Classics in Personal Growth
Creative Professionals are committed to constant growth. The self-help movement born in the 1970s continues, but many executives and professionals have become jaded and critical of what often turns into New Ageism or a rah-rah show. Still, there is great value in improving oneself and learning to master the world (in whatever way seems appropriate to you).
Different books are appropriate for different people at different stages of development. But if you’re interested in self-improvement, the following books will likely serve you well:
As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
English essayist James Allen expounds on the power of our thoughts to influence and shape the environment around us. Allen’s moving prose can be read over and over.
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How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Carnegie’s classic on how to interact with others should be on everyone’s must-read list. This mega-bestseller offers practical advice on how to effectively approach communication with others, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the other person’s needs instead of your own.
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Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Hill’s study of the principles of success elucidates the elements one can master in order to build wealth. The chapter on “Autosuggestion” is excellent and highly useful.
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How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
Carnegie provides easy-to-apply advice and clear perspectives to help you live worry-free.
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The Greatest Salesmen in the World by Og Mandino
This short, inspirational classic should be read until it’s lived. Follow the instructions and read the scrolls daily. Everyone I know who did this is living a remarkable life.
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The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success by Andy Andrews
In a similar spirit to Mandino’s Greatest Salesmen, Andy Andrews’ New York Times bestseller is quickly becoming a modern classic. The main character is swept up into a metaphysical adventure where he meets seven influential historical figures like Harry Truman and Abraham Lincoln at critical moments of decision. Read the Seven Decisions daily, and reap the benefits. (There’s also a nonfiction version titled Mastering the Seven Decisions of Personal Success.)
Read these personal growth classics well. Live the principles they contain and you will grow as a consequence.
Related posts:
I was on a web site earlier today about the "THink and Grow Rich" book. And who could argue about Dale Carnegie and his landmark book?
I like to look at various self-improvement books (and web sites, too), and pick out the bits and pieces that seem to work for me. A new one I've just been reading is about keys to success and how they're present in us from birth. (The book is "Natural Success Principles" by Jack Hatfield.) He says it's not magic, you still have to work, you have to learn, develop and grow, you have to change, you have to evaluate daily whether what you're doing is working and change if it isn't. You have to make your own success — and he helps you get there. Interesting reading.