10 Must-Read Books to Boost Your Emotional Intelligence and Personal Growth
Ah, childhood memories. Remember the “take-home summer reading list” passed out at the end of the school year to keep students engaged during the summer months?
As an adult, I now secretly wish I could get one handed to me to keep me on top of personal and professional development. A simple deliverable alerting me to the books available in areas I want to grow in and truly be an expert in, without me having to search for them on my own.
Emotional intelligence is the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.
This is the space I live and work in. The more I know about it conceptually, and the more I can translate it experientially, the better I am at my craft and contributing as a human on this planet. Every single one of us can benefit from strengthening our emotional intelligence (sometimes referred to as emotional quotient – EQ). When we know ourselves fully, we can better understand humanity at large.
Here are 10 of THE BEST summer reading books I’ve read recently that have the power to boost your emotional intelligence and understanding of humanity.
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson. I LOVE his no-nonsense approach to understanding your values and letting go of the things you don’t value.
- Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin. When I read this book, I cried. It was the first time I realized what I was doing had a name–and I wasn’t crazy about feeling that level of connection with my work and volunteers.
- The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown. She dives deep into heavy topics like shame, guilt, vulnerability and empathy.
- Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin. Her practical approach to living a happier life has drastically changed my daily habits for the better.
- The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything by Stephen Covey. This is a long read, but well worth it if you are interested in how to create, repair and lead through trusting relationships.
- Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant. Are you a giver or a taker? His books help you to identify your own characteristics and build relationships that are based on giving.
- Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach. Mindfulness is one of the most powerful tools that exists when it comes to being in the present moment and slowing down your racing thoughts.
- The Last Lecture by Jeffrey Zaslow. His storytelling approach to sharing his experience with terminal illness and what he did with his last moments of time allows the reader to pause and reflect on their own wishes for legacy and life.
- Tribal Leadership by Dave Logan. As far as we’ve come, our way of thinking and connecting remain the same. This book dives into timeless trends you should learn and galvanize for your work.
- Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. After reading her book I realized I’m a closeted introvert, and I now embrace that side of myself for better self-care and personal growth.