If you’re anything like me, sometimes you live in your own little world. When I do this for too long, I start to view my life through a narrow lens, limiting my perspective of the bigger picture.
But when we open our minds and our hearts to different ideas, different ways of thinking and living, what we learn can change the trajectory of our life.
There is much to learn from those who have went before us, those with different life experiences, philosophies and knowledge beyond our own.
I’ve read a lot of books that have influenced and impacted my life, but there are a select few that easily stand out. They altered my life by initiating changes in my thinking, my actions, and my outlook on life itself. Today I’m sharing three of those books and hope they can help you too!
3 books that will help you make positive life changes
Your Money or Your Life
(Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez)
I think anyone who’s read it would agree, this book can (and probably will) change your money mindset. In big ways.
No doubt about it, money affects almost every facet of our lives (like it or not). The basic premise of the book is to help you change your relationship with money in order to change your life. It helps you see money as a tool – a tool for freedom and living life according to your own core values and priorities.
The book features a nine step process that can lead to a multitude of positive changes in your money and your life. The author refers to the nine steps as a “whole systems approach”, based on their own experience. And they claim that when the steps are carefully followed, they will lead to success.
“Only by actually, really, honestly doing the steps will the program work.” -YMOYL
As a beginner, some of the steps seem time consuming and daunting, especially if you’re starting from square one. But the book is well written and walks you through the process, step by step. This isn’t a get rich quick scheme or a lightening fast system – it will take time to implement. But it’s well worth the time and effort, in my opinion.
The authors’ message to the reader:
So don’t WASTE your precious energy saying to yourself, “That’s impossible” or “Nobody can do that in this economy” or “No way could I save money like that, “ or…
Instead, SAVE your energy – DO THE STEPS YOURSELF. After a few months, reread this book.
SEE?”
I read this book
*This book is currently being updated by author Vicki Robin – can’t wait to see the new version!
The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die
(John Izzo)
This little book is a well-written, easy read, full of wisdom for life! It is based on the research of John Izzo and his colleagues. They interviewed over 200 people, age 60+ who were identified by others as having the wisdom needed to lead a truly rich and happy life. The idea was to tap into the wisdom these people had and how they lived their lives. The information was then compiled and 5 common themes emerged (the 5 secrets).
The Five Secrets:
- Be true to yourself
- Leave no regrets
- Become love
- Live in the moment
- Give more than you take
If you think I’ve given it all away by sharing the secrets, you’re wrong. The experiences, quotes and knowledge shared from the interviews is where the treasures lie. The interviewees share how they learned the secrets and how they’ve lived them throughout their lives. The secrets become more valuable when you see how they were actually put into practice.
I checked out this book
Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book, and one I think we can all relate to in our daily lives:
We need to make sure that we are living our life rather than simply planning our life. If we are not careful, we find ourselves forever getting through things on our way to what we think will bring us happiness. We may find ourselves continually telling ourselves that we will be happy if or that we will be happy when. It is not that we should not plan or yearn for things we have not yet achieved or experienced, but rather that happiness is always found when we are able to live in the present moment.”
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
(Greg McKeown)
“If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.” – Greg McKeown
I picked up this book after it was recommended over and over by numerous bloggers. I figured I would want to read more than once, so I purchased it. And I was right, I need this book. And plan to read it again and again, until it sticks.
Essentially, Essentialism is essential.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by the day to day, with a full calendar and a crazy schedule, this is the book for you. Even if you don’t feel consumed by busyness, but are searching for more focus and time for the important things, this book will help.
Essentialism is easy to read and written in a practical way so you can put what you learn to work in your life. It provides concrete strategies of how to tailor your time to be effective and curate a life you enjoy – and provides solid examples to learn from.
Essentialism
Part I: Essence
First, we have to replace many of the common beliefs we have. Replace “I have to”, “It’s all important” and “I can do both” with “I choose to”, “Only a few things matter” and “I can do anything but not everything”.
Part II: Explore
Explore your options and take the time to weed out the “vital” few from the unimportant. To explore, you need time to think, read, play, learn and sleep. This means you aren’t constantly doing, but taking the time to explore and choose exactly what the most important tasks are.
Part III: Eliminate
After you’ve explored and determined the nonessential tasks, you have to eliminate them. The author suggests asking yourself “What will I say no to?” to determine what your priorities are. This is easier said than done, but the book provides many useful strategies for saying “no” to the unimportant.
Part IV: Execute
You’ll get nowhere fast without executing essentialism on a regular basis. The book provides strategies for developing routines and habits to keep you motivated and on the path to Essentialism.
While other people are living a life of stress and chaos, you will be living a life of impact and fulfillment. In many ways, to live as an Essentialist in our too-many-things-all-the-time society is an act of quiet revolution”. – Greg McKeown, Essentialism
Which book would benefit you the most? Have you read these books? If so, which one was your favorite?
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I have some reading to do as I have not read any of these – I have two books in flight that I need to finish and then I will give one of these a try.
Yes! Give them a try! I have 2 books going right now too and I am so behind – just need to schedule it in…
Essentialism has been on my list. It’s now on the way to my home. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these books, Amanda!
Awesome, Amy! Thanks! 🙂 You will not regret it, I promise. In fact, I think I need to re-read it this week. I’m feeling scattered and busy and it’s the perfect book to help cure that busyness.
I’ve heard about books #1 and 2 throughout the personal finance blogosphere, but it’s #2 that is most intriguing to me and I’d never heard of it. So thanks for the recommendation!
You’ll love it, Kalie! Thank you!
I read #1 and #3 and couldn’t agree more. Never read #2 but it sounds right up my ally. I think everyone should read Essentialism. I’m in the middle of reading it again because it’s a practice. You can’t just read it and walk away.
Yes, I’m certain you will like #2, Tonya. It’s a short, but great, read. You are actually one of the reasons I picked up Essentialism and I thank you for that! It’s definitely a book to be read more than once.
I’ve read Your Money or Your Life and loved it. Haven’t read the other two, but love John Izzo’s advice about giving more than you take. Being a give returns good things a hundred fold. We’ve been really trying to focus on being givers this last year and it’s been an awesome move on our part. Great recommendations, Amanda!
John Izzo has sooo much great advice! And I completely agree on being a giver. It’s something I’m really trying to do much more of this year. I’ve started paying more attention to opportunities to give wherever I can.
Essentialism is a new go to for me! I also read The One Thing, which is a great pairing. I’m doing the same thing, rereading till it sticks. =) I haven’t checked out that second recommendation, but looks great!
Oh, yes! The One Thing is on my list too – because you recommended it and use it. 🙂 This is actually a great week for me to reread Essentialism. Feeling a little busy. You would like #2 – it’s short, but full of great wisdom for life.
Ordered!
Thanks, Ms. Montana! Your the best! I know you’ll like it. 🙂
If you ever want to borrow my copy of the audiobook The One Thing, let me know, and I can send it to you sometime.
I would LOVE to borrow it, Ryan! I’ll email you. Thanks so much!!! 🙂
Oh I need to read The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die! I’m very young, relatively speaking, but I still feel like reflecting back on the past 5, 10, or 15 years of my life gives me good perspective. I can only imagine that interview that many people who are 60+ would give some really great insight into life.
That’s the incredible part about the book, DC. The stories and information are from those who’ve lived it. Highly recommended!
I’ve read book #1 and #3 and just purchased #2 through your link 🙂 . I have a long list of books I have read (listened to) that I feel have had a strong impact on my life, and #1 and #3 are high on that list.
Above my computer and on my refrigerator I have the words “Separate the vital few from the trivial many”. I copied that roughly from the repeated theme in the book Essentialism and glance at it often throughout the day as a reminder.
Awww, thanks so much, Ryan! 🙂 I love that you loved #1 and #3 too. I am really looking forward to the updated version of Your Money or Your Life. That one was totally life changing for me.
Oooh, love the idea of the reminder. I need a reminder like that too. I got a little lost the last few weeks in the unimportant – having a reminder would certainly help that. Thanks for sharing!
I haven’t read #2, I’ve put it on my list, thanks! I recently read (well, technically listened to, on my commute) and really liked Essentialism.
You’ll love it, Mrs. BITA! Essentialism is a great one – glad you liked it too.
I’ve read Essentialism and really enjoyed it. Greg described some of my flaws to a tee, trying to do too many things at once instead of focusing on one thing. So I’ll move a millimeter in 1000 areas instead of a meter in one area (sorry, I’m a math nerd).
I recently heard an interview with Viki, the author of Your Money Or Your Life. I’m going to see if our library has a copy of her book. So many books to read!
I do the same – I attempt to multitask, but like he says in the book, it’s counterproductive. I’m still a work in progress and some days are better than others! But on the days when I do focus, I’m super productive.
Yes! The interview with Vicki Robin on the Mad Fientist podcast was phenomenal!!! You’ll like the book.
I like the sound of Essentialism. Thank you, Amanda! I plan to say “No” to summer school this year again : ) And I plan to read some good books. You’ve helped me pick at least 2 here.
Good for you, Ruth! It’s awesome that you are taking the summer to read and write again. And I’m glad you found a couple of books on this list intriguing.
Essentialism is getting a lot of love in the PF world as of late. Curiosity may end up getting the best of me on that one!
Stumbling on Happiness is one that you might want to check out. The 30 second recap: you’re terrible at predicting what makes you happy, but really good at knowing what makes you unhappy. Avoid/eliminate what makes you unhappy and you’ll be left a happier person.
I plan to read Essentialism again this weekend, as I’m feeling a little overwhelmed of late. There is a reason it’s being recommended – I think you’d really like it!
Thank you so much for the suggestion, Ty. I’ve never heard of Stumbling on Happiness, but it sounds like something I would love!
I’ve gotta try #1 again. It’s so frequently recommended but I just couldn’t get into it. I think I’d benefit most from #2. My library doesn’t have it but I might splurge and get it on Amazon.
Currently I’m reading the “Waste-Free Kitchen Handbook” by Diana Gunders. I’m liking it but I’m not very far into it yet.
I liked #1 because FI at that time was such a foreign concept to me. I was enthralled with the idea of retiring early. #2 is a great one! I need to read it again too – it’s definitely one that reminds you of the most important things in life.
The book you’re reading sounds great! I try to limit waste, but know I could do better. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks, Mrs. Groovy! 🙂
I will have to check out the 5 secrets and essentialism. They both sound enlightening. I Have read your money or your life life. Love it.
Definitely check them out! Your library probably has the 5 secrets…I would guess there’s a wait list for Essentialism, but it would be worth the wait if you don’t want to buy it. Thanks, Dave!
Dear Amanda,
I’m a third of the way through Essentialism. I’ll come back and read your review when I’m done.
Sarah.
That’s great, Sarah! Let me know what you think and how you are implementing it! 🙂
Dear Amanda,
Over the years, I’ve given away almost all the books sitting on my bookshelf because they were taking up space in my mind and required dusting. No thanks.
I think that this might be one of the books to make room for (ebooks haven’t worked out for me) along with “Simplicity Parenting” and “Early Retirement Extreme”. There are a few tax books that would be useful too.
I enjoyed the book, not only because of what I learned (which I did) but also because it “gave me permission” to keep doing what we’re doing and that we’re not so weird after all.
Except for seasonal kids activities (one at a time, summer only, we’re away in the winter), we only have about 12 things planned a year (give or take). I love having nothing planned so that when something comes up that we want to do, we can. We’re always on an adventure and don’t feel tied down by our commitments. In fact, quite the opposite, we look forward to them.
Besos Sarah.
Hi Sarah! Great to get your feedback – and thanks for the suggestions on your favorite books! 🙂
I agree with you. I think one of the reasons I love the book so much is because it reassures me that it’s okay not to “do it all”. It’s okay to say “no” and it provides concrete examples and suggestions to make it easier to do so.
You make a great point about not having a tight schedule. I love days when there are no appointments or weekends when there are no obligations. It opens up the time to all the other opportunities that may come our way.