7 Pivotal Books on Finding Your Purpose
Wake up to what your life can be with Simplish Reads: books on finding your purpose. If you're living for busy work, you're missing out! Reflecting on your own purpose and aligning your life with a values-based higher calling can totally transform the way you get things done everyday. Whether you're seeking soul-nourishing wisdom for a spiritual journey or a practical, inspiring guide on how to live a more meaningful life, you'll find it in this book collection.
7 Books on Finding Your Purpose That Will Transform Your Life
1. The Little Book of Ikigai by Ken Mogi
Genre: Self-Help, Japanese Philosophy
Vibe: A quick guide written with great care introducing the concept of Ikigai to a Western audience
Read It If You…
Are looking for an introduction to the Japanese concept of Ikigai from a Japanese philosopher and neuroscientist
Seek balance and harmony in everyday activities and your pursuit of purpose
Struggle to align personal priorities with working life
Get a brief introduction to the Japanese concept of Ikigai, sometimes translated into English as "reason for being" or "reason to get up in the morning," from the respected neuroscientist and philosopher, Ken Mogi. For an in depth work on Ikigai, see Mogi's Awakening Your Ikigai: How the Japanese Wake Up to Joy and Purpose Every Day
Simplish Review of The Little Book of Ikigai by Ken Mogi
In The Little Book of Ikigai by Ken Mogi, we embark on a thought-provoking expedition into the heart of Japanese philosophy, where happiness intertwines with purpose and life unfolds in harmonious balance. Blending the wisdom of ancient traditions with modern insights, Mogi invites us to embrace the art of Ikigai – the profound sense of fulfillment that arises when we align our passions, skills, and contributions. Eager to unveil more secrets about this fascinating philosophy? Then read on our review to start making the first meaningful steps onto a self-transformative path!
If you've ever felt like you're navigating the complexities of life without a compass, The Little Book of Ikigai by Ken Mogi can be like a soothing balm for the soul. In a world brimming with hustle and noise, this book invites you to slow down and explore the Japanese concept of Ikigai, which encapsulates the essence of finding purpose, passion, and joy in everyday life.
Whether you're caught in the frenzy of a demanding career or simply seeking a more meaningful existence, this book holds the keys to harmonizing your goals and actions. From my perspective, what I personally found incredible about this masterpiece is that the author beautifully manages to combine and harmonize the secrets of ancient wisdom with modern insights, crafting a compelling narrative that resonates universally.
You'll surely be blown away by anecdotes of individuals who have embraced Ikigai’s philosophy and transformed their lives. But the real strength of this book is its brevity, which perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Japanese philosophy, where less is more. Because in the end you’ll realize that just a few pages really have the power to infuse all of the wisdom and truth of this philosophy and trigger a positive change in the course of your journey.
Mogi's narrative gently encourages you to reflect on your life's components: what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Through this introspective exploration, you'll inch closer to the core of your Ikigai – that sweet spot where passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect. Moreover, what I also found really useful is that this book is not merely theoretic, but is rather peppered with practical exercises and thoughtful prompts, guiding you towards self-discovery and personal transformation.
But perhaps the real beauty of this book lays in the fact that it can open a door to a new perspective in an era of constant motion, where busyness often overshadows fulfillment. Because this book can be like an oasis of calm, peace, and insight where you can find shelter from the chaos of our hectic world. Mogi encourages you to cultivate mindfulness, appreciating the small moments that compose the symphony of your life. As you turn the pages, you'll embark on a journey to recalibrate your priorities, making room for what truly matters.
So if you're ready to embark on a quest for purpose, if you yearn to infuse your days with meaning, and if you're willing to embrace simplicity as a pathway to genuine happiness, then this book is a total must-read. Join Ken Mogi on this enlightening expedition and unlock the doors to a life filled with joy, fulfillment, and Ikigai.
Quotes from The Little Book of Ikigai by Ken Mogi
If you can make the process of making the effort your primary source of happiness, then you have succeeded in the most important challenge of your life.Ken Mogi
Precisely because an encounter is ephemeral, it must be taken seriously. Life, after all, is filled with things that happen only once. The realization of the ‘onceness’ of life’s encounters and pleasures provides the foundations for the Japanese conceptualization of ikigai, and is central to the Japanese philosophy of life.Ken Mogi
When you take notice of the small details of life, nothing is repeated. Every opportunity is special.Ken Mogi
There are many ways to define Ikigai. One way to put it is to say that Ikigai is the reason you get up in the morning... And something that makes your day go on. That is Ikigai.Ken Mogi
Ask yourself this: What are the small things in the swamp of your mind that will carry you through a difficult patch? These are perhaps the elements you want to focus on and keep very present in your mind.Ken Mogi
Accepting yourself is one of the most important and yet difficult tasks we face in our lives. Indeed, accepting oneself is one of the easiest, simplest and most rewarding thing you could do for yourself — a low-budget, maintenance-free formula for being happy.Ken Mogi
We can find our happiness within the unique condition of each of us. The grass might look greener on the other side, but that is only an illusion.Ken Mogi
2. On Purpose: Discover the meaning of your life by Danielle North
Genre: Self-Help, Psychology, Workbook
Vibe: A "treasure-map" to guide you toward discovering your own purpose and applying it in your life.
Read It If You…
Are looking for inspiration, guidance, and space to reflect on purpose in one handy workbook
Are feeling a little lost or unsure, and are seeking a step-by-step guide to understanding your own purpose
Are prepared to work! This guide includes journal prompts and empty space for you to reflect
In On Purpose, Danielle North offers a beautifully crafted framework for self-reflection, self-acceptance, and vision-creation.
Quotes from On Purpose: Discover the meaning of your life by Danielle North
Your purpose is not what you do. Your purpose is who you are.Danielle North
Children often innately know what they love and gravitate towards it. When confidence gets knocked, or as responsibilities grow over time, the things you loved so much are slowly forgotten.Danielle North
Absorb the goodness of who you are and the goodness that nature feeds you.Danielle North
How do you shine? Think about all the ways in which you already shine your light in the world and then add a few more for good measure!Danielle North
Take one step at a time.Danielle North
3. Siddartha by Hermann Hesse
Genre: Classic Fiction, Philosophy
Vibe: An epic tale of the search for wholeness
Read It If You…
Love a good epic (in short form)
Are interested in a Western telling of the story of Buddha's life
Are considering a sabbatical
This classic novel tells the story of a wealthy Indian Brahmin who rejects his life of privilege in search of fulfillment. The work is noted as a classic for its unique integration of religious scripture with Jungian archetypes and Western individualism.
Quotes from Siddartha by Hermann Hesse
Wisdom cannot be imparted. Wisdom that a wise man attempts to impart always sounds like foolishness to someone else ... Knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom. One can find it, live it, do wonders through it, but one cannot communicate and teach it.Hermann Hesse
Seeking means: having a goal. But finding means: being free, being open, having no goal.Hermann Hesse
We are not going in circles, we are going upwards. The path is a spiral; we have already climbed many steps.Hermann Hesse
Your soul is the whole world.Hermann Hesse
Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at anytime and be yourself.Hermann Hesse
4. It's Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered By Lysa Terkeurst
Genre: Self-Help, Christian literature
Vibe: Fierce, tender, and surprising
Read It If You…
Are seeking answers and purpose through faith in God
Have experienced disappointment, betrayal, or loss that has left you questioning everything
Crave a read to nourish the soul
New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst shares the redemption of living, loving, and believing through life- shattering circumstances. While written for a Christian audience, the story of discovering a higher purpose through crisis welcomes all.
Quotes from It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst
And let’s be honest, if we weren’t ever disappointed, we’d settle for the shallow pleasures of this world rather than addressing the spiritual desperation of our souls.Lysa Terkeurst
Dangerous desires birthed inside our unsettled disappointments are nothing but a setup for a takedown.Lysa Terkeurst
Sometimes when you can’t find your footing with your own faith, you just have to go stand on someone else’s for a while.Lysa Terkeurst
Compassion [is] being aware that all of us fear the imperfections deeply carved into our naked selves. We all cover up.Lysa Terkeurst
Who do you want standing near you in those moments dripping with disappointment and saturated with sorrow?Lysa Terkeurst
Forget the cravings for comfort zones. Trade your comfort for compassion.Lysa Terkeurst
5. Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone By Brené Brown
Genre: Self-Help
Vibe: Uncomfortably honest, and deeply insightful
Read It If You…
Feel overwhelmed by the polarizing world and your place in it
Get stuck people-pleasing on your way somewhere more interesting and meaningful
Enjoy cultural criticism and interdisciplinary analysis
By reading this book, you will learn how to cultivate mindfulness and love in your relationships. You will explore your personal story and how it has led you to this moment.
Quotes from Braving the Wilderness By Brené Brown
When we avoid certain conversations, and never fully learn how the other person feels about all of the issues, we sometimes end up making assumptions that not only perpetuate but deepen misunderstandings, and that can generate resentment.Brené Brown
True belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are. It requires us to be who we are.Brené Brown
True belonging requires us to believe in and belong to ourselves so fully that we can find sacredness both in being a part of something and in standing alone when necessary.Brené Brown
Stop walking through the world looking for confirmation that you don’t belong. You will always find it because you’ve made that your mission.Brené Brown
The truth about who we are lives in our hearts. Our call to courage is to protect our wild heart against constant evaluation, especially our own. No one belongs here more than you.Brené Brown
When we hear people referred to as animals or aliens, we should immediately wonder, “Is this an attempt to reduce someone’s humanity so we can get away with hurting them or denying them basic human rights?”Brené Brown
We must never tolerate dehumanization—the primary instrument of violence that has been used in every genocide recorded throughout history.Brené Brown
Courage is forged in pain, but not in all pain. Pain that is denied or ignored becomes fear or hate.Brené Brown
6. The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life's Direction and Purpose by Oprah Winfrey
Genre: Self-Help
Vibe: Ambitiously passionate and inspiring
Read It If You…
Love Oprah
Are at a crossroads and seeking inspiration
Like to dip in and out, pause on beautiful imagery, bookmark pages, and take your time with text as it resonates with your life
In The Path Made Clear, Oprah shares guidance from her own journey and wisdom from interviews with celebrities for every season of life.
Quotes from The Path Made Clear by Oprah Winfrey
Every decision, setback, or triumph is an opportunity to identify the seeds of truth that make you the wondrous human being that you are.Oprah Winfrey
Pay attention to what makes you feel energized, connected, and stimulated. Follow your intuition, do what you love, and you will do more than succeed. You will soar.Oprah Winfrey
From that day forward I resolved to continually ask myself, How am I making things more difficult than they need to be? Your answer to that same question is the next step in your path. It's that simple.Oprah Winfrey
Your life isn't about a big break. It's about taking one significant life-transforming step at a time.Oprah Winfrey
As long as there is still breath there’s forward.Oprah Winfrey
The true meaning of courage is to be afraid--and then, with your knees knocking and your heart racing, take the leap anyway.Oprah Winfrey
You are not your circumstances. You are your possibilities.Oprah Winfrey
Know the joy of doing what you love and never stop pursuing it.Oprah Winfrey
7. Be Fearless: 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose by Jean Case
Genre: Self-Help
Vibe: An anthem for conquering fear and living large
Read It If You…
Have a sense of where you're going but struggle with fear of failing
Get pumped up by anecdotes from successful startups and changemakers
Need a nudge to make bigger bets in life
From philanthropist, business woman, and author Jean Case, Be Fearless is a call-to-action for your most successful and daring life. Based on case studies of historical figures, Case presents five principles for living fearlessly to find a life of meaning.
Quotes from Be Fearless by Jean Case
Getting caught up in questions like “What if we’re wrong?” and “What if there is a better way?” can leave you paralyzed with fear. Allow the compelling need to act to outweigh all doubts and setbacks.Jean Case
When failure happens, great innovators make the setback matter, applying the lessons learned and sharing them with others.Jean Case
Our society is in thrall to the myth of the lone genius. But innovation happens at intersections. Often the most original solutions come from engaging with people with diverse experiences to forge new and unexpected partnerships.Jean Case
Have the guts to try new, unproven things and the rigor to continue experimenting. Risk taking is not a blind leap off a cliff but a lengthy process of trial and error.Jean Case
Every truly history-making transformation has occurred when people have decided to go for revolutionary change.Jean Case
Welcome to exactly where you need to be.Myisha T. Hill
You are what your environment produces you to see, know, do, and learn.Myisha T. Hill
This is why we must address our grief. We must stop and feel the pain in our chest, the burn in our belly, the tears in our eyes.Myisha T. Hill
Grief is natural; grief is a practice.Myisha T. Hill
When we can’t accept we aren’t experts, we get stuck in being the know-it-all.Myisha T. Hill