It's a new year, and no doubt you have some ambitious goals you want to accomplish. This is the perfect time of year to reset and determine what is important to you to focus on this year.
I didn't achieve all my goals last year, but it was still my best year ever. I used to feel like I failed if I didn't accomplish all my goals, but that just put me in a negative mindset when the new year would start. It's important to have goals that stretch you--people who have written goals accomplish more--and it's also important to keep things in perspective and realize that you should focus on doing the best you can.
My mantra for this year is "progress, not perfection." I'm focused on making progress over last year, just as I do every year. As someone who values achievement, I often have to remind myself that it's not just about the destination; that the journey is what life is about, the small moments every day that contribute to a fulfilling life. And while I have some lofty goals, I'm not expecting myself to be super human.
If you want to make great progress this year, there are three books I recommend putting at the top of your reading list. These three books will create a positive mindset and inspire you to take action, accomplish many of your goals, and make this year your best yet.
- The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. This book will not only give you the principles for multiplying your success, it will motivate and inspire you to become greater. There is no magic bullet or secret to becoming successful. It all happens as a result of the compound effect. Small daily choices and habits lead to significant results. Darren says that you already know all that you need to succeed. Learning new strategies and tactics is not the issue. You just need a new plan of action. Although the concept is not new, the book is full of inspiring stories and impactful exercises that will motivate you to elevate your life. I couldn't put the book down, and I reread my notes at the beginning of each year.
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. This classic personal development book is as relevant today as it was almost 30 years ago. Covey writes that our character is a composite of our habits. The seven habits are: Be proactive, Begin with the end in mind, Put first things first, Think win/win, Seek first to understand, then to be understood, Synergize, and Sharpen the saw. These habits will help you to be a better leader, partner, parent, and employee. The principles can change your perspective and change your life.
- The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canfield isn't just a book about professional success; it's a book about life success. Canfield shares 67 principles that will propel you to success. That may seem like a lot of principles, but some of them are so simple, it's a matter of making a decision and sticking to it. Whether you want to become more clear about your purpose in life, achieve greater levels of success, become a better leader, increase your confidence, or become a better parent, this book will transform your life. I felt so motivated and inspired by this book, that I signed up for Jack's training on how to teach these principles.
I'd love to hear from you. What books do you think are great reads for the beginning of the year?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
