Reading

Reading books had a transformative impact on my life in 2023. Before that year, I had never picked up a book, but now I can't imagine a year passing without one. Here's a short review of the books that have shaped my journey so far!

Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erickson

This book offers a fascinating exploration of personality types by categorizing people into four color groups—Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green—based on principles from the DISC personality model. It’s a practical and insightful guide that explains how each type thinks, communicates, and behaves, making it easier to navigate relationships in both personal and professional settings.

Reading this book transformed the way I interact with others. It helped me understand how different people operate and how to connect with them more effectively. For the first time, I truly recognized and felt empathy—a realization that genuinely changed my life.

Beyond improving communication, the book encourages deep self-reflection. It helped me pinpoint my own strengths and weaknesses, which became a crucial part of my journey toward self-awareness and emotional intelligence. These are key elements in becoming the best version of yourself.

Think Again by Adam Grant

This is a must-read for anyone navigating today’s rapidly changing world. In Think Again, organizational psychologist Adam Grant emphasizes the importance of re-learning and re-thinking. He encourages readers to adopt the mindset of a scientist—curious, humble, and open to being wrong. Rather than clinging to old beliefs, Grant challenges us to regularly question our assumptions, update our knowledge, and make intellectual humility a part of our daily lives.

What makes this book so powerful is its blend of psychology, research, and real-world examples. Grant explores how letting go of outdated ideas isn't a sign of weakness but a critical strength. Whether it’s in business, education, relationships, or personal growth, the ability to adapt and rethink is what separates those who thrive from those who fall behind.

The book also explores key traits we all should nurture:

• Humility – recognizing that we don’t know everything

• Open-mindedness – being willing to hear perspectives that challenge our own

• Mental flexibility – the courage to revise our beliefs when presented with better evidence

My thoughts:
The world is constantly evolving. To grow with it, we need to continually update our beliefs and knowledge without losing touch with our core values. This book made me reflect on how often we defend outdated views simply because they’re familiar. By learning to “think again,” we can become better decision-makers, more compassionate individuals, and ultimately more effective in every area of life.

If you're someone who values growth, self-awareness, and lifelong learning, Think Again is a game-changer. It doesn't just inform—it transforms the way you approach thinking itself. Trust me, this book will challenge and inspire you in the best way possible.

The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

If you're looking to learn the basics of being present and taking ownership of your life, this book is a great place to start. The Courage to Be Disliked offers a unique perspective by introducing Adlerian psychology in the form of a dialogue between a philosopher (the teacher) and a young man (the student).

What makes this book stand out is its conversational approach, making deep psychological concepts accessible and relatable. One of the key takeaways for me was the idea of focusing on the present — taking control of your actions now, without being limited by/blaming  your past.  The book also introduced me to the concept of teleology — the idea that we act based on goals and purposes (what we want to achieve), rather than being driven by past experiences (etiology). That shift in thinking was truly eye-opening.

It’s a powerful and thought-provoking read, especially for anyone who wants to live more intentionally and free themselves from the weight of past regrets or anxieties about the future. Life is happening now — and this book is a reminder to live it that way.

Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller

Do you ever reflect on your relationship and wonder, “Is everything really perfect?” Or maybe you’ve asked yourself why certain patterns keep repeating?

Attached  is one of those must-have books if you want to dive deeper into the dynamics of relationships. It breaks down attachment theory in a relatable and easy-to-understand way, backed by real-life examples and research. What really stood out to me is how our behaviors in relationships often stem from early life experiences — something we may not even be aware of and we need to be aware of? 

This book is a powerful tool for self-assessment and for understanding what you might need to work on to build healthier, more fulfilling relationships — whether romantic, familial, or even with yourself.

That said, before diving into any of the books I’ve mentioned on personal growth, I highly recommend reading Think Again  by Adam Grant. Why? Because change starts with mindset. You have to be open to rethinking, unlearning, and evolving. I'm a firm believer that change is the only constant — and when you're willing to embrace that, you start moving closer to becoming the best version of yourself.

Start with your mindset. Reflect. Be curious. Grow!

Non Violent Communication- NVC by Marshall D. Rosenberg

Communication is everything. Whether it’s with others or within yourself, how you communicate determines your peace of mind.

Until I read Nonviolent Communication, I didn’t fully understand what emotions actually are — let alone how to identify or express them in a healthy way. Realizing this made me wonder how much more empathetic, connected, and emotionally intelligent I am after a matter of days, when I started implementing this through my worst times of my life (accidents, life altering incidents, etc.- read my quote below)

This book teaches you that emotions are signals — not problems. When we learn to translate them into unmet needs, and express those needs using positive action language, we stop creating conflict and start creating connection. I realized that every arguement could be resolved without conflicts! You want to know how? READ THIS BOOK! 

I won’t spoil it — but Chapter 1  had me floored. Some of the real-life stories gave me goosebumps. They made me realize how powerful empathy and deep listening really are. It taught me the true meaning of compassion — something every human, every parent, every leader should understand.

“The way you treat people when things are going well shows your personality.
But the way you treat people when things are falling apart that’s your character.” - Harish

This book helped me shift from reacting to responding (as most people tell you, but this book shows you how to do it). From judgment to curiosity. From blame to connection. And if there’s one thing I believe more deeply after reading this book: Compassion is god, which was depicted in Kamal Hasan's movie "Anbe Shivam" released in 2003.