I love finding books which motivate, inspire and push me forward – so I thought I’d share a few of my best recent reads. Lately I’ve been on the hunt for books about three of my favourite things: creativity, productivity and entrepreneurship.
There are loads of great books out there, but these were all easy to dip in and out of, chock-full of useable info, and perhaps most importantly, short! Most can be read in a few hours – good news when you’re pressed for time, and who isn’t?! I would love to know if you’ve read any of these, or what books have inspired you. Hit me up!
Lottie x
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Show Your Work, Austin Kleon
What’s the gist: Modern methods for creatives to stand out in their saturated fields. I loved this! Kleon talks about how to use social media and the internet to attract the work you want, create currency in yourself, and build a personal brand. He gives great advice about ways to reach out and connect online, and there are inspiring chapters about why genius doesn’t matter, how the process is more important than the product, and how to be more discoverable. Full of easy, actionable tips.
Why buy? You’ll refer back to it for inspiration – regularly!
Read time: You’ll demolish it over several cups of tea in an afternoon
The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k, Sarah Knight
What’s the gist: It’s like your sweary best friend telling serving up some home truths. Knight uses great real life examples to illustrate how to identify the time-sapping, energy-depleting stuff you don’t want to do, and then how to ditch it without feeling guilty or being an asshole. I liked how being polite and honest were both super important to her.
Why buy? Her ‘NotSorry’ method is a useful way to break down and figure out what’s clogging up your calendar, depleting your finances, and cluttering up your mind. Don’t read if you are sensitive to expletives.
Read time: Take it to bed and you’ll be done in a couple of nights.
Little Black Book, Otegha Uwagba
What’s the gist: A pithy guide to navigating the creative industries as a woman. Uwagba’s advice empowers women to deal with business basics like a boss. She covers finances, time-management and productivity as well as knowing your worth, over-coming creative blocks, and paying it forward. From negotiating contracts to delivering a killer pitch, it is packed with take-away tips are immediately useful and long-term helpful.
Why buy? You’ll love it so much, you’ll want to give it to every girl you know. I now buy it in bulk and give copies to friends.
Read time: Easily consumed in a few lunch breaks.
Style Your Brand, Fiona Humberstone
What’s the gist: Your best branding pinterest boards beautifully curated into one coffee table book. Humberstone forces you to ask questions and analyse your work in a whole new way, while seducing you with the most gorgeous pictures and layouts. She demystifies the branding process (so you can do it yourself if you want to) and explains how colour psychology can powerfully impact your brand.
Why buy: A great resource for start-ups, but also a useful reference book as your business grows.
Read time: Quick to read, but answering the brand questions requires deep thinking.
5 Second Rule, Mel Robbins
What’s the gist: 5-4-3-2-1-GO! If you procrastinate over anything, this book is for you! Robbins explains the neuroscience behind her simple and effective method for getting stuff done, and packs her book with lots of ways to make it work for you. There are loads of practical applications as well as inspiring stories from people who’ve already used her method.
Why buy? Because if you have a tendency to over-think, over-analyse, doubt yourself, or avoid decisions, this book is the kick you need!
Read time: Dip in and out between meetings, but you’ll start making changes before you’re halfway through.
