These Are The Best Motivational Books To Read During Lockdown

COVID-19 has placed one-third of humanity into a lockdown. Manufacturing, supply chain, event management, travel, and trade are some of the worst-hit industries. The world is facing the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. The global economy is tumbling.

Organizations of all sizes have implemented cost-cutting measures to minimize losses. While some have enforced mandatory pay cuts, others are laying off people.  According to NPR, 26 million people have lost their jobs in a matter of 5 weeks. All of us have been affected to some extent.

These are worrisome times, indeed. Every source of inspiration is valuable at the moment. Former U.S. President Harry S. Truman famously said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” Books have the power to inspire. They impart positive thoughts. This is crucial to get you back on track.

Here’s our list of the best motivational books to read during the lockdown:

1. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth: Angela Duckworth claims that doing what you love and doing it relentlessly helps in becoming successful. She maintains throughout the book that it’s not about luck, but about hard work. The book also shows how to develop an interest in their work. In 2016,  Forbes called it a “must-read business book”.
2. Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins: The book suggests that there is a giant in you. This giant can only be unleashed by taking charge of all aspects of your life – emotional, financial, mental, and physical. Although some feel the content is similar to that of some other authors, Tony is gifted at getting motivation from the reader.
3. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferris: In the backdrop of layoffs and pay cuts, entrepreneurship is a spontaneous option. Tim Ferriss guides you through a relaxed yet effective approach towards making money. We usually associate entrepreneurship with sacrifices, hardships, and long work hours. Tim shows that it can be done without compromises and by putting in fewer hours, provided you use those hours properly.
4. The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale: Dr. Peale tells his readers about the key role of faith and inspiration in one’s life. He has mentioned several techniques to believe in oneself, develop power, and to take control over one’s life. He also shows the ill-effects of worrying and negative thinking. This is one of the most motivational books ever written. People have been known to beat cancer by using one weapon – positive thinking. This potent weapon can help us defeat any obstacle, including the Great Lockdown.
5. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey: It is just what the name says – 7 habits that make you highly effective. Stephen R. Covey shows that it’s all about your attitude towards obstacles. Using a number of stories, the book illustrates how these habits help you lead a successful life. These stories help cement the 7 habits in your mind.
6. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson: Most say you should be so good that you don’t have to struggle. But Mark says it’s better to choose your own struggle. One theme he follows throughout the book is that things are not beautiful or easy. He insists that one needs to get rid of one’s entitlements and face the real world instead. Mark’s extremely casual language and in-your-face writing make him unique.

Some more motivational books you’d like to read:

• Smarter Faster Better: The Transformative Power of Real Productivity by Charles Duhigg.
• Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers by Tim Ferriss.
• Choose Yourself by James Altucher.
• Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.
• The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz.
• The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage by Daymond John.
• Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World by William H. McRaven.