The Top 10 Inspirational Books For Students
With longer, lighter days and the added bonus of easing restrictions, we are inevitably spending more time outdoors - and we are grateful for it. The combination of these factors has meant that our screen time is reducing at LAST, and we are getting through more books than usual, as we sit and enjoy reading in a park.
Books have the power to completely transform your way of thinking, opening your mind up to a world of possibilities. They give you access to the greatest leaders and thinkers of all time, whilst also possessing the possibility to transport you into another world, take you into the future, or fill you with wanderlust.
As a student, you have the literary world of possibilities at your fingertips, with heaps of literature aimed to motivate and inspire you. So, we wanted to collate our top 10 reads that will challenge your way of thinking, provide you with insight into the world of work and above all inspire you to become the best version of yourself that you can be.
Grab a cuppa, take note and enjoy!
1. HAPPY SEXY MILLIONAIRE BY STEVEN BARTLETT
First up on the list has got to be Happy Sexy Millionaire by Steven Bartlett. You’ve most likely seen this one plastered all over your social media recently, as this book was written by self-made millionaire Steven Bartlett. Steven dropped out of university with the mission to become a millionaire by the age of 25, which he did by founding the Social Media Marketing agency ‘Social Chain’ - where his empire was born. His book sets out to unpack the most common lies we are sold about happiness and how to change your mindset with some unconventional suggestions. A refreshing read with a plethora of wisdom.
2. The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey.
Next up is The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. This one has racked up over a whopping 25 million book sales and is a New York Times bestseller. It is THE self-development book and has even been coined as the #1 most influential business book of the 20th century. It details 7 simple habits that we should all try to master, in order to help us alter our perceptions and thus change our behaviour. A must-read for anyone.
3. A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
Ever heard of left brain vs right brain dominance? Well, A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink challenges the emphasis placed on ‘left brain’ professions, such as computing, and is championing the importance of the ‘right brain’ qualities. This book looks at what it means to excel and the essential aptitudes on which professional success and personal fulfilment depend.
4. Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard has been described as “a moving autobiography, the story of a unique business, and a detailed blueprint for hope” (Jared Diamond), which we thought was quite a nice summary. Yvon is the founder of Patagonia and a thought leader, trying to challenge our culture of consumption - something we should all be doing. We can’t recommend this read enough.
5. Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi should be read as a ‘guide to navigating your way through your work relationships’. It stresses the importance of networking throughout your career and how this can help you to achieve your goals, whilst opening doors for you. The power of relationships should never be underestimated!
6. What Colour Is Your Parachute by Richard Bolles
What Colour Is Your Parachute by Richard Bolles was one of the first job-hunting books to hit the market and is still one of the most popular. This is a must-read for anyone entering the job market for the first or even 15th time.
7. Thinking Fast And Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Thinking Fast And Slow by Daniel Kahneman covers the psychology of decision making and looks at behavioural economics. It will make you re-evaluate your decision making and how you do it, whilst also assessing your vulnerabilities to making bad decisions and ways to be mindful in the process.
8. How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? Pandora Sykes
How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? Pandora Sykes is a collection of witty essays that probe big life questions like; does anyone really know what they’re talking about? It is the perfect affirmation for any adolescent to know that EVERYONE questions whether they’re doing it right, whilst prompting lots of self-reflective questions, helping you on your path to contentment.
9. Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King
Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King is a manifestation of positivity and a Sunday Times bestseller. Vex will show you how to change the way you feel, think, talk and act to help you on your journey to change the world.
10. Nonsense: The Power Of Not Knowing by Jamie Holmes
Lastly, we chose ‘Nonsense: The Power Of Not Knowing by Jamie Holmes’. Do you often find yourself being afraid of the unknown? Chances are yes. As humans, we often find ambiguity rather scary, which is normal, but there can be upsides to it! Jamie Holmes teaches us how to spin the positives and see the upsides of the unknown in this book, making it a superb read for any student afraid of what lies ahead after University.
There you have it, our top 10 inspirational books for any student: a mixture of self-development, conscious living and some thought challengers. We hope you find some value in these!
We also thought finishing up with a quote about reading seemed like the right thing to do, so we’ll finish with this: “I read to lose myself and find myself at the same time.” - Imani Mosley.
