Reading positive, thought-provoking quotes from inspirational books can provide motivation on a daily basis.
The Right Inspirational Books for Your Needs
You Can Overcome Your Fears
I just finished my morning practice, and I am freshly inspired to face the day. Taking time every morning to read something positive, moving, and thought-provoking helps me stay present, grateful, and courageous. Whether they’re self-help inspirational books, inspirational fiction books, or psychologically inspirational books, you can find quotes you can use to become the best version of yourself.
Here is a beautiful quote from “The Places that Scare You” by Pema Chondron:
“We can let the circumstances of our lives harden us so that we become increasingly resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us and make us kinder and more open to what scares us.”
For most of us, every step we take on our journey in life is in some way stretching us, creating fear, causing doubt, and fundamentally moving us out of our comfort zone and stagnant habits.
The Surface and the Deep
In those moments when doubt or fear creeps in, I am inspired by a poem from one of my favorite authors, Mark Nepo:
“When our days are turbulent and troubled, our challenge is to remember that the wave is not the sea. Though it pounds us, the pounding will pass. Though it tosses us about, the tossing will pass, if we don’t fight it.
“Often our fear misleads us to stay in close to shore, when the safest place is in the deep if we can get there. Any swimmer knows: stay too close to shore and you will be battered by the surf and undertow.
“We must swim out past the breakers if we are to know the hammock of the deep. Stay on land or make it to the deep. It is the in-between that kills.”
Think about your business or career. What fears have historically kept you on land, or worse, kept you in the ‘in-between’ where you are too fearful to take action?
How often do you confuse the wave with the sea? How often do you allow one setback to paralyze you? Once you’ve discovered the fears stopping you from reaching your dreams, you can find the courage to achieve your dreams and start living your life on the edge.
Why Not Leave the Shore and Swim Out Past the Breakers?
I believe the one resolution you can make to create a dramatic shift in your life is the commitment to daily personal development.
You owe it to yourself to spend 15-30 minutes every day putting positive thoughts into your head to remind yourself how amazing you are and how your possibilities are endless! Reading inspirational books can really help you with that.
There’s no better time to start than right now – you’ll be surprised at how important taking this time for yourself can be, especially during the busy holiday season. Instead of letting the holiday master you – take charge of the holidays in your own terms!
So often we neglect ourselves because we believe we are too busy, too overwhelmed – or that we don’t deserve to take time for ourselves. But I’m here to tell you – you can’t continue to serve others joyfully if you don’t refill your own tank. It’s time to believe you deserve to take care of yourself, too.
By reading inspirational books, you can take some time to fill yourself with positive ideas as well as relax your mind.
Here’s another favorite quote of mine, from Debbie Ford:
“Within ourselves, there are voices that provide us with all the answers we need to heal our deepest wounds, to transcend our limitations, to overcome our obstacles or challenges, and to see where our soul is longing to go.”
The voices she refers to are the voices we all strive to hear but are too often drowned out by our inner voices of self-doubt, limiting beliefs, and fears. These other voices tell us what we want is impossible and they prevent us from recognizing and appreciating what IS possible. Personal development is the way to do just that. I am wonderfully inspired by my personal development reading every day, and I know you’ll be inspired too!
“Leslie, What Inspirational Books Do You Recommend?”
Over the years I’ve received hundreds of requests for book recommendations. In response, I created a list of inspiring books that have been important companions on my personal journey. These influential authors continue to impact my mindset and my life.
As I share this list with you, I hope to bring you the same inspiration, motivation, and strength as you move in the direction of your dreams.
Remember, you can learn HOW to build your business and gain clarity on WHY to create success. But, if your mind is full of fear and limiting beliefs, or if your head is not in the game, then what’s the point?
Here’s another way to expand your personal development practice in a big way! When considering recognition or incentive gifts for the people on your team, it just makes sense to always include the gift of personal development. You can offer a book, a CD or even a ticket to a seminar. Embracing personal development and sharing it with your team is an amazing gift, the gift that keeps on giving.
What inspirational books do you keep close to your heart for motivation? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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