How to Live an Effective Life

Highly effective people live in a very particular way. They live intentional lives. They focus on their purpose, their development, and their impact in the world. Want to know one practical way they do this? They read…a lot!

I have an intense desire to continually learn and develop. Because of this learning desire, I’m often reading multiple books at the same time on different subjects. All with the purpose of personal development and practical application either for myself or to help someone else.

True Story Ahead

A little over a year ago, I started listening to audio books to support my comprehension of content of books I was reading. I actually purchased both the printed book and the audio version. I decided my drive to and from work could include listening to the chapter I was reading. I did this every day until I finished the book.

Since then, I’ve finished three books this way. Amazing results! Our senses are God-given miracles!

Four Dimensions of our Whole Development

Most recently, I’ve been learning from Stephen R. Covey. I’m in my second time listening to his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Something he states in this book, jumped off the page at me when I read it.

[shareable] “The person who doesn’t read is no better off than the person who can’t read.” – Stephen R. Covey[/shareable]

Have you ever thought of that before? If we choose not to read, it’s no better than if we actually couldn’t read. What a waste! We’ve been blessed with so many people who have so much knowledge, wisdom, strategies, and encouragement for us. Why wouldn’t we want to tap into their help?

Covey said it’s important we preserve and enhance our greatest asset:  You! (Or in my case:  me!)  He believed that there are four dimensions of renewal:  spiritual, physical, mental, and social/emotional.

This got me to thinking about the books that have had the greatest impact on my life to date. As I shuffled through my books and started to place them into categories, I realized they all fit into one of these four dimensions.

If my reading list is any indication of what I care about, then I must be a firm believer in developing all dimensions of myself to make me a healthier, more effective person.

I also believe in helping others develop.

So, I’ve decided to share my Top 10 most influential books (to date) with you.

Michelle’s Top 10 Most Influential Books

I’m listing my books in Covey’s four dimensions because I think this may help some of you see how each dimension can be developed.

Before I list my Top 10, I want to clarify, the book that has had the greatest impact on my life is the Bible. The Bible influences every dimension of my renewal. I can’t live without it. So, it stands alone as number one forever in my life. Therefore, it won’t be included in the following list. Also, some of these books may fall into more than one dimension, but I’ll list them under what I believe is the primary dimension they helped me with. I’m also including a brief description of the book and why I like it.

      Spiritual

1. Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman
   I’ve read this devotional book five times! As I’ve gone through trials, this book has helped me understand a deeper understanding why. If you’re going through trials, this book is for you
2. The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian
   I’m a firm believer in the power of prayer. I personally use this book repeatedly to pray. If you need to learn how to pray Scripture for yourself, I think you’ll find this book offers great help.
3. Tender Mercy for a Mother’s Soul by Angela Thomas Guffey
   I was given this book as a gift from my dearest friend for my birthday one year. If you’re a mom, this is a must read. She has an updated version:  Tender Mercy for a Mother’s Soul: Inspiration to Renew Your Spirit by Angela Thomas
4. Total Forgiveness by R. T. Kendall
   If you think forgiving someone is hard. You’re right! But which do you prefer:  peace or bitterness? Kendall’s insight about forgiveness brought a whole new level of understanding to me about forgiveness. If you need help forgiving someone, maybe even yourself, please read this book.

   Physical

5. The Whole30:  A 30 Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom by Melissa Hartwig and Dallas Hartwig
   Okay, truth! I first read this book to help my youngest daughter, but guess who was helped too? I know giving up certain foods is difficult, but I discovered in 30 days how much better my body felt and how much more effective I was. If you need a guide to better eating and maybe even shedding a few pounds in 30 days, I recommend doing the Whole30.
6. Body for Life:  12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength by Bill Phillips and Michael D’Orso
   I was first introduced to this book and strategy about 15 years ago. I actually did the 12 week program. I have pictures to prove it, but I won’t share them publicly because that would be embarrassing! Haha! Seriously, I learned how to exercise in an efficient and effective way, and I was already a mom of three. So moms actually can find time to exercise (if we choose to make it a priority).

   Mental

7. StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath
   Taking the StrengthsFinder assessment began a whole new adventure for me. I learned my Top 5 talents. Over the last eight years, I’ve been developing these talents. They are a part of who I am. I’m positive. I am a learner. I love winning others over. I have talents in communication and responsibility. If you don’t know much about Strengths, that okay. I know I’ll be blogging about them soon enough. If you take the assessment and need help understanding, contact me. I am on a journey to become a certified Strengths coach.
8. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
   Okay, like many of my Top 10, this book can fall into more than one category, but I chose mental because Covey has so many ideas and research to back up his ideas. It’s mind boggling and amazing all at the same time. I’m currently reading this book again. I believe this is one book that I’ll continue to refer to over and over for the rest of my life.

   Social/Emotional

9. Boundaries:  When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
   When I learned that boundaries could be set, it changed my life! I learned it’s healthy to do so and boundaries are for us, not the other, although when we set boundaries that impacts others. If you haven’t read this book, please read it. You will thank yourself for doing it.
10. The 5 Love Languages:  The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman
    I love this book and learning how uniquely God has made each one of us. The way we love and need to be loved is so individual. My primary love language is receiving gifts and no, that’s not shallow! Words of encouragement are also a love language of mine, and if you know me, that’s how I show others love a lot! I hope you read this book to discover your primary love language too.

I’d love to hear from you if you’ve ever read any of these books or if you choose to read one because you heard about from my blog.

Here’s to more reading and living a highly effective life!