Two Books That Changed Me for the Better

Last year, I set a goal to read more and today I'm sharing the two books that changed me for the better. I read a lot of non-fiction but not everything I read provoked a shift in my thinking or behavior. These books were the most influential for me so far in 2018.

Branding + Interior Design

Given my experience working both behind and in front of the camera, you would think that I would have no problem with being in the spotlight. Honestly, that couldn't be further from the truth! Ever since I was a child, I've preferred to be behind the scenes rather than the center of attention. My first love was making music on my family's hand me down piano, and although I loved to play at home, my dad had to force me to share my gift with others. Performing music taught me so much about discipline and providing an enjoyable experience to others.

Flash forward 20 years; I'm no longer performing music, but interior design is a service that is truly an experience for our clients. In order to deliver that experience, clients first must be able to find me! I made the conscious step to put myself out there more, and this book had a huge part in determining my strategy for that. People want to do business with those that they know, like & trust and in order to establish that relationship, you gotta put yourself out there! 

TAKEAWAY: Hiding behind your work never gets you to the next level. 

Business Boutique

We all have insecurities, and one of mine has been the viability of my interior design business. I know that the services we provide are in demand, because I see others doing it successfully! I was so thankful that I won this book in a giveaway contest from Amber over at Blessed Little Bungalow because it gives straight forward, encouraging advice. Christy Wright breaks down the basics of Business 101 so that everyone who reads this book feels empowered to move forward toward their dreams.

This book forced me to dream again and to think about the limitless possibilities of my career rather than my limitations. It opened my eyes to a executable formulas for creating the business and LIFE that I love. Because that's what it's all really about, right?

TAKEAWAY: Dreams become plans when you have a course of action to follow.  

 Tell me about a book that changed you this year in the comments below!