Here are four books that will guide you to a deeper understanding of yourself and help you to rise when you most need to.
1. THE CONFIDENT MIND – by Dr. Nate Zinsser
A Battle-Tested Guide to Unshakable Performance
In The Confident Mind, US army psychologist, Dr. Nate Zinsser, teaches us how to acquire total self-belief when we need it most. The Director of West Point’s Performance Psychology Program, Zinsser shares the secrets of mental toughness with a definitive guide to mastering confidence in any field. Drawing on the latest research, and packed with real-life examples, this is a supremely practical - and inspirational - guide to achieving bullet-proof confidence. We don't have to be born confident and Zinsser teaches us how to learn the skills we need to show up confidently in the world, no matter the circumstances.
Working with the elite of the US military to prepare them mentally for leadership and for action, Zinsser also trains top sportsmen and women to develop the self-belief essential for world-class performance. The Confident Mind, provides insight into the tried and tested techniques he has perfected over many years to help anyone who wants to acquire the confidence that will enable them to perform at their very best, whatever the environment, however stressful the situation. In the process, Zinsser also guides us how to make positive use of nervousness, what acquiring a 'success cycle' involves, and why self-assurance, like all skills, requires constant practice.
2. THE GIFTS OF IMPERFECTION – by Dr. Brené Brown
In this revoluntionary book, Dr. Brené Brown provides ten guideposts to wholehearted living which set a foundation to transform your life. The guideposts not only help us understand the practices that will allow us to change our lives and families, they also walk us through the unattainable and sabotaging expectations that get in the way. Brown writes, "This book is an invitation to join a wholehearted revolution. A small, quiet, grassroots movement that starts with each of us saying, 'My story matters because I matter.' Revolution might sound a little dramatic, but in this world, choosing authenticity and worthiness is an absolute act of resistance."
For over a decade, Brene Brown has found a special place in our hearts as a gifted mapmaker and a fellow traveller. She is both a social scientist and a kitchen-table friend whom we can always count on to tell the truth, make u laugh and, on occasion, cry with us. What's now become a movement all started with The Gifts of Imperfection, which has sold more than two million copies in thirty-five different languages across the globe.
3. THE MOUNTAIN IS YOU – by Brianna Wiest
Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery
In The Mountain Is You, international bestselling author, Brianna Wiest, provides us with a guide to understanding self-sabotage: Why we do it, when we do it, and how to stop doing it — for good. Coexisting but conflicting needs create self-sabotaging behaviors. This is why we resist efforts to change, often until they feel completely futile. But by extracting crucial insight from our most damaging habits, building emotional intelligence by better understanding our brains and bodies, releasing past experiences at a cellular level, and learning to act as our highest potential future selves, we can step out of our own way and into our potential.
For centuries, the mountain has been used as a metaphor for the big challenges we face, especially ones that seem impossible to overcome. To scale our mountains, we actually have to do the deep internal work of excavating trauma, building resilience, and adjusting how we show up for the climb. In the end, it is not the mountain we master, but ourselves.
4. WHY HAS NOBODY TOLD ME THIS BEFORE? – by Dr. Julie Smith
Drawing on her years of experience as a clinical psychologist, Dr Julie Smith's first book, Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? is a must-have resource for instantly better mental health. Filled with secrets from a therapist's toolkit, Smith offers simple advice, effective strategies and powerful coping techniques to help us stay positive and resilient no matter what life throws their way.
Written in short, bite-sized entries, in Smith's warm and informal style, we can turn straight to the appropriate section depending on the challenge being faced and immediately find tools to help. From managing anxiety, dealing with criticism or battling low mood, to building self-confidence, finding motivation or learning to forgive yourself, and much more, this book tackles everyday issues that affect us all and offers easy, practical solutions that might just change your life.
DISCLAIMER: The content in this article represents the individual ideas of the writer alone and outlines general advice only. It does not replace individual, independent or personal advice, mental health treatment and/or crisis support. Coaching does not prevent, cure, or treat any mental health disorder and does not substitute for therapy from a licensed professional if necessary. Should you require emergency crisis support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or see your GP to discuss a mental health care plan which can help you access the support you need.