5 Incredible Books That Changed My Life

•  Print This
• Stumble This
• Digg This
• Share on Delicious
• Share on Facebook
• Tweet This
• Tags: books, Continual Learning, Dave Ramsey, reading

Have you read anything life changing lately?

We are either moving forward or backwards in life.  There is no standing still.  In order to move forward, you must be a continual learner.  You must find positive inputs that grow and expand your thinking.

For me, one of the primary inputs I use to grow is reading books.  I love to read.  Mostly, I love non-fiction books that give me new ideas and help me to improve some facet of my life.

The trouble is there are literally millions of books out there.  Which ones are worth your time?  Which ones will make a real difference?  Which one should you read next?  Well, pick any one of these five and you can’t go wrong.

The Five Books That Have Changed My Life

You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read. ~ Charles “Tremendous” Jones

These five books have all changed my life for the better.  They are practical and powerful.  They are simple and clear.  They are literally life-changing.

I am listing them in no particular order.  The one you choose to read first really depends on your situation and what might make the most positive difference in your life right now.

1.  Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

I kind of hesitated to put this one on the list because if you are unfamiliar with it, the title might make you think I’m a snake oil salesman.  Also, I think some people have taken some of Hill’s concepts like the Law of Attraction and twisted them beyond the original intent.

Nevertheless, this book has had a profound impact on my life.  Forget about getting rich for a moment.  If you want to be more successful in any part of your life, most especially your career, then I’d recommend this book to you.

I have read this book several times and I still pick it up on occasion when I need a pick me up.  It has an incredible way of stimulating you to action.  This alone is life-changing.  It is largely responsible for motivating me to start this blog!  If you want to achieve new heights in your life, then read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.

2.  The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey is making me wealthy!  I have been following the financial baby steps in his book for about three years now and I am definitely prospering from them.  It is not by any means a get-rich-quick scheme!  As Dave puts it, “This is the financial advice that your grandma would give you.”  All I know is that it works!

As a result of reading this book, I am now debt-free except for my house and using the money I was paying on loans to invest in my future.  Dave’s plan is simple and easy to follow.  It really makes sense to me and that’s why it changed my life.

If you struggle with money and feel overwhelmed.  If you and your spouse argue all the time about money.  If your net worth is less than nothing or if you don’t even know what net worth means, then read The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey.

3.  The Exceptional Seven Percent by Gregory Popcak

This is absolutely the best book I have ever read about improving a marriage.  Only seven percent of all marriages are truly exceptional and this book tells the secrets of these couples.

My wife discovered this book and we have both been reading it together.  I can already see how it has helped us to improve our marriage and I believe that by continuing to follow the recommendations that we can enjoy an even more satisfying marriage!  Now that’s truly life-changing!

Most marriage books are focused on rescuing bad marriages.  That’s what I like so much about this book.  It is focused on taking the good and making them great!  If you have a good marriage, but want it to be even better, then you should get a copy of The Exceptional Seven Percent: The Nine Secrets of The World’s Happiest Couples today!

4.  Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis

I love C. S. Lewis!  His books have helped me grow in my faith in so many ways.  I recently wrote about how pursuing my faith is an integral part of my life purpose.  Therefore, it only makes sense that I would add what I consider to be one of the absolute best books about Christianity to this list.

Mere Christianity starts at the beginning and really builds the basic tenets of Christianity from the ground up.  This helped me to clarify what I believe and to have a solid way to share my faith with others when the opportunity arises.

If you are a Christian and have never read Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis, then I’d highly encourage you to do so.  It will help you to grow and strengthen your faith in so many ways.  If you are not a Christian, then this book might be just what you need to read to help you develop your faith.

5.  The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Creativity is the cornerstone of great achievement.  However, most adults have stifled their creativity to the point that it is almost dormant.  The Artist’s Way will reawaken your creativity and help you to explore a side of yourself that you might not even know is there.

I found that the exercises in this book really helped me to rediscover my creativity.  We all live with blocks that hold us back from truly doing and being all we were meant to be.  Cameron has perfected a methodology that really unlocks all we have lost.  I have never read any other book that handled this so well.

If you want to be more creative or if you are suffering from a loss of motivation or inspiration to engage in your artistic endeavors, then you need to read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.

Any One of These Five Books Could Change Your Life

These books have truly made a significant impact on my life.  They have propelled me to newer heights and greater success.  I wholeheartedly endorse each one of them.  I hope you’ll select one and give it a read.  What have you got to lose?

What book has made the most impact on your life?

Photo by alexkon