We spend a lot of time at work, so thriving in our career and at work are important things aim for. It’s not lofty or “too much” to ask for! Here are 7 recommended reads for more wellbeing in your career and work.
Recommended reads that will boost my career development and wellbeing at the same time
These books address feeling good at work and in your career.
Big magic: Creative living beyond fear. Author: Elizabeth Gilbert
Designing your life: How to build a well-lived, joyful life. Authors: Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
Insight: Why we’re not as self-aware as we think, and how seeing ourselves clearly helps us succeed at work and in life. Author: Tasha Eurich
Radical candor: Be a kickass boss without losing your humanity. Author: Kim Malone Scott.
So good they can’t ignore you: Why skills trump passion in the question for work you love. Author: Cal Newport
The art of gathering: How we meet and why it matters. Author: Priya Parker.
The 5 languages of appreciation in the workplace: Empowering organizations by encouraging people. Authors: Gary Chapman and Paul White.
How can I make time to read when I’m so busy and overworked?
I love to read and as an only child growing up, I did a lot of it. As an adult, I continue to derive deep satisfaction from reading books for professional growth (= learning) and I delight in splendid fiction.
While “read more” remains on my “I want to…” list, I do read regularly. Below are some ways I’ve increased my reading overall within the past two years:
- Read on a Kindle so I can conveniently highlight and export my notes. When reading professional growth books, I like to highlight–the highlighting/export tool on a Kindle makes me feel I am using my time efficiently.
- Read earlier in the day. When I used to save reading for just before sleep, it rarely happened either because (1) I’m so tired at that time and/or (2) that is my teens’ preferred time to come chat with me (and I cherish those moments of closeness, so I’d prioritize them)
- Always have books on my virtual “to read” shelves so that I can request a book from the library when I’m close to finishing the one have at home. Most of the books I read are borrowed from the library.
- Give myself permission to skim parts that don’t engage me. I used to force myself to read everything; now I don’t. If I glean a few practical take-aways or useful insights, the book was worth reading.
- Allow myself to stop a book I don’t enjoy. I dropped the self-imposed requirement to finish each book I started a number of years ago. If it doesn’t capture my attention, good-bye book.
- Read in the company of others. I enjoy sitting in the living room with my daughter or spouse and reading.
Your turn!
Do you have some career or well-being-at-work favourites? I’d love to hear your recommendations and/or let me know how you get more reading done if that’s something you aspire to.
If you’re craving more wellness in your career and work, coaching support can help with that! Reach out if you’d like to know more about how I can help you achieve a greater sense of fulfilment and meaning at work.
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