We are just a few days into January and I am sure you have already written down what you hope to achieve in this new year. While most of us have given up on resolutions because we realize our will power fades by March. There are others, like me, who attack the new year with much expectations and vigour. As an avid list maker and goal setter, I find myself reading the same few books to prepare myself for the new year and get it started off on a positive foot. Here are five books that I re-read yearly to help me prepare for the new year.
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist
The Alchemist is that book I read at the start of every year. It is a great way to refocus your mind and set your intentions for what you want. I call The Alchemist my comfort book because anytime I am feeling directionless or out of focus, I just need to give this book a read and by the time I complete my read a sense of calm returns. I call this book alchemy because I find every person who reads this book comes away with a different experience or perspective. Remember, “when you want something, the Universe conspires to make it happen.”
The Four Agreements
by Miguel Ruiz
The Four Agreements
Let’s be honest, new year resolutions are hard. We all want to be changed in someway but making the change takes a lot of work and dedication. Every year I read The Four Agreements and I try to make the four agreements things I work towards over the year. The four agreements are:
Be Impeccable With Your Word
Don’t Take Anything Personally
Don’t Make Assumptions
Always Do Your Best
While these are “Simple” agreements, there is nothing simple about not taking anything personal, not making assumptions and always doing your best. I do believe these are four really great principles to live by and resolutions we should all make and try to keep this year.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving A Fxck
by Mark Manson
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Yes, the title is bit misleading and, in your face, but sometimes we need a no-nonsense approach to get our lives together. While there is nothing new explored in this book, if you have read any self-help book, you have read this book. What I loved most about it was how Mark Manson brought together all the advice in a simple yet hard hitting way
The book speaks about focusing our lives and caring about the things that need our attention, as oppose to draining our energy on mundane irrelevant things. A timely reminder to be careful what you spend your energy on.
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
by Robin S. Sharma
The Monk who sold his Ferrari
The Monk Who Sold My Ferrari is one of my favorite books to (re)read at the start of the year. This book never disappoints, and it was great getting a reminder of all the things I need to focus on to make this a great year. Too often we get all caught up in the rat race and as this book succinctly puts it, “even if you win the rat race you are still a rat”. I do try daily to incorporate the 10 Rituals of Radiant Living, it really helps putting these daily rituals at the focal point of your life, it will really improve your year. This is the perfect book to get your year started in a strong way.
As A Man Thinketh
by James Allen
As a Man Thinketh
I am a strong believer in taking control of your words and the words you speak over your life and the lives of others. As A Man Thinketh is a short but powerful read. This book is packed with wisdom and insights to inspire you to think of only the good and inspire you to focus your thoughts on great things. This is a book I re-read on a yearly basis because I sometimes forget whatever I think, I become. A must read.
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Cindy Allman is a Caribbean Girl Reading the World. A Jamaican living in Trinidad & Tobago, she is a top Goodreads reviewer and hopes to inspire you with her passion for books. Follow her at www.bookofcinz.com or @bookofcinz on Twitter and Instagram.