The Power of Books: Learn from Successful Leaders and Thrive

As Jim Rohn once said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” If you want to be successful in life, it only makes sense to spend time with successful people. Although we can’t all rub shoulders with the likes of Richard Branson and Steve Jobs, we can do the next best thing: read books from world-class leaders. We can soak up their wisdom and learn from their experiences. Messages of inspiration, lessons learned, and strategies for success can all be found in the pages of these books.

Whether you’re looking for ways to redefine success, stand out in a noisy world, or learn how to launch a startup, there are countless books out there that can help you achieve your goals. In this article, we will highlight some of the most inspiring works by world-class leaders that have the power to transform your life.

1. Thrive by Arianna Huffington

In Thrive, Arianna Huffington, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group, compels us to redefine success. She shows us what many people around the world are learning – that our current definition of success is literally killing us. If you suspect there’s more to life than a fat salary and a luxurious office, this book is for you. Thrive is a call to action for all of us to live a more meaningful life and find a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond material success.

2. The Icarus Deception by Seth Godin

Seth Godin is one of the most inspiring people out there, and The Icarus Deception is his most inspiring book. In this work, he challenges readers to leap into the unknown, dive deep into their psyche, and discover the courage to treat work as art. He reminds us that conformity doesn’t lead to comfort and that creativity is more scarce and valuable than ever before. Godin shows you that you can become an artist. He teaches us how it’s possible and convinces us why it’s essential.

3. Make Every Man Want You by Marie Forleo

Marie Forleo has been named by Oprah as a thought leader for the next generation and one of Inc.’s 500 fastest-growing companies of 2014. Her book, Make Every Man Want You, is not about finding a man – it’s about you. This book will show you how to become more appealing to others in almost every situation. It’s a crash course in desirability and a life-changing lesson in loving yourself. Marie will give you a confidence boost so you learn to love yourself inside and out. Then you’ll be well on your way to achieving success on your own terms.

4. Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk

Social media expert and bestselling author Gary Vaynerchuk tells us how to stand out in our noisy world. If you crave success, Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook is your blueprint to social media marketing strategies that really work. Vaynerchuk also articulates the massive change that’s occurred in social media and says that to be successful, social media needs to be platform-specific. That is, we need to tailor our message for each community, whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or elsewhere. This book will show you the value of giving to your customers before asking for the sale.

5. The Firestarter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte

Danielle LaPorte is an inspirational speaker, poet, former think tank exec, and business strategist. Her website is deemed “the best place online for kick-ass spirituality” and was named one of the “Top 100 Websites for Women” by Forbes. This book will show you that chasing life balance causes you stress and that being well-rounded is overrated. You’ll learn that we have ambition backward, fulfillment comes from getting clear on what you want in life and work. In The Firestarter Sessions, LaPorte kicks apathy to the door and encourages you to define success on your own terms.

6. The 7 Day Startup by Dan Norris

This is the story about failure because all great entrepreneurs fail, and Dan Norris is no different. Dan is the passionate startup founder and award-winning marketer behind wpcurve.com, one of the fastest-growing WordPress support companies in the world. The 7 Day Startup is Dan’s bible for bootstrappers who want to launch a product. In this book, he demonstrates that you don’t know how successful something will be until you launch it. He gives practical advice on generating ideas and gaining your first paying customers and how to build a website in 1 day for under $100. Read it before you launch.

7. The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein

In The Universe Has Your Back, New York Times bestselling author Gabrielle Bernstein teaches us how to transform fear into faith so we can live a divine life. The stories in the book guide readers to release the blocks to happiness, security, and direction to what they most long for in life. This book aims to give you a sense of power in a world where we often feel powerless. It will help you stop chasing your dreams and start living them.

8. The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris

Tim Ferris is a serial entrepreneur, #1 New York Times bestselling author, best known for his rapid-learning techniques. In this book, he will teach you how to forget the old concepts of work and retirement, and embrace success in these unpredictable economic times. The 4-Hour Workweek is the blueprint to living your dream, regardless of whether you want a high income, world-class travel, or want to escape the rat race. This book will show you how to live more and work less.

In conclusion, these books by world-class leaders provide valuable insights on how to redefine success, live a more meaningful life, and achieve fulfillment on your own terms. It’s time to grab a good book, and become a roaring success in your own right.