5 Insightful Books on Life Purpose
A few people (clients and friends ) have asked me about some books on purpose. Subsequently, today I thought I would share some of the books that have had an impact on my understanding of purpose. However, before I share them, following is a little bit about purpose.
What is Purpose?
There are a few meanings of purpose out there, including –
- “the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc” or “an intended or desired result” ~ Dictionary.com
- “something set up as an object or end to be attained: intention” ~ Merriam-Webster
- “The object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or goal” and “the reason for which anything is done, created, or exists” ~ the Free Dictionary
And when you are on purpose, you are “by intent: intentionally” ~ Merriam-Webster. Personally, I think about it as the Why?
So then, What is Life Purpose?
If we look at the definitions above, it is knowing your own purpose for being here. Or as Simon Sinek says – your Why? Yes – that is BIG and DEEP!
Your life purpose is important. And I am gathering, deep down you know you are here for a reason, you just may not be sure of it as yet. Don’t worry, your life purpose can take a while to identify (well it did for me and alot of my clients anyway).
Mark Twain said it this way – “The most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
5 Insightful Books on Life Purpose
Following are 5 insightful book I recommend to people who are interested in finding out more about life purpose. They are in no particular order 🙂
* 1. A Return to Love – Marianne Williamson
If you have heard or read the poem / quote –
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us.
We ask ourselves – Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?
Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking, so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are born to manifest the glory that is within us. It is not within some of us, it is in everyone.
And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~ Marianne Williamson
A Return to Love is the book it came from and yes, it is worth the time to invest to read.
* 2. The Alchemist – Paulo Coehlo
This book tells the story of a young boy Santiago. An Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. Santiago’s adventure shares with us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, recognising opportunity and learning to read the signs along life’s path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.
* 3. Mindset by Carol Dweck
Mindset – Changing the Way You think to Fulfil Your Potential by Carol Dweck explains in details the research behind a growth mindset and fixed mindset. You can watch more in her Ted Talk below or purchase the book to read more.
* 4. Start With Why – Simon Sinek
In the book – Start with Why – How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, Simon Sinek shares his process of starting with why, then how and what. If you haven’t seen it already, his Ted Talk gives you a really good overview of the his process (the Golden Circle).
* 5. The Gifts of Imperfection – Brené Brown
This was the first book of Brené’s that I read and I really enjoyed it. She is a leading researcher on shame and this book really helps with understanding it and increasing self-acceptance. Also, if you like this book, you will also love her more recent books Braving the Wilderness and Rising Strong.
Over to You…
Well there you have it 5 insightful books on Life Purpose. Are there any others you would add to the list? If so, feel free to share below in the comments! You can also join our toolkit here.