Reading can be a transformative experience. It can challenge us to think differently, expand our horizons, and open our eyes to new possibilities. I recently read three books that had a profound effect on my life. The titles alone, ‘Deep Work’ by Cal Newport, ‘Find your why’ by Simon Sinek, David Mead, and Peter Docker, and ‘The Power of Habit’ by Charles Duhigg, reveal much of what I learned and how they changed me. Each of these books speaks of the power of focus, the importance of being present, and the courage to follow one’s dreams. The lessons I learned from these three books have been incredibly impactful and helped shape my life journey. I have a tendency to get distracted with physical books lately, and I find that audiobooks work better for me. My fidgety nature dictates that I must have my hands busy when watching or listening to anything, so these were great to listen to as I knitted simple socks or while spinning yarn.

Summary of Deep Work by Cal Newport

Deep work is the ability to focus without distraction on a challenging task requiring high skill and mental effort. Our brains are wired to do two things simultaneously, but research shows that this reduces productivity. Deep work requires us to go into a state of flow where we are entirely absorbed in the task at hand. This is often achieved through eliminating distractions and creating enough space so that we can focus on the task. This can be done by setting aside time in which we are completely free of distractions or by finding a location where we can focus completely on the task. Deep work is precious in our digital age, where there is an endless stream of distractions. The benefits of deep work include increased creativity, better decision-making, improved problem-solving, and stronger connections with others. A life of deep work is one in which we constantly challenge ourselves to do what is most valuable. It is an unapologetic journey toward growth and improvement. It is a life with meaning and purpose. It is a life in which we are wholly engaged in what we are doing because we love what we do.

Summary of Find Your Why by Simon Sinek, David Mead, and Peter Docker

This book is about finding your purpose and living life more fully. It focuses on the concept of the “why” of life. We all have a “why,” whether we know it or not. This book challenges us to uncover our true “why” so we can live a more fulfilling, confident, and passionate life. It explains how finding your “why” can help you succeed in life, work, and relationships. It strays into how the process of uncovering your “why” can be applied to several other aspects of life, such as parenting, health, and money. It then goes on to explain the need for authenticity in our lives. It talks about how we must be authentic in everything we do and how this can benefit our relationships and help us to fulfill our “why.” It ends on a note of hope and optimism and reminds us always to keep looking for our “why.”

Summary of The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

The Power of Habit explains how habits are formed and how we can change them. Habits are patterns of behavior that are so ingrained that they are automatic. Understanding how they work is the first step to changing them. This book explains how habits are formed, why they are so difficult to break, and how to change them. Charles Duhigg introduces the three core elements of any habit:

• A “cue” (or a trigger for the behavior to occur).
• A “routine” (the behavior itself).
• A “reward” (what the brain considers to be positive).

He then explains how these elements can create new habits and break bad ones. He provides examples from his own life and his reporting. He also gives practical advice on how to change your habits. The Power of Habit is an excellent guide to self-improvement. It provides an accessible and easy-to-understand explanation of how our brains work and how we can change our lives. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their life.

How Each Book Changed My Life

These three books have been integral to the development of my life. They have challenged me to look at myself, my habits, and my motivations in a new light. They have given me tools to improve my life and take ownership of it. Each of these books has expanded my horizons and opened my eyes to new ways of thinking, being, and doing. They have changed me as a person and have been pivotal in shaping my present and future self. These three books have challenged me to think differently, be more present, and find confidence in myself. And in reading them, I’ve been given a chance to change.