5 Books That Will Change Your Career

Need a serious jolt of career advice? Put aside that copy of US Weekly and head to the bookstore or Amazon.com instead. Nothing beats a book for thoroughness and the tactile pleasure of turning the pages from beginning to end.

Of course, we’re big fans of our own Nicole Williams’ career advice books: Wildly Sophisticated and Earn What You’re Worth. And if you want to add more great titles to your professional library, check out these five book recommendations from seriously savvy career gals like you.

1. Living the 80/20 Way: Work Less, Worry Less, Succeed More, Enjoy More, by Richard Koch (Intercultural Press; $17.95)

What You’ll Get: Encouragement to work to live, not live to work

“A seasoned business veteran, Koch shows you how to focus on the essential and eliminate the unnecessary in both your personal and professional spheres. I found it transformative.”—Manisha, vice president, marketing/client service

2. Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time, by Keith Ferrazzi (Doubleday Publishing; $24.95)

What You’ll Get: A jolt of networking know-how

“Never Eat Alone is an entertaining read addressing the true power of networking. I came away with many great ideas that I could use immediately to build meaningful professional relationships.”—Selena, program manager, nonprofit organization

3. Now, Discover Your Strengths, by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton (Simon and Schuster Trade; $30)

What You’ll Get: Serious skills discovery

“This great book provides the added bonus of an online assessment of your strengths. It focuses your energy on how to build your strengths, rather than overcoming your limitations.”—Barbara, president, consulting firm

4. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, by Julia Cameron (Penguin Group; $15.95)What You’ll Get:Tips for creative types, or those who want to be”Julia Cameron helps you understand the creative process. Even better, she inspires you to discover all the untapped creativity that is already there inside of you, waiting to come out.”—Courtney, journalist, author, and speaker5. The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, by Jack Canfield with Janet Switzer (HarperCollins Publishers; $25.95)What You’ll Get: Tips on taking your entrepreneurial venture to the next level”This book, by the co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, is comprehensive and compiles advice from several experts in one place. I’ve found it especially helpful as an entrepreneur regarding using your time, energy, and spirit for the most prosperity and satisfaction. In other words, it offers specific ideas on ways to have a great life and a great business!”—Maggie, career consultant

Source: Women’s Health Mag