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    1. Culture

    Life-Changing Books That'll Inspire You To Push Boundaries

    Thinking of taking a risk at work? Check out these inspiring books to make you braver.

    By Marie Claire
    Published 6 November 2014 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Life-changing Reads
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    Thinking of taking a risk at work? Check out these inspiring books to make you braver.

    1. A Room Of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

    The feminist classic on why women need both intellectual and financial freedom.

    2. Get Sh*t Done by Lauris Liberts

    ‘Just do it’ mantras from the likes of Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs and Arianna Huffington.

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    3. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

    A hugely personal account of overcoming prejudice and hatred.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    4. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg

    A call to action for women everywhere to fight for more at work, from Facebook’s COO.

    5. Middlemarch by George Eliot

    What to read next
    • A woman stretching, holding a bundle of health books, and taking some supplements I Tried Roxie Nafousi’s Manifestation Technique for a Month—and It Transformed How I Handle Stress
    • A beach, flowers in a meadow, and a pink and blue sunset Everyone’s Trying Dopamine Menus—A Psychologist Weighs In on Whether They Actually Make You Happier
    • A woman's collarbones with a shell necklace and slip camisole top "Protecting Your Boundaries" Is One of 2026's Biggest Buzzphrases—But Therapists Say We're Using It Wrong

    The tale of a woman who aspires to a more significant existence in the 19th century.

    6. The Turning Point: Creating Resilience in a Time of Extremes by Gregg Braden

    Using his expertise in cutting-edge science Braden reveals simple strategies for resilient thinking for our finances and lifestyles. With easy-to-understand science and real-world circumstances, this book proves that the solutions to our biggest problems already exist. Rejoice!

    7. Destroy Your Distractions: How to Make Work Awesome, Get Things Done and Skyrocket Your Productivity by Tom Corson-Knowles

    Daily distractions of email, social media and even your family and co-workers make focusing on yourself and your aims a challenge.

    This is the ultimate guide on how to put the spotlight on yourself and what you can really achieve with top tips on preventing distractions keeping you from reaching your potential.

    8. Let's All Be Brave: Living Life With Everything You Have by Annie F Downs Featuring stories from the author’s own life, real life examples and historical anecdotes, this bravery bible encourages us to stop letting fear hold us back, encouraging us to live boldly even when its scary.

    9. Your Comfort Zone is Killing You: Finding The Courage To Be You by Billy Anderson

    Apparently, the number one regret of people on their deathbed is: 'I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.' Make sure you’re not one of them by reading up on other people’s screw ups and embarrassing moments, so you won’t have to make them too.

    Which books have changed your life and inspired you to mix things up? Let us know in the comment box below.

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