Books have been my prime source of learning and personal development.

Books are like my friends. Without them I find myself incomplete. Whenever I
have a mental challenge or emotional struggle, I move into my mini home
library (where I now have close to 1,000 books) and find a book (a friend) that
helps me clear my thought and overcome my emotions.

Books are a unique medium of learning and have a very special place even in
today’s multi-media environment. When we read books, our brain is forced to
visualize what we read. This process creates a better retention of contents in
our mind compared to, for example, when we watch a video.

Leaders are readers. If you have ambition to reach to the top, you must
develop the habits of reading books. Articles and blogs do not count. These
short reads are good for updating your knowledge. But in order to really gain
deep insights into a particular topic, there is no better way than reading a
good book.

“Those who do not read are no better off than those who cannot.” – Chinese
Proverb

Below I have compiled a brief summary of the top 10 books (in order of
importance) that have significantly impacted my life in a positive way. These
are all best-selling books, so I am sure you may have already read some or all
of them. If not, then start from the top.

1. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

If you have to read one book in your life on business or leadership, this is the
one. A very powerful and practical leadership framework that you can easily
apply in your personal and work life.

2. Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankle

A classic short read where Victor Frankle describes his experiences and
observation about life in hellish conditions during the days he was confined in
concentration camp. A very inspirational account of meaning of life under
survival conditions.

3. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

An in-depth but simple to understand description of what makes you flow
where you experience deep enjoyment, creativity and a total involvement with
work and life. An excellent guide to discover true happiness and greatly
improve the quality of our lives.

4. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

A classic book written by Napolean Hill in 1937 (post Great Depression) that
contains powerful and motivational philosophies that are still valid and work
effectively today.

5. Good to Great by Jim Collins

This book changed the way I think about businesses. A research based well
written book that clearly describes what works and what does not work in
today’s complicated business environment.

6. A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle

If you need some spiritual guidance to make your life better and more
enjoyable, read this one. Tolle inspires very effectively how we can detach
from our ego and still maintain a high level of dignity.

7. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini

Influence, probably is the most important but most neglected quality of a
senior corporate executive. This classic book on persuasion explains the
psychology of why people say yes and how to apply it in practical situations.

8. Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt

An inspirational book with deep insights about living everyday life better.

9. Mindset by Carol Dweck

A ground-breaking research about how we learn. An essential guide for
leaders, parents and coaches.

10. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

A book that will help you to realize your dreams and overcome any obstacles
in your path.