ChangeThis | Professional Development

by Porchlight Book Company

15 pieces from great professional books over the years, posted in the ChangeThis series. 

“It’s not personal. It’s business.” It’s an old utterance that I’m sure we’ve all encountered at some point in our careers, but it was most famously said by Al Pacino in the 1972 film, The Godfather, and most of us—I hope—would be averse to a business operated like an organized crime family.

In truth, the professional is deeply personal, and we must grow as people if we are to continue growing in our careers. We have chosen 15 ChangeThis pieces that highlight different ways we can accomplish that change and growth, and thrive in whatever we endeavor.

"Discovering Your Life’s Work: Embracing Aspiration in Uncertain Times" by Jodi Kantor 

"Focused Success: The Continued Importance and Great Rewards of Cultivating Deep Work in a Distracted World" by Cal Newport

"The Importance of Connection in a World of Constant Chaos" by Tasha Eurich

"Introversion Is a Superpower: Embracing Your Personality Type In Your Personal Brand" by Goldie Chan

"How Habits Work (and How They Change)" by Charles Duhigg

"MTR Activity: A New Operating System for Work in The Twenty-first Century" by Natalie Nixon, PhD

"Fitting in and Standing Out: Shifting Mindsets from Taking to Giving" by Adam Grant

"The Non-Negotiable Mindset: Learning to Show Up for Yourself" by Robin Landa

"Life Goals: Tapping Inspiration Instead of Desperation as the Source" by Joseph Nguyen

"Competition Is the Thief of Joy" by Ruchika T. Malhotra

"The Power of Curiosity (and of Curious Leaders)" by Neal Schore

"The Problem With Our Ambition, and the Negotiation-Resignation-Renegotiation Continuum" by Rha Goddess

"Why the Expert-Novice Bond Matters in the Age of Intelligent Technology" by Matt Beane

"Hustle & Float: Reclaim Your Creativity and Thrive in a World Obsessed with Work" by Rahaf Harfoush

"Defying the Odds: How Women of Color Can Shatter the Concrete Ceiling" by Cynthia Pong

And one bonus ChangeThis piece. It is, perhaps, about the dangers of focusing too much on professional development, which may be on of the best lessons we can learn to grow in both life and our work.

"12 Myths that Lead to a Busy, Unfulfilling Life" by Greg McKeown

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Porchlight Book Company
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Porchlight Book Company

Born out of a local independent bookshop founded in 1927 and perfecting an expertise in moving books in bulk since 1984, the team at Porchlight Book Company has a deep knowledge of industry history and publishing trends.

We are not governed by any algorithm, but by our collective experience and wisdom attained over four decades as a bulk book service company. We sell what serves our customers, and we promote what engages our staff. Our humanity is what keeps us Porchlight.

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