Here we are at the end of 2024. For me and my goal to read a new non-fiction book every two weeks, that means I’ve ‘collected’ 20.5 more books this year. Wow.
They’ve ranged from mainstream personal development to more academically-oriented explorations of longevity.
I’ve loved learning so much from these books and have used most of them and their findings in my own life, as well as in my coaching practice.
Let’s take a look at my three favorite books overall, and as a bonus, I’ll cover the ones I recommend the most to my clients.
But first, here’s a list of the 20.5 books in order of reading, each linked to their Top Takeaways:
48 Days To Find The Work and Life You Love
The Second Mountain
(link goes to my LinkedIn video in which you learn why this is my .5 book)
The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth
The Best Overall Books I Read in 2024
I selected the top three for the impact they’ve had on my work and in my life overall. These three books have altered – improved really – my outlook and attitudes, how I approach my work, how I deal with challenges and one in particular has given me such a bold, optimistic understanding of our brains, our identities and so much more – as we see our lives getting longer.
OK, so here they are:
#3: The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
This book totally shifted my perspective on how my thoughts and even my energy can be adjusted. (Wait, did we just go kind of meta? The book changed my thoughts on how to change my thoughts?!)
When I find myself having trouble quieting a restless mind, especially in the middle of the night, I remember the ideas in this book. One big idea? Recognize the thoughts, then just let them keep moving along.
I now have a phrase I like to use when I catch myself ruminating: relax and release. Reminding me to release those thoughts – untether them as it were!
#2: Presence by Amy Cuddy
Subtitled Bringing your boldest self to your biggest challenges, this book is a game-changer for increasing confidence. Cuddy is a Harvard researcher with one of the most popular TEDtalks ever viewed. Her work on the impacts of body language is expertly crafted into an enjoyable book that reads well while being so informative.
OK, so the best non-fiction book I’ve read so far this year?
#1: The 100-year Life by Lynda Gratton and Andrew J Scott.
It’s THE book that gave me a fresh perspective on aging. Absolutely recommend it for anyone at any age but it will likely be more impactful for those of us with more decades under our belts. I now consider this book to be a cornerstone of my practice with mid-career professionals – it really is that good of a resource.
The Mid-Career Books I Recommend Most
Out of these 20 books, here are ones I recommend to people who are feeling frustrated in their mid-career journey:
Working Identity by Herminia Ibarra
Pivot by Jenny Blake
Designing Your Life by Burnett and Evans
These are excellent books with specific frameworks and exercises for evaluating current career situations and crafting a career vision.
Have you read any of these books? Or have you been inspired by any of the Takeaway Tuesdays? Send an email and let me know! I’d love to hear your own takeaways!
