Are you looking for inspiring books on leadership?
Or maybe you’re curious about finding your purpose.
I don’t typically reread books, but I’ve actually read most of these at least twice.
When you find inspiring books on leadership and finding your purpose, you understand the value of refreshing and repeating their principles so that they actually become part of your daily actions.
Below I’ve shared 7 inspiring books on leadership and dharma.
I carefully curated this list to empower readers, and you can be sure that any of the books on this page are worth your time.
I recommend you choose one book from the list. Then kick back to rest, relax – read – and repeat. This will help your brain absorb the content and act on it so that you actually use the concepts you’ll learn.
Comment at the bottom of the post to share which book you’re committed to reading and implementing in your life.
Inspiring Books on Leadership and Personal Development
Daring Greatly
By Brene Brown
We are all in the boxing ring of life. Brene Brown explains why it feels so daring and raw to keep standing back up when we get knocked down. Through her research she helps us understand our own vulnerability and how vital it is to share it—rather than hiding it—if we are to live a great life as leaders, parents, and friends.
This is a book that I keep on hand when I need to tap into courage and take action.
Leadership and Self-Deception
The Arbinger Institute
Don’t let the simple language in this book turn you off. You’ll learn the importance of acting from a place of care with yourself, your colleagues, and in your closest relationships. The key takeaway is recognizing when you betray yourself and how each betrayal puts you in a box where you close yourself off to others. Each time you enter “the box” you create patterns that block communication. Reading this book will help you develop creative solutions to professional and personal challenges.
The Geography of Bliss
By Eric Weiner
As a travel enthusiast and culture fanatic, I have read and reread this book. You don’t have to be into travel to benefit from the perspectives on happiness and how we define it and can have more of it.
Inspiring Books for Finding Your Purpose (Align with Your Unique Dharma)
The Four Desires
By Rod Stryker
This is the process I am certified to guide you through to uncover your unique purpose, identify your mental blocks, and start actively living from your dharma. Obviously, I highly recommend this book, even for those who aren’t into yoga.
Bhagavad Gita
By Stephen Mitchell
There are many translations of this epic. I enjoy the one by Stephen Mitchell. Every time I read this, I just keep getting more and more from it. As one of India’s most renowned poems, this story will help you understand that living your life aligned with purpose isn’t always smooth sailing but it’s also what you—and only you—are called to do.
The Great Work of Your Life
By Stephen Cope
I’ve shared this with my community of Thrivers before. It’s so good, I think I’ll read it again.
The Three Marriages
By David Whyte
David Whyte is a poet and it shows throughout this inspiring read. Here’s my blog post on this one if you want to know more about our three biggest commitments in life.
Photo credit: Hitoshi Suzuki
Comments [5]
https://sbrookebailey.com/inspiring-books-on-leadership/#comment-858
September 13, 2018 at 4:51 pm ,Excellent post, Brooke!
Thank you so much for sharing.
I added these to my ever expanding list of books.
I’ve been wondering about which version of the Gita to read. It will be this one 🙂
Thank you again 🙂
Sincerely,
Paz
https://sbrookebailey.com/inspiring-books-on-leadership/#comment-860
September 13, 2018 at 6:28 pm ,Hi Paz! Great to hear from you and I’m so glad you’ll be reading Stephen Mitchell’s version of the Bhagavad Gita.
I just saw that you posted about your trip to Bali on LucidPractice.com I was there this summer for a ParaYoga Nidra training. It is a very special place, no doubt.
I would love for you to share your thoughts on the Gita when you finish it.
Look forward to your insights, Brooke
https://sbrookebailey.com/inspiring-books-on-leadership/#comment-867
October 2, 2018 at 1:20 am ,Hi Brooke!
So glad we were able to connect 🙂
I’ll definitely reach out to share thoughts on the Gita once I complete it!
Glad you enjoyed Bali, one of the special places on the planet, for sure!
Keep up the great work!
~Paz
https://sbrookebailey.com/inspiring-books-on-leadership/#comment-859
September 13, 2018 at 6:05 pm ,Thanks for your list Brooke. Many of these I haven’t heard of. So I’m going to order them. It’s September and a good time for me to level up my commitment to self!
https://sbrookebailey.com/inspiring-books-on-leadership/#comment-861
September 13, 2018 at 6:30 pm ,I’d love to hear your thoughts when you finish reading, Eve. I think your coaching clients would really enjoy Leadership and Self-Deception, as well as Daring Greatly. Talk to you soon, Brooke