Books to help you think out of The Box are the sort of books that encourage fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking.
In this post you will discover topics like: What is Liminal thinking? Can you work only 4 hours a week and get away with it? Why are some people so successful-is it hard work or luck?
I hope you find these brief book introductions useful when you are looking for something inspirational to read next!
1. Liminal thinking, by Dave Gray
The word liminal means period of transition. It comes from the Latin word limen meaning threshold.
Dave Gray uses this concept of threshold thinking to describe the process by which we can transition from normal limits of thought into a world of imagination and new possibilities by using new modes of thinking.
I have briefly summarized the backdrop of this book below:
Principles of Liminal Thinking:
We think beliefs are flawless representations of the world, but they are in fact imperfect since they are created based on selective facts and personal experiences.
- Beliefs are the psychological substance we use to create a ‘shared world’. To change a shared world we need to change the fundamental beliefs:
- Beliefs create blind spots in reality.
- Beliefs defend themselves to protect personal identity and self-worth.
- Beliefs are closely tied to our identities.
- In order to change our beliefs we have to change ourselves.
Liminal thinking practices:
Liminal or Threshold thinking requires us to start thinking a certain way. We must realize if we are part of the system we want to change, then we are also part of the problem!
In order to learn new things we need to let go of the old, suspend judgement and start questioning.
Know that people will only reveal their innermost needs if they feel safe, respected and accepted for who they are.
Learn to look at situations from as many points of view as possible.
Ask questions and make connections.
Break out of old routines to create new opportunities.
Test your beliefs by acting as if they were true.
Build new beliefs not with facts but with stories.
Start by changing yourself!
2. The 4 Hour Workweek, by Timothy Ferriss
Ferris offers an Innovative approach to time management but readers must be open minded to the suggestions he makes.
He sensibly advises among other things not to let things outside our control, affect our lives.
We waste so much time reading stuff on social media we should ask ourselves if what we are consuming at present is really relevant to our future.
As life expectancy increases we must consider doing something that we are passionate about. We must do what is necessary free up time.
3. Wherever you go there you are, by Jon Kabat Zinn
We cannot escape from ourselves. Jon Kabat Zinn writes: ‘Wherever you go, there you are.’
We only have the present moment, but sometimes we forget and fall into a robotic way of living so that our lives pass by unnoticed, unused and unappreciated.
This book teaches mindfulness techniques to help us feel more connected and fully present in our lives.
4. The Alchemist, by Paulo Coehlo
The Alchemist tells the story of shepherd boy’s journey to find a great treasure. During this journey, the boy uses his dreams and omens to guide him.
In each of the obstacles and challenges he encounters on the way, there is a lesson to be learned.
The message in this book is to pursue your dreams and follow your heart’s desires.
5. Essentialism, by Greg McKeown
Essentialism is way of living that removes everything that is not essential so that we can spend our energy on the things that really matter.
It is a way of thinking that helps us cut through the noise, and it helps us realize that we can’t have it all.
It is also a lifestyle that asks us to stop and enquire whether our activities and efforts contribute to our goals.
6. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, by Mark Manson
Manson’s book is contrary to all the popular self-help books out there.
Instead of constantly striving for ‘mindless positivity’ Manson argues that we should embrace life’s struggles as it helps us to build resilience.
Manson goes on to say that we should focus on good values that are reality based, socially constructive, controllable and achieved internally.
Death is the only thing that is certain and so we must decide what legacy we want to leave behind.
7. Man’s Search for Meaning, by Victor E. Frankl
This book tells the story of Dr. Frankl’s life during his captivity in Nazi death camps and how he found the theory of logotherapy which enabled him to cope with the traumatic experience and horrors that he had to witness.
Central to the theory of logotheraphy is the belief that we cannot avoid grief and torment, but we can choose how to cope with it and how to find meaning in life regardless of circumstances.
Man’s Search for Meaning remains one the most influential books in the field of psychiatry and psychology.
8. Outliers:The Story of Success, by Malcolm Gladwell
Gladwell argues that we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, but success is not as a result of only being exceptionally skilled or gifted.
A person’s culture, family, upbringing, place of birth and generation all play essential roles in shaping his or her success.
Skillset is undeniably a significant factor, but the remarkable accomplishment of exceptionally high achievers in their field, is shaped by a series of fortunate events, rare opportunities, and other factors that are not in our control.
*For more book inspirations check out Books to help you Win at Life.
Would you like to recommend a book that has made you think differently about life? I’d love to hear more in the comments!
Sincerely,
Elaine
Leave a Reply
This page may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a commission if you buy one of these products, at no additional cost to you. I only list things that I personally love.