset; focus that one can change their mindset.
What worked well? It provides thorough discussion and study results of the benefits and challenges of the two mindsets in various areas of life (e.g. individual or interpersonal relationship, career, and education). It highlights the different attitudes in either mind-set. It includes personalized stories and visuals to reinforce information.
What to keep in mind before reading? This book is academic in nature, since the author discusses a range of studies to confirm main point, but it is relatable and easily understood.
What are examples of quotes from the book? “The fixed mindset makes you concerned with how you’ll be judged; the growth mindset makes you concerned with improving.”
“Mindset change is not about picking up a few pointers here and there. It’s about seeing things in a new way.”
What are examples of the solutions provided? It provides a range of example questions and strategies to help with shifting from a fixed mindset to growth mindset, such as asking yourself: “What are opportunities for learning and growth today? For myself? For the people around me?”
Peaks and Valleys
By Spencer Johnson, M.D.
What is the theme? It provides insightful information that will improve your mindset, through story-telling, of how to manage the natural good and bad times of life.
What worked well? The information and insights are presented in an engaging story that draws the reader in.
What to keep in mind before reading? Read or listen to the story with both your heart and head, to discover what your most relevant information.
What are examples of quotes from the book? “You can feel up in one area of your work or life, and down in another. It’s natural. It happens to everyone in the world, in every culture. It is part of being human.”
“Peaks and valleys are not just the good and bad times that happen to you. They are also how you feel inside and respond to outside events.”
What are examples of the solutions provided? It proposes recommended action steps like: identifying a sensible vision, use of the imagination highlighting the realistic details of a vision, doing the things that can create what is in the mind, and recognize it is an “over time” process.
Who Moved My Cheese?
By Spencer Johnson, M.D.
What is the theme? Change is inevitable and shifting in mindset and attitude to help with effectively manage it in your personal and professional life.
What worked well? The information is presented in an engaging story-telling narrative that is easy to follow and offers an impactful message.
What to keep in mind before reading? It will take you on a fun and educational journey; read or listen to the story with both your heart and head, to discover what your most relevant information.
What are examples of quotes from the book? “If you do not change, you can become extinct.”
“The fear you let build up in your mind is worse than the situation that actually exits.”
What are examples of the solutions provided? It asks thought-provoking questions and there is insightful wisdom within the narrative of the story: moving in the direction of what you would do if you weren’t led by fearful beliefs, imagining in great detail to enjoy and create, and learning to laugh at yourself to help with quickly moving on.
What is the theme? It offers a thorough discussion of The Law of Attraction that states your thoughts and images you are holding in your mind attracts experiences to create into physical reality.
What worked well? It provides examples of how the elements of the Law of Attraction, and how it is practiced in various areas of life (e.g. relationships, health, and money).
What to keep in mind before reading? Keep an open mind!
What are examples of quotes from the book? “Believing involves acting, speaking, and thinking as though you have already received what you’ve asked for.”
“Your current reality or your current life is a result of the thoughts you have been thinking.”
What are examples of the solutions provided? It provides a range of ideas of how to monopolize your thoughts, attitude and time such as taking time to imagine all the things you want during periods of waiting as well as creating a list of things you are grateful for to shift your internal state and thinking.
FINANCE:
The 4 Laws of Financial Prosperity: Get Control of Your Money Now!
By Blaine Harris & Charles Coonradt
What is the theme? It provides information on the fundamental behaviors for creating a strong foundation for money management and wealth building.
What worked well? The information is presented well through the narration of a personalized fictional story and it provides clear fundamental action steps, as you are walking through the process of the main character.
What to keep in mind before reading? Learning how to effectively manage your money is important and it does not have to be complicated or boring.
What are examples of quotes from the book? “Having financial order and control in your life lays a foundation that enables you to devote more time, energy, creativity, and money to family, hobbies, even community or humanitarian service.”
“Money is also a powerful resource and, like water, when allowed to flow unrestrained, can be very destructive to households and families.”
What are examples of the solutions provided? It provides clear instructions and fundamental behaviors towards financial stability and wealth building by offering solutions like: setting a financial goal, writing down your detailed and specific financial goals then developing a plan that is often reviewed (before bed and in the morning) to help create steps towards making a reality.
A Happy Pocket Full of Money: Infinite Wealth and Abundance in the Here and Now
By David Cameron Gikandi
What is the theme? It discusses the beliefs and attitude around money and wealth building as well as the spiritual dynamics that involves cultivating value in yourself as well as other people.
What worked well? The information is thoroughly presented and offers specific action steps towards creating mindset shifts as well as how to create goals into reality.
What to keep in mind before reading? The information may require pausing for deeper reflection and repetitive review to fully internalize; reform your mindset and behaviors.
What are examples of quotes from the book? “But if you believe and think that you are poor, conditions will form around you to fulfill that belief and those thoughts. On the other hand, if you believe and think that you are wealthy, conditions will form around you to fulfill that belief and those thoughts.”
“Words are very important, they are thoughts expressed, and they have tremendous impact on creation.”
What are examples of the solutions provided? It offers a range of practical changes to practice which includes: Use of internal mantras, practicing gratitude, remaining mindful of words (e.g. replacing the word “desire” for “want” because the second infers lack), and avoid judging all things as good or bad.
Think and Grow Rich
By Napoleon Hill
What is the theme? It provides a guide for cultivating a healthy mindset and attitude that can support financial wealth and overall life success.
What worked well? It provides clear action steps on how to implement the principles discussed. It provides examples of how some of America’s first wealthiest individuals used the principles presented in the book.
What to keep in mind before reading? The guiding principles, insights, and action steps can be used to help create overall success in whatever you desire (e.g. finances, career, and relationships).
What are examples of quotes from the book? “Truly, thoughts are things, and powerful things at that when mixed with purpose, persistence and burning desire for their translation into riches or other material objects.”
“One of the main weaknesses of mankind is the average person’s familiarity with the word impossible. He knows all the rule that will not work. He knows all the things that cannot be done.”
What are examples of the solutions provided? The book offers a range of practical action steps to include: having a “burning desire” for whatever is sought, write down the desire, create a concrete plan for carrying it out and do so, and often review (day and night) to affirm with mental images as well as emotions.
REMEMBER…
Do share the wealth, and send this information to someone who you believe may enjoy reading some of these books.
Take time to DISCOVER ~ CONNECT ~ LIVE
