Thursday, 17 November 2011

Top Books for Success

Top Books for Success!

This list is compiled of awesome books that will help lead to success in life! Some I have read myself and others have been suggested to me and are in my reading list.

Outliers: The Story of Success - Malcolm Gladwell

Why do some people achieve so much more than others?

Malcolm Gladwell looks into what makes someone an outlier - from rock stars to professional athletes. He talks about a '10,000 hour rule' - and finds that outliers from Bill Gates to Mozart to the Beatles have all put in 10,000 hours worth of work/practice before they became experts in their area. A definite must read for those who wish to achieve out of the ordinary or who want an insight into why some of us are so successful in life.

The Richest Man In Babylon - George S. Clason

'The success secrets of the Ancients - the most inspiring book on wealth ever written'

'This is the book that holds the secrets to acquiring money, keeping money, and making money earn more money.' - back page

'What can a book written in the 1920s tell modern investors about their finances? A whole lot if it's George Clason's delightful set of parables that explain the basics of money. This is a great gift for a graduate or anyone who seems baffled by the world of finance and a wonderful, refreshing read for even the most experienced investor' - Los Angeles Times

The Tipping Point - Malcolm Gladwell

How little things can make a big difference

'In this brilliant and original book, Malcolm Gladwell explains and analyses the 'tipping point', that magic moment when ideas, trends and social behaviours cross a threshold, tip and spread like wildfire.' - back page

One of my favourite authors! An amazing read, my favourite thing about this book is how Malcolm tells stories from the real world and applies them in explaining the 'tipping point' e.g. the New York crime epidemic, the spread of Hush Puppies.

My favourite chapter is The Law of the Few, where Malcolm talks about how their are people who are connectors, mavens or salespeople - with certain attributes - who are vital in leading towards the 'tipping point'. One example is Paul Revere's ride during the start of the American Revolution.

The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle

In the Now, the present moment, problems do not exist.

'The Power of Now can transform your thinking. The result? More joy, right now.' - Oprah Winfrey

Eckhart talks about how we are all a little bit mad - just as we might view a homeless man talking out loud to themselves as crazy - we are constantly talking to ourselves with our thoughts. He has some really good suggestions on how to control your mind and thoughts.

To be successful you need a clear mind, and this book is perfect to get your conscience clear from any psychological worries.

The 4-Hour Work Week - Tomothy Ferriss

Escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich!

Great book on how to get more out of your week - for everyone: those who wish to start a business, those currently running a business and those who are comfortable (or uncomfortable) in their job.

Timothy talks about how he only works 4-hours a week and earns $40k a year. He suggests this is more in real-terms than people earning $80k or even $100k a year - as they usually work 80hr weeks and cannot enjoy their money as much! Great read, many suggestions which will lead to enjoying life more!

Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill

'This book could be worth a million dollars to you.'

The greatest motivational book of all time!

Napoleon Hill's talks about 13 principles that will set you on the path to wealth and success. Think and Grow Rich reveals the money-making secrets of hundreds of America's most affluent people. By thinking like them, you can become like them.

How To Win Friends And Influence People - Dale Carnegie

"It changed my life" --Warren Buffett

Take this books advice and it does exactly what it says on the tin!

The 48 Laws of Power - Robert Greene

Robert Greene takes elements of some of the worlds greatest political thinkers of our time to come up with the 48 Laws of Power, from Niccolò Machiavelli to Sun Tsu, he captures their most important points of power. - Wikipedia

I have the concise edition. Definitely recommended, very inspirational!

The Greatest Salesman in the World - Og Mandino

'You can change your life with the priceless wisdom of ten ancient scrolls handed down for thousands of years.'

An invaluable guide to the philosophy of salesmanship - and an all round good read.

Mandino believes that to be a good salesperson, you must believe in yourself and the work you are doing. His clear, simple writing style makes the principles of sales clear - which is essential to all business's and success in many jobs.