Making change can be hard. No matter what you want to do, getting motivated and excited about what’s ahead isn’t always easy. That’s why sometimes it’s good to seek a little inspiration. Often, the lives and experiences most different from our own can be the greatest sources of insight. We may not all get to be astronauts, but who isn’t charmed and enthralled by Chris Hadfield’s deeply inspiring book?
If you need a little encouragement, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite bestselling inspirational books to give you the nudge you need.
Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian to spacewalk, offers a peek into the life of an astronaut: a profession that few will ever get to experience. There’s a lot to be learned from being up in space, so listen to some extraterrestrial wisdom and get inspired.
They say that if you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life. But when you’re stuck doing something you hate, getting to that point feels impossible. This is one of the most inspiring books out there for finding what it really is that will empower you to ditch the day job and follow what really ignites your enthusiasm, which is half the journey — and half the fun.
For a life of passion, you don’t always have to give up structure and security – you can restructure your life to accommodate it. Focus on what you love, when you can, to bring you that ideal balance.
Clayton M. Christensen has survived cancer and is a top business leader, meaning he can offer advice both on the meaning of life and achieving career success – giving just as much attention to the topics of strategy and motivation as he does to strengthening relationships.
Part memoir and part self-help book, songwriter and musician Amanda Palmer documents her journey to finding the courage to accept help, as well as reach out and ask for it when needed – not an easy feat for the headstrong. Even if you’re not famous, create your own fanbase and you’ll never be stuck.
Does the word “spiritual” make you shudder? It doesn’t have to be that way. Everyone has an artistic side, but it’s all about trying to find a way to connect with it when you’re worn down by the humdrum of everyday life. Cast your doubts and external pressures aside, and tune in.
You know those people whose bosses say “I don’t know what we’d do without them”, who make you slightly envious of their inherent awesomeness that you weren’t born with? Newsflash: it can be learned! By putting more into your work, you’ll not only keep your manager and team happy, but also find it more rewarding.
This is one of the most inspiring books for those who feel held back from living their best life due to shame. It’s a user’s manual for empathy and connecting to one another, showing that speaking up about certain feelings can help us to appear more authentic and down to earth – thus attracting people with whom we have a true affinity.
Presented with a diagnosis of terminal cancer, neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi set about penning his inspirational memoir, exploring the meaning of life when you are but an organism among all the others on this planet. These blinks sum up what one man learned when faced with his own mortality, and will make you appreciate the present moment, motivating you to achieve your goals in a different light.
Fact: fulfilling work can mean making the best out of a bad situation. If you’re determined to take it one step further, though, this popular book on changing your job will be of some use. It offers tips on making your new career path sustainable and achievable.
All in all, work isn’t all of life, of course, but changing it to suit you can do a whole lot for your happiness. Get one step ahead today by reading or listening to the world’s best inspiring books from a library at 2,000 and counting!
Rosamund is from Eastern England and has been living in Berlin since 2014. In addition to writing, she is a translator from German and French. She enjoys making hummus, taking in the sweet smell of new books and magazines, and trying to achieve an optimal balance of lived-in and minimalistic in her flat.
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