It's a topic I've written about before: reading is one of the easiest (and free!) ways to gain skills that will improve your business.
Whether it's an autobiography of a business person you admire, a book sharing specific tips on startup financing or writing business plans, or a spiritual book that teaches you how to live more mindfully, there's no limit to what we can gain from reading.
Curling up on the couch or in bed after a long day to get lost in a book is one of the best feelings ever, and it's even better when you're absorbing information that will help you in your business - especially since you don't have to actively try to remember what you're reading. In my case as a writer and written content creator for small businesses, I always need to be on top of the trends in the personal development world.
One way I do this is through reading, both the classics and the latest biz books. Here are a selection of the books I’ve been reading in the past couple of months:
1. Time and How to Spend It 〰️ James Wallman 〰️ 7.5/10
Ever feel like whenever free time comes along, you waste it watching Netflix or scrolling through Insta (as you’re doing right this second)? Wallman’s book looks at time as our most precious commodity, and how we can make the most of our free time in a way that leaves us fulfilled, not depleted. Not totally convinced if the book will leave me happier and richer as the author promises, but only time will tell.
2. The Power of Now 〰️ Eckhart Tolle 〰️ 8/10
I’m a firm believer in the link between spirituality + entrepreneurship. The Power of Now might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think ‘business books’, but Tolle’s wisdom is easily applicable to the world of work. This guide to living in the moment provides important lessons for entrepreneurs, and helps you navigate the stresses that running your own business brings.
3. Blink 〰️ Malcolm Gladwell 〰️7/10
Blink looks at the idea of ‘thin-slicing’: our ability to make snap decisions from one moment to the next, without consciously thinking it through. Examples include art historians being able to spot a fake statue after 10 seconds of glancing at it, and fire fighters knowing when to leave a burning building, just before it collapses. Not a super light read, but interesting if you want to learn more about our conscious and subconscious thought processes, and how we can adapt to make better business decisions.