Resources
Here's a great way to start your journey.
Check out these amazing resources - some of my favorites that I recommend to my clients.
Do you ever wonder why it is so difficult to say “no”?
Most likely it’s because you were never taught the “skill” of saying no. It’s as simple as that. Saying “no” is a skill which this book neatly breaks down into do-able steps. And yes, you can learn to say "no" with kindness and grace.
THE POWER OF A POSITIVE NO
While a bit outdated, this book continues to be the only one that truly gets at the core of why we struggle to become more assertive. You’re not alone - many people struggle with this issue. The bottom line is most of us don’t recognize when others are manipulating us.
Manuel Smith teaches us how to recognize and sidestep the manipulation in order to get what we want. Truly an eye-opening book!
WHEN I SAY NO, I FEEL GUILTY
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED
This is a classic book with a simple message - life is difficult. The author explains why accepting this fact and embracing it actually makes life easier.
It’s a paradox that Dr. Peck explains with many interesting anecdotes of his patients from years of practicing psychology. A fascinating and motivating book!
This book gives us the latest science in habits. Yes, there is actually a science behind building good habits and breaking bad ones. The author breaks down the pros and cons of making goals versus building systems, how to take small steps and the importance of building momentum. It is a practical and important book that I highly recommend.
ATOMIC HABITS
Overwhelm is the cause of so many dreams getting squashed.
If only one knew that all it takes is one small step, and then another and then another. This book is inspiring because it shows how small changes in the right direction can really lead to significant change.
ONE SMALL STEP CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE
A lot of us fall for the myth that to care for yourself is to be selfish. What Kristin Neff does so well in this book is to show how the opposite is true. She explains how the better we take care of ourselves, the more we can give to others and ultimately thrive. She includes practices and exercises to help you develop a concrete plan of self-compassion and self-care.
SELF-COMPASSION
In this important book, the author walks us through the complicated history of autism and the world’s understanding of it. He shows how neurodiversity is actually important for a society to thrive. He demonstrates how we all bring different strengths to the table. He finishes with a roadmap on how society could better support those with autism and their families and spouses. He outlines the importance of what resources are needed and how to make them more available.
NEUROTRIBES
This book provides the latest scientific data about the disorder of ADHD.
It offers information on medications, as well as easy-to-learn strategies to manage the daily challenges of ADHD.
This is the go-to handbook for adults with ADHD.
TAKING CHARGE OF ADULT ADHD
This is the seminal work on introversion. Before this book, introverts just felt “weird’, socially awkward and unaccepted. Susan Cain does a phenomenal job of debunking all this. In fact, many well known and socially gifted people are introverts.
They just need time alone regularly to recharge and they need to protect their more sensitive nervous system. This book helps introverts to see what is special about them and how to adapt so they can thrive in an extraverted world.
QUIET: THE POWER OF INTROVERTS...
This is the first book to dig deep into the phenomena of life transitions. Transitions are inevitable, but why so difficult? Is there a way to move through them more quickly and without pain? William Bridges addresses these issues by asking us to look at life transitions differently. He shows us that there is a pattern to all transitions: endings, the in-between and new beginnings. And, yes, there are ways to move through them more quickly. But he also asks us to view "change" NOT as something to get through or endure. Rather let's look at all life transitions as opportunities for growth.
TRANSITIONS
Russel Harris teaches us in his book that becoming more self-confident is possible, BUT there are no shortcuts. You build up your confidence by stepping out of your comfort zone again and again and again. There is no way around this. By stepping up and taking action, you learn to deal with the fear and discomfort that naturally comes with it. If you make this a mission, you will become confident and self-assured in your life. Simple, but not easy and completely worth it!
THE CONFIDENCE GAP
In his book, Michael Sorensen demonstrates the power of a simple skill –validating others. What do you do when someone is suffering, frustrated, or overwhelmed? What do you say? Do you give solutions? Tell people to cheer up? No – none of this. The most helpful thing you can do is to validate them. Validation is a powerful technique that many people overlook. This book explains the simple process of this technique and why it is so effective. If you learn the skill of validation, you will know how to support and “be there” for others in the most meaningful way.
I HEAR YOU
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
Viktor Frankl