2022 is upon us. For some, this may mean nothing more than a calendar change, and for many others, it marks a new beginning. And along with a new beginning, the resolve to better themselves. As you work towards your 2022 goals, remember this secret formula;  

Information x Focus = Personal Reality.

Simply put, the information you focus on shapes your personal reality.  

Books are a great source of information. Granted, there are many authors who’ve written life-changing books. But if you’re looking to start somewhere, or add to your current list, here are 7 timeless titles that will positively impact your personal reality.  

1. The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell

Have you ever wondered why some things become viral, while others don’t? Brilliantly authored by the one and only Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point provides us with an understanding around viral phenomena. It defines that exact moment at which an idea, trend, or social behaviour, crosses a threshold into an epidemic.  

He introduces three concepts to help illustrate the above.  
1: The Law of the Few
2. The Stickiness Factor
3. The Power of Content

Revealing interesting dynamics behind eruptive social changes, The Tipping Point is a ground-breaking read destined to challenge conventional thinking in business, sociological, and policy-making areas.

Our key takeaway: Small, seemingly minute things matter in the grand scheme of things. As cliche as it sounds, the devil is indeed in the details.  

2. Grit by Angela Duckworth

In an attempt to study the quality that makes an individual successful, Angela’s Duckworth’s research revealed that grit is the best predictor of one’s success, and not talent or intelligence as we might typically assume. In her book, she first defines grit as a combination of passion and perseverance applied to a long-term goal, and establishes its importance in achieving success.  In the subsequent parts of the book, Angela Duckworth discusses how to develop grit individually and in a group.  

The book is backed with researches and findings, quotes from leaders of the past, and case studies across various fields. This inspiring read will change your perspective of failure and make you rethink your concept of success. It’s most helpful for those seeking new avenues to succeed.

Our key takeaway: Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Failure is an opportunity to learn; a step towards success.  

3. Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

Written by Israeli intellectual Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens is more than just a history book. It is a scientific exploration, an odyssey about human evolution. Yuval constructs a historic and pre-historic timeline dating as far back as 13.5 billion years ago and explores in depth the plethora of forces that transformed Homo (man) into Homo sapiens (wise man).

Through his book, he brilliantly articulates Homo Sapiens’ evolutionary shift from escaping the laws of natural selection to designing the world they live in - the impact of a large brain, tool use, complex social structures and many others.

It is a comprehensive and engaging read that captures what it means to be human through studies of the past, observations about the present, and predictions for the future.  

Our key takeaway: Our ability to conjure fiction is what distinguishes our species from the rest. Storytelling and shared beliefs are a product of this ability and is what makes a global society and large-scale corporations possible.  

4. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle, a highly revered spiritual teacher, shares his wisdom on embracing the present moment in his book The Power of Now. Expounding concepts like “ego” and “pain body”, Eckhart explains how identifying with our minds prevents us from attaining peace and happiness, and is in fact the root of our emotional unrest.  

The German-born author has a simple solution to avoiding suffering and attaining inner peace; live in the present moment. He writes that re-engaging our physical senses helps create awareness and centres us in the present moment, guiding you away from the whirlwind of thoughts in your mind (I.e, the root of suffering)

This book is a great read for those who are looking to disengage from the clutter of a rapidly moving world, explore spirituality, heal from past emotional baggage, or experience peace.  

Our key takeaway: You are not your mind. Attaching our sense of self to our thoughts/mind causes us anguish. Mindfulness is important because it enables us to see thoughts as separate from consciousness.  

5. Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

Never Split the Difference is a book on negotiation and more importantly, communication, authored by former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss. The book gives us a glimpse into the high-tensity environment of hostage negotiating while also teaching us the art of it. Turns out there’s more similarity than difference between hostage negotiation and negotiating a pay raise!  

Chris Voss stresses the importance of slowing down when dealing with a crisis, reminding us that in most cases, being patient and taking time to establish trust leads to more favourable results. It gives creates room to think, strategise, and act. His vast experience dealing with kidnappers and terrorists revealed that emotions are equally as important as reason when negotiation. empethathic, ask open-ended questions, and be aware of cognitive biases.  

The best-selling book offers many practical and actionable tips and tricks to help you through crisis and negotiation. These are applicable not just in hostage situations, but in everyday life be it in business, relationship, or at home.

Our key takeaway: Negotiating is all about communication. Our words, tone, and pace heavily dictate the outcome.

6. Atomic Habits

Atomic Habits is just the book you need to orient yourself back on track. James Clear, an expert on cultivating habits, shares a simple framework for improving ourselves.  

Whether you’re looking to build new habits or break old ones, James Clear offers strategies that actually work!  As you make your way through the book, you will become aware of the little habits you never knew you had, and how they affect your life and future in general. Conversely, you’ll also find yourself in a better position to replace the bad habits with good ones.  

By the end of the book, you will have knowledge on how to break away from activities that bring instant gratification, better time management for developing new skills, as well as the ability to motivate yourself in the pursuit of improving your life.  

Our key takeaway: The journey of creating good habits and destroying bad ones need not be lonely. Finding a partner who can keep you accountable can help you in this process.

7. Flow

Have you ever been fully engrossed in a task you lost track of time? Or perhaps you forgot your worries? A period where everything else ceased to exist? A moment that is exhilarating and challenging all at once? That very moment, is what Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi defines as flow.  

Known for his work in positive psychology, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi shares his take on how to lead a life worth living; how to be happy. He argues that happiness can be cultivated and sustained through optimal experiences. And optimal experiences are achieved through stretching our limits (both, mentally and physically), in a voluntary attempt to accomplish a difficult task.  

The key to long-term happiness is learning how to transform even the smallest of tasks into a flow experience. This book is a must read for those who seek to rise above their circumstances and create happiness for themselves.

Our key takeaway: Being happy requires conscious and deliberate effort. By adding meaning to everyday-tasks, we are able to live optimally in a state of flow.  

These books are impactful in their own ways. Spanning across fields of psychology, sociology, history, and spirituality, this list is just what you need to grow holistically this year! Happy reading.