Book of the year is a yearly tradition along with word of the year. I started two traditions with my cousin in 2016 and have looked forward to them each year. Tradition one: We start the New Year with a Yoga Challenge. And tradition two: we chose a book that would be our companion throughout the new year.
Both are great traditions. One helps us to jump-start our fitness routine for the New Year in the privacy of our homes with zero excuses of it being too cold to go outside to the gym or for a walk (me) or a run (her). The other guarantee is that we will have something to turn to for encouragement and inspiration whenever things get tough throughout the year.
We choose our book of the year by suggesting three books with one sentence as to why and then we agree on one. Our book of the year is in addition to other books we will read in that new year.
My reading goal for this year is 22 books (not sure of hers) – I will share my list with you next month because maybe you’d like to join me.
This year we chose Robin Sharma’s “The Everyday Hero Manifesto.” The book was published in September 2021. In 2019 we read Sharma’s “The 5 AM Club,” it was a game-changer, and since then, I have read several other books by this author, including the Monk Who Sold his Ferrari, which I am rereading this year (it will be my sixth time reading it).
Who is Robin Sharma:
Robin Sharma is a respected humanitarian who, for over a quarter of a century, has been devoted to helping human beings realize their native gifts. Widely considered one of the top leadership and personal mastery experts in the world, his clients include billionaires, professional athletes, and many Fortune 50 and 100 companies. The author’s #1 bestsellers, such as The 5 AM Club, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, The Leader Who Had No Title, and The Greatness Guide, have sold millions of copies in over 92 languages and dialects, making him one of the most widely read writers in the world.
The book was one of my suggestions. Last year was difficult for me, and I knew without a doubt I needed to make changes in my life. But, like so many people, I didn’t know where to start or what to do. I felt lost and hopeless.
I started being more mindful, acknowledging and feeling my emotions, praying, meditating, reading spiritual books, etc. Those things helped me immensely, but I still thought I needed a blueprint.
When Robin’s book was published, I bought the hardcover, Kindle, and Audible versions. I read it in two days and felt I could change my life. It left me feeling like I could become who and what I wanted to be. I began to feel less lost and more inspired. And I started focusing more on myself and what I wanted.
Honestly, I have become picky about self-help books in the past few years. There are thousands upon thousands of self-help books out there. And many use big, beautiful words and lots of alliteration but never really say anything, or they all say the same things. So finding one that will leave better than it found me is so satisfying.
While I expected more personal stories to be shared in Robin’s new book, I didn’t get that. However, I received so much more.
It was insightful and encouraging, kicking my a$& to take action.
Reading this book was an incredible experience for me. As a result, I am more well-informed, wiser, and braver in facing my current circumstances. And courageous enough not to be fearful of unforeseen Circumstances. This book spoke to me personally and helped to dispel the hopelessness and feeling of being lost. It inspired me to become the Shero n my life.
Robin has created something genuinely electrifying, giving his reader many things to ponder.
Quotes from the Book:
“One of the great heroes to me is Martin Luther King Jr., And he once said, ‘If you have not discovered something you are willing to die for, then you are not fit to live.’ And to me, if there’s one idea I’d be willing to take a bullet for, it’s that we are born into genius.”
“What makes a fabulous wine so fantastic is the terroir – the environment the vines are raised in. Elements of terroir include climate, soil, terrain, and farming practices. Similarly, your mind has its own terroir – the surroundings that shape each thought you produce. A negative environment breeds degraded thinking. A pristine terroir promotes positive thoughts. So, choose yours well. Please”.
This book is a beautiful guide that will help you journey through this year or life. I’m grateful to have this book as my companion for 2022, And I hope you join me.
Comment below: do you have any yearly traditions?
