5 books to boost your confidence during the summer holidays

Only a couple of weeks left and then the summer holidays are there.
I think we’re all ready for a well-deserved break after these insane months, right?

We were planning to go abroad, but because of COVID we’ll be exploring the UK this year.

I love the active adventurous type of holidays.
But don’t get me wrong, I enjoy relaxed days of doing nothing as well ;).

Especially those moments where I can quietly read a book without that nagging voice in my head saying “you’ve got so many to-dos on your list”.

That’s why I read a lot more on holiday than at home.
I always start with a couple of magazines and when I’ve found that relaxed holiday vibe I switch to books.

I’m a big fan of psychological thrillers, like for example the books by Karen Slaughter or Nicci French.

But, I also like to read books which inspire me in my work life.
Because for me the holidays are a great time to reflect and dream about what’s next.

There are a couple of books that have inspired me a lot on my journey of changing careers and building my coaching practice.
I can actually say that these books have been life changing for me. And therefore, I recommend them to my clients as well.

If you’re thinking about a next step in your career or you would like to boost your self-confidence definitely take one or two of the books below with you on holiday!

Lean in by Sheryl Sandberg

Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Facebook) inspires by humorously drawing on her own experience of working in one of the world’s most successful businesses. In her introduction she writes: “Whatever this book is, I am writing it for any woman who wants to increase her chances of making it to the top of her field or pursue any goal vigorously. This includes women at all stages of their lives and careers, from those who are just starting out to those who are taking a break and may want to jump back in”.
Read more.

Playing Big by Tara Mohr

Tara Mohr is an expert on women’s leadership and with this book she helps women, whether she’s an executive, community volunteer, artist, or stay-at-home mom, to play bigger. It’s a practical guide how you can quiet your inner criticism, find your own voice (calling), unhook from praise and criticism and begin taking bold action.
Read more.

Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine

In this book Chamine reveals how you can achieve your true potential for both professional success and personal fulfillment. His groundbreaking research has identified 10 so called ‘Saboteurs’. By training your own positive intelligence you can ‘defeat’ those saboteurs and become mentally stronger. Shirzad Chamine lectures on Positive Inteligence at for example Stanford University.
Read more.

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

The subtitle says it all: “How the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love parent and lead”. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston and she has done groundbreaking research on courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy.
She challenges everything we think we know about vulnerability. She actually claims vulnerability is a strength. And with her bestselling book Daring Greatly she invites and helps us to be courageous; to show up and let ourselves been seen, even when there are no guarantees.
Read more.

Radio Heaven by Sam Collins

Sam Collins is CEO of Aspire for Equality. She has been crowned one of the “Top 200 Women to Impact Business & Industry” by Her Majesty the Queen.
In this book Collins shares her amazing story from her childhood in Hampshire (England) to California, where she lives now. She writes about the suicide of her mother, her divorce, finding the love of her life, motherhood and becoming the CEO of the award-winning global business Aspire. A super inspiring personal story!
Read more.

Ok, now it’s your turn 😉
Which book would you recommend me for this summer?

I can’t wait to hear back from you.
Eefke

P.S. Besides these books to boost your confidence, you might find some helpful inspiration in my other blogs as well. You can find them all here.