Thinking about a career switch? That’s great! Wait, or is it? The road to the next great gig can quickly feel like an unwanted second job. You’re already tired just thinking about it.

And if you’re planning on a really big career overhaul, you’ll meet all of the frenemies of big change: self-doubt, fear, and overwhelm. Panic and worry may show up if your decision will have a major financial impact or is time-sensitive. You might find yourself saying, “It’s easier to stay put, things at my job aren’t really that bad.” On second thought, maybe they are. First, baby steps. Help is on the way.

In my recent career and life overhaul going from being an unfulfilled employee to an entrepreneur with balance between my interests, I found these books extremely helpful. Read on, brave ones. You’ve got this.

Book #1:

Why I chose it:

The title? Nope. I came across this book during a talk I attended. I was at an all-time career low, and definitely not feeling like a badass but rather a failure and a miserable mess. The speaker recommended this book. My ears perked up, and I thought, “I could use a little badass right now.”  

My “aha!” moment :

Be ready for a huge attitude adjustment! This book ROCKED my miserable world. Sincero is no BS and leaves zero room for pity parties. She gives you a dose of straight talk and you feel like a million bucks taking it.

What I learned:

I am a badass. In all seriousness, we can (and must) rock our inner badasses. Doing this  we attract the right opportunities to build the lives we dream about. I learned how to take more control of my thoughts and make faith my best buddy.

Favorite Quote:

“Having a good attitude and being grateful for all the things that are helping you live the life of your dreams will not only make your life a more pleasant place to be, and get you bigger tips, but it will also raise your frequency and attract the people and opportunities to you that will take you in the direction you want to go. “

Book #2:

Why I chose it:

Admittedly, the title won me over. I was ready to make a big career leap. I had no idea how to get there, but I knew where I wanted to go. I was looking for a book to help ready my mind for taking a leap of faith.

My “aha!” moment:

It’s human nature to be risk averse - we are programmed with various limiting tendencies and thoughts that convince us to play it safe. The good news, there’s something we can do about it!  With a little reframing, we can go from our  “Zone of Excellence” (i.e. where you are doing something really well, but are not that interested in what you are doing) to the “Zone of Genius” (where you excel beyond your beliefs).

What I learned:

The concept of the “Upper Limit Problem.” Humans have a tendency to set a “too-low thermostat” when it comes to achieving our goals and dreams. We often unintentionally sell ourselves short. Huh?! To quote Hendricks, “The Upper Limit Problem is our universal human tendency to sabotage ourselves when we have exceeded the artificial upper limit we have placed on ourselves.” My Upper Limit Problem is Worry, with a capital W. This booked helped me say goodbye to Worry and Hello Zone of Genius!”

Now, I want to hear from you! What books have changed your life? Leave a comment below!

 Holly works with professionals to create services-based businesses using expertise and strengths they already have. Holly is the creator of The Consultant Code, a program will have you up, running, and profitable with your services-based business in 60 days or less! Want to learn more? Drop her a note at: holly@hollyknoll.com