A couple of years ago, I decided it was time to take a look at my career from a different angle. Always hitting the shelves of the local library looking for the next good read, I stumbled across two of the best reads I have found to help take the next step in my career. The third came highly recommended and once I tracked it down I would have to agree.
These are the three books I read and continue to recommend to friends, coworkers, or anyone else who is thinking of either making a change or just changing how they view their career. I would suggest taking a look through each and found it most helpful to read through them in the order listed below as well.
Leverage Your Best, Ditch the Rest: The Coaching Secrets Top Executives Depend On
The first book, Leverage Your Best, Ditch the Rest,will help you find your true strengths. Unlike conventional wisdom which encourages you to foster your weaknesses, this book will guide you through the importance of focusing on your true strengths. Written in the style of a coaching guide, you will be able to quickly jump from chapter to chapter or refer back easily in order to concentrate on the areas you want or need to work on most. This book is all about you, what you do well, and how to best take advantage of those strengths. Once through these pages you will be left, more confident, feeling more valuable and have a better sense of where to focus your talents. Find deals on this book by clicking here
Earn What You’re Really Worth: Maximize Your Income at Any Time in Any Market
Once you have finished the first book, you probably have a better understanding of what you bring to the table and how to use these skills to your advantage in your professional life. Earn What You’re Really Worth will teach you how to use these skills to take control of your career. Each of us are in control of our own destinies. If you do not believe this, reading the pages of this book will show you how to make this a reality for yourself. Whether your goal is to move up in your current position, or move on to new horizons, Brian Tracy will empower you to perform better, and recognize the value of the strengths you already possess. Being empowered and confident will make you an asset, either to your current employer or any potential new employers you may seek. Find deals on this book by clicking here
What Color Is Your Parachute? 2015: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers
So what if you decide you really do need to move on to valued as you deserve? Well then, in that case, you need a third book. Many of you may have heard of this one before: What Color Is Your Parachute? This book has stood the test of time as the manual for those in the job search. First published in 1970, this book has been updated year after year to stay current with the job market and different trends in how to go about successfully identifying and finding the right job for you. By completing ‘The Flower Exercise” you will learn things you did not know about yourself. Through self analysis, you will learn the difference between transferable skills and talents. Whether you are looking for a job now, or just want to learn the more about yourself, be sure to check out this book. To Richard N Bolles’ point, we are in the position to seek employment multiple times in our lives. Shouldn’t we train ourselves to get the most out of each search we embark on? Find deals on this book by clicking here
take ACTION
Whether you are unhappy where you are, curious about opportunities, or just preparing for what will inevitably come down the road, these three books will get you started on the right path. Getting into the right frame of mind with the best attitude is often the hardest part of the battle. Why not get ahead now while you have the choice?
You can view or purchase any of these books by clicking the links in this article, or search them out at your local library. Thank you for exploring opportunities with me and good luck in the path of your career.
What other books have you found inspiring or helpful in your professional journey? Have you read any of these yourself? Please share your thoughts in the comments below. If you find these helpful be sure to ‘like’ or ‘share’ these with your friends so they too can start to earn what they are really worth.
Andy Vargo is a motivational speaker, life coach and comedian who challenges you to ‘Own Your Awkward’. He is the author of the Awkward Journal series, host of the podcast, Own Your Awkward, and shares thoughts and ideas in his blog and video series available at awkwardcareer.com.
Originally published on LinkedIn