Reflections on 2024: “Beyond Business Books: Five Reads That Inspired Me This Year”
I had intended to write a piece about the business and coaching books I have read this year, but as I was preparing to do this, it hit me: was there anything I could add to what has already been written? Many of these books have been popular this year, and I wasn’t sure I could offer anything new that you, the reader, might appreciate. Then I had a thought about the books that have left a mark on me rather than just inform and educate, books that offered me perspective, solace, and meaning. These are the ones that have helped me reflect, reframe, and ultimately grow as a coach and advisor.
Some of these books delve into themes that might seem heavy at first glance, mortality, meaning, and resilience, but they’ve been anything but discouraging. In fact, they’ve inspired hope, clarity, and a deeper appreciation for life’s complexities. With the festive season upon us and the last weekend before the holidays fast approaching, I’d like to share these books with you. Perhaps they might resonate with you or even serve as thoughtful gifts for someone in your life. Here are five books that have left a lasting imprint on me this year:
1. The Poetry Pharmacy by William Sieghart
This book is a beautiful collection of poems paired with emotional states and challenges. Sieghart curates’ poems that serve as "prescriptions" for issues ranging from loneliness to stress, offering solace and perspective. What makes this book so powerful is its ability to connect deeply with the reader in moments of vulnerability, you know, those times when you just need something that speaks directly to your heart. For me, it’s been a reminder of how art can distil complex emotions into something comprehensible and healing. This ability to connect with emotions and find resonance is something I often try to emulate in my coaching practice, offering clients tailored approaches that address their unique challenges.
2. Consolations by David Whyte
Whyte’s book offers meditative reflections on words that carry deep emotional resonance, such as “Friendship,” “Heartbreak,” and “Rest.” Each essay encourages the reader to explore the layers of meaning behind these words and their relevance in life’s challenges and joys. This book has been a compass in moments of uncertainty, the kind of book you turn to when you’re searching for clarity, not necessarily answers, but a deeper understanding. Whyte’s reflections echo the approach I aim for in coaching, facilitating self-discovery over prescriptive advice. You can hear David read his essays on Sam Harris Waking Up app something that has only deepened their impact for me.
3. A Beginner’s Guide to Dying by Simon Boas
Simon Boas’s book is a profound exploration of the human condition, touching on themes of mortality, grief, and renewal. It’s a candid and moving account of life’s fragility and the lessons we can learn from embracing it. This book has encouraged me to approach transitions, whether personal or professional, with more empathy and insight, like a gentle nudge reminding you to pause and reflect. Its reflections on growth amidst loss have influenced how I help clients navigate change, framing challenges as opportunities for resilience and renewal.
4. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
This classic has been on my bookshelf for many years but revisiting it this year felt particularly timely. Frankl’s harrowing account of surviving concentration camps during the Holocaust is paired with his insights into logotherapy, the idea that finding meaning is the key to resilience. This book serves as a masterclass in perspective. Helping clients uncover their “why” is often the most transformative step in their journey. Frankl’s insights felt like a confirmation of the power of purpose to carry us through. His testament to the enduring power of hope and meaning resonates deeply in both personal and professional contexts.
5. Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
This collection of reflections encourages readers to embrace the finite nature of life. Burkeman’s practical yet philosophical approach helps to quiet the noise of day-to-day busyness and refocus on what truly matters. I’ve particularly appreciated the simplicity yet impactful nature of his writing. Burkeman’s reflections on embracing limitations as opportunities rather than barriers really struck a chord with me. It’s like he’s saying, “Focus on what counts,” which I guess is what we should try and achieve and learn to compress distractions that confront us.
Why These Books Matter
These books have offered me a fresh lens through which to view both my personal and professional life. They serve as reminders that growth often comes not from quick fixes, but from deeper understanding and meaningful reflection. As you reflect on your own year, perhaps these works can offer you the same gift they’ve given me: a moment to pause, to think, and to reconnect with what truly matters.
If you’re looking for a meaningful gift or simply a way to ground yourself as the year comes to a close, I can’t recommend these books highly enough. May they inspire you as much as they’ve inspired me.