5 Books that Will Change your Life Perspective

Over the past few years, I have read dozens of books on the subject of self development, psychology, performance, and mindset.

Unfortunately, most of them were a waste of time. They could have easily been blog posts, or even newsletter emails.

Instead, I encourage you to give these five a read.

They’re well worth the time and had a profound impact on how I see the world now

1: Chimp Paradox

– Professor Steve Peters

I first read this book in 2012. During my time as a professional cricketer.

It fundamentally changed the way I looked at my mind, my emotions, managing stress, and even my self talk.

This is probably one of the best books for being able to teach psychological terminology and interactions that make sense to a 5-year-old.

By learning to manage your emotional brain, life opens up and this book gives you the understanding of how you can do that.

2: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant

– Eric Jorgenson

Naval had me hooked after listening to his Tim Ferriss and Joe Rogan podcast episodes.

Having not written a book himself, the famous investor’s thoughts, tweets, and quotes are distilled into a really digestible format through this book.

The simplicity of some of the thinking always makes it a book that I will open up to find a nugget of wisdom.

A book that reminds you that:

“People don’t need teaching; they just need reminding.”

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3: The Courage to be Disliked

– Fumitake Koga & Ichiro Kishimi

What is seen as a controversial view on psychology, based on Alfred Adler’s theories. This book helps you see that the stories you are telling yourself, about yourself are within your control.

Others believe that you, your thoughts, and your outlook on life are the result of your life events. This challenges the idea that you have control over how you see situations and the world.

A book that will make you do a lot of rethinking.

4: Mans Search for Meaning

– Victor Frankl

One of the most read books on the planet.

Quite simply, it’s one of the most moving and thought-provoking books you could read.

Again, how you view the circumstances that you are faced with in life, is a choice.

It is quite simply a book that all people should read, in my opinion, to build perspective on the events of their lives.

5: Legacy

– James Kerr

I was lucky enough to get James Kerr on the podcast. And while we didn’t talk much about the book, I had read Legacy years earlier, hence my interest in getting him on the show.

A book about how the famous All Blacks rugby team stays true to their values and behaviours that penetrate beyond the field of play and into the culture of the people.

A fantastic book about how discovering your own values and team culture can lead to success with meaning and purpose.

So leading into the new year, if you haven’t already, stick these on your to-read list.