1.
self-development,
2. communication,
3. relationships,
4. money/finance,
5. spirituality,
6. leadership, and productivity.
SELF DEVELOPMENT BOOKS.
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey
1. Be Proactive
Concept : Take responsibility for your actions.
Example : Plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress.
2. Begin with the End in Mind
Concept : Define clear goals.
Example : Visualize your career path and set milestones.
3. Put First Things First
Concept : Prioritize important tasks.
Example : Focus on long-term projects over daily distractions.
4. Think Win-Win
Concept : Seek mutually beneficial solutions.
Example : Negotiate deals where both parties gain.
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Concept : Listen empathetically before speaking.
Example : Hear your colleague’s ideas fully before sharing yours.
6. Synergize
Concept : Collaborate for better results.
Example : Work with a diverse team to innovate.
7. Sharpen the Saw
Concept : Continuously improve yourself.
Example : Regularly exercise, read, and meditate.
“The Power of Your Subconscious Mind” by Joseph Murphy
1. The Subconscious Mind
Concept : Your subconscious mind is a powerful force that influences your thoughts, actions, and outcomes.
Example : If you constantly think about success and visualize achieving your goals, your subconscious mind
will help manifest those outcomes.
2. Law of Attraction
Concept : Positive thoughts attract positive outcomes, while negative thoughts attract negative outcomes.
Example : By focusing on positive affirmations like “I am confident and successful,” you attract confidence and
success into your life.
3. Visualization and Affirmations
Concept : Using mental imagery and positive statements to influence your subconscious mind.
Example : Visualize yourself giving a successful presentation and repeat affirmations like “I am a great
speaker” to boost your confidence.
4. Mental Blocks
Concept : Negative beliefs and thoughts can create mental barriers that hinder your success.
Example : If you believe you are not good at math, this belief can prevent you from performing well in math-
related tasks.
5. Healing Power
Concept : Your subconscious mind can aid in physical and emotional healing.
Example : Repeating affirmations like “Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better” can promote
healing and well-being.
6. Habitual Thinking
Concept : Your habitual thoughts shape your reality.
Example : If you habitually think “I can’t afford this,” your subconscious mind will manifest financial limitations.
Instead, think “I am attracting abundance.”
7. Overcoming Fear
Concept : Reprogramming your subconscious to eliminate fear and build confidence.
Example : Replace fearful thoughts with empowering ones, such as “I am capable and strong.”
8. Positive Thinking
Concept : Maintaining a positive mindset to influence your subconscious positively.
Example : Start your day with positive thoughts and gratitude to set a positive tone for the day.
“Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” - Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
1. Ikigai
Concept : Find the intersection of what you love, what the world needs, what you can be paid for, and what
you’re good at.
Example : A teacher who loves educating, is skilled at it, fulfills a societal need, and earns a living from it has
found their ikigai.
2. Stay Active; Don’t Retire
Concept : Keep engaging in activities that bring value and joy, even after retirement.
Example : An artist continues to paint and exhibit their work, finding purpose and fulfillment in their creativity.
3. Take It Slow
Concept : Embrace a slower pace of life to enhance quality and mindfulness.
Example : Instead of rushing through meals, take time to enjoy each bite and savor the flavors.
4. Don’t Fill Your Stomach
Concept : Eat moderately to maintain health and longevity.
Example : Follow the 80% rule by stopping eating when you feel 80% full.
5. Surround Yourself with Good Friends
Concept : Build and maintain strong, supportive relationships.
Example : Regularly meet with friends for coffee, sharing stories and laughter.
6. Get in Shape for Your Next Birthday
Concept : Maintain physical health through regular exercise.
Example : Commit to a daily walk or join a fitness class to stay active.
7. Smile
Concept : Cultivate a positive attitude and smile often.
Example : Start your day with a smile and greet others warmly to spread positivity.
8. Reconnect with Nature
Concept : Spend time in nature to rejuvenate and find peace.
Example : Take a walk in the park or go hiking to enjoy the natural surroundings.
9. Give Thanks
Concept : Practice gratitude regularly.
Example : Keep a gratitude journal and write down things you are thankful for each day.
10. Live in the Moment
Concept : Focus on the present and enjoy each moment.
Example : Practice mindfulness by paying full attention to your current activity, whether it’s eating, working, or
spending time with loved ones.
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear
1. The Power of Tiny Gains
Concept : Small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements over time.
Example : Improving by just 1% each day can make you 37 times better in a year.
2. The Habit Loop
Concept : Habits are formed through a loop of cue, craving, response, and reward.
Example : To build a habit of reading, place a book on your pillow (cue), feel the desire to read before bed
(craving), read a few pages (response), and enjoy the satisfaction of learning something new (reward).
3. Identity-Based Habits
Concept : Focus on becoming the type of person you want to be, rather than just achieving specific goals.
Example : Instead of aiming to run a marathon, focus on becoming a runner by running regularly.
4. The Four Laws of Behavior Change
Concept : To create good habits, make them obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying.
Make It Obvious : Place your workout clothes where you can see them.
Make It Attractive : Pair your workout with listening to your favorite podcast.
Make It Easy : Start with a simple exercise routine that takes just a few minutes.
Make It Satisfying : Track your progress and reward yourself for consistency.
5. Habit Stacking
Concept : Link a new habit to an existing one to make it easier to adopt.
Example : After brushing your teeth (existing habit), do five minutes of meditation (new habit).
6. The Two-Minute Rule
Concept : Start new habits by doing them for just two minutes to make them more manageable.
Example : If you want to start reading more, begin by reading one page each day.
7. Environment Design
Concept : Shape your environment to support your habits.
Example : If you want to eat healthier, keep fruits and vegetables visible and accessible in your kitchen.
8. Tracking and Accountability
Concept : Use tracking and accountability to maintain your habits.
Example : Use a habit tracker to mark off each day you complete your new habit, and share your progress with
a friend for accountability.
“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle
1. Living in the Present Moment
Concept : The present moment is all you ever have. Focus on the now to find peace and fulfillment.
Example : Instead of worrying about a future meeting, concentrate on the task you are doing right now.
2. The Illusion of Time
Concept : Time is an illusion created by the mind. True life exists only in the present.
Example : When you catch yourself thinking about past mistakes or future worries, gently bring your attention
back to what you are doing at the moment.
3. The Mind as a Tool
Concept : The mind is a useful tool, but it can also create unnecessary suffering if it dominates your life.
Example : Practice mindfulness by observing your thoughts without getting caught up in them.
4. Acceptance of the Present
Concept : Accept the present moment as it is, without resistance.
Example : If you are stuck in traffic, instead of getting frustrated, accept the situation and use the time to listen
to an audiobook or practice deep breathing.
5. The Pain-Body
Concept : The pain-body is an accumulation of past emotional pain that can be triggered by certain situations.
Example : When you feel a strong emotional reaction, recognize it as the pain-body and observe it without
identifying with it.
6. Inner Body Awareness
Concept : Being aware of your inner body helps you stay present and connected to your true self.
Example : Take a few moments each day to focus on the sensations in your body, such as your breath or the
feeling of your feet on the ground.
7. Surrender
Concept : Surrendering to the present moment means letting go of resistance and accepting what is.
Example : If you face a challenging situation, instead of fighting it, accept it and look for ways to move forward
from a place of peace.
“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincer
1. Identify Self-Limiting Beliefs
Concept : Recognize and challenge the beliefs that hold you back.
Example : If you believe you’re not good enough to start your own business, identify this thought and replace it
with “I have the skills and determination to succeed.”
2. Embrace Your Inner Badass
Concept : Tap into your inner confidence and potential.
Example : Take on a new challenge, like learning a new skill, and remind yourself of past successes to boost
your confidence.
3. The Power of Positive Thinking
Concept : Use positive affirmations and thoughts to shape your reality.
Example : Start each day with affirmations like “I am capable and deserving of success.”
4. Take Action
Concept : Move beyond planning and take concrete steps towards your goals.
Example : If you want to write a book, set a daily word count goal and stick to it.
5. Gratitude and Forgiveness
Concept : Practice gratitude and forgive yourself and others to release negative energy.
Example : Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re thankful for each day.
6. Surround Yourself with Positivity
Concept : Build a supportive environment with positive influences.
Example : Spend time with friends who encourage and inspire you, and limit interactions with negative people.
7. Connect with the Source Energy
Concept : Align yourself with the universal energy to attract what you desire.
Example : Meditate regularly to connect with your inner self and the universe, focusing on your goals and
desires.
" Mindset:The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S.Dwek
1. Fixed Mindset
Concept : Belief that abilities and intelligence are static and unchangeable.
Example : A student who thinks they are “bad at math” and avoids challenging math problems because they
believe they can’t improve.
2. Growth Mindset
Concept : Belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence.
Example : A student who struggles with math but believes they can improve with practice and seeks help to
understand difficult concepts.
3. The Power of Yet
Concept : Emphasizing that learning and improvement are ongoing processes.
Example : Instead of saying “I can’t do this,” say “I can’t do this yet,” which implies that with time and effort, you
will be able to.
4. The Role of Effort
Concept : Understanding that effort is essential for growth and mastery.
Example : An athlete who practices regularly and sees improvement over time, recognizing that their hard work
is paying off.
5. Embracing Challenges
Concept : Viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Example : Taking on a difficult project at work to develop new skills, rather than avoiding it out of fear of
failure.
6. Learning from Criticism
Concept : Using constructive feedback to improve and grow.
Example : A writer who receives feedback on their draft and uses it to make revisions and improve their work.
7. Persistence in the Face of Setbacks
Concept : Maintaining effort and resilience even when faced with obstacles.
Example : An entrepreneur who faces initial failures but continues to refine their business model and
eventually succeeds.
“The 5 AM Club” by Robin Sharma
1. The 20/20/20 Formula
Concept: This formula suggests dividing the first hour of your day (5:00 AM to 6:00 AM) into three 20-minute
segments: Move, Reflect, and Grow.
Example:
Move: Spend the first 20 minutes exercising to boost your energy and mood.
Reflect: Use the next 20 minutes for meditation, journaling, or planning your day.
Grow: Dedicate the final 20 minutes to learning something new, like reading a book or listening to a podcast.
2. The Four Interior Empires
Concept: Balance and develop four key areas of your life: Mindset, Heartset, Healthset, and Soulset.
Example:
Mindset: Cultivate a positive and growth-oriented mindset by practicing gratitude.
Heartset: Nurture your emotional well-being by spending quality time with loved ones.
Healthset: Maintain physical health through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Soulset: Connect with your inner self through activities like meditation or spending time in nature.
3. The Habit Installation Protocol
Concept: It takes 66 days to install a new habit, divided into three stages: Destruction, Installation, and
Integration.
Example:
Destruction (Days 1-22): Breaking old habits and facing discomfort. For instance, waking up at 5 AM might
feel challenging initially.
Installation (Days 23-44): Building the new habit. You start getting used to the new routine.
Integration (Days 45-66): The new habit becomes a part of your identity and daily life.
4. The Twin Cycles of Elite Performance
Concept: Alternate between periods of intense work and deep rest to maintain high performance.
Example:
High-Intensity Work: Focus deeply on a project for 90 minutes without distractions.
Deep Rest: Take a 10-15 minute break to relax, stretch, or take a short walk.
5. The 5 AM Club Mantra
Concept: “Own your morning. Elevate your life.” Starting your day early gives you a head start and sets a
positive tone for the rest of the day.
Example:
By waking up at 5 AM, you have quiet time to focus on personal growth activities before the day’s demands
begin.
“Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins
1. Accountability Mirror
Concept: Be brutally honest with yourself about your goals and progress. Use a mirror to reflect on your daily
actions and hold yourself accountable.
Example: Write down your goals on sticky notes and place them on your mirror. Each day, look at them and
assess your progress honestly.
2. Callousing the Mind
Concept: Build mental toughness by pushing through discomfort and adversity. Treat challenges as
opportunities to strengthen your resolve.
Example : If you dislike running, start with short distances and gradually increase. Each run, no matter how
tough, helps build your mental resilience.
3. The 40% Rule
Concept : When your mind tells you you’re done, you’re only at 40% of your potential. Push past this mental
barrier to achieve more.
Example : During a workout, when you feel like quitting, remind yourself of the 40% rule and push for a few
more reps or minutes.
4. Taking Souls
Concept : Use competition and adversity to fuel your drive. Outperform others and prove your inner strength.
Example : In a race, when you feel exhausted, focus on overtaking the person ahead of you. Use their presence
as motivation to push harder.
5. Discipline Over Motivation
Concept : Rely on discipline rather than fleeting motivation to achieve your goals. Consistent effort is key to
success.
Example : Set a strict schedule for your workouts or study sessions and stick to it, even when you don’t feel
like it.
MASTER IN COMMUNICATION
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Part 1: Fundamental Techniques in Handling People
1. Don’t Criticize, Condemn, or Complain
Example: Instead of saying, “You always make mistakes,” try, “Let’s review this together and see how we can
improve.”
2. Give Honest and Sincere Appreciation
Example: “I really appreciate your hard work on this project. Your dedication is inspiring.”
3. Arouse in the Other Person an Eager Want
Example: “I know you want to advance in your career. Taking on this project could be a great opportunity.”
Part 2: Six Ways to Make People Like You
1. Become Genuinely Interested in Other People
Example: Ask about their hobbies or interests, like, “How was your weekend? Did you get a chance to work on
your garden?”
2. Smile
Example: Greet your colleagues with a smile each morning to create a positive atmosphere.
3. Remember That a Person’s Name is to That Person the Sweetest Sound in Any Language
Example: “Thank you for your help, Priya. I really appreciate it.”
4. Be a Good Listener. Encourage Others to Talk About Themselves
Example: When someone is sharing their story, listen attentively and ask follow-up questions like, “What
happened next?”
5. Talk in Terms of the Other Person’ Interests
Example: If a colleague loves hiking, you might say, “I heard you went hiking last weekend. How was the trail?”
6. Make the Other Person Feel Important – and Do It Sincerely
Example: “Your insights during the meeting were really valuable. They helped us see the project from a new
perspective.”
Part 3: How to Win People to Your Way of Thinking
1. The Only Way to Get the Best of an Argument is to Avoid It
Example: Instead of arguing, say, “I understand your point of view. Let’s find a solution that works for both of
us.”
2. Show Respect for the Other Person’s Opinions. Never Say “You’re Wrong.”
Example: “I see your point. Here’s another perspective to consider.”
3. If You Are Wrong, Admit It Quickly and Emphatically
Example: “I made a mistake in the report. I’ll correct it right away.”
4. Begin in a Friendly Way
Example: Start a difficult conversation with a compliment, like, “I appreciate your hard work on this project.”
5. Get the Other Person Saying “Yes, Yes” Immediately
Example: “Would you agree that this project is important? And that we need to meet the deadline?”
6. Let the Other Person Do a Great Deal of the Talking
Example: Ask open-ended questions and listen, like, “What do you think about this approach?”
7. Let the Other Person Feel That the Idea is Theirs
Example: “Your suggestion about the new process was really helpful. How do you think we can implement it?”
8. Try Honestly to See Things from the Other Person’s Point of View
Example: “I understand that you’re concerned about the timeline. Let’s see how we can address that.”
9. Be Sympathetic with the Other Person’s Ideas and Desires
Example: “I can see why this is important to you. Let’s work together to find a solution.”
10. Appeal to the Nobler Motives
Example: “I know you care deeply about quality. Let’s ensure this project meets our high standards.”
11. Dramatize Your Ideas
Example: Use a visual aid or story to illustrate your point, like, “Imagine if we could reduce our costs by 20%
with this new method.”
12. Throw Down a Challenge
Example: “I bet you can complete this task faster than anyone else on the team. Are you up for the challenge?”
Part 4: Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment
1. Begin with Praise and Honest Appreciation
Example: “You’ve done a great job on this project. Let’s discuss a few areas for improvement.”
2. Call Attention to People’s Mistake Indirectly
Example: “I noticed a couple of things we can tweak to make this even better.”
3. Talk About Your Own Mistakes Before Criticizing the Other Person
Example: “I’ve made similar errors in the past. Here’s how we can fix this.”
4. Ask Questions Instead of Giving Direct Orders
Example: “Could you help me with this task? How do you think we should approach it?”
5. Let the Other Person Save Face
Example: “I know this was a tough situation. Let’s focus on how we can move forward.”
6. Praise the Slightest Improvement and Praise Every Improvement. Be “Hearty in Your Approbation and Lavish
in Your Praise.”
Example: “Great job on improving the report. Your attention to detail really shows.”
7. Give the Other Person a Fine Reputation to Live Up To
Example: “You’re known for your excellent work. I have no doubt you’ll excel in this task.”
8. Use Encouragement. Make the Fault Seem Easy to Correct
Example: “This is a minor issue. I’m confident you can fix it quickly.”
9. Make the Other Person Happy About Doing the Thing You Suggest
Example: “If we can complete this task by Friday, we’ll be ahead of schedule and can enjoy a more relaxed
weekend.”
"Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High" by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron
McMillan, and Al Switzler
1. What Are Crucial Conversations?
Key Concept: A crucial conversation is any discussion where the stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions
run strong. These situations often require thoughtful dialogue to reach a positive outcome.
Example: Imagine two co-workers discussing a promotion. Both feel they deserve it, but only one will get it.
The conversation can become tense if not handled carefully.
2. Start with Heart
Key Concept: Focus on what you really want before entering a conversation. Check your motives to ensure
you're not driven by winning or being right but by solving the problem collaboratively.
Example: If you’re upset because your partner is frequently late, ask yourself, “Do I want to punish them or do I
want a healthier, more respectful relationship?”
3. Learn to Look
Key Concept: Be aware of when a conversation becomes crucial. Pay attention to signs of stress,
defensiveness, or silence. Recognize when safety is at risk.
Example: In a team meeting, if someone suddenly stops contributing after being interrupted, it may indicate
they feel unsafe or unheard.
4. Make It Safe
Key Concept: If you notice someone becoming defensive or shutting down, create a safe environment. Use
skills like apologizing or clarifying your intentions to reduce tension.
Example: If a colleague misinterprets your feedback as criticism, you can say, “I’m sorry if that came across
harshly. My goal is to support you.”
5. Master Your Stories
Key Concept: We often create “stories” in our minds to explain why someone acted a certain way. These
stories can be misleading and escalate tension. Instead, separate facts from your assumptions.
Example: If your manager doesn’t respond to your emails, you might assume they’re ignoring you. But in
reality, they might be overwhelmed with other work.
6. STATE Your Path
Key Concept: To express yourself clearly without offending others, use the STATE model:
Share your facts (stick to observable data).
Tell your story (explain your interpretation).
Ask for others' paths (invite others’ perspectives).
Talk tentatively (express your views as opinions, not absolute truths).
Encourage testing (invite dialogue to test your perspective).
Example: Instead of saying, “You never listen to me,” try: “I noticed you were looking at your phone while I was
talking. It made me feel like you weren’t interested. Is that how you felt?”
7. Explore Others’ Paths
Key Concept: Be curious about others’ views and encourage them to share. Use active listening and ask open-
ended questions to understand their perspective.
Example: If a colleague seems upset about a project change, ask, “I noticed you were quiet in the meeting.
What’s on your mind?”
8. Move to Action
Key Concept: Once you’ve reached a mutual understanding, decide on a clear plan of action. Ensure everyone
knows their responsibilities and agrees on next steps.
Example: After discussing a project conflict, you both agree that each team member will take on specific
tasks. Confirm deadlines and who will follow up.
Putting It All Together:
Imagine you have a crucial conversation with a friend who habitually cancels plans last minute. Here’s how you
might apply the concepts:
1. Start with Heart: You remind yourself that you value the friendship and your goal is to find a solution, not to
attack them.
2. Learn to Look: You notice your friend seems defensive when you bring it up.
3. Make It Safe: You start by saying, “I value our time together and I hope we can talk about something that’s
been on my mind.”
4. Master Your Stories: Instead of assuming they don’t care, you focus on the facts: “I’ve noticed that a few
times you’ve canceled plans last minute.”
5. STATE Your Path: You continue, “It made me wonder if something else is going on. I’d love to understand
better.”
6. Explore Others’ Paths: You listen as your friend explains that their work schedule has become unpredictable.
7. Move to Action: Together, you decide to plan flexible meet-ups that don’t put pressure on either of you
The Four Agreements” Don Miguel Ruiz
1. Be Impeccable with Your Word
Concept : Speak with integrity and say only what you mean. Use your words positively and avoid speaking
against yourself or others.
Example : Instead of criticizing a colleague, offer constructive feedback that helps them improve.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
Concept : Understand that others’ actions and words are a reflection of their own reality, not yours. By not
taking things personally, you avoid unnecessary suffering.
Example : If someone is rude to you, recognize that their behavior is about their own issues, not about you.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions
Concept : Communicate clearly and ask questions instead of making assumptions. This helps avoid
misunderstandings and conflicts.
Example : If a friend doesn’t respond to your message, instead of assuming they are ignoring you, ask if
everything is okay.
4. Always Do Your Best
Concept : Do your best in every situation, which will vary depending on your circumstances. This helps you
avoid self-judgment and regret.
Example : On a day when you’re feeling unwell, doing your best might mean completing only the most essential
tasks.
MASTER IN MONEY & FINANCE
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” - Robert T. Kiyosaki
1. The Importance of Financial Literacy
Concept : Understanding how money works.
Example : Learning about assets and liabilities to make informed
financial decisions.
2. The Rich Don’t Work for Money
Concept : Making money works for you.
Example: Investing in stocks or real estate to generate passive income.
3. Mind Your Own Business
Concept : Focus on building and managing your own assets.
Example : Starting a side business while keeping your day job.
4. The History of Taxes and the Power of Corporations
Concept : Using corporations to protect and grow wealth.
Example : Forming a corporation to take advantage of tax benefits.
5. The Rich Invent Money
Concept : Creating opportunities through financial intelligence.
Example : Identifying and investing in undervalued properties.
6. Work to Learn—Don’t Work for Money
Concept : Gaining skills and knowledge rather than just earning a
paycheck.
Example : Taking a lower-paying job to learn about a new industry.
7. Overcoming Obstacles
Concept : Addressing fear, cynicism, laziness, bad habits, and
arrogance.
Example : Investing despite market fears by focusing on long-term
gains.