If you know Estella and I well, you will most likely know that we take personal development very seriously! As a business owner I know the feeling of wanting to invest in my business 24/7, as seeing results come in and watching your dreams come to life is an amazing feeling that cannot be described… but over the last year I have really begun to understand how important it is to invest in myself. After all, how can I expect to run my business well and receive success if I’m not making the time for myself?
The first part of our working day is dedicated to personal development, where we will read, journal and focus on educating and working on ourselves. We’re both avid book lovers, so here are our 8 must read books for boss babes as these have helped us so much!
- Daring & Disruptive by Lisa Messenger
This read by Lisa Messenger is engaging, spirited and rollicking. This book isn’t another wannabe business owner that’s fame driven. It’s a fast, high level view of the world and life of an entrepreneur. It’s not a self-help guide on how to run your business whilst running a busy family – it’s about tackling a life that isn’t always rosy and learning to embrace it anyway. We loved how this book really dealt with failure and getting your head back in the game after getting knocked down, as it’s written by a powerful woman who knows what she’s talking about. Lisa is a tough cookie and we feel like we can all take some notes on her life.
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
Rich Dad, Poor Dad is Robert’s story of growing up with two dads (his real father as well as the father of his best friend – his “rich dad”). This heartfelt book dissects the way in which both men shaped his thoughts about the world of money and investing, as well as debunking the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich. We loved how this read explained the difference between working for money and having money work for you, which was super insightful and changed our perspective on finances immensely! If you want your views challenged or a book about a new way to view money we would recommend this read to you.
- How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie
This book is amazing when it comes to finding ways to manage human relationships without friction or force, as well as how to influence people to come around to your way of thinking in a positive manner. It really challenged us in the way we go about communication and interactions with people, which as a business owner is super important when connecting with potential and existing clients! Dale states everything in such a simple and sometimes even obvious way, which really makes you think “why have we not already been doing that??” Either way, this book is the bible of success whether you are interacting with people at work, seeking new friendships or looking to deepen existing relationships.
- Winging It by Emma Isaacs
This business book motivates you and gives you a bit of a push we sometimes really need! Emma writes very down the line, clear cut without any wishy washy beating around the bush. She includes a range of actionable advice about dealing with money, staff, being an entrepreneur, networking and growing a business. It also includes real life examples of lessons she has learnt in her business and how she manages to run a successful business and raise a family of five kids! This is the type of book you could go back and read any time you are feeling like you are in a rut with your business. Every female business owner should read this.
- Chapter One: you have the power to change stuff by Daniel Flynn
Written by the co-founder of “Thankyou,” Daniel Flynn tells his inspiring story of wild decisions, crazy mistakes, daring moves and insane risks within the world of business, social enterprise, marketing and beyond. When it starts to sink in that Thankyou was created by three Melbourne kids with no business experience, you really begin to feel like you DO have the power to change the world and make your dreams come true in life. You’ve just got to be ready to work for it. It’s more than a book – it’s an invitation addressed to you. An invitation to inspire you to challenge what you know and begin to understand that the most out there dreams can become your reality.
- The 5am Project by Robin Sharma
Robin Sharma introduced the 5am Club almost twenty years ago, built upon the concept that the first few hours of the morning are the most crucial part of the day. Based on a revolutionary morning routine that has helped his clients maximise their creativity, this book is a refreshing read in such an overwhelming world. This book really encouraged Estella and I to take control of our mornings and begin to fall in love with a routine that sets us up for a fantastic day. Whilst reading this book you will discover that this early-rising habit has helped millions of people across the world to achieve success, alongside boosting their overall happiness and health. Who’s ready to join the 5am club.
7. Big Magic: how to live a creative life, and let go of your fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
This book is broken into six sections: courage, enchantment, permission, persistence, trust and divinity which we both thought was super helpful and insightful! Elizabeth focuses on displaying the truth that we ALL have creativity within us, and it’s a matter of tapping into it and learning to embrace it. We loved how Elizabeth made me feel as if I had permission to unlock these creative parts of me whilst dropping the negative self-talk that it’s selfish or foolish. One quote that stood out to us was “creativity is your birthright” and we believe that with my whole heart! We would recommend this book to anyone, especially to boss babes who are ready to unleash their creativity and channel that within their business more.
8. The Desire Map: a guide to creating goals with soul by Danielle LaPorte
Estella and I are suckers for goals. We have weekly goals, monthly goals, yearly goals and five year goals. Yes, we know that sounds very excessive but it incredibly helps us when it comes to working towards our dreams and living the life that we want which is why we loved this book by Danielle LaPorte. Most life-planning tools focus on external attainment and results which although is valuable, isn’t always what we should be aiming for. We loved how The Desire Map was about holistic life-planning, as it’s about aiming to live your best life without focusing primarily on materialistic possessions. It will help you to use your core desired feelings as a guidance system for making decisions, remember who you are and your true nature, to honour both the good and bad within your life as well as feel your best so you can live your best.
We would love to know what you thought of these books if you have read them, or if there are any other books that helped you when it came to personal development or becoming a better boss babe. We’re always on the look-out for new book recommendations, even though we’re the girls always reading at least five books at a time… oops! Comment them down below as we would love to hear what you are reading. Also, if you are trying to get into reading we would encourage allocating a set reading period into your day whether that be 15 minutes or even an hour. That way it will make it easier to remember and actually make happen.
Happy reading boss babes,
Ams & Estella xx