8 Books To Read For Personal Development, As Recommended By Our Team

Reading is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to take in information.

In a world where our phones dominate, sometimes it’s refreshing to sit back with a physical copy of a book and simply read. It’s a great way to rest and recover and can ignite and empower your personal development journey.

At DARE. we love to read, so we wanted to share some of our favourite books to inspire your next reading session.

TRIBE OF MENTORS – RECOMMENDED BY DAVID OTTOBRE

Dubbed as short life advice from the best in the world, this book pulls leadership stories from successful people in various industries.

Dave recommends this book for its short advice format which makes it easy to take in. It’s full of wisdom that will suit anyone looking to level up their life.

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”

THE WAY OF THE FIGHT – RECOMMENDED BY VINCE ROGATO

Written by fighting legend Georges St Pierre, The Way of the Fight is a powerful, life-changing guide to living with purpose and finding the way to accomplish your loftiest goals.

As a UFC champion, GSP shares how fighting replicates life and the lessons he’s learnt along the way.

“Mediocrity is not about failing, and it’s the opposite of doing. Mediocrity, in other words, is about not trying. The reason is achingly simple, and I know you’ve heard it a thousand times before: what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Humility is the first rule of martial arts.”

THE E-MYTH, THE DAILY STOIC – RECOMMENDED BY LUKE WALKER

The E-Myth dispels the myths about starting your own business and shares sharp insight into the world of startups. Small business consultant and author Michael E. Gerber points out how common assumptions, expectations, and even technical expertise can get in the way of running a successful business.

Luke’s other pick, The Daily Stoic is a great book on mindset, digesting lessons from the greatest philosophers of all time and making them easily accessible. With quotes from ancient philosophy, Ryan Holliday helps readers work on their mindset and perspective with daily insights.

“You must reclaim the ability to abstain because within it is your clarity and self-control.”

THE RESILIENCE PROJECT, 101 ESSAYS THAT WILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK – RECOMMENDED BY GLORIA TSANG

The Resilience Project shares how to build resilience, focusing on the three key pillars proven to cultivate positive emotion; Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM). Based on the teachings of evidence-based mental health strategies which help people build stronger mindsets to tackle life’s challenges, the book offers up strategies that can aid positive mental health.

101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think is a collection of meditations to help broaden your mind. They include why you should pursue purpose over passion, embrace negative thinking, see the wisdom in daily routine, and become aware of the cognitive biases that are creating the way you see your life.

“Work on closing the gap between who the world thinks you are and who you know you are. Your mental health will change significantly.”

THE HAPPIEST MAN ON EARTH – RECOMMENDED BY IZZY NEWBOLD

Written by a holocaust survivor, this is a powerful, heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful memoir of how happiness can be found even in the darkest of times.

“Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful. It is up to you.” 

STOLEN FOCUS – RECOMMENDED BY EVELINA PAWLIK

Johann Hari’s superb stolen focus is a beautifully researched and argued exploration of the breakdown of humankind’s ability to pay attention. With the rise of technology, our attention spans are getting shorter but Hari suggests that there are ways to reclaim your attention.

“You don’t get what you don’t fight for.”