What to read October ‘23

A curated list of books that don't just fill your shelves—the kind of books that sit with you long after you’ve turned the last page

‘What to read’ is my end-of-the-month recommendation and round-up of the books I read last month, which I think you would enjoy during your coffee breaks. 

It is a short, curated list of books that don't just fill your shelves—the kind of books that sit with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

These could be the books which provoked:

• The ideas that changed my mind unexpectedly (and could do the same for you)

• The reflections that inspired me to see the world a little differently

• Curiosity. You should know that curiosity not only boosts creativity but also helps you live longer, according to recent research...”¹

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Best discoveries from October ‘23

Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg’s 

Fogg's behavioural research reveals why: we've been thinking about habit formation all wrong.

The most striking finding is that successful habit formation tally more strongly with simplicity (r=0.82) than with motivation (r=0.34). In other words, making habits tiny is more effective than going big.

Read this if: 

• Your motivation consistently crashes after day three

• Your self-improvement goals feel like self-punishment

Atomic Habits by James Clear

40% of our daily actions are habits, not decisions. Clear suggests that tiny 1% improvements compound into 37x better performance over a year.

The key isn't motivation—it's making good habits inevitable.

Read this if: 

• You keep trying to outwork bad systems

Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff 

Acuff's book reveals how "perfect" becomes the enemy of "done."

The most fascinating finding? People who cut their goals in half were 63% more likely to achieve them. The secret to finishing isn't trying harder—it's making completion easier.

Read this if: 

• Your to-do list is a collection of half-finished projects

• You're ready to choose done over perfect

That’s my list, what is yours? You know me, I’m always eager to get good book recommendations. What have you been reading the past month?

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/tracking-wonder/202312/curiosity-is-key-to-boosting-work-engagement-and-creativity

https://thiscuriouslife.uknica.co.uk/the-curious-path-to-longevity-how-being-curious-can-help-you-live-longer-and-better/#:~:text=For%20instance%2C%20one%20study%20published,than%20those%20who%20did%20not.&text=While%20it%20may%20be%20tempting,Better%20Age%20positive%20photo%20library.