Hey there, friends! Life as an onboarding leader can be pretty fast-paced, and sometimes, we all forget to take time out to check in with ourselves and ask how we’re doing. Are we making progress toward our goals and seeking out new challenges? Do we feel fulfilled at work and in our personal lives? There’s always room for improvement.
That’s why I’ve put together a list of my favorite books for personal growth.
Get cozy by your favorite fireplace, and let’s dive in!
1. Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
By Peter Attia with Bill Gifford (2023)
First up is Outlive, a book that’s all about making sure we’re not just living longer but living better, more meaningful lives. Dr. Peter Attia takes a deep dive into the science of longevity, covering everything from nutrition and exercise to sleep and mental health. Now, I know what you’re thinking: Jerry, I’m already running around all day—why do I need another thing to think about? But trust me, this one’s worth your time.
What I love about this book is that Attia breaks everything down into easy steps that anyone (even a sloth!) can follow. He doesn’t just talk about physical health—he digs into how taking care of your mind is just as important. As an onboarding leader, you know how easy it is to burn out. This book gives you practical tips on how to avoid that, so you can stay sharp, feel good, and—most importantly—keep your cool when onboarding gets hectic. Who wouldn’t want that?
2. The Pivot Year
By Brianna Wiest
Can you really change your life in just one year? Bestselling author Brianna Wiest believes you can. Our thoughts become words and actions, and our actions become habits. Our habits ultimately shape our lives.
This collection of 365 meditations will help you become more mindful and intentional, cutting down on distractions so you can focus on being the best version of yourself.
3. Atomic Habits
By James Clear
Being more mindful about what we want is a great starting point, but if we want to make lasting changes, we need the discipline to take small, repeatable steps toward our goals each day. This book will reframe the way you think about habits by helping you make them obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. You’ll discover how to put the right systems in place to stay consistent and how to get back on track when life gets in the way, as it tends to do for all of us.
(I’ve really enjoyed this book—it’s perfect for those of us who could use a bit more structure. Start with one habit, make it stick, and you’ll see the difference!)
4. How to Know A Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Seen Deeply
By David Brooks
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my many slow days, it’s that relationships matter. How to Know A Person by David Brooks is all about connecting with people on a deeper level, which is crucial for anyone in a leadership role. Brooks emphasizes curiosity—asking the right questions to really understand the people around you, whether they’re your team members or your clients.
This book is a game-changer for onboarding leaders who want to foster trust and build stronger relationships. The better you know your team, the better you can lead them. Plus, Brooks offers practical advice on how to listen and observe in ways that help you connect on a deeper level.
5. The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
By the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
Ah, joy. We all need a little more of that, right? The Book of Joy brings together the wisdom of two of the world’s most joyful figures: the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. This book is a reflection on how to find lasting happiness, even in a world that’s constantly changing—which is something all of us, especially onboarding leaders, can relate to.
What I love about this book is how it tackles suffering head-on. These two incredible figures talk about finding joy even in the hardest times, and their wisdom can be applied to both your life and your work. As you guide clients and teams through the challenges of onboarding, it’s helpful to remember that happiness isn’t just about the good times—it’s about how you navigate the tough ones, too.
6. Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others
By Stephen Covey
Finally, we have Trust and Inspire by Stephen Covey, which is all about how to be the kind of leader who empowers others. Covey argues that the best leaders don’t control—they inspire. This is especially relevant in remote and distributed workforces. As an onboarding leader, you’re in a unique position to shape how your team operates, and this book will help you do it with trust, empathy, and inspiration.
Covey provides practical tips on how to lead by example and help your team reach their full potential. After all, onboarding is more than just processes and procedures—it’s about helping people grow. And when your team feels supported and inspired, they’ll pass that energy on to your clients.
That’s it for my top personal growth book picks for now! Whether you’re looking to declutter your mind, deepen your connections, or simply find more joy in the every day, these books have you covered. Remember, friends, slow and steady wins the race. Happy reading!