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Must-Read Personal and Professional Books for 2019 + 3 of My All Time Favorites
Must-Read personal and professional Books for 2019
+ 3 of My All Time Favorites
February 4, 2019
I remember a time when the only thing I would read was a Nicholas Sparks book - no joke.
Not to mention the only time I would even pick up said Nicholas Sparks book was on vacation.
I had convinced myself I didn’t have time to read or didn’t need to read (yes, I understand how ridiculous that sounds).
When I dove head first into entrepreneurship I became consumed with personal development, all my entrepreneurs know this feeling, and I became obsessed with learning as much as I could.
It wasn’t until I started seeing results from what I was reading that I realized this is an essential part of growing. Now I make it a priority to read weekly, both a mix of personal development and professional development books.
As we set out on our year-long (heck, maybe longer) journey of full-time travel I’m gearing up to load my Kindle with must reads.
Today, I’m sharing what’s on my reading list for 2019 + some of my personal favorites that I find myself re-reading or quoting on the regular.
MY PERSONAL FAVORITES
Anything Brene Brown, but seriously I’m not even kidding! Some of my personal favorites are Daring Greatly and Braving the Wilderness. If you struggle with perfectionism she is your girl!
The Universe Has Your Back by Gabby Bernstein. Struggle with trusting? I get that and this book changed so much for me in terms of leaning fully into my goals and trusting the process, even if I didn’t always understand it.
Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. I’m really hoping you have heard of this book, I mean how could you not, it took the world by storm and for good reason. It’s an amazing book and so beautifully told, I highly recommend!
MUST-READS FOR 2019
Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz
I’m halfway through this book and it is blowing my mind. If you’re looking for strategic ways to grow your business without working more this is a must read.
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
I’m obsessed with creating habits in 2019 and making sure that every single day I’m taking action to get me towards my goal and living a more intentional life. I’ve heard amazing things about this book.
High Performance Habits by Brendan Burchard
Speaking of habits, this book by Brendan Burchard has been a must-read for a while, but this year I’m truly diving into the idea of high performance and studying more of the psychology behind what makes people successful.
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
This book dives into what makes people truly successful! Did I mention it is a complete system? Sign this girl up.
Primal Branding by Patrick Hanlon
Branding is my jam, so I’m always excited to learn more not just about branding, but WHY people buy.
Michelle Obama DUH!
I want to know what books are you loving right now or are currently sitting in your Amazing shopping cart? Head over to Instagram and let me know!
Top 7 Books Every Female Entrepreneur Should Read
Top 7 Books Every Female Entrepreneur Should Read
BY MICHELLE KNIGHT
In honor of #NationalBookLoversDay I'm sharing my top seven books that are must-reads for female entrepreneurs.
I've got to be honest, I was never much of a reader unless you count the occasional hopeless-romantic Nicholas Sparks book I read on vacation. However, all of that changed when I became an entrepreneur. I became obsessed with learning as much as I could around mindset, running a business and moving through my biggest block - perfectionism.
When I say these books completely changed my life, it's an understatement. Through these books I've been able to:
↠ Revamp my mindset around money and my ability to make it.
↠ Own my own story and start to move through my blocks around perfectionism.
↠ Embrace my vulnerability and use it as a strength when running my business.
Please note this blog contains affiliate links to these products, so if you choose to buy, I will receive a small compensation. I only refer products I absolutely love!
My Top Book Recommendations For Female Entrepreneurs
1. you are a badass at making money
I highly suggest you listen to the audio of this book because Jen Sincero is seriously hilarious with her delivery. This was one of the first books I was introduced to and would listen on my 9 to 5 commute.
This book gave me the a** kicking I was looking for to start making significant changes in my life. Jen has such a witty way of holding a mirror up to your current life and situation and gives you the tools and shifts to start feeling, thinking and acting differently.
2. daring greatly
What can I say about Brene Brown - I mean I seriously love this woman. She's changed my life with the resources and insight she provides through her work. For my entire life, I've struggled with perfectionism, but it wasn't until I started diving into her books that I realized how this had been holding me back for years.
This is only one of Brene's books you will find in this list, but Daring Greatly supported me in truly embracing my vulnerability and empowered me to start sharing my story with the world.
3. Get Rich, Lucky Bitch
I remember flying through this book in January 2017. I was going through an unexpected money situation in my business (i.e., taxes were due and I didn't know what I was doing just yet) and needed some mental support and clarity around moving through my fear of not having enough $$$.
Right off the bat, Denise Duffield-Thomas mentioned she was a Virgo, I was hooked. I loved her approach to manifesting and the actionable steps she taught. I implemented all of them right away and continue to do the work from this book monthly. In fact, anytime I'm feeling a money block I re-read this book (which has been more times than I can count ;))
4. You Are a Badass At Making Money
Another one of my favorites around making money is from Jen Sincero; I told you I love this ladies style. What I absolutely loved about Jen's book was how she addressed the stories around money; the ones we've learned from our parents, friends and society in general.
This was one of the first times I really started to question the idea of money and my ability to make it in my business. If you're struggling with old thought patterns around money, this is a must read.
5. The universe has your back
The description of this book says it all, "Transform Fear to Faith" and this book does just that. Talk about an emotional book to really address the way fear was running my life. As someone who lived most of her life constantly afraid of what could happen, this book was a gift.
My favorite part of this book are the actionable steps and questions Gabby Bernstein gives you so you can actually do the work. This definitely isn't a book you'll want to just fly through; seriously do the work and you will be truly changed.
6. How Rich People Think
I'm not going to lie when skimming this book, in the beginning, I was reluctant to read it. However, when I finally got over my need to be thoroughly entertained, I dove in and was blown away by the work of Steve Siebold.
It gives you an insider look at how rich people truly think and shows the thoughts, habits and philosophies of the wealthy. It's another top book that introduced me to the idea that making money has more to do with mindset then I initially thought.
7. The Gifts of Imperfection
I have to close out this list with another one of my favorite's from Brene Brown, seriously check out ALL her books! In this book, Brene introduces the idea of Wholehearted living and addresses the shame, authenticity and worthiness that comes from struggling with perfectionism.
If you are a recovering or current perfectionist and you read one book, let it be this one. Through Brene's work I was able to start fully stepping into my worthiness and authenticity and as a result my business and the trust I was building within my community expanded.
P.S. If you’re a female entrepreneur, I’ve got a free gift just for you! I’m sharing how to Build a Better Brand in this free class. Sign up here.
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Meet Michelle
Hey there, I'm Michelle Knight and I an online branding and marketing consultant for female entrepreneurs.
I believe in the power of storytelling and using that superpower to brand and market yourself online...oh and to set yourself free.
I'm obsessed with living a life of freedom, so much so, that my family and I now travel full-time while running my business from the road.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation and more.
Books to Ignite Your Motivation
Becoming a entrepreneur is no easy task. It takes time, dedication and a few sacrifices to get your business up and running. However, and correct me if I'm wrong, but you probably shared the same goal I had when launching our business, that you desired flexibility and ease. Ok good we are on the same page. Then why does it sometimes feel exhausting working on our businesses?
It's because we don't take time for ourselves!
I plan to do a whole series on self care, but what better way to kick off than with a list of some truly inspirational books? Part of my self care routine is making sure I am feeding my mind with truly inspirational, positive and empowering literature.
Just like you, I don't always have the time to sit down and actually read a book especially while working 9 to 5 and raising a little one. So I have found my new best friend is Audible.
There are many resources out there for listening to your books, but honestly I found Audible and ran with it. I love listening to my books because it allows me to fit them in on my drive to and from work.
Some books to get you started:
- You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
- The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
- Leveraging the Universe by Mike Dooley
- The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles
- What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey
- Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes
I'm a big fan of Oprah's What I Know for Sure as a quick and SUPER effective read. I'm also such a huge fan of You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero, so much that I've listened to it three times already - I seriously can't say enough great things about the messages in this book.
I hope this list gives you a jumping off point. Remember, self care is so important not only for our own well-beings, but also for our business.
In order to give time and energy to your business and your family you must first give to yourself.
Be Merry!
Let's Talk Motivation
I hear from so many people in our private Facebook group, Authentic Brand Builders, that they often feel unmotivated. I felt it was time I addressed this issue and the belief that we as humans lack motivation.
To begin I want to share with you that,
"You have the time, the energy and the resources to achieve what you desire to achieve."
It's important to note that if you truly have a desire to achieve something or live a certain way, then that right there should be all the motivation you need. It's really not a matter of not being motivated. Many people look at the surface issue, which is most often an issue of time. They feel there isn't enough time in the day to get things done, so they fall of the wagon or lose motivation. It's important to remember that you have the same amount of time as the most successful people in the World - Yeah, I know right?!
If this desire is truly the life you want to create then it should be top priority and whatever needs to be done to get there will be done.
If you feel time is an issue you need to evaluate where your time is being spent. You are the controller of your life and your time. If someone invites you to something and it doesn't serve you, then don't go. If you find you are spending time on mundane tasks that are not in your zone of genius, then you need to outsource. An example would be if you are spending three hours cleaning your home, then hire someone to clean your home and allow yourself three more hours to work on your business.
If this seems scary then break it down $ for $.
Say you charge $50/hr for your services and you spend three hours cleaning. If you hired someone to clean, you would spend around $90 total for cleaning, but you would be able to work for three additional hours and make $150. So really you are selling yourself short and stealing from yourself by not outsourcing. In addition to the $150 you are also most likely developing something that will bring in more money and reducing your stress level. WIN!
Do a time analysis and see where your time is going and where you can outsource certain tasks.
Now, after we have addressed the surface issue of time, let's take a deeper look at this underlying issue that is keeping you from feeling motivated. How are you sabotaging yourself in regards to achieving your dreams? There is an underlying issue here, something you are subconsciously telling yourself or a belief that you have that is keeping you from doing so. It could be a lack of confidence or a fear of this new life of freedom.
You could be battling with putting yourself out there, afraid you might annoy people or people might not like you. You could be worried or fearful about this new life you are creating. You spent your whole life creating this life and are scared of how your relationships, friendship, etc. might change with this new life.
Whatever it is that you are facing; figure out what that issue is and address this - cause it is not a motivation issue. It's important to remember that you have the time, energy and resources to achieve all of your desires.
So, what is holding you back?
Get this word "unmotivated" out of your head - you are either going to do it or not going to do it! Seriously, if you are planning to leave your job you don't half ass it. Don't just say I would like to leave my job, say I'm leaving my job and put a date on it.
Make it a non-negotiable for your life of freedom. If you say you are going to do it, you will find the time, the energy and the resources to do so.
If your facing this issue of feeling "unmotivated" then I encourage you to dive deep and discover what the underlying belief might be and rid it of your mind.