Post by Cheryl Santa Maria, contributing Women On Business writer
The path to self-enlightenment is a long one, but the journey becomes easier to manage when we’re using the right educational tools.
Finding the right tools, however, can be a bit of a challenge. Personally, I’ve wasted my share of time on supposed “self help” products – books and films with wording so muddled and rambling that they’ve left me with more questions than answers.
If you’ve been looking for some well-written words of wisdom, you’re in luck. Below are 3 personal development books that I strongly recommend. In addition to being beautifully written, they are concise, simplistic and timeless.
If you haven’t read these 3 books, you must. They will change your life for the better.
Think and Grow Rich
Napoleon Hill
One of the most influential self-help books in history, Think and Grow Rich is the end-result of twenty years of research. Born into poverty, Napoleon Hill was commissioned by Andrew Carnegie, then the richest man in the world, to create a “success manual” that would work for the everyday man. The book draws upon words of wisdom from influential entrepreneurs like Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Theodore Roosevelt and outlines a thirteen step formula for achieving financial success. Hill followed the techniques outlined in the book and became extremely wealthy – proving that his system can yield results.
9 Secrets of Women who Get Everything They Want
Kate White
In addition to being the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan Magazine, Kate White is also a best-selling author, public speaker and mother. In 9 Secrets, White discusses the ways women sabotage their own dreams and gives career advice. Like Think and Grow Rich, 9 Steps is refreshingly simplistic. What I like most about this book is the fact that it is targeted towards women, and that White understands the unique challenges we face – both personally and professionally. Kate’s great writing style, complimented with real-life anecdotes and loads of encouragement, is why this is one of my “go-to” books.
Who Moved my Cheese
Spencer Johnson, M.D.
This is another best-seller that should be added to your “must read” rouster immediately. Who Moved my Cheese tells the story of four little characters chasing the proverbial “cheese” around a maze. The illustrated book outlines the need to be adaptable in an ever-changing marketplace. Often cited by upper management types, Who Moved My Cheese teaches a valuable life lesson that never gets old. And at less than a hundred pages, you’ll be able to finish the book in an evening or two.
And there you have it.
I hope you enjoy these books as much as I do – and I’d appreciate your feedback. If you’d like to recommend a good read, feel free to leave a comment under this post or drop me an email at [email protected].
Thanks and happy reading!
Susan Gunelius
Susan Gunelius is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Women on Business. She is a 30-year veteran of the marketing field and has authored a dozen books about marketing, branding, and social media, including the highly popular Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing, 30-Minute Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing for Dummies, Blogging All-in-One for Dummies and Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps. Susan’s marketing-related content can be found on Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, MSNBC.com, BusinessWeek.com, and more. Susan is President & CEO of KeySplash Creative, Inc., a marketing communications company. She has worked in corporate marketing roles and through client relationships with AT&T, HSBC, Citibank, Intuit, The New York Times, Cox Communications, and many more large and small companies around the world. Susan also speaks about marketing, branding and social media at events around the world and is frequently interviewed by television, online, radio, and print media organizations about these topics. She holds an MBA in Management and Strategy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC).
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