In my last blog, I discussed how much has changed over the past four years. Along with all those changes came challenges—failures, tests, and moments of self-doubt that pushed me to my limits. But in the midst of it all, I found comfort and wisdom in books that reshaped my mindset and helped me navigate life’s ups and downs.
These three books, particularly, played a huge role in my growth. Each one offered lessons I still carry with me today, from building better habits to choosing my battles wisely and learning to live for myself.
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
I first picked up Atomic Habits after my manager recommended it to me during my Performance Improvement Plan (PiP). At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this book quickly became a game-changer.
James Clear breaks down how small, consistent habits can lead to massive transformations over time. It made me realize that success isn’t about making big, drastic changes overnight—it’s about the little things we do every day.
Whether it’s improving my productivity, focusing on self-discipline, or simply becoming 1% better each day, this book reinforced that habits shape our identity, and vice versa. Thanks, Min!!!
2. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
If there’s one book that truly changed the way I see problems, it’s this one. Mark Manson’s brutally honest, no-BS approach hit me hard, especially when he said:
"To not give a fck about anything is to give a fck about something."
It made me reflect on what truly deserves my energy. We can’t care about everything—our time, emotions, and mental space are limited. This book taught me to choose my battles wisely and focus on what truly matters. It’s easy to get caught up in every little inconvenience, but at the end of the day, not everything is worth stressing over.
Another key lesson? We all have problems—it’s inevitable. But the real question is, are you choosing the right problems to deal with? Because in life, avoiding problems isn’t the goal. Instead, we should focus on solving the problems that align with our values and growth.
3. The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
This book introduced me to the philosophy of Alfred Adler, and one idea stuck with me the most:
"All problems are interpersonal relationship problems."
At first, I wasn’t sure how to take that in. But the more I read, the more it made sense. Many of the struggles we face—whether it’s self-doubt, fear of failure, or even personal insecurities—are rooted in our relationships with others. We seek validation, fear judgment, and sometimes, let others define our worth.
This book helped me see that happiness and freedom come from detaching ourselves from the expectations of others. It’s about owning our choices, accepting that not everyone will like us, and realizing that it’s okay. Learning to live for yourself instead of constantly seeking approval is a powerful shift in mindset.
Final Thoughts
These books each played a role in shaping how I think about habits, priorities, and self-acceptance. Atomic Habits reminded me of the power of small actions. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck helped me prioritize my energy. The Courage to Be Disliked taught me that true freedom comes from letting go of external validation.
If you’re looking for books that challenge your mindset and push you toward personal growth, I highly recommend giving these a read. Who knows? They might just change your perspective, too.
Comentarios