I’ve always loved to read. I’ve read hundreds of books so far in my life and hope to read many more. The challenge is finding those amazing, life changing books. Here are 10 that have left a lasting impact on me that I will continue to read again and again.

1. Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert

This is a book about creativity and how to pursue it. I’ve experienced what she says about ideas many times. It’s basically my song writing process. This book is so magical and relatable for artists. I’ve listened to the audiobook many times. It’s especially useful if you need creative motivation. I loved the story of Winifred. That is exactly the kind of person I want to be!

2. Mastery – George Leonard

A book about mastery and how it’s a life long path of continuous improvement. It’s sad how little mastery is talked about and encouraged in modern society.

3. The War of Art – Steven Pressfield

A book about creativity and resistance. Very relatable and an easy read. Also very good motivation

4. The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle

A book I’ve read multiple times. It’s about being present and the pain body. He goes through examples of how the mind works and it’s deception and trickery. This is relevant to being any kind of creator because the mind often sabotages people from doing what they most want to do.

5. 100 Ways to Motivate Yourself – Steve Chandler

I wish I’d found this book 20 or more years ago. It addresses resistance, something that is very sneaky and that everyone experiences without necessarily knowing it’s resistance. The first 20 years of my life were basically resistance sabotaging me. What a waste!

6. Flow – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

This book is about how we incorrectly use our valuable, limited attention and how to correct that. It talks about the flow state, the distractions in life and lack of control we have over our focus and how we can take control of this to live happier, higher quality lives.

7. The Creative Act – Rick Rubin

I just had a feeling about this book and immediately bought it. This book talks about being an artist and has short, interesting chapters. It’s another creatively motivating book and a pleasure to read.

8. Question Your Thinking, Change Your World – Byron Katie

This is a book about self inquiry. It may seem kind of strange at first, but the simplicity, yet deep truth of this book is mind blowing. Again, another book I wish I’d read 20 years ago. This book provides clear examples of the mind and how it deceives you and spins stories that you can waste your entire life trapped in. I think it’s relevant here, because the mind is so powerful and when trapped in destructive patterns, it makes creativity very difficult.

9. Mastery – Robert Greene

Another book I wish I found long ago. He talks about the mastery process and also how you have to battle not only yourself but also others to stay on the path of mastery. It confirms many things it took me my entire life to wrap my head around. This stuff is logical, but it takes more than logic to remain on the path of mastery. It also talks about the misconception that to be a master you need some natural born talent.

10. Power vs Force – David R Hawkins

This is a book about consciousness and how you can tap into your own individual power. Will you choose internal, deep power based on consciousness and awareness or unconscious, forceful, reactive behavior? This one is very interesting and very different from any book I’ve ever read.

These books are so amazing. I wish I’d read them in high school, but I had to find them on my own. They are not only worth reading, but worth reading multiple times because every time you read them you get more out of them!