10 Inspirational Books to Read During Lockdown

Here we are, in another lockdown to due the unprecedented time we’re living in.  My hope is that we’ll look back at these blog posts a year from now say “remember that time we lived through a pandemic?”.  Until then, it’s my goal to be a bright spot for you on the internet when you need a break from the news, a distraction from the fear, or inspiration on how to spend your precious time.  So, I’ve put together some inspirational books to read during lockdown.

 

I don’t get accused of being old fashioned very often, but when it comes to books – yes ma’am.  Audible is great and I use when I’m driving.  But whenever possible, I like a hard copy in my hands.  We do, however, spend a lot of time on the road visiting clients so our audible membership does come in handy.  I’m known to buy both the digital and the physical version.

 

If you’re not already using audible, you can grab it here and score some free book credits!

 

If I could offer one piece of advice as you dive into this book list it’s this.  Implement.  Do the work.  Reading the book is great, but that’s not where the magic is.  Most of these books have action steps in each chapter.  You’d be wise to take advantage of that.

 

Truthfully, reading books like these has changed our lives.  Here are a few of the books that have inspired us over the years.  I’ve also included a handful that are on our “to read” list and have come highly recommended.

Lockdown Reading List

You Are a Badass

Actually, any of Jen Sincero’s books.  She’s a brilliant writer, hilarious and hard hitting.  In all my years (and hundreds of personal development books), You Are a Badass is still my favorite.  If you’re only going to choose one from this list, let this be it.

Readability: Easy (and very funny)

The Artists Way

Trigger warning!  Julia is a religious woman – I am not.  She references “God” throughout the book but makes a great argument at the beginning on how to adjust the language to fit your own beliefs.  Personally, I swap out “God” for “universe” or “source”.  However you read it, this book will have an impact on your life.  Also, you DO NOT NEED TO BE AN ARTIST for this book to be life-changing.  I’m not.  I truly believe this book can be applied to anyone’s life and make it better.

Readability: Moderate, it’s longer and quite deep.

Atomic Habits

We’re the sum of our habits.  Plain and simple.  This book is super tactical and another easy read.  You’ll be able to implement right away and start banging your goals off one at a time.  This was Brent’s favorite book of the last year.

Readability: Easy

The Four Agreements

Ready for this?  This was the FIRST personal development book I ever read.  And, much like the others on this list, I’ve read it several times.  I think we can all agree that limiting beliefs hold us back.  This book is a great place to start.  It’s an easy read and takes no time to get through

Readability: Easy

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Yes, I’m including a Marie Kondo book.  While I don’t fully prescribe to all of her methods, I loved this book and read it twice.  As a reformed “messer” (and borderline hoarder), learning to let go of things and declutter my space has been a game changer.  Highly recommend.  When it comes to books to read during lockdown, this is good one!

Readability: Easy

The Big Leap

This is another book that addresses the limits we put on ourselves and how to overcome them.  Remember that I said The Four Agreements was my first ever personal development book?  Well, The Big Leap was my first ever “business book”.  Although, it’s applicable to everyone – not just business owners.

Readability: Easy

High Performance Habits

Brendon Burchard’s writing style isn’t my favorite – but his content is.  I will say, this book is an easier read than his “Motivation Manifesto”.  High performance habits isn’t as actionable as something like Atomic Habits.  It’s more about a way to “be” rather than what to “do”.  I loved it and will read it again.

Readability: Moderate (he’s an intellectual who’s trying to write in a more approachable way but it still comes off a little “high level”).

Super Attractor

Gabby B is on another wavelength but I like her stuff.  Again, she makes a lot of God references but if you’re not religious in that way, just swap out “God” with “Universe” like I do.  I also really enjoyed “The Universe Has Your Back” which I’m including here as well.

Readability: Easy, very spiritual.

 

Books On My Immediate Reading List

As promised, I’m including some of the books on my short term reading list.  These come highly recommended and I’ve heard great things about all of them.

Why We Sleep

Since most of us don’t get enough!  Truthfully, I’ve been studying neuroscience for a few years now and whether or not you believe you need the recommended 7-9 hours per night – you do.

24/6 The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week

It seems radical when you consider that most of us spend an average of 11 hours a day on a screen!  Read that again.  11 hours per day!  It’s too much.  And it’s having detrimental effects on our health, our relationships and our businesses (among other things).  

If any of these books to read during lockdown inspire you to make a change in your life, let me know!  It sounds dramatic when I say that reading personal development, empowerment and business books has changed my life.  But it has.  I honestly believe that we’ve been able to thrive in our lives, grow a business most people thought wasn’t possible, and live an extraordinary life in large part to “doing the work” in many of these books.

IDEA: Would you be interested in a virtual book club where we dive into books like these each month?  I would love that!  Let me know in the comments or send an email to [email protected] and we’ll do it!