3 Personal Mastery Books to Add to Your Book List

personal mastery

If you catch me reading, chances are I am reading a personal mastery book. I just love the little nuggets of wisdom I get from each one that I read. And, I usually find them easier to digest. Frequently saying one last paragraph well into the wee hours of the night. 

I know, I know, personal mastery books are not for everyone. I totally get it! If that sounds like you, consider this post your cliff notes version to the three I’ve read so far this summer. Who knows, you might change your mind.

Feature Image by Lum3n  

The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz

As a full time, stay at home, homeschooling mama, I am always looking for ways to increase my energy reserves. And, even though this book references helping athletes, CEOs, and business executives, there is a lot of priceless knowledge for us all to consider when evaluating how and where we focus our time and energy. I especially love the holistic principles listed throughout this read, here are some of my favorite takeaways/quotes from this book:

  • Because we have overridden the natural rhythms that once defined our lives, the challenge is to consciously and deliberately create new boundaries
  • When we operate at high intensity for long enough, we progressively lose the capacity to shift to any other gear
  • The ultimate measure of our lives is not how much time we spend on the planet, but rather how much energy we invest in the time that we have
  • Stress is not the enemy in our lives. Paradoxically, it is the key to growth

The Power of Starting Something Stupid by Richie Norton

If you’re wavering on whether or not to take the leap and START (serve, thank, ask, receive, and trust) that project that’s been weighing heavy on your heart, this is the book for you. Full of inspirational insight, and  access to a plan for getting your project off the ground in 76 days. Odd number of days I know, but the instant download at your immediate disposal, priceless.

Richie also introduces “the Stupid Equation”, a series of preliminary questions meant to bring clarity as to whether or not that idea of your is worth the leap. 

Onto the takeaways…

  • By its very nature, the New Smart is highly counterintuitive and will almost always go against the grain of conventional thinking, on a small or grand scale, but you can’t afford to use that as an excuse to keep yourself stuck
  • The lifeblood of any idea is provided by the willingness to start
  • Time will always be hard to find. So the way I see it, you can start now and reach for your dreams or you can wait for later and hope that “later” doesn’t prove to be too late
  • Making your “stupid idea” happen wont be easy. You have to be committed. Not halfway committed- you need to commit 100%. At times, you may stand all alone in your efforts to engage the New Smart, but standing alone is part of standing out…
  • Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried

You Are a Badass Every Day by Jen Sincero

I know I am not the first to say it but, every time I pick up one of Sincero’s books it feels like I’m having an epic, life changing chat with a close friend. And, this personal mastery book provides a daily pick me up of motivation, inspiration, and positivity. Sure to put your mindset in the right space for tackling, well, anything…

  • Each thought, feeling and action is something you have the power to change
  • Out of all the billions of humans coming and going over time, there is,was, and will be only one you. That is worth appreciating. That is worth celebrating. That is worth loving.
  • An excuse is simply a challenge that you’ve decided has power over you
  • All worrying will do is make you live through the misery twice
  • When you commit to transforming your life you commit to getting very uncomfortable over and over and over again. Befriend the unfamiliar, the risky, the me no wanna. The discomfort means you’re almost there.

Currently reading: Make it Happen by Jordanna Levin. What are some of your favorite personal development books?