The Widefoc.us fam reads an absurd amount of books, but because our team is composed of side-hustle junkies, we often run out of arm strength and bag space to lug our books around; and that’s where audiobooks (we LOVE audible!) trot in. Audiobooks help us stay in the loop emotionally, cognitively, physically, and spiritually -- when your game is social media, it’s imperative to remind yourself to remain focused and grounded in the real world.
Here are my 5 favorites right now.
Warning: These books contain a plethora of profanity because I like my books with a side of wicked hardcore snark.
If you’re obsessed as to why you consistently pick up that cookie when chatting with a co-worker or why you twirl your hair while sitting in traffic, this book is something you’ll want to listen to. Duhigg opens the scientific door to break down why we do the things we do and how we can transform our habits to ensure we’re living our best lives. He makes the point that we aren’t our habits and why thoughts are just that: controllable, changeable thoughts.
“Sometimes you have to intervene with yourself on behalf of yourself.” If you aren’t a sucker for profanity and strong Scottish brogues, then this may not be your shot of whisky. Gary John Bishop’s strong approach to making yourself a better you guides listeners on a self-actualizing journey. He puts the power back into your hands and emphasizes the importance of getting off your ass and doing, not just talking about it.
I heard Lindy West on NPR for 45 seconds and I knew I had to download “Shrill” immediately. If you’re a loud woman in a sea of individuals who are consistently telling you to quiet down or change your body, while simultaneously making you feel as though you’re just taking up too much space, you’ll listen to this book over and over and over again. And it’s not just about embracing your voice; it’s more about loving the person you are. There’s no shame in our loud game, ladies. Be heard.
Will whatever you’re fretting about right now matter in two weeks? One year? Probably not. Not for a sensitive audience, Mark Manson’s profanity-laden book drives home the need for people to stop distracting themselves with daily nonsense (social media feeds being one), and really begin investing in our real lives. This is an aggressive judgement on our uncertainties, personal problems, and faults; but as any harsh plate of reality often does, this book leaves its readers with a surprising sense of hope for the betterment of our endeavours.
If you’ve been searching for a book to kickstart your inner fiery badass, Jen Sincero’s self-help guide will definitely do the trick. I’m not an exercise fan (on any level), but her approach to knocking the self-help genre, while addressing that some of the cheesy techniques actually work, is what makes this book so appealing. She shares very personal stories that are not only relatable, but also speak to her bottom line — if you want to slay, you have to get off your ass and do it. Preach.
--By Stephanie March
Stephanie March is a Denver native (people seem to like this detail), hates hiking and the mountains, but will travel for a cold PBR and an enlightening convo about the awesomeness of Anaïs Nin. She’s a senior community manager and specializes in sending semi-inappropriate GIFs to her team members. It’s a skill, people.
