Virginie's Fave Books

Have you ever heard the quote from Joseph Addison Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body?

I’m constantly striving to be a better leader at work and in my personal life and I love to read. In fact, I always have a book with me, even when I travel - only in carry on!

Reading is part of my morning and night routine. It's almost a form of meditation and it is a great source of education and inspiration. 

I often share what I read on my Instagram stories but I thought I'd shared some of my fave here. I included wellness, fitness, business and I touch upon the modern way of reading!

I hope you enjoy these books as much as I do.

Fave books

Wellness

• Unleash the Power Within - Anthony Robbins
• The Motivation Manifesto - Brendon Burchard
• The Miracle Morning - Hal Erold
• You Can Heal Your Life - Louise Hay 
• Co-Dependant No More - Melody Beattie
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck - Mark Manson
• Judgment Detox - Gabby Bernstein 
• The Tapping Solution - Nick Ortner
• The Presence Process - Michael Brown

Fitness

• How to Eat, Move and Be Healthy - Paul chek
• The 6 keys : Unlock Your Genetic Potential for Ageless Strenght, Health, and Beauty - Jillian Michaels
• Sleep Smarter - Shawn Stevenson
• Anatomy for Backbends and Twists: Yoga Mat Companion 3 - Ray Long
• Anatomy for Arm Balances and Inversions: Yoga Mat Companion 4 - Ray Long
• Can't wait!! I pre-ordered The 131 Method - Chalene Johnson

Business

• The War of Art - Steven Pressfield
• Launch - Jeff Walker
• Crushing it! - Gary Vaynerchuck
• Profit First - Mike Michalowicz
• Millionaire Success Habits - Dean Graziosi 
• The Experts Secrets - Russel Brunson
• The Coaching Habits - Michael Bungay Stanier
• Start with Why - Simon Sinek

Modern way of reading  

If you're looking for a way to fit in more books or inspiration in your busy schedule, audiobooks and Podcasts are incredible. I love walking or cleaning the house while listening to Podcasts. I don't drive anymore as I live downtown Toronto, but I used to and it was the best way not to get frustrated in traffic! Also, as a French speaker, I feel like it's helping me with my pronunciation. It's just a great way to feed your mind with positivity.

This might surprise you!

In my teenage years, watching Born to be on MTV was my favorite thing. I still love watching entrepreneurs, artists, athletes and musicians interviews on Youtube or Podcast; Joe Rogan is one of my favorite. I loved the audiobook True love by Jennifer Lopez (hey, don't judge!) or Jane Fonda's memoir and I feel inspired by documentaries like Gaga: Five Foot Two and the movie Bohemian Rhapsody.

It takes an intense work ethic to develop any craft and so much resilience to make your art a career. These artists had to deal with criticism, judgment and the pressure to stay relevant in such an ever-changing industry... while being authentic and not loosing their passion for their art. I find it so inspiring and in a way, related to our modern world.

Andy Warhol said "In the future, everyone will be famous for fifteen minutes". Isn't exactly what's happening with social media nowadays?  We are all struggling with the similar adversity and I find it refreshing to see how they reflect on their success journey.

Warning : The Inspiration Trap

Inspiration is GREAT! But it's not the ultimate goal. Use inspiration to take action and be a practitioner. Also, remember that we are all human and nobody is perfect. Don't put other on a pedestal and be vigilant to find inspiration through results, not through the illusion of fake success or charlatan coaches ( you know what I'm talking about; the Youtube ads with Lambo in a rented mansion or the IG coach with a Gucci bag ). Don't give your power away to inspiration or others. You are the only one who knows what you are capable and it is your responsibility to make things happen. Own your power and trust your intuition. Learn to love the process, hustle, be patient and keep moving forward.

What inspires you?