10 books like Daring Greatly

In apposition to the Levi book I listed first, Frankl becomes more of what he already is, which is a transformation of a completely different sort. The author’s professional life becomes magnified, his thought processes on suffering become exponential. The Holocaust experience affects him so much, so deeply, that he emerges with a new field of thought that shakes up the foundational thought on mental health that Freud had well established. One is not a slave to his own mind; one can attain mastery under any circumstances with certain shifts of reason. Resonant for all time, and certainly for our time.

I recommend this book because Ruiz breaks down a path to create Heaven on Earth in very simple ways. When I say simple however, do not be fooled. The four agreements are anything but simple. It took me more than two years to fully incorporate the first agreement: Be impeccable with your word. These four simple agreements: Be Impeccable with Your Word, Don’t Take Anything Personally, Don’t Make Assumptions, and Always Do Your Best are insights that, when applied in full to your life, your life will transform into something magical and honest. You may grow and expand as a human being and as part of the sacred consciousness of this planet. I try to read parts to my children but in small pieces. I’d prefer to teach the young these qualities from an early age instead of having to relearn from the conditioning that wasn’t healthy. I try my… show more.

Elizabeth Gilbert is a generous soul. Instead of basking in her deserved success as author of Eat, Pray, Love, she is sharing her battle stories, her crises of confidence, and her inspiration. She has thought of almost every way that authors defeat ourselves and has sourced ancient philosophers and contemporary artists and writers to cheer us up and get us back to the page. 

Learning to communicate in a way that creates a win-win situation for everyone is a skill. Often we get what we want to the detriment of others or the other way round. Nobody wins and the ultimate consequence is nobody is happy. I really like how practical this book is and how it taught me to speak in a different way entirely! It’s all well and good to know the theory of how negative language can destroy relationships but knowing how to communicate differently is what really matters. I like books with exercises I can put into practice as well as the theory that underpins them. This is what gets me to pick this book up and go through it again twenty years after I first bought it.  

I read this book during the pandemic when book talks were off and my authors were pissed. (I’m a publishing consultant.) I needed a writing gal pal to help me find and use my outside voice when so many of us were literally stuck in place. Her badass attitude and clarion writing lifted me out of my seat and got me pacing the living room, with a drumbeat of questions in my ears. What is my truth? What is in the way of that truth? What’s my superpower and where’s my damn cape? Reading this book charged me up. When the world opened up again, I went out and bought my cape. 

“You do not rise to the level of your goals you fall to the level of your systems” James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, explains the power of habits and how to build good habits and break bad habits. Everyone probably understands the concept of a habit. What James does in his book, is explain the compound impact of habits. Micro habits help you achieve your goals. An example of a good hydration habit I’ve adopted is I keep an insulated bottle of chilled water, and a stylish glass on my table desk. I’ve established an environment where it is easy for me to frequently drink chilled water.

Life is full of givers and takers…we all know givers who always take time to help others, and takers, who are always driven to help only themselves. Which group is happier, and more financially successful? The answer might surprise you. Adam Grant provides science to help you understand how giving the right way can be the key to changing your career trajectory, and your life.  

No matter how young or old, everyone needs a timeless picture book about the best of hearth and home. The illustrations by Mike Wimmer are breathtaking and inviting. Patricia MacLachlan’s carefully chosen words reflect the relationship glue that creates connecting and belonging within families. No matter how old you are, All the Places to Love is a touch point for the heart.

A spunky and accomplished businesswoman and author, Kate White carved her own highly successful career and provides a practical and proven how-to for women to follow. Women wear many hats simultaneously (Think Seuss’ Ten Apples Up On Top) and Kate gives witty, wise, straight-talk for moms on how to balance parenting and craft a career you enjoy. You have talents and potential, I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This is step-by-step guidance to hone your abilities and navigate challenges. These are essential tips from the gutsy innovator who helped increase Cosmopolitan Magazine's circulation by half a million copies per month.

The surest way I’ve found to break the cycle of materialism is to develop an aesthetic for less, then face head-on the results of past consumptive behaviors. Marie Kondo’s book is the best there is on this subject. When stepping out of the rat race, many folks have a tendency to hoard as a fear reflex. Kondo’s words and wisdom, even if you can’t bring yourself to follow every last dictum, will help you see and feel the effects of materialism, and naturally shed that compulsion to “have more.”  I was always an “anti-consumer.” But it felt like a strict diet — I was resisting a compulsion to acquire more. 

After this book, then following her recommendations, that compulsion went away for good. I didn’t just think less was better. I felt it down to my core. My savings grew, my house got cleaner (relatively speaking), and I became far… show more.