Top 3 Personal / Self development books of 2019
Always fashionably late to a party, here is a quick run through of my favourite 3 personal development books of 2019.
THE COURAGE TO BE DISLIKED: HOW TO FREE YOURSELF, CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND ACHIEVE REAL HAPPINESS (2019)
by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
A challenging and unusual way to present Adlerian psychology, yet kept me fascinated enough to the end. Set as a discussion between a tutor and student, the book explores the importance of community & distinguishing our responsibilities from the responsibilities placed upon us. The student is presented as inquisitive and stubborn in order to prove the tutor’s philosophy is invalid. Yet time and again, the tutor offers nuggets of wisdom - with a hint of generating controversial arguments. I found the idea of hierarchal thinking when comparing ourselves to others an absolute breath of fresh air. This awareness has lead me to notice when I’m experiencing it or witnessing it in others. Thoroughly thought-provoking.
Words by Jo Aldred - Counsellor in Brighton offering Private Therapy at Kemp Town Counselling
THE POWER OF HABIT WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO AND HOW TO CHANGE (2013)
By Charles Duhigg
Duhigg guides the reader through understanding why changing habits doesn’t often work and explores examples of when, and why, changes have happened. In a really accessible way, Duhigg encourages the reader to reflect on their habit cycle and then how they might make one simple change. Interwoven with case studies this was an engaging read that allowed me to look at my own behaviours through a different lens.
12 RULES FOR LIFE AN ANTIDOTE TO CHAOS (2019)
By Jordan B. Peterson
The controversial Peterson garnered my inquisitiveness after I watched several of his lectures on personality. Whilst I don’t agree with all that Peterson proposes (especially occasionally smacking kids..) he delivers a rally cry for responsibility, ownership and pausing to reflect on life’s small joys. His ever popular “Make your damn bed” are in here yet I found his chapter on “Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street” a reminder that when all becomes a little too much in life the simplest of pleasures can restore us.
An interesting read!
