10 Great Psychology Books To Change Your
Life
We’ve all been there, sitting in our
local coffee shop with our book in hand, when suddenly you read something so
enlightening, so unexpected that you choke a little on your double mocha frap.
Maybe you stop to ponder for a minute that undeniable piece of wisdom, wisdom
which flies in the frap-lathered face of an idea — or many — which you held so
dear. This is a moment of epiphanic change, and it feels fantastic.
These are the moments with the power
to change lives, and that right there is the highest value in reading. Sadly we
all know that these moments are few and far between, so we here at Lifehack
have compiled a list of the top 10 greatest psychology books which can change
your life. Lets see how many you have read!
1. The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Heidt
Starting with my personal favourite
on the list, Jonathan Heidt effortlessly brings to light the beliefs of ancient
systems and puts them under the scrutiny of modern science. Heidt conveys his
superior knowledge of psychology and neuroscience, and compares it with
his understanding of such ancient systems in a witty yet comprehensive way.
Heidt shows the flaws and misconceptions of various systems and practices — as
well as their truths — whilst offering a tangible solution to the many vices
and privations which trouble the modern person.
Who’s it for: Anybody who is
chasing their own tale in looking for a source of happiness.
2. Civilization and Its Discontents by Sigmund Freud
Who can dismiss the ferocious
intellect practised by world renowned father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund
Freud. In one of his most famous works, Freud breaks down the construct of
civilization and our relationships with others for the primal, and sometimes
savage construct that it is. This is for those who aren’t fazed by a slightly
heavier and more dense read. That being said, if you can break through this
book and grasp its meaning, the understanding of why our civilization is built
they way it is will help you navigate it all the more effectively.
Who’s it for: Those
interested in why our civilization exists. You’ll need patience, and thick
skin.
3. Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
In a summary of decades worth of
research, Kahneman challenges the various cognitive biases people
subconsciously possess, and apply day after day. Understanding that our minds
are composed of two parts — an instinctive and primal section, and a more
critical and rational section — together with their manifestations in
decision making will give you an “aha” moment of relatability. The applications
of this book are vast, from daily tasks to major business decisions, you’ll
never look at decision making the same again.
Who’s it for: The indecisive person
in you. Those who face make or break decisions regularly.
4. Influence: The Psychology Of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini
If you’re the type of person who
finds themselves constantly being rejected by others — someone who is never
taken seriously despite your best efforts at being
authoritative, constantly left feeling like a pushover — Robert B.
Cialdini has your back on this one. In this best-seller, Cialdini teaches us
the 6 principles of persuasion which will ensure that you’ll never be left
feeling like a fool again. In applying these 6 principles you’ll be at the
centre of attention, seemingly commanding people with your every word. Mind
control in disguise? Maybe. Totally awesome? Definitely!
Who’s it for: Those with great
ideas, but who struggle to have them acknowledged.
5. Outliers: The Story Of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
Do you want to find out how the
worlds most successful people became, well, successful? Who better than to ask
someone who has spent years studying them and finding out exactly that. This is
precisely what Malcolm Gladwell has done, and shares with us in his book Outliers. Through these
observations, Gladwell developed “The 10000 hour rule” amongst other
associations made on how one achieves a high level of success. Whether you’re
an athlete, musician — or anything really — If you want to become world-class
at it, this book is for you.
Who’s it for: Anybody
looking to become a champion, leader, grand master?
6. Flow: The Psychology Of Happiness by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
In an unexpected yet mindblowing
take on happiness, Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced cheek sent me high) shows
through decades of research exactly how our happiness is effected by the work
we commit ourselves to. He argues that happiness is achieved through a mental
state known as Flow, where the high
skill level of the individual is met with challenging work. Imagine a
mathematician solving a perplexing problem, or an artist bringing their
conception to life through seemingly perfect brush strokes. What happens to the
brain during this state appears paradoxical!
Who’s it for: Anybody working
in a skilled profession, or who regularly practice a hobby.
7. David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits and the Art Of
Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell
Yes you’ve read correctly, Malcolm
Gladwell makes our top 10 list for the second time with this brilliant book. In
using a dense array of examples, as is the style of Gladwell, we learn about
the probability of improbable outcomes when small people face big challenges.
Whether it is your unruly boss, a physical feat or mental condition, Gladwell
shows us that it is possible to defeat things, even when the odds are stacked
against you.
Who’s it for: Those who
struggle in the face of adversity.
8. Authentic Happiness by
Martin Seligman
As one of the worlds most
established Psychologists, Martin Seligman paves the way to happiness with this
light and rewarding book. Proving that happiness is more a product of internal
conditions rather than external, this book shows us how to develop the numerous
aspects of life we often overlook. This is for anyone who wishes to become a
more well-rounded version of themselves.
Who’s it for: People
looking to develop their interactions with others.
9. Mindfullness:
A Practical Guide to Finding Peace In a Frantic World by Mark
Williams and Danny Penman
In today’s frantic world its easy to
get lost in the lightening pace of everything around us, and to forget about
the moment to moment occurrences which can bring us true happiness. In this
mega-popular book, Williams and Penman show us how to exist in this state
of tranquillity in an ever moving world. Finding peace in the moment — not in
some hippy, woo woo sense — but based on tried and tested psychological
findings is a proven path to lasting happiness.
Who’s it for: Anyone who is
easily caught up in the rapid pace of the world. Those with anxiety issues.
10. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman
You may have noticed in recent years
the fading of the IQ phenomenon, and the emergence of this new theory of EQ —
or emotional intelligence — and for good reason. Psychology is now showing us
that EQ is a bigger determinant of personal success and mental health than IQ.
Emotional intelligence is exactly what the name implies, it is our ability to
identify and handle not only our own emotions, but the emotions of others, and
our ability to handle situations according to these principles. Overall a
thought-provoking book.
Who’s it for: Anybody who
lets their emotions, or the emotions of others get the better of them.
Michael
Milne
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