Books That Changed Steph’s Thinking
These are the books that have fundamentally shaped my philosophy, influenced my business strategy, or pushed me towards deeper personal development. Think of them as the literary versions of a double espresso shot for your brain.
- “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
This is the Bible of behavioural economics. Kahneman’s exploration of how we think – the fast, intuitive thinking versus the slow, deliberate thinking – has revolutionised my understanding of decision-making both in business and life. It’s like having a user manual for the human brain. Find it on Amazon - “Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World” by David Epstein
In a world that worships the niche expert, Epstein’s book is a love letter to the generalist. It’s challenged me to value breadth over depth in my thinking and approach. Sometimes, the most unexpected connections spark the biggest innovations. Find it on Amazon - “The Art of Learning” by Josh Waitzkin
Waitzkin, a chess prodigy turned Tai Chi world champion, offers profound insights into mastering new skills and the psychology of performance. It’s one of those books that makes you feel you’re capable of anything – if you’re willing to understand the process deeply. Find it on Amazon - “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear
Clear’s approach to habit formation – making tiny changes that lead to remarkable results – has been a game-changer in how I structure my day and productivity. It’s all about the compound effect of small improvements. Find it on Amazon - “Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men” by Caroline Criado Perez
A stark reminder of how much of the world is not designed for everyone. This book has shifted my perspective on inclusivity in design and decision-making – vital for anyone involved in creating products, services, or policies. Find it on Amazon - “Loonshots: How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform Industries” by Safi Bahcall
Bahcall dives deep into how nurturing crazy ideas – “loonshots” – rather than focusing solely on operational excellence is what leads to revolutionary changes. It’s an eye-opener on balancing the fringe ideas with the core business strategy. Find it on Amazon - “The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles” by Steven Pressfield
Pressfield’s tough-love approach to overcoming resistance and getting creative work done has been a personal saviour on many a blocked day. It’s a clarion call to artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone who dares to create. Find it on Amazon - “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth
Duckworth’s book taught me that talent is only a small part of the equation – it’s grit, the combination of passion and perseverance, that truly drives success. A must-read for anyone building something, be it a business, career, or skill. Find it on Amazon - “The Creative’s Curse: A Book for Creatives, Artists, Entrepreneurs, and Visionaries” by Todd Brison
A delightful exploration of the inherent challenges and joys that come with a creative career. It offers a perspective that feels both familiar and enlightening, much like catching up with a wise friend who just happens to understand the creative hustle intimately. Find it on Amazon - “How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be” by Katy Milkman
Milkman’s work is a fresh take on behavioural change, built on solid scientific research. It’s practical, grounded, and filled with ‘aha’ moments that can be applied to both personal growth and organisational change. Find it on Amazon
These books have each added a unique layer to my thinking, some pushing me out of comfort zones, others reinforcing what I instinctively felt but couldn’t articulate. Dive in, enjoy, and let me know which ones shift your perspective the most!