I don’t want to ever stop learning.

One of my favorite ways to keep at it is to consistently read.

I keep a running list on my phone of books I want to read in the future.  Each time I hear about a good book or a friend recommends something they just read, I whip out my phone and do a little nae nae (JK I add the book to the list).  Whenever I get close to the end of whatever I’m currently reading, I hit up Amazon for the next book on my list that has most captured my interest.  This list actually drives the task-oriented part of me crazy.  It seems that in the time it takes to check one book off my list, I’ve accumulated five more to read.  I’ll never be “done,” though I guess that’s not the point.

I’ve tried to get in the habit of always carrying a book with me, that way those little “filler” moments we all have—sitting in the miles-long Starbucks drive through, or waiting for your car to get smog checked (you can tell it’s been an exciting week for me), or even just a quick lunch break at work—are filled less with mindless Instagram or Facebook scrolling, teaching me to compare and compete, and more with something productive that inspires and enriches me.  Sometimes I choose the scrolling and sometimes I choose the reading but when I choose the latter, I notice how much more positive my mindset is.  It makes a huge difference.

Books have power.  They take you on a journey through a concept that ultimately has the power to change your perspective.  At the very least, a good book can present a new perspective against which you can hold your own, and so learn from.  If it does succeed in shaping your mindset, it has also inevitably succeeded in influencing the way you live your life.

Below is a list of some of the books I’ve read recently, ones whose words have shaped the contours of my thoughts, perspective, and passions:

1. Every Bitter Thing is Sweet by Sara Hagerty

2. Anything by Jennie Allen

3. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

4. Scary Close by Donald Miller

5. Love Does by Bob Goff

6. Out of Solitude by Henri Nouwen

7. The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller

8. The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

9. The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst

10. Savor by Shauna Niequist (this one is a daily devotional—so unique and SO good)

11. Better by Tim Chaddick (the author was my pastor when I attended Reality LA and I loved him!)

And here’s a few that are at the top of my list to read:

• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

• The Truest Thing About You by Dave Lomas

• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

• Desiring God by John Piper

• For the Love by Jen Hatmaker

• The Road Trip that Changed the World by Mark Sayers

• One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

• The 4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss

Well there you have it, some books that have influenced me.  What are some of yours?  I would LOVE to hear!  I’m always looking to add to that never-ending list!