Life is full of ups and downs, and navigating this everchanging world of ours is not easy. It’s very easy to be thrown off-track, with curve balls coming from family, a volatile career industry or even a pandemic.
We all live for hopes and dreams, with goals for relationships, career, health, and happiness. For some, even finding a purpose in life might be easier said then done.
Whether you’re an avid reader or are looking for an extra boost of inspiration, pick up a title from our selection of all time favorite motivational books to spark your inner fire!
Ikigai by Yukari Mitsuhashi
You’ve probably come across the word a lot in popular culture nowawadays as everyone is starting to hop on the bandwagon. Ikigai is a concept that originated from Japan, and roughly translates into a lifestyle that balances the spiritual with the practical. To find your ikigai is to discover what fulfills you, while being able to finance the lifestyle that you choose to lead.
This one’s for those who are feeling a bit unfulfilled in their relationships, careers or just with where they are in life.
Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
The very first book by billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson that also doubles up as an autobiography that documents his first few business ventures. Branson’s story is a journey of passion, drive, and even failure as he builds his empire from scratch. Some of his ideas made money, some didn’t, but he learnt from his mistakes and nothing could stop him. There’s no better time to start on that idea of yours sitting in the back of your head!
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo
The controversial Japanese consultant raised a few eyebrows with her approach of organizing by way of using feelings of what ‘sparks joy’ and what doesn’t. While we’re not asking you to start throwing away 70% of your belongings to get your life in order, there are a few takeaways that we can learn from Marie Kondo.
The idea of only keeping things that matter to you can also translate into other aspects of your life. If there is a habit that causes you unhappiness or a workplace that you don’t feel excited to go to every morning, it’s time for a change! And when Kondo decides that an item has to go, she bids it goodbye and thanks it for how it has helped her in the past, which also shows appreciation for past events and items and how they have contributed to your life.
Unf*ck Yourself by Gary John Bishop
A refreshing take on self-empowerment, Bishop takes on a no-nonsense way approach to get over your own self-limiting beliefs. Often its not other people or our circumstances that are limiting us from reaching our true potential or even chasing our dreams — it’s ourselves.
The best takeaway from Bishop is that everything is solve-able, and if you can’t see a solution, it only means you haven’t worked it out yet. So get over yourself and start living the life you think you deserve.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
This one’s for those planning to go far and fast in their careers. A classic reading material for both men and women in business, military, philosophers, lawyers, and even politicians, The Art Of War talks about strategy, psychology and tactics in war. But what sets Sun Tzu aside from the other great military generals in history is that Sun Tzu prefers to defuse conflicts without even fighting and unnecessary loss of life.
Aside from being a good military consultant, Sun Tzu was also a popular leader, with Many CEOs and leaders around the world take his advice as they lead their teams to success. Even though it was originally presented as a military strategic book, the lessons applies to many other areas in life as Sun Tzu touches on important themes like communication, strength, and positioning.
True Humility by Gavin Seah
Written from his own perspective when he was at the lowest point of his life, local writer Gavin Seah’s shares about his search to find peace and balance. His approach of true humility will inspire readers to be more aware and fulfilled with their life choices once they become more conscious of their attitudes towards themselves and those around them.
The book also takes a step back and looks at society and how it can affect one’s self centeredness, and how moral values will help one find and peace and create positive impact.
Q&A a Day for the Soul: 365 Questions, 5 Years, 1,825 Answers by Clarkson Potter
This book lets you write your own story as you go on a discovery journey to learn about yourself spiritually, introspectively, and emotionally. Spanning over 5 years, look at how your answers change over the years change together with your goals. With questions like ‘What could you redo? Should you?’ and ‘Where do you find pleasure?’, this journal allows you to dig deep within yourself and explore what really makes you you.
And how does this tie in with your goals? The book will help you become more self aware, and think about your own goals. Plus it’s really easy to look back and track your achievements!
Humans Of New York: Stories by Brandon Stanton
What started off as an online project documenting the stories of the people of New York evolved into a global project. Stanton artfully captures his subjects personalities through aesthetic photographs and emotionally charged captions. Entire posts are dedicated to stories from people of all ages and walks of life, and even if their faces aren’t captured, you could feel their current state of emotions from their words.
Through his stories, Stanton conveys messages of strength, courage, confidence as a reminder that our journeys are all unique and worth telling. The stories also appear on Facebook and has become a community in itself where people share and comment their own thoughts and experiences. Simply hearing others stories can be inspirational, and even life-changing as you realise that everyone is just living their lives to the best of their situation.
Curl up in bed with a cup of tea and enjoy the read as these books challenge your perspectives and encourage you to think of life in unexpected ways. And don’t be upset if you don’t actually reach the end goal. It’s the journey that allows you to continue growing and experiencing life at its fullest!
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