Reading Goal to Change Your Life
Are you a lover of books? What type of books? Every year I say I am going to read more books and every year I do not accomplish that goal. Heading into 2016 I told myself, in order to have greater impact in creating life changes, I was going to have to change that trend.
To help me stay true to that, one of my goals for 2016 is to read a book each month. I figured that goal had all of the key elements of a good goal: it is specific, measurable, actionable, challenging, yet manageable.
My book list for the first six months of the year follows. Based on the book titles, you will likely notice a theme. My books of choice are closely aligned with the blurb about me – they are all self-help books because I have a near obsession with personal growth.
If you want to read more books, have been wanting to read a book, but have yet to peg one to read, if you want to change your life, need ideas for structuring your mornings better, get more clarity in your life, narrow your focus because you feel like you are all over the place, have a more successful life, or if you want to stop living life afraid, choose from one of the following books.
Six Month Change-Your-Life Reading List
January – The 5 A.M. Miracle: Dominate Your Day Before Breakfast by Jeff Sanders: I am no doubt a morning person. I think the best during the early hours. Catch me after 2 P.M. and my mind is fading. Catch me after 7 P.M. forget about it. All bets are off. Even as a morning person, however, I can sometimes be horrible at making good use of my time outside of my morning workouts. I looked to The 5 A.M. Miracle to help me make better use of my time. I have yet to implement everything in the book, but it at least has me thinking differently.
February – Wake Up Happy: The Dream Big, Win Big Guide to Transforming Your Life by Michael Strahan. My man Mike, as if I know him like that. I don't. I only know of Michael Strahan because he was one of the many defensive greats from my NY football Giants. If you have been paying attention or if you did not know that, you may know that Michael once had his own sitcom after retiring from the NFL, he is an analyst on Fox Sports during the football season, he is a host on his show LIVE with Kelly and Michael, AND, he's on Good Morning America.
How the heck has he been able to accomplish so much? What drives him? My goal was to aim to find out by reading this book. Unfortunately, at the end of January I was displaced, which messed up my February plans. Not only that, the book was MIA (missing in action) in one of our many book boxes. It was not until the writing of this post that I was able to find the book. It may require that I change my reading schedule, but I will figure out a time to fit into my plans before the year ends.
March – Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want by Michael Hyatt: He is a former publisher, New York Times bestselling author, the founder of Platform University, and founder and CEO of Intentional Leadership, an online leadership development company. Michael, I have observed, is extremely organized, successful, and a high achiever who understands that high achievers sometimes get overwhelmed. I want to some day be as successful as he is, but first I need to get a hold of the feeling like I am not sure where I am headed. That is what I plan to change as a result of reading Michael's book.
April – The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller: I came upon this book when I accidentally came across a YouTube video, though I no longer recall which video. Soon after I watched that video, ONE Thing came up several more times. Obviously, the universe was telling me I need to find my one priority and focus on that one thing. I have not read the book, of course, but knowing what it is about, I have at least become more mindful about focusing on one thing. It is a struggle, but that is what I am trying to do in my life now. Hopefully after reading the book it will not seem as daunting of a task.
May – Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success: Discovering Your Gift and the Way to Life's Riches by Steve Harvey: Who does not know Steve Harvey? That man has 100 jobs. Ok, not that many, but A LOT. He has a morning radio show, the Family Feud, he had his debacle at Miss Universe 2015, and now he, along with Ellen DeGeneres, are executive producers of Little Big Shots. I do not know how he does it, but I aim to find out by reading his book. Hopefully his success kool-aid will drop my way.
June – Stop Playing Safe: Rethink Risk. Unlock the Power of Courage. Achieve Outstanding Success by Margie Warrell: I read this book already. There is nothing wrong with rereading a book. Rereading offers an opportunity to delve into something you may have missed the first one or several times you read a book. I am known to quote her every now and then. If you are someone who is getting in your own way as a result of your fears, this is a must read for you. This go round I want to observe how much my life has changed since reading Margie's book.
What About the Next Six Months of Your Life?
Good question. That is where I turn to you. Please suggests books. Others may need the book you have to share to help change their lives.
As for me, I am particularly interested in books that concretely assist with being a better planner and/or being better organized. I am realizing that if I plan to be successful at anything – my workouts, what I eat, and the goals that I have – it will not happen without planning and preparation.
If you are thinking I need to lighten up some, by all means share a book that offers a good chuckle.
I cannot wait to see what you have to share. Please email me at pamela@canwilldone.com, or leave your recommendations in the post comments.
Start the Discussion: What books from above will you be adding to your reading list? Share in the post comments, on my Facebook or Twitter.