Three Books that Can Change Your Life; They Changed Mine

Over the years I've ready many books. Some were great, some were, well, let's just say I wish I could get the time I spent reading them back. But alas, I can't. And then there are those books that have had an impact on me and have taught me life lessons.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People This book by Stephen Covey was first published in 1989 and has since sold 15 millions copies. In the book, Mr. Covey talks about the seven habits, or traits, that most successful people have in common. While this book is classified as a business title, success is defined by the reader and may not necessarily have to be tied to success in business. I first read this book when I worked as a trainer for a large company and have used the skill learned in both my personal and professional life. And I re-read the book every few years; one of the habits, Habit 7, is Sharpen the Saw: Principles for Continual Development of the The 7 Habits

Rich Dad Poor Dad Written by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter, this book teaches financial principles using the story of Roberts life growing up in Hawaii with two "dads." One was Roberts birth dad while the other was someone who taught Robert to think differently. One of the most powerful lessons I've taken away from this books is the two dads' view on life. When Robert wanted something he didn't have enough money for, let's say a bike, his birth dad would say "you don't have enough money to buy bike." while his other dad would say "how can I get enough money to buy a bike?" Now whenever I want something, I think to myself not that I can't have it but how can I get it. It's a positive way to look on life and find creative solutions to meet your wants.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success I came across this book in a most unusual way. You see, near Orlando where I live is town full of psychics. This town, Cassadega, is about 30 minutes from Orlando and I had never been. So in 1996 some friends and I went and we all had readings (I can't say I believe or not, but my psychic was spot on on a few things). Anyway, at the end of the reading the psychic recommended this book for me and, of course, had a copy handy to sell me. Skeptical at first, this book drew me in. In this book, author Deepak Chopra talks about seven simple universal laws that can be easily followed to lead to personal success. And the laws are often commonsense things such as the law of give and take which is just cause and effect or every action has a reaction. The book is an easy read and reminds me to be the best person I can be. I love this book and have, more so than any other book, given copies away as gifts to friends.