Despite how other people’s lives appear in their heavily curated social media feeds, life isn’t smooth-sailing–for anyone. For those of us who are introspective, there are moments that lead to the re-evaluation of who we are as a person or how our life is progressing in general. Even with the wisdom that we acquire from our friends, relatives or significant other—there’s often still a gnawing feeling inside us that we need an expert (or a guru!) to answer all our impending needs for an upgraded life. But success in your career, relationships, or life path isn’t just about knowing all the tips and tricks. Most often, it starts with our holistic well-being as a person.
If you find yourself stuck in a rut and in need of dire upgrade, whether it’s in small or bigger aspect of your life, maybe it’s time that you find the inspiration that can motivate you to move forward. Here are 5 motivating audiobooks that can help you ‘2.0’ your life (and you can listen for free with Audible’s free trial):
The Untethered Soul
The Journey Beyond Yourself
Michael Singer is an author you should know about, but probably don’t. This book is an all-time great IMHO, given the immense power it unleashes to its readers. He gives us the easy steps that allow us to align with our true selves and release the assumptions about the world that don’t serve us (or the world) well. It asks us to analyze the voice in our head and determine if that voice knows what it’s talking about, or full of BS. The page turner should be on every shelf across the globe and read in schools. You’ll feel lighter as the pages turn, and see the day with confidence and truth. It’s an audiobook you’ll listen to more than once. Pop this baby in your headphones on your way to work. You’ll be happy you did…
The Book of Joy
Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
We all know how happiness can create a big difference in a person’s life. Just by knowing where to anchor your emotions and spiritual life, you’re on your way to an upgrade. Despite the trials and adversity I was going through at the time, when I listened to this audiobook my heart felt lighter and my mind felt clearer. By listening to this uplifting audiobook, you will discover the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu’s infectiously happy stories and teachings designed to aid you in searching for a better purpose in this changing world. They will inspire you to find a purpose that is fueled by compassion, and help you to be a joy to yourself and to others. (Even if you think you’re already the happiest and nicest person on Earth.) After all, this is “The Book of Joy”!
10% Happier
How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found a Self-Help That Actually Works
Dan Harris (the Nightline anchor) will take you on an unexpected, hilarious, and deeply skeptical odyssey in this audiobook. With spirituality and self-help, he discovers a way to be happier in an achievable way: through daily meditation “for fidgety sceptics”. Still sceptical? You’re not the only one. Even Dan used to think that meditation was useless and felt powerless to tame the loud voice in his head that was causing negative feelings and actions. But he solved many of his life’s issues when he found out that meditation can do almost everything–from helping us see our life and relationships more clearly, to lowering your blood pressure and even rewiring your brain!
The Happiness Equation
Want Nothing + Do Anything = Have Everything
New York Times best-selling author Neil Pasricha gives us the formula for a happy life through common ideals that are flipped on their head and cast in a completely new light. It includes fascinating lessons such as ‘why success doesn’t lead to happiness’, ‘how to make more money than a Harvard MBA’, ‘why multitasking is a myth’, and ‘how eliminating options leads to more choice’. Personally, I found that it contributed to a shift in how I thought about ‘everything’ in life—and how ‘everything’ contributes to a bigger change. The lessons here are highly relatable and easy to apply in life. Just a tip: you might want to makes notes as you read. It’s full of good references that can be useful in the future.
The 5 Second Rule
Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage
This audiobook teaches you how to: become confident, to break the habit of procrastination and self-doubt, to beat fear and uncertainty, to stop worrying and feel happier, and to share your ideas with courage. It is a very simple yet powerful book that contains stories of people who used the 5 Second Rule and witnessed the drastic changes in their lives. This isn’t your typically extremely motivating book, don’t get me wrong. It simply reminds you that whatever it is that you want to upgrade or achieve lies within you—and no one else. “The secret isn’t knowing what to do—it’s knowing how to make yourself do it.” Ain’t that the truth!
Is meditation real? I mean, I have watched a lot of videos about meditation, but very skeptical in doing it. How does it even help my mind and soul?
Exactly my thoughts! One of our good friends told my wife that meditation helped them as a couple spiritually, physically and mentally. So I was like, what? how? Okay, maybe I will tell my wife to read this too with me.
I am an introvert, most of the time I don’t share my thoughts with anyone. I keep it to myself until my heart feels aching. This article won’t change me in an instant but it is nice to see books that inspire, like these. My favorite is 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found a Self-Help That Actually Works.
Hugs and kisses for you my dear. I am a living testament that meditation is powerful. It frees you from all the negativity.
First time I heard about Michael Singer. Hehe! But now I am obsessed with this book. What a great find! I cannot believe I just heard about him now, lols. But that is fine, it’s never too late to read this book. Let us all discover our inner selves.
This 5 second Rule book is a must. I remember when I was starting to attend my Gym session due to obesity. I was hesitant to do it and keep telling people I was not ready it. It took me months to a year to finally first step into the gym. And then the rest is history. Now, I lost 85lbs. I kinda regret the time wasted because I doubted myself too much. But when I started it, I finally was able to know that I can do anything if I set my mind and body right.
Wow, this is such an inspiration brother. Keep rocking!
These audiobooks are a life saver. It encourages, uplifts and motivates. Kudos Urbanette!
My favorite is The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World.
My mom would defintiely love all these books. I would let her know about this article.
Haha! That’s nice. While I will let my dad read “The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage” since he has practiced the habit of procrastination. I always tell him that life is short. There is nothing good in delaying things.
Will all the chaos happening now in this world, I think I must read this “The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World”.
Finally, something that proves meditation works! Personally, meditation works wonder to m especially after giving birth. It makes my mind and even body calm. Just imagine how my day is with a toddler. When I feel exhausted, I take 30minutes of my time to meditate. It clears my mind and I guess makes me even more productive at home. Thanks, Urbanette.