One Book Away From a New Mindset
This Year in my Reset Game Plan (Syd's Systems), I mentioned that my word is GRIT. As I mentioned in my 2022 Reflection, I want to build that muscle of discipline, and one of the ways I plan to do this is through a hobby I already love. While I much prefer mystery and romance, there is MUCH to be learned from books focused on self growth and personal development.
Reading personal development books can help you improve your life and grow as an individual. They can teach you valuable lessons and provide you with the tools and strategies to help you become a better version of yourself. Personal development books can help you become more mindful and aware of yourself, develop better relationships, gain self-confidence, and build on positive habits. They can also help you identify and reach your goals in life.
Just think, You’re one book away from a new lifestyle.
Here is My TBR For 2023
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
OKAY I CONFESS! My book reading for the year has been at a snails pace, BUT I did finish this gem.
My takeaways and reflections on The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey are that the habits are essential for personal and professional success.
The Habits are:
1. Be Proactive
2. Begin with the End in Mind
3. Put First Things First
4. Think Win/Win
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
6. Synergize
7. Sharpen the Saw
These habits are based on a combination of timeless principles and modern strategies, and they have been helping people achieve their goals and create positive change for over 30 years. Being proactive means taking responsibility for our lives and choices. It requires that we make conscious decisions and take action. Beginning with the end in mind means setting goals and having a clear vision of what we want to achieve. Putting first things first means prioritizing tasks, taking care of our physical and mental health, and making sure our most important goals are met.
Thinking win/win is about having an open mind and trying to reach a beneficial resolution for everyone. Seeking first to understand, then to be understood is about being a good listener and looking for common ground. Synergizing is about working collaboratively to achieve more than we could on our own. Lastly, sharpening the saw is about taking the time to invest in yourself and improving your skills and abilities.
By incorporating these habits into my life, I believe I can become a more effective person and achieve my goals.
When I read for personal development, I always ALWAYS have two things in hand; a pack of multi-colored sticky notes, and a highlighter. Call me a dinosaur, but I prefer hard copies of personal development books, and I read for joy through Kindle. Anyway! This book was incredibly insightful. There was a sticky note on nearly every page!
The Four Agreements are a set of guidelines written by Don Miguel Ruiz that provide a code of conduct to help people lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
The four agreements are:
1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don’t take anything personally.
3. Don’t make assumptions.
4. Always do your best.
My key takeaways from the Four Agreements are that communication is key and that it’s important to practice self-awareness and self-reflection. Being impeccable with your word means that you should always strive to speak with integrity and honesty. Don’t take things personally reminds us to not let other people’s words or actions affect us too deeply, and to maintain objectivity when dealing with difficult people and situations. Don’t make assumptions encourages us to ask questions and seek clarity in order to ensure that we have a full understanding of the situation. Finally, always do your best encourages us to strive for excellence in all that we do. Reflecting on these four agreements and how they can be applied to our everyday lives can help us to create healthier relationships with both ourselves and others.
Next on my list:
The Unapologetic Guide to to Black Mental Health
Grit The Power of Passion and Perseverance
The Mamba Mentality: How I Play
Happy reading and remember:
growth only happens through discipline
It doesn’t matter how “motivated” you are if you don’t show up for YOURSELF. Take a break and read for joy every now and then!
With love,
