I’m a sucker for self-improvement. If I have some free time, more often than not, I choose to consume some sort of content about bettering myself. This genre is now called “personal development” or “lifestyle design” which both sound soooo much better than “self-help.” I don’t know who was in charge of the name change, but I’m very grateful.
If I’m reading/watching/listening to something it’s gonna either be about 1) personal development, 2) murder, true crime, serial killers, or 3) on occasion Shark Tank. (That’s seriously it. I know what I like, okay?!) I made a goal as 2017 ended that I wanted to read more, and it’s taken this long to finally make the habit stick (with a lot of false starts). Ultimately, I learned that I really don’t have time to read physical books. But I can absolutely listen to audiobooks while I’m already doing something else. I listen while I’m driving, or washing the dishes, or taking the bus to campus. It has really been great. I was able to stick to my goal, while also learning so much about myself at the same time. Win – Win!
I decided I wanted to share a few of my favorite books that really helped me this past year. As graduate students, we’re constantly focused on professional development and how to be prepared for that next step in our careers. What often ends up getting much less attention is personal development. But I firmly believe that the more we can show up daily as our whole selves and as our best selves, the more fulfillment we get out of our careers and the greater our professional impact.
Pro-tip: I listened to these books for FREE. I used the app Libby or Overdrive. These are amazing systems used throughout the US and are connected to your local public library. You get to check out each audiobook for 21 days, and you don’t even have to pay for an audiobook subscription service.
Okay. Finally now to my favorite 3 books. This list is not ranked in any order.
1. The Year of Less by Cait Flanders
Not gonna lie, I expected that I wouldn’t like this book. At first glance it’s a social experiment where someone tries not to buy any new items for a year except to replace things that break. I thought, “Oh here we go. Another super sheltered and privileged millennial living at home rent free, so they can do ‘edgy’ experiments.” I could not have been more wrong.
Cait is in her late 20s, and she opens up immediately about being a recovering alcoholic, that’s dealing with crippling student debt, and trying to manage mental health issues. Cait gets so real so fast and lets you as the reader know how everything with this experiment fits into the context of her life. Through discipline, diligence, and self-love she has created systems for herself to get her life in order. And this newest 12 month commitment was to help her evaluate the role of “stuff” and mindless consumerism in her life.
Each chapter opens with a running ledger of the number of months sober, amount of debt paid off/ income saved, and the number of items she has purchased. She quite literally brings receipts. As you read Cait’s journey you can’t help but evaluate your own lifestyle and choices. It’s not like I turned into a minimalist, but I did strive to ensure that everything I do with my life is actually intentional and chosen with purpose.
2. Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland
Okay this isn’t technically a personal development book. It’s a memoir. When I first made my new reading goals in 2017 I aimed to prioritize memoirs/autobiographies of women of color. Though it is a different genre, these books have the same functional effect on me. There’s a lot of knowledge to glean from these successful women and I try to implement it in my life.
This book was so profound for me in the areas of mindset, mental toughness, and identity. Misty Copeland was the first black ballerina to reach the rank of Principal Dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. Like many other people, the first I heard of her was when she made this landmark achievement and it made international news in 2015. But Misty is anything but an overnight success and has been grinding for over two decades. I learned how grueling, technical, precise, and demanding ballet is on your entire body. And on top of that Misty was carrying the burden of being a brown person breaking barriers in a world where many simply didn’t feel she belonged. If you’re someone who is an “other” in your area of study you’ll find much of Misty’s struggle relatable. And you’ll find her sheer grit, persistence, and determination in spite of so many obstacles down right inspiring.
On top of it all, I really related to Misty’s passion and dedication to pave the way for people who look like her. Throughout her career she has become a champion for outreach, diversity, and inclusion in ballet. During some of her toughest struggles she reminds herself why it all matters, and why she must keep going. The powerful refrain she repeats in these moments that is echoed throughout the book is “This is for the little brown girls.”
3. How to be a Bawse by Lilly Singh
Full disclosure; I’m not even finished reading this book yet. This is a physical book that I bought so I’m reading it at a snail’s pace. But wow is it good! And the visuals are incredible, so I’d definitely recommend grabbing the print book in this case.
Lilly is one of my favorite YouTubers and she is one of the hardest working people in her industry. This book is written in a series of essays, each on a particular topic that will help you be a boss BAWSE. I like that each chapter is concise, and packed with such a motivational punch. Each chapter ends with a specific call to action, so you can commit to making a lasting change right then and there. I keep the book out on my dining room table or on an end table in the living room. This way when I see it in the morning or come home and walk by it in the evening, I’m compelled to take a few minutes to read and reflect on a chapter.
What I like most about Lilly’s advice is that she focuses more on systems than goals. She is extremely organized (I am not) so I learned very specific ways to implement new processes that can make me more successful and productive. Lilly is all about being focused and consistent in the little things which add up to big results in the long run. And because she is a ridiculously entertaining person, each chapter is packed with quips and jokes that keep me laughing throughout. I’m thoroughly enjoying this book and I plan to continue slowly savoring it one bite at a time.
These are my faves from this past year. If you have any good recommendations feel free to leave a comment below. I’m always looking for something inspiring.