With all the books out there these days, it’s tough to know which to actually spend your valuable time reading.
Enter the “100 Best Business Books of 2015” list compiled by Jurgen Appelo, a speaker, author, and leader of the global business network Happy Melly. I’m starting with these four:
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Big Magic:
Creative Living Beyond Fear
by Elizabeth Gilbert
I’ve already dug into this one and I’m enjoying it quite a bit. You may be familiar with her big hit Eat, Pray, Love; this go around, Gilbert tackles the creative process, stepping out of your comfort zone, being more open and less closed off to what you are capable of and what is being presented to you. It’s written in short, conversational-like blocks that are easy to digest and sure to get your creative juices flowing in new ways.
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The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up:
The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
by Marie Kondo
I’m sure like most of us, I feel like “stuff” just piles up and I’m purging constantly. Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo teaches us the KonMari Method to thoroughly declutter once and for all. If an item doesn’t “spark joy,” it’s out. I’ve already started looking at my closet and my home this way when considering new purchases as well — if I don’t love it, then PASS. And we know when our physical spaces are clean, mentally and spiritually we can focus more intently and think more clearly. Sign me up.
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I Know How She Does It:
How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time
by Laura Vanderkam
Oh that seemingly elusive work/life balance… As a mom/homeowner/business owner/volunteer (yada yada), I’ve had this one on my list for a while now but yep, you guessed it, I haven’t found the time. Good thing then, time management expert Laura Vanderkam went out and collected the hour-by-hour schedules over 1,001 days of women who make $100K+ a year, and shares the surprising patterns she discovered plus specific strategies to build a balanced life that works for you.
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The Opposite of Spoiled:
Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous and Smart About Money
by Ron Lieber
I’m not by any means financially wealthy, but that doesn’t mean I can’t give my daughter perspective when it comes to wealth (and ideally, some tools along the way). The other day she complained to me, “No fair, why do you just go to the bank and they give you money? Why do I have to do chores to get it?” It made me chuckle, but it also made me realize: I could use some help in this department. Even though I have tried to consistently instill in her a sense of appreciation for what she has, an understanding that not everyone is given the same opportunities, and the importance of working hard while remaining compassionate, I’m really looking forward to reading what personal finance columnist Ron Lieber has to teach me so I can properly teach her (now, while she still listens to me).
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What about you, what books are on your reading list?
Photo & styling by Erika Brechtel
Thanks for compiling this list! One of my goals is to read more this year. I Know How She Does It sounds really interesting.
Let me know what you think of it when you do! That’s next on my list.