(plus a bonus book)
by Bernadette Johnson
These are my top 5 books that have inspired a pivot in my life both professionally and personally. Below I share my take on each book, an insightful quote that gave me pause and my main take away. What are your favorite inspirational books?
What To Do When It’s Your Turn (and it’s always your turn) by Seth Godin
My thoughts:
Seth Godin does it again...making us think deeper and harder! Lots of examples of ordinary folks doing extraordinary things and the difference they have made in their world, if not, THE world. Seth throws down the gauntlet, encouraging us to make a ruckus!
Quote: "Be missed if you're gone"
Bottom line: It's YOUR turn...what are you waiting for?
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
My thoughts:
Steven Pressfield is a cross between a coach and your loving, but blunt uncle Steve! His no nonsense approach to DOING the work will light a fire under you and keep you devoted to your purpose.
Quote: “We must do our work for its own sake, not for fortune or attention or applause.”
Bottom line: Recognize that resistance is alive and well...prepare to battle it everyday in order to bring your best work!
Disrupt You: Master Personal Transformation, Seize Opportunity, and Thrive in the Era of Endless Innovation by Jay Samit
My thoughts:
Jay Samit brings the concept of disruption, usually saved for organizations, to the personal level. I loved that he shared a plethora of research to support his reasoning for why we should disrupt ourselves, not to mention the potentially huge difference disruption could make in our lives.
Quote: “The difference between successful and unsuccessful people is that successful ones know that the most unprofitable thing ever manufactured is an excuse.”
Bottom Line: YOU need to disrupt you...the world NEEDS you to disrupt you!
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
My thoughts:
Elizabeth Gilbert encourages us to give space for our ideas and to breathe life into them. If The War of Art's Steven Pressfield is your tough uncle Steve, then Gilbert is your gentle cousin Liz. Have you ever seen something on TV or a book and said "hey, that was my idea!" Liz beautifully personifies "ideas" and shares that they come to us to come to life, but if we don't take action they will go to someone else who will bring them to the world.
Quotes: “Basically, your fear is like a mall cop who thinks he’s a Navy SEAL: He hasn’t slept in days, he’s all hopped up on Red Bull, and he’s liable to shoot at his own shadow in an absurd effort to keep everyone “safe.”
Bottom Line: If you think fear, perfectionism, lack of creativity have you by the...well...you get it...Big Magic will get you to re-think it all. It did for me!
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
My thoughts:
Greg McKeown calls us out on our 'everything is important' mentality. Challenging us to choose what we want to 'go big' on and get laser focused, as that one thing will likely have the greatest impact in the world. It is the antidote to splintering our time, resources and thinking into so many directions that we are exhausted mentally, physically and spiritually with no real gain. It is owning our time and choosing with purpose. In essence, do less, but better!
Quotes: “We can either make our choices deliberately or allow other people’s agendas to control our lives.”
Bottom Line: This gave me reason to pause and to get crystal clear on the impact I wanted to make in my business, in my life and in the world as well as what to release.
Waves of Influence: Words that Speak to Your Heart and Lift Your Spirit by Bernadette Johnson
My thoughts:
Welcome to my book! Waves of Influence gives a voice to what we feel, but so often, can’t find the words to say. It’s a poignant combination of noteworthy themes and powerful insights followed by quotes that bring the insights home. Each chapter wraps up with “Waves of Wonder”, a call to action to share your own insight and dig deeper to reveal a higher ideal and, ultimately, your higher self.
Quotes: "When you think about your purpose...your breath actually catches...your heart beats a little faster...you have a smile that radiates from within. From this perspective the 'how' doesn't matter, because you understand the reason you ARE!"
Bottom Line: It's been said that "We are all just walking each other home". My wish is to walk with you as you find solace, inspiration, and insight from this collection. Something that sparks your passion, pushes you out of your comfort zone and calls to your highest self.
