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I’ve mentioned this before but I’ll mention it again. I’m a learning nerd. I love to learn and I live to help others to learn new things, exploring old things and thinking differently.

I read about 1 book every week and this year I have read some amazing and life changing books. I thought I’d share with you some favourites that I’ve read this year.

Maybe you can add them to your reading list for 2016.

I’d love for you to comment below and give me some recommendations for 2016. Thanks!

In no particular order:

Start With Why: Simon Sinek

Simon is my professional soul mate. I saw his TED talk many years ago and loved him instantly but it took me awhile to read his book. His mission aligns perfectly with mine “to ensure all people work somewhere that supports them and that they love”. This book explores the ‘golden circle’ which is that WHY is at the heart of everything you do.

“People buy why you do it, not what you do.”

Excellent book if you are trying to understand the “follow your purpose” movement.

The Monk Who Sold His Farrari: Robin Sharma

Robin’s first book. I read ‘The Leader Without a Title’ before Xmas last year and it saved me from returning to the rat race. So I knew I had to read The Monk.

This is more about personal strength and mastery. Robin is an advocate for having a 5am start and he believes strongly on the power of personal wellbeing. All of his philosophies are based on the premise that you can’t give to others if you are depleted. Therefore you must be a whole person. Written in the form of a fable this is an easy read that introduces you to the need for personal wellbeing to achieve success.

Unprofessional: Jack Delosa

Not only is Jack a hunk (sorry guys but he is…), a ‘BRW riches men under 30’, and an entrepreneurial movement leader…he’s also a great writer.

This is a great how to guide if you are starting a business or have been in business for a few years and you want to enter the ‘new’ business world.

My favourite quote from Jack is his description of the difference between leadership and management.

“Leadership is capturing their hearts, while management reserves a section of their brains.”

Love it!  So apt and shows the importance of both.

He talks a lot about the essential elements of running a great mission based business that starts a movement.

Definitely a great one for every wanna be entrepreneur because Jack’s no bullshit approach is very refreshing and helpful.

The Art of Imperfection: Brene’ Brown

This would be the book that had the biggest impact on me this year. Meaning that I think I cried every chapter. I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching this year. Making big decisions about life and questioning my greater purpose. This book helped me do that in a raw and vulnerable way. After reading this book I also downloaded “Vulnerability” which was a four hour lecture given by Brene’.

God that women can get to your core, poke at it, stir it around until it’s mush, and then help you put it back together better than before. I went through the activities as the audience did. At many points I was thrown into the ugly cry – you know…snot bubbles and all. But golly it was profound and deeply changing.

If you’re up for some big change in 2016 then this is the book for you. If not, wait until you are because this may be lost to you.

Revolution: Russell Brand

This one you have to download on Audible.com.

Russell reads his book to you. The book is so lyrical and poetical that it wouldn’t be as impactful if read by someone else.

His thoughts and opinions are not for everyone. He makes some very wild and woolly suggestions for change. And he’s completely unapologetic for upsetting mainstream thinkers…love him!!

This would be my pick for you in 2016 if you want to be future focused. It helps you to challenge your own thinking and introduces you to information that you may not have heard before.

This is a mind squisher. And it has a lot of Russell’s trademark humour and colourful language.  So you’ve been warned.

Steve Jobs: Walter Isaacson

Whether you like Apple or not, you have to agree that Steve Jobs accomplished great things. This biography was written with Jobs permission but without his influence or vetting to give a warts and all account of an amazing journey.

The rumours of his greatness and his jerkiness are explored in depth throughout this book. It’s a historical journey through his life and his leadership journey. It also represents a huge chunk of the history of the digital age.

A beautifully written, well researched, exploration of a very complicated, troubled (but not in a traditional sense), great and influential man.

He wanted to make a dent in the Universe, and he made a bloody big dent.

If you are interested in start ups, growing a business, leadership, making a dent in the Universe or even just tenacity. This book is required reading. It’s a bloody long read, but keeps you coming back for more.

The Fear Cure: Lissa Rankin

I started this book expecting to pick up a few hints for taking my coaching clients through to the other side of their fears. I got this and so much more.

This was a recent read. Only about 8 weeks ago and what I discovered is one of my favourite books of the year. It was such a surprise package for me.

The Fear Cure explores not only the why of fear, but the why behind the why of fear. It explores both the physiological aspects of fear and the psychological aspects.

It provides a compelling argument on why stress, and what she calls “false fear”, is so destructive for us and our wellbeing.

The Fear Cure explores the concept of embracing fear, rather than rejecting it.

Loved this book by Lissa.

Bonus:

The Field: Lynne McTaggart

I had to add this book to the list. Not because it was my favourite or an awesome read. In fact, it’s a little hard to get through at points because it contains so much scientific “speak”. But I had to add it because I was compelled to read it.

This book describes the ‘science’ behind the art of attraction. Now I used quote marks because I’m still exploring this. I’m a very practical person so I like evidence. This book has lots of evidence but there’s still more research to be done.

I’ve been faced with the art of attraction through many many avenues this year. Most of the books I’ve read talk of it in some way, I’ve watched movies, and I’ve spoken with countless people who believe in it.

Many of the most successful people I am influenced by are students of the law of attraction. So I’ve been compelled to learn about it.

If you are curious about the law of attraction. You’ve watched the secret or you’re just a science buff. Then check out this book.

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Enjoy reading and learning everything you can. It’s the only way to create a new future.

“Do the same thing you’ve always done. Get the same thing you’ve always got.”

PS: people always ask me how I find time to ‘read’ so many books – Audio books people…. yep, I walk the dog every morning, and spend at least 30-45 mins in the car every day.  That’s a 4-6 hour book right there.  Use your time wisely.

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Michelle is a future focused leader who helps individuals and business move from current state to future state.

You can join Michelle’ tribe of future focused leaders by joining her mailing list and staying current with new informations, events and blogs.

www.michelletholland.com/emailsub

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