5 Life Changing Books to read for motivation
September 25, 2024
As someone who has always been drawn to personal growth and deeper understanding, books have played a pivotal role in shaping my mindset. I’ve read countless books on personal development, spirituality, and creativity, but these five have had a profound and lasting impact on my life. Each one offers a unique perspective and has helped me shift the way I approach challenges, relationships, and my potential. In this blog, I will talk about some life changing books to read for motivation that can change your whole lifestyle and perspective of living.
What makes these books stand out for me is not just their wisdom, but their ability to resonate on a deeply personal level. They have guided me through moments of doubt, helped me understand the power of reframing my thoughts, and inspired me to create with more intention. When I felt stuck or lost, these books offered the insights I needed to keep moving forward. To learn more about my reading journey you can check my reviews on different novels and their authors.
If you’re looking for something different—something that will truly leave an impression—these books are worth your time. They’re not the typical recommendations you’ll find on every list, but they’ve shaped my journey in profound ways, and I believe they could do the same for you. Here’s why they mean so much to me, and why I think they could change your life too.
1. “The Art of Possibility” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
Book at a glance: This book encourages readers to see the world through a lens of possibility, rather than limitation. The Zanders offer 12 practical “practices” that challenge us to think differently about our lives, relationships, and work. Their stories and exercises show that many of the barriers we face are self-imposed and can be dissolved by shifting our mindset.
Why This Book Will Change Your Life:
When I first picked up The Art of Possibility, I was feeling stuck. I kept thinking about limitations—what wasn’t possible, what I couldn’t do. This book was a complete game-changer. Through stories and practical exercises, the Zanders showed me how to reframe my thoughts and look at life through the lens of possibility. It wasn’t just about thinking positively; it was about expanding my perspective and recognizing that many of the limits I felt were self-imposed.
This book taught me that the world is full of opportunities if only we shift our mindset and start seeing them.
Quote from the Book: “Remember, it’s all invented. You can shift your perspective at any moment, and you will find endless possibilities.”
My Takeaway: It reminded me that while we can’t always control our circumstances, we can control how we perceive them. When I started seeing problems as opportunities, everything changed for me—both personally and professionally.
2. “Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse
Book at a glance: Siddhartha tells the story of a young man’s spiritual journey in search of enlightenment. From living as an ascetic to indulging in wealth, Siddhartha explores every facet of life to discover that true peace comes from within, not through external teachings or material success.
Why This Book Will Change Your Life:
I’ve always been interested in spiritual growth, but Siddhartha took me on a journey unlike any other book. It’s a simple yet profound tale of a young man’s quest for enlightenment. What struck me most was how relatable Siddhartha’s journey was to my pursuit of purpose and fulfillment. The novel shows that finding true meaning cannot be taught or given, it must be experienced and lived.
It’s a reminder that life’s twists and turns aren’t distractions from the path—they are the path.
Quote from the Book: “I can think, I can wait, I can fast.”
My Takeaway: Patience, resilience, and the ability to sit with discomfort are vital lessons I took from this book. It taught me to trust my journey and let go of the need to control every outcome.
3. “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield
This book came into my life when I was battling major procrastination. I had many ideas and projects I wanted to start, but I couldn’t able to escape the initial fear of failure. The War of Art felt like a personal intervention. Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force he calls “Resistance,” and he gave it a name—something I could finally confront. His no-nonsense approach to getting the work done helped me push through self-doubt and start taking action.
Quote from the Book: “The more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more Resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.”
My Takeaway: This book gave me the tools to stop overthinking and start creating. Now, whenever I feel Resistance creeping in, I recognize it for what it is—a sign that I’m moving toward something important.
4. “Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom” by John O’Donohue
Book at a glance: Anam Cara is a poetic exploration of Celtic spirituality, focusing on themes like friendship, solitude, love, and the soul’s journey. O’Donohue draws on ancient wisdom to help readers reconnect with their inner selves and the natural world, encouraging a deeper appreciation of life’s mysteries.
Why This Book Will Change Your Life:
Anam Cara felt like a conversation with an old, wise friend. John O’Donohue’s words brought me a sense of peace and connection at a time when I felt disconnected from myself and the world around me. His insights into friendship, love, and spirituality were deeply comforting. This isn’t a book you speed through—it’s one to savor, as each chapter offers a deep reflection on the beauty of life and the importance of nurturing your inner world.
Quote from the Book: “Your soul knows the geography of your destiny. Your soul alone has the map of your future, therefore you can trust this indirect, oblique side of yourself.”
My Takeaway: I learned to trust myself more—especially those parts of me that don’t always have immediate answers. It reminded me that life’s true journey is about connecting deeply with yourself and the world around you, not just achieving external goals.
5. “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz
Book at a glance: This book presents four simple agreements based on ancient Toltec wisdom: Be Impeccable with Your Word, Don’t Take Anything Personally, Don’t Make Assumptions, and Always Do Your Best. These agreements offer a framework for personal freedom by helping readers break free from negative patterns and emotional suffering.
Why This Book Will Change Your Life:
I’ll never forget reading The Four Agreements. It’s so simple, but the wisdom it holds is profound. Each agreement offered me a practical way to stop self-sabotaging, overthinking, and worrying about what others thought of me. The idea that we can drastically improve our lives by adopting just four principles was a revelation. The agreement that resonated most with me was “Don’t Take Anything Personally”—a reminder that other people’s actions are a reflection of them, not me.
Quote from the Book: “Whatever happens around you, don’t take it personally… Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves.”
My Takeaway: Learning to separate my sense of self-worth from others’ opinions has been transformative. This book has helped me build healthier boundaries and focus on what I can control—my reactions.
How These Books Changed My Life
Each of these books came into my life at just the right time when I needed their lessons most. What I love about these books is that they don’t just offer advice—they offer practical, actionable insights that have shaped the way I approach my personal growth.
Here’s what I gained from reading them:
- A New Perspective on Life: The Art of Possibility helped me break free from a limiting mindset and see the world in terms of opportunities, not obstacles.
- Patience and Resilience: Siddhartha taught me that life’s journey isn’t about quick results but about understanding that each step, even the detours, is valuable.
- The Power to Take Action: The War of Art pushed me to stop procrastinating and to start creating, even when fear was holding me back.
- Connection to Self: Anam Cara showed me the importance of nurturing my soul and trusting the parts of myself that often go unnoticed in the hustle of daily life.
- Inner Freedom: The Four Agreements taught me how to detach from others’ opinions and live more authentically, with a clearer sense of purpose and self.
Final Thoughts
Books can change lives, and these five have certainly changed mine. They’re not the ones you might find on every “must-read” list, but they’re the ones I return to again and again for wisdom, comfort, and a reminder of what matters.
If you’re looking for a fresh perspective, practical guidance, or just a bit of soulful inspiration, I highly recommend giving these books a chance. They’ve helped shape my journey, and they might just do the same for you
