These six books can change your life

It’s a big old claim to suggest that words on paper can change your life. These are the books that won’t be put down until every page has been turned and that you’ll pick up again, recommend to your friends and shout about from the rooftops for years to come. Because they’re powerful things those words on paper. Some of them even inspired our very own Helm. How will they inspire you?

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Kahneman started out as a cognitive psychologist in 1961 and this mind-altering book shares the most important lessons he has learned since. His approach to behavioural psychology will help you make more rational decisions in every area of your life.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

1% might not sound like much but if this book is to be believed, it’s the difference between a total change in habits over the course of a year. Clear focuses on improving by only 1% at at time in an approach that feels achievable for everyone, saying: ‘If you improve your business by 1% every day, that’s 365% in a year. 1% isn’t a lot, 365% is.’

The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss

Despite the title, Ferriss’s now notorious tome is more about changing your perspective on your long-term career and retirement entirely, rather than manufacturing a job that allows you to work a four-hour week. It’ll also make you rethink how you value your time and the ways you spend it.

Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker

If you’re guilty of sacrificing getting enough kip, you need to read this. Walker has totally changed the way we view sleep and its impact on our health. You’ll never skip your eight hours again.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

This book could be a school curriculum in itself, so involvedly does it explain humanity and the way we have evolved to the extent that we’re on the brink of overcoming natural selection. It’s a long read but be prepared to have your eyes opened on the impact humanity has on the planet.

Start With Why by Simon Sinek

Why, how and what – those are the three cornerstones of Simon Sinek’s approach to leadership and what he coins the ‘Golden Circle’. He’s the man who inspired Helm and his book has the ability to totally change the way you do business and speak to your customers.

Which books have changed the way you work and live? Let us know which we should be adding to our collection and visit Helm to borrow some of our own favourites.