Even though my blog is about fashion for petite women, I think it’s also important to talk about how we can empower and support each other. My lifestyle series is about meeting our goals and avoiding burnout.

3 books every boss babe should read in 2018

Happy 2018! The new year has begun and people are building out plans for how they are going to achieve new goals. Some would refer to it as a, “New Year’s Resolution,” and I would not. If you want to know why I don’t make, “New Year’s Resolutions,” and how I’m choosing to achieve my goals for 2018 instead, then you can read that here. There are many  ways I’m choosing to grow personally in 2018 and one of those is to read more.

If you walk into my house and check out my bookcase, you will see tons of differently colored books in a multitude of genres and my Kindle, which houses hundreds of more titles in its tiny, black shell. I usually stick to sardonic humor or non-fiction although, I do own and have read all of the Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy, (so sue me). But, this post isn’t about psychoanalyzing my book shelf or my sick sense of humor. It’s about my suggestions for the three books that will help you crush your career goals, prioritize your time, and do it all with a smile in 2018.

1. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by: Sheryl Sandburg

Photo Credit: New York Times

I first encountered this book in my graduate program as part of the required reading for a class I was taking. We each chose a piece of paper which corresponded to the book title we would be reading. It felt like fate that I was assigned this book because the words really resonated with me.

The book is all about female empowerment, breaking the glass ceiling, and understanding why more women aren’t in power play roles. Research and facts back up this book, which makes it so great. Scientific studies or experiments support each claim.  As a result, reading it will definitely help open your eyes to female discrimination in the workplace and how we ultimately are contributing to our own demise by fearing assertiveness.

My hope for all you babes in 2018, is that you stop being afraid of reaching your career goals. Whether that means you own your own business or work at a large corporation, or something in between, don’t be afraid to take a seat at the table. You’ve earned it.

2. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by: Mark Manson

Photo Credit: Wajeez

Caution: if you are easily offended by profanity, I would steer clear of this one. This isn’t your typical self-help book but, I found it to be an easy read with tons of insight. After finishing graduate school, I felt a little directionless. My identity had been wrapped up in this student persona for so long that I was struggling with all the free time I now had.

This book will help you break through the nonsense and start really figuring out how to prioritize the important things in your life. There is no pithy stereotypes about how to be happier. It’s not saccharine or cute but its not de-motivating either. The most attractive quality to this book is how real it feels. Mark Manson takes you through his journey to self-discovery and how he learned what to put value in and what to simply not give a f*ck about.

The more time I spend on social media, the more I find myself getting caught up in all the BS. This book is a reminder that we should only give our time and effort to the things that bring us joy. So if you find yourself stressing out, cozy up with this book in a tub or on the couch and let it go.

3. A Complaint Free World: How to Stop Complaining and Start Enjoying the Life You Always Wanted by: Will Bowen

Photo Credit: Will Bowen

This book was recommended to me after a particularly hard week at work. I was stressing out and taking it out on anyone who would listen, (mainly my husband).  I saw that my yoga class was doing a workshop on relationships. In that workshop, I learned of this book. Because I am a, “glass half empty” type person, this book is perfect for me!

If Mark Manson is a little too crass for you, then maybe this book will be more your style. It’s about learning how not to complain and in turn, living a more fulfilling life. This book goes through many stories of people’s struggles and how they used this book to cope. It also includes a challenge. Being the competitive person I am, I love a good challenge.

The challenge is to wear a wristband and every time you complain that day you change the wristband to the other wrist. I use a hair tie since I always have one on. The goal is to go a full 21 days without having to change your wristband. You complain, you go back to day 1. Ladies, I’m going to be perfectly honest with you, this is super hard! I’ve been at it for a while and I have yet to make it a week. However, being more cognizant about how often you complain will help you to break the habit. And in turn, you will live a more content existence.

Reading is part of personal growth

So there you have it, how to advance your career, how to define what’s worth caring about, and how to be happier over all. What are your favorite books for personal growth? Let me know in the comments if you’ve read these books. Additionally, how did you feel about them? Do you plan on reading them in the future?

XOXO

Rosé & Ruffles

@rose_and_ruffles