It’s that time again, but Summahtime 2020 is gearing up to be (at least) a little bit different than other summers! Beach days (maybe), hammock days (definitely), travel…. who knows? The one upside – so much more time for reading.
If you’re looking to take the rest of 2020 by storm, improve your life, and especially improve yourSELF, this list will fill your mind, change your life, and hopefully make you a better human.
Enjoy!
The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
What it is: This book gives the simplest strategy in the world to combat procrastination and get out of your own way.
What I love: The simplicity and POWER of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, GO has changed the lives of the team members, clients, and retreat-ers who have run with it. It’s backed by science, and it freaking works.
When you’ll use it: Daily, from the moment your eyes open and you search for the snooze button, through your work day, right through to deciding to turn off Netflix and close your electronics at a good time each night. It’s your little trick to being your absolute best self.
The Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani
What it is: I’m still processing this one – it’s an entirely new way to see the world and how to live in it. From escaping the culturescape to upgrading your brain like you do your tech, this is one book that will change your life (if you let it.)
What I love: The book breaks you down and forces you to look hard at why you think the way you do, and shows simple (not easy) strategies to create the entire world around you to serve your highest good. Plus, gratitude and forgiveness are required skills, which makes that a win in our world.
When you’ll use it: If you’re anything like me, it’ll take you awhile to properly unpack this book, and then you’ll be using it, rereading it, recommending it, and thinking about it nonstop for months…I’ll update in a few months if it starts to wear off…
How to Be an Antiracist by Imbran X. Kendi
What it is: I can’t put this in words better than the author’s: We know how to be racist. We know how to pretend to be not racist. Now let’s know how to be antiracist. This books illuminates the inherent racism in being “colour-blind”, in “not seeing race” and in our passive acceptance of systemized, institutionalized racism. It is a must read for all white people who think that being “not racist” is enough.
What I love: I’m a white woman who wants to be an antiracist, and despite knowing and loving many people of colour, I still fall into so many of the traps and tropes described in this book. It’s an awakening, and it’s not easy. But it’s an experience you will not be able to forget, written by a talent you will not be able to deny with words you will not be able to put down.
When you’ll use it: Hopefully every minute of every day from the day you buy it. Hell, even buying the book is a good first step. (Click the link for the Canadian Kindle version. I’m not an affiliate, and I don’t get anything out of it, I’m just taking away one more excuse.)
You are a Badass by Jen Sincero
What it is: The ultimate introduction to the law of attraction as written by a hilarious, sometimes snarky, always on point life coach who holds nothing back. I refer to it as my literary dopamine. No matter how much I’m struggling, this books remind me that indeed I am a badass.
What I love: The stories, the honesty, and the fact that I want her to be my new BFF are all reasons to read this book.
When you’ll use it: Whenever you need someone to tell you “Yes, you’ve screwed up, here’s a reminder that you’re awesome anyway!”
The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington
What it is: An entirely new way to set bigger goals, accomplish more than you imagine, and find ways to be more productive in all areas of your life. (Warning: It also takes away your excuses. That’s the painful part.)
What I love: This book claims that if you follow it and their plan to the letter, you will have 4 times more productivity. I haven’t had that experience, but I will say I’ve at least doubled mine. It breaks time management down in a way I haven’t seen before, and for sprinters like me to can’t deal with long marathon goals, it suits me perfectly.
When you’ll use it: When you’re setting goals – you’ll start setting quarterly goals and breaking them down to a degree that you can’t help but create momentum. You’ll be scoring yourself each week, and getting through as much work as you would have in a month. And then in Week 13, you can take a rest.
Other recommended books:
The ONE Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan: Get focused and stay focused, while maintaining a new version of balance.
The 10X Rules by Grant Cardone: This one was tricky at first, so take it with a bucket of salt, but there are really great parts in it.
The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson: Choose your habits wisely, because they create your momentum – for better or for worse.
xoxo,
Heather