So, I have started my own social media management company. I promise to do a full post explaining all that comes with that once I decide on a name. But until then, I wanted to share with you some amazing books that have helped me not only on this journey through freelancing and building a business (so crazy), but also in my life in general. I recently posted a picture of a book I had read on my facebook and I had a lot of people message me asking about it and saying they wanted to add it to their reading list! And while that book (Work Party) was a huge catalyst for change in my life, it wasn’t the only book that has helped me along. So here are my top life books and a few I plan to read next! Also, I love listening to inspirational/self-help books because then it feels more like a pep talk. If you aren’t an audiobook person, I would recommend giving it a try at least once! It really feels like a friend or advisor is speaking directly to you about how to pull yourself up and get your sh*t together.
Work Party-Jaclyn Johnson
So I was actively listening to this book when I made some life changes and I am 100% positive if I hadn’t been listening to it, I wouldn’t have been able to handle things the way I did. I started this book thinking, this isn’t for me, I don’t own my own business. But by the time I ended this book I was full time freelancing and realized it isn’t just for those people that decide to go for it and build a business or side gig. This book is full of great advice for women or millennials in the work force. It has sections on how to negotiate salary, how to move past imposter syndrome, and just how to have a “work party” every day and not hate your job or life. Jaclyn herself reads the audiobook to you and it feels like a close, but stern friend is helping you navigate both work and life issues.
Girl, Wash Your Face & Girl, Stop Apologizing- Rachel Hollis
Rachel Hollis is an inspirational powerhouse and both of these books will pump you up to be your best self. Between the two of them, Rachel leaves no self-sabotaging stone unturned. She leans into the imposter syndrome you might be feeling about any aspect of your life and helps you rise above the feeling that you (or your business) aren’t good enough. I cannot recommend these books enough and I can’t wait for her next one to come out!
Eat, Pray, Love- Elizabeth Gilbert
This one might be kind of cheesy and like a “duh” book to add to this list, but I really found a lot of inspiration in this book. While the other books on this list mainly speak to you, the reader, this book is just Liz taking you on her adventure to find herself. There are times in the book where I was so annoyed with her and times when I loved her and connected deeply with her. She truly shows you herself and I think that is an important thing to see when trying to figure out your own self. And yes, there is a movie, but I promise you, you will not get the same takeaway from the movie as you will actually reading (or listening to) Liz’s words.
The Universe Has Your Back- Gabrielle Bernstein
I am currently in the middle of listening to this book and have been using it more as a daily meditation/life guide than as an actual book to read for enjoyment. There are lots of points where Gabrielle encourages you to think of things and apply her words to your own life. I always pause the audiobook at these points and typically get lost in my own thoughts stemming from the prompt she provided. It really makes you think and look at your own life, which I think is always a good thing.
You Are a Badass- Jen Sincero
This book literally jostled me awake. It was the first self-help book I had really ever listened too and I came across it right after watching The Secret on netflix, which is all about manifesting the things you want in your life. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is one of those books I want to buy for my friends and family and pass out at holiday events! If you are looking for a different perspective in your life, or are just looking for something that speaks into the positive perspective you already have, this is the book for you.
Have any good suggestions on what I should read next? Leave a comment below!
Always Classy & Confused,
MGM