Books, books, books!
Today, I'll be talking about my favorite books (well, at least the books I managed to find in the basement).
Before moving into my dream house, I lived in a small apartment where I collected and displayed more than 300 books on the bookshelf. I called it ‘The Wall of Knowledge'.
And today, I'll be sharing some of that knowledge with you, kicking off with one of the books that had the most significant impact on me.
Listen on Apple: https://fastforwardamy.com/apple66
Listen on Spotify: https://fastforwardamy.com/spotify66
Listen on Google: https://fastforwardamy.com/google66
Book #1 How to Win Friends and Influence People
Written by Dale Carnegie
When I was 12 years old, my dad gifted me my first self-development book and left a note about how this book would help me reach even greater heights in life.
And honestly, it did.
Though the book is filled with what some would characterize as basic stuff, it's one of the best books I have ever read.
First of all, it fueled me with a love for mindset, self-development, and marketing books, but it gave me so much more.
It helps remind you about some of the basic things you can do to create a successful and a happy life.
Smile at people.
Listen.
Give out sincere appreciation.
One of the book’s main themes is about how you can elevate your social interaction. It taught me how to interact better, build more connections with people, become a better friend, and even help me with sales.
In short, you need to read this book. No doubt!
Book #2 The War of Art
Written by Steven Pressfield
This is another excellent book, and it basically talks about how to work through your own resistance and inner battles.
So, whenever you feel resistance, struggling with perfectionism or procrastination, it teaches you how to lean into these feelings and embrace them.
For instance, whenever I have those moments about not wanting to a certain thing, instead of resisting, I accept it as it is and go on doing it anyway.
You don’t need magic, you need to reprogram your mind.
Ever since I read this book, I don't procrastinate as much anymore. Sure, I still have some fear of failure and success, but not at all in the same way I used to.
So, practice this whenever you're postponing things or feeling a lot of resistance, embrace it, and use it to fuel yourself into the actions you know you have to take.
Book #3 The Richest Man in Babylon
Written by George S. Clason
Alright, this one is a little different. It's one of the shortest books I have ever read.
As the title reveals, it talks about money. More specifically, it dives into how you can survive with less of your income than what you think by running and maintaining your life with 90% of your income. The other 10% you should set aside as savings.
So, rather than looking at how much you can save at the end of the month, start by putting money aside at the beginning of the month. Pay yourself first.
In the end, your money will only take up the space you allow for it. For instance, if you have 100% of your income available, you will spend it all. If you have 90%, you'll spend that, and in the bank, you'll still be saving 10%.
Definitely automate this saving process. I do that, too. Slow but steady, your money will accumulate on your savings account without much effort. Start by paying yourself 10% or even increase it to 20%.
I used to feel a lot of scarcity around money in the past, but this book really changed my mindset about money. I wasn't earning a lot, yet I decided to make an abundant decision to start saving money.
And I definitely recommend you do the same. Remember, saving money isn't a form of scarcity. Saving money is a form of abundance.
Maybe you're also interested in this: The Number 1 Hack to Success and Beating Perfectionism with Josh Hillis
Book #4 The Charisma Myth
Written by Olivia Fox Cabane
First off, let me be honest… I have never finished this book entirely.
Still, halfway through it, I learned so much that I want to share it with you anyway.
Basically, it revolves around how anyone can master the art and science of personal magnetism.
A few years ago, I talked to a friend about confidence and how to become seen rather than being or feeling ignored.
If you're finding yourself in this position, remember to give it some time, and remind yourself that you're so powerful. You'll grow into being the person who can exude a magnetism and charisma people can't ignore. They will HAVE to pay attention to you.
In a way, this book coincides with Carnegie's book (Book #1) and reminds us all that it's not just about turning up and wanting other people to pay attention to you, but especially how to be charismatic towards other people.
Book #5 You Are a Badass at Making Money
Written by Jen Sincero
Maybe you already know Jen Sincero from her previous book, You Are a Badass, but this one dives more into the financial side of things.
It's a New York Times bestseller—and with good reason.
This book will teach you how to go all-in on being a badass and remind you that it's okay to take risks. It's okay to think abundantly, even if the people around you aren't thinking abundantly.
I consumed this one as the audible version. Nevertheless, it really inspired me on my walks, and I'm convinced it can help you challenge and manage your wealth mindset, too.
Personally, it inspired me to make bigger investments in myself. I can't wait to hear what it will inspire you to do.
Don't forget to let me know by tagging me in your Instagram stories with @fastforwardamy.
Watch this episode on YouTube or listen via iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, and search for episode 66 of The FastForwardAmy Show.
If you want more of my favorite books, make sure to check out the short guide: Amy's Books, which includes a full list of my favorite books divided into different categories.
Leave a Reply