5 Life Changing Books

I thought I'd start by sharing the 5 books that had the biggest impact on me. Each of these books include ideas that changed my thinking or provided tangible strategies I could implement to make manageable changes in my life. Their content is gold.

I'll share why I think they're great in this post - but will also have more detailed book summaries for each of these books.

1. 10 Percent Happier - #DanHarris

• The gist: Dan Harris talks about his panic attack on national television, his adventures as a journalist, and how he came to incorporate meditation into his life - despite his initial immense aversion to the practice. His tagline is: meditation for fidgety skeptics.

• Why I love it: It's direct, no nonsense, and resonated with me at a time when I thought meditation was for fools. Harris delivers the content in a dry, witty, and honest manner. I love that he shares personal stories, the science behind the benefits of mediation, and how he came to incorporate meditation into his life. He also provides concrete action steps that were helpful. This book started me on the track of personal development!

2. Can't Hurt Me - #DavidGoggins

• The gist: Motivation gold. Goggins is a former Navy Seal, Army Ranger, Ultra marathon runner, and overall baddest dude there is. Goggins talks about his life, his journey to becoming a seal, ranger, and several other incredible things. He shares his mindset, drive, and work ethic that made it possible, and continue to allow him to achieve the immense goals he sets for himself.

• Why I love it: This might be the most motivating book ever written. Goggins has a way of relying his journey to reaching his goals in a way that makes you feel like anything is possible. Seriously, I started running after I listened to his book. He's super intense, hardcore, and a bad a**. I love him and this book. I recommend the audible version so you get the full Goggins effect. Disclaimer: if you're offended by cursing - you'll need to block that out - but the message and insights he delivers are tremendous.

3. Never Split the Difference - #ChrisVoss

• The gist: While this book is about becoming a better negotiator, I really view this book to be more about elevating your communication and relational skills. The author, Chris Voss, is a retried FBI negotiator who shares the strategies he used when negotiating during his time at the FBI -- as well as in business and life settings (upgrading your airline seat).

• Why I love it: The writing is excellent - it's so easy to digest and I loved all the real-life examples provided. I learned so many techniques to be a better communicator and how to manage my thought processes. My favorite concept in the book was the idea of "tactical empathy" which Voss defines as: "the ability to recognize the perspective of a counterpart, and the vocalization of that recognition..." The key point in this concept is that it doesn't mean you are agreeing with what the other person is saying -- simply that you can understand their perspective and repeat it back to them showing you understand where they are coming from. I read this book in a day - couldn't put it down.

4. Now is Your Chance: a 30 day guide to living your happiest life using positive psychology - #Niyc Pidgeon

• The gist: Provides an overview of positive psychology and daily practices at the end of each chapter that walk you through exactly how to incorporate the practices.

• Why I love it: Both my BA and MA degrees are in psychology - so I really devour books that share psychology theories that are practical and applicable to every day life. This book does just that. It's an engaging read that makes you feel uplifted and able to make small changes for great impact.

5. This is Day One - #DrewDudley

• The gist:

• Why I love it: