“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing, that’s why we recommend it daily”.
– Zig Ziglar
I love reading motivational books as they help to keep me focused on achieving my goals. I will read them through once from the beginning and then dip in and out of them when I need a little inspiration. The quote above by Zig Ziglar is so true, motivation doesn’t last, everyone can have the best intentions at the start but you can lose energy and focus if you keep hitting obstacles or things aren’t happening as quickly as you’d like them to be.
The books I’ve recommend below are the ones which have struck a chord with me. I felt I really connected with what the authors were saying.
I’ve included two books by Anthony Robbins as I love how he writes and how he communicates with his readers. I also listen to a lot of his CDs, podcasts and watch YouTube clips of him. I find him to be a total inspiration. I would love to see him live at some point! (Another goal to add to the list!)
“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible”
– Anthony Robbins
“Remember, a real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken new action. If there's no action, you haven't truly decided.” – Anthony Robbins
The Seven habits of highly effective people has probably been read by anyone who wants to get ahead in their career, especially if they work in banking or a results orientated place. Stephen Covey puts it down into words what the seven key habits are; the first habit is to be proactive. I’ve listened to his tapes so many times, that sometimes, this saying just pops into my head – “Be Proactive”. This means to me to get active, take action, to get going, to make inroads, to start doing what needs to be done. Just do it – in essence!
The hard part is deciding on the direction of your journey. Once this has been done and you know where you want to go you can need a little push to help take that first step to start moving forward. But once you’re moving, things will start to happen. I look back at Tough Girl Challenges about where it started and where it is now. It’s a long way from where I want it to be, but every time, I add a new blog piece, gain a new follower on Facebook, Instagram or a new subscriber to the website. I’m slowly but surely building my brand and I’m doing that by being PROACTIVE!
The Secret reminds me, that thoughts do become things and what you think about you become. When you know what you want and you focus on what you want, you’ll go after it and the universe will help you to make it happen. This is the power of visualisation and turning your dreams into reality. It also introduced me to the vision board or the action board as I like to call it now.
“When you want to attract something into your life, make sure your actions don’t contradict your desires. Think about what you have asked for, and make sure that your actions are mirroring what you expect to receive, and that they’re not contradicting what you‘ve asked for. Act as if you are receiving it. Do exactly what you would do if you were receiving it today, and take actions in your life to reflect that powerful expectation. Make room to receive your desires, and as you do, you are sending out that powerful signal of expectation.”
– Rhonda Byrne
I believe in the power of being positive and looking at things in a positive way. I think this can fundamentally change your life and how you handle the situations that life hands you. It can impact on your attitude and attitude is everything. If you look at the world in a positive way you’re more likely to be successful. Being optimistic will make you happier and for me being happier, is being healthier. I hate being around negative people, and people who bring you down. I now avoid them, I don’t want to brought down or have my positive energy sucked out of me.
One of the great quotes in the book is about action:
"Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause, of fear. Perhaps the action you take will be successful; perhaps different action or adjustments will have to follow. But any action is better than no action at all."
I look at buying and reading books as an investment. An investment in me, and an investment in my personal education. I now buy all my books digitally and have them stored on my kindle. One of the things I love about this is I can take all of my books with me wherever I go. So if I need a quick fix or a little motivation I can get it.
For anyone who wants more from life, buy these books and get reading. You’ll be inspired!