6 Books that massively helped me master 6 key-life skills
From negotiating and happiness--to gaining more focus!
On Instagram, I make reels on what books to read—to improve certain skills on a regular. But, I never really elaborate on it to be fair. I just list some books, and call it a day.
I don’t think I always do you guys justice this way.
It’s a bit of a cop out.
So that’s why today I’m going to be a bit more grand in my explanation. And, these 6 books I’m presenting have had a profound effect on the level of certain skills. I regularly revisit these to remind myself of the great wisdom they all contain.
They all have different topics—so there is probably a book on a skill you want to improve!
Never Split The Difference —> Negotiations
“Negotiation is not an act of battle; it’s a process of discovery. The goal is to uncover as much information as possible.” -Chris Voss
In everyday life, we negotiate more than we think.
A contract renewal. You trying to lower the price for that fresh trout at your local market. But also an argument with your girlfriend about where to eat out.
These are all negotiations!
In Never Split the Difference, Chris Voss explains how you become a master negotiator, but in doing so; you become an amazing all round communicator as well.
What you’ll learn:
How to negotiate yourself out of every situation;
What it takes to become an effective communicator;
The way people behave in negotiations.
Indistractable —> Focus
“Most people don’t want to acknowledge the uncomfortable truth that distraction is always an unhealthy escape from reality.” -Nir Eyal
This book provides a framework that will help you reclaim your attention, and choose the life YOU want. Instead of being constantly distracted; so you can’t focus on the things that bring you joy and fulfilment.
You become an indistractable person!
What you’ll learn:
How your perspective on willpower is probably wrong;
Ways to become less distracted;
How to become a better time manager.
Stillness is the Key —> Gaining Peace of Mind
This moment we are experiencing right now is a gift (that’s why we call it the present). -Ryan Holiday
This book is in my top 5 currently, and may be my favourite read from last year. I recommend it highly, it became a more grounded person after this read.
It also helped me appreciate doing: ‘nothing’, it has made me less of a workaholic. The ancient principles laid out in this book really translate well into modern society. These principles are more needed than ever, in my humble opinion.
What you’ll learn:
How to ‘de-stress’ a restless mind;
Why we should strive for less, and appreciate more what we have;
How your body impacts your mind, positively and negatively.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant —> Happiness
The three big ones in life are wealth, health, and happiness. We pursue them in that order, but their importance is reverse. -Naval Ravikant
It may be a bit of controversial opinion. But, I personally think happiness is a skill, you can get happier when you deliberately put time and attention into it. We have a baseline of happiness, but this can be improved upon.
This book also teaches you about Finance, and Business. It is a multi-faceted read!
What you’ll learn:
How success and happiness often conflict with each other;
Finding out what makes you happy, and what does not;
The biggest misconceptions about happiness.
Influence —> Persuasion
“Since 95 percent of the people are imitators and only 5 percent initiators, people are persuaded more by the actions of others than by any proof we can offer.” -Robert Cialdini
Advertisements, billboards, even posts on Instagram will try to persuade you to try to do ‘something.’
Most of the time, you’re not even aware of the forces that will influence you on a daily basis. I’m a sucker for this as well guys.
Influence by Robert Cialdini will help you understand how people/companies use certain psychologic tricks and principles to persuade you!
What you’ll learn:
8 ways people persuade each other;
How we continuously fall for certain tricks salesmen use;
What is takes to become a persuasive person.
How to Talk to Anyone —> Social Skills
“Great posture, a heads-up look, a confident smile, and a direct gaze." The ideal image for somebody who's a Somebody.” -Leil Lowndes
Like the cover of the book boldly states, this book has 92 little and useful tricks that will propel your relationship with others into the stratosphere.
Okay, this might be a bit of an exaggeration. But, this book will for sure level up your social skills!
Remember; the best way to get better at Social Skills is going out there and talking to strangers.
What you’ll learn:
How to become great at ‘small-talk’;
Ways to start a conversation with virtually everyone;
How to make an unforgettable first impression.
I hope you enjoyed this one. Don’t hesitate to let me know if I should make more of these in the future!
-Quintin
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