As a team we often share recommendations of music, inspirational places to go or eat and amazing books we’ve read. It helps us get to know each other more and understand each other through the things that matter most. It strengthens our bond.
In one of our recent #Yesvember blogs, Ben Morton touches on media consumption, when and what we watch and how it affects our happiness and mindset. Our choice of books and when we choose to read them can inspire, enthuse, excite and delight us and make a difference in how we go about our everyday lives and work. A noble book choice is like a good friend who hears your plight and gives you the boost you need at that particular time.
In the words of Mark Haddon;
Reading is a conversation. All books talk. But a good book listens as well.
So, continuing in the spirit of #Yesvember we decided to share the books that have created a fire in us. Something that has given us a new perspective, or techniques to use or ideas to live by. We have many to choose from as creatives and communicators but we’ve selected a few of ours, and our dear friends’, suggestions to share with you…
Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert
“A firm favourite of Team Alive, this book has done the rounds with a lot of us. A fabulous book with lessons on how to unleash your inner creativity and alleviate the doubt and fear in us all.”
The Miracle Morning – Hal Elrod
Grit: Why passion and resilience are the secrets to success – Angela Duckworth
Factfulness – Hans Rosling
“Let’s face it, the world is a pretty confusing, turbulent place right now. If someone offered you a practical ‘How To’ manual on how to make sense of it all, you’d probably take it, yeah? Then say hello to Factfulness by Hans Rosling – a soothing antidote to fake news and alarmist hype. It’s a rallying cry to developing a fact-based viewpoint to shift misconceptions, calm fears and see the world as it really is. It identifies the biases and instincts that cloud our judgements and opinions, and provides a much clearer, more positive view of reality.“
James
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – Mark Manson
“This is a book for when life gets too much. Mark has a ‘fruity’ way of getting to the root of the problem and gives no nonsense advice when I need it the most. As a pleaser, the word ‘no’ doesn’t tend to feature much in my vocabulary. But his insight has given me a little more power to know when a ‘no’ would serve me better. “
Ally (and seconded by Alex, ” it makes you focus on the important things in life and what really matters to you personally.”)
Zero negativity – Ant Middleton
“This book of techniques on how to get out of your negative thinking habits is a firm favourite of mine. It has shown me there’s a different way with helpful bullet pointed guides that recap at the end of each chapter.”
Stan
Emotional Agility – Susan David
“This is one of the best books I’ve come across. It’s about facing our emotions courageously and compassionately and learning how to accept them for what they are. It echoes so much of what I have already heard and read about but brings it to life in an accessible and tangible way. It was a book that actually made a difference to the way I think and inspired me to behave differently. And that’s powerful.”
Caroline
The Happiness Advantage – Shawn Achor
“My favourite ever book on positive psychology. It outlines the seven principles that fuel success and performance at work as well as personal happiness. It challenges the idea that we become happier and more positive when we are successful, suggesting that it’s actually the other way around. And by following the seven principles, we can reverse this formula and create our own ripples of positivity to help others!“
Dave
We would love to share your titles. What’s the most uplifting book you’ve read? Share your recommendations with us!
