At the end of last year, I finally read Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, and since then I’ve been looking for the next inspiring books that happen to also improve how you do business (either as a biz owner, freelancer, or just moving up in your career) AND make an impact on your personal life. It seems that now more than ever those two paths are crossing, which is so great. So I did a ton of research on the best reviewed books of 2016 in several categories that I think all have a common thread of improving both work and life! Let me know if you’ve read of these (mostly) 2016 releases yet!
1. So, Big Magic definitely lived up to the hype. This is coming from someone who reads a lot of books for creatives. I have a tendency to get inspired for about a week and then it blows over. But every once in awhile I read something like this that really sticks with me. Even the parts I didn’t 100% relate to or that I wouldn’t necessarily align with helped me think about my creative work in a different way.
2. Out last June, The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer is one of those reads that is more spiritual but can be interpreted in a lot of ways, from how you do business to how you look at opportunities in your personal life. I love when books change your perspective on both the small details and big picture.
3. I’m looking forward to reading Originals by Adam Grant. It profiles successful people across many fields with a common thread among them being how non-conformist they are. I’m finally starting to embrace my quirks as the “creative type” (whatever that means!) and learning how this type of thinking helps me come up with new ideas, so I’m all about this. Yay for validation!
4. Have you read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up? The follow up, Spark Joy by Marie Kondo already has INCREDIBLE reviews. I didn’t really think I’d be into books on how de-cluttering could change my world, but I really feel like I need to give it a try.
5. Until I researched, I had no idea Amy Cuddy had come out with a book. Her 2012 TED Talk is one of their most popular, and I loved everything about it. If you haven’t watched it, you’ll see how her research on body language and confidence could change how you do act socially. The book is called Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges.
6. The title has me hooked: Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind by Carolyn Gregoire + Scott Barry Kaufman. Kaufman’s another psychologist, which we’re all about. Understanding the mind is not only super interesting but vital to being successful in creative businesses! Honestly, out of all the ones I haven’t read yet, this is the one I’m adding to my cart *as we speak*.
7. While I was looking through those Tidying Up books, I came across Simple Matters: Living with Less and Ending Up with More by Erin Boyle, another 2016 book. Some of you may know that my blog has been going in the direction of conscious living. There’s a lot of consumption in blog world, and as inspiring as that sometimes is, I’ve found living a bit more simply to be not only a great creative challenge, but fulfilling. Can’t wait to dig in!
8. Okay, you know how we are with productivity. Chris Bailey’s The Productivity Project is way different than a lot of those other business-y books you’ll find. He conducted a ton of experiments himself and basically got to see firsthand all of those things we try for productivity: unplugging, detoxing, waking up early, etc.
9. Do you follow Fiona Humberstone of The Brand Stylist? I hadn’t realized that last year she published How to Style Your Brand, which not only seems inspiring but detailed and helpful for anyone in the branding process or starting up a business. I’d love to read all about her expertise.
As suspected, I’m really inspired just writing this! And impulsive side note, anyone interested in starting a creative book club? We’d be totally down to read and discuss these books on the blog or social :).
EDIT! We started up our book club for March! Join us here.
Ola Otto says
Love all your posts! This one has books I’ve heard of and some I’ve not. Would love to join in book discussions. Please keep me posted. And many thanks for all you are sharing!
Angela says
Will do! We’re totally gonna start one.
Here’s the first post!
https://www.theblogmarket.co/the-blog-markets-creative-book-club-our-first-book-is/
Ale says
Yes (hand raised), I would love it. Not too many people in my circles are interested in this genre, and it would be fun to have a place to share and discuss. I just put together my reading list for 2016, but your selections look fantastic, too! Big Magic was in my top 3 from last year – so so good.
http://www.theoutsideandin.com/my-2016-reading-list/
Angela says
Great!!! Bookmarking your reading list too.
Jenni Tulip says
Perfect- I’ve just been researching for some new books to get on creativity and business and your blog popped up. I think I’ll be getting Fiona Humberstone’s book as personal branding is a big interest of mine and I’ve recently set up my own business.
Jenni Tulip
SocialRocks