For the Lifelong Learner
A curated list of exceptional resources catered to the self-employed
In the spirit of saving you time, money and energy…
Who you choose to learn from is so important.
Yet so many people waste their precious resources on lack-luster learning material (and lousy teachers!).
Of course, not everyone has the time to do the research required to find the best resources available to them.
So I’ve made it a bit easier for you to make some more-informed decisions.
Introducing…The Grow Better Guide
If you’re looking for help preparing for or navigating…
- a major life event
- significant environment change, or
- future career challenge
Here are some resources I can one-hundred percent recommend.
They are tried and tested. And more importantly — crafted by amazing people and companies — whose success speaks for them.
Check them out below.
Please note: Some of the links below are my affiliate links. It doesn’t change how much you pay, but I do earn a small commission if you buy using my referral code. TIA!
First up, book recs
I wanted to give books their own section, simply because they’re easy to get started with.
And can be so powerful. Especially for perspective shifts.
The reason I’ve created this particular list is mostly due to them being incredibly practical.
What you read can be applied. And can drastically change your current circumstances — as they did mine.
Mostly, they’ll help you move through life with more confidence, purpose and ease.
Books for better self
Read any of these books to gain a solid foundation for living a more satisfying, fulfilling and joyful life.
They are in no particular order.
And this list is far from exhaustive.
But I’d rather read these books again than find any new ones, so they are all worth mentioning.
Also, when you buy a book through us, we get a store credit to buy more books. Thank you!
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
by Stephen Covey
On a lot of people’s book list, and for good reason. Eye-opening, perspective-shifting and highly practical. Read it more than once — it’s an excellent base for a better life. | Buy it
Atomic Habits
by James Clear
Without intentional habits, we simply can’t make progress. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you want, reading this book will help you build better habits, routines and rituals into your life and work. | Buy it
Authentic Happiness
by Martin Seligman
A fascinating look at how to inject significantly more happiness into your daily life, with what you already have at your fingertips. Helps you identify your strengths and provides the foundation for achieving more satisfaction and fulfilment in your everyday life. | Buy it
Tools of Titans
by Tim Ferriss
Super-duper practical. Full of tips, tricks and systems on everything from meditation to money management. With so, so many amazing people offering their insights and experiences — it’s a wonderful manual for life. | Buy it
Procrastinate on Purpose
by Rory Vaden
We all procrastinate. But understanding why you do — and how to conquer it — is ridiculously valuable. This book was powerful in my early self-employment years. Plus it’s practical to-boot. | Buy it
The Tools: 5 Life-changing Techniques to Unlock your Potential
by Phil Stutz and Barry Michels
If you struggle with anxiety (or any kind of anxious feelings and or negative emotions ) — this book has some super practical exercises to strengthen your mind. BUT… they only work if you practice. I can vouch for that. The authors are psychotherapists so have a lot of experience and case studies to draw from. | Buy it
The War of Art
by Steven Pressfield
Another profound look at the many obstacles creators and makers have to face every day. And how to push past the head trash and just get it done — like a pro. Working for yourself requires a level of mental maturity that we need to train our brain for. | Buy it
Create or Hate: Successful People Make Things
by Dan Noriss
This taught me a major lesson on creating more than you consume. A good kick up the butt at a time when I was too scared to put work out into the world. If you’re scrolling away, always a lurker or just not creating what you want, give it a go. | Buy it
Mindset
by Carol Dweck
One of the first lessons I learned about growth, was that it starts in the mind. If you think you can — you are right. If you think you can’t — you are also right. If you’re confused, just read the book. | Buy it
4-hour Work Week
by Tim Ferriss
This is the book that made me quit my job and dive into online-business (perhaps a little too hastily, but my heart was in the right place). Still an absolute game-changer for how to view and value your time. And a peek into a pretty satisfying lifestyle. A great place to start if you’re new to the online world and remote work. | Buy it
The Power of Meaning
by Emily Esfahani Smith
This wonderful piece of writing shows us we can weave stories to find meaning and purpose from our past struggles and setbacks. A powerful reframe that promotes healing and hope. There are some powerful stories in this book. | Buy it
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
by Susan Cain
A must read if you’re an introvert. It feels good to know there are people who think and act like we do. And that they’ve found success, by being just as they are. | Buy it
Man’s Search for Meaning
by Victor Frankl
An incredible (and quite haunting) look into the author’s experience during his time in the Nazi death camps. A truly brilliant reflection on life, death and what drives humans to keep on living. | Buy it
Books for better business
If you’re looking for knowledge bombs and strategies that are directly related to online business, marketing and sales — here are my best recs.
But please reach out if you need something more specific.
Your Move: The Underdog’s Guide to Building Your Business
by Ramit Sethi
Learn how to start a business, from scratch, without wasting your time or money. If you actually follow this framework, you’ll get something up and running within the year (less if you work faster/smarter). | Buy it
Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable
by Seth Godin
Learn how to create products that stand out. Product design and positioning advice at its best. From the best. | Buy it
Permission Marketing: Turning Strangers into Friends and Friends into Customers
by Seth Godin
Learn how to get people to invite you to sell to them. This is the ultimate foundational book for any marketer. So, really…that means any business owner too. | Buy it
Warm Email Prospecting
by Seth Godin
Learn how to use email to sell to people without being spammy, scummy or sleazy. Super simple and super effective strategies for lead generation that doesn’t suck. It’s marketed to writers, but this works with any service-based business. | Buy it
Master Content Marketing
by Pamela Wilson
Learn how to create popular, credibility earning, content for the internet (and the overly-distracted readers of today). Everything in this book will help you market your business. | Buy it
Virtual Freedom
by Chris Ducker
Learn how to work effectively in the online world and more importantly, as a company of one. A good foundation for leveraging your time, outsourcing and being more productive. | Buy it
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Learn how to make better decisions about your ideas and how to think differently when it comes to your approach to creating new products and services for your business. | Buy it
I Will Teach You to be Rich
by Ramit Sethi
Learn how to manage your money (and make more of it). Most of us have mental blocks around our finances. Whether you’ve mismanaged in it the past, simply need to get on top of it all, or want some direction for how to set yourself up for retirement. This is THE book to read. | Buy it
All my recommendations address the various different hats you might have to wear in your business.
Often, books have all the answers you’re seeking (which in theory is great) — but be mindful that you can get lost in the knowledge and end up not applying anything.
Which is when it’s wise to move onto a course (or community) that can help you implement (keep scrolling for course recs).
Self-management Resources
Your self-management systems are what enable you to learn new things, apply new skills and build new habits.
They’re also what help you get things done.
This collection of resources have been curated to help you focus on your strengths, so you can conquer your fears, move forward — and flourish!
The goal is to feel empowered to not only adapt to your unique environment — but thrive in it.
Eye-opening tests to take
At the heart of a thriving self-management system — powering your decisions, giving you direction and injecting you with the courage and clarity to continue — is self-awareness.
It’s the secret ingredient that allows anyone to start intentionally improving their life, immediately.
So, amongst this mix of self-management resources are some simple (often free) quizzes and surveys you can take to deepen your self-awareness, so you can accelerate your growth.
Of course, it’s important not to use these kinds of tests to limit yourself, i.e “this is me and I will never change”.
But rather, a way for you to explore your natural strengths and tendencies, so you can leverage those talents to find more fulfilment in the things you do on the daily.
Here are the best ones I’ve tried.
Kolbe A Index
If you’re curious as to where to focus your energy at work and what your “zone of genius” is, this test is super helpful. The insights I gained from my Kolbe results sparked some major ideas and upgrades in my freelance business. And had a massive impact on my ability to thrive as someone who works for themselves (with little-to-no outside accountability).
The Four Tendencies
If you’re trying to change your habits but keep falling off the wagon — this quiz is so helpful in figuring out what you can do to make it easier. It was created by one of my major mentors, Gretchen Rubin. She studies and writes about human behavior and is crazy smart with tons of useful ideas about being a happier version of yourself.
Authentic Happiness Test Centre
If you want to get to know yourself better, this is an excellent place to do it. There are so many free tests to take. All with the goal of shedding light on (previously) hidden ideas and opportunities. It’s a self-awareness smorgasbord and I’m here for it.
CliftonStrengths Assessment
An online assessment to help you uncover and unlock your natural talents. This really helped me shape my career and boost my confidence. Especially with self-employment (and the many hats we have to wear for that). You can take the test (for free) if you buy the book.
Tested tools
The Five Minute Journal (5MJ)
Best for increasing self-reflection and mindfulness in your everyday life. Which, when you work alone, can have some amazingly positive effects on your productivity and sense of accomplishment. IMO everyone should have a daily gratitude practice, and the 5MJ makes it really easy. The journals last for 6 months (if you write every day). I think I’m on my fifth one…
Business + Marketing Resources
This is where I spend most of my time learning (especially in the online-course format) so I have quite a few fantastic resources to recommend.
And a few additional tests you can take.
Of course, it’s important to remember — especially when paying to learn — that the course you pick should be based on what you’re trying to improve, right now.
Whether it’s a skill for yourself or a strategy for your business, the idea is to make it directly implementable.
Adopting “just-in-time” learning is key.
Business breakthrough tests
As I’m sure you’re aware, business comes with a (not so) delightful set of barriers that block our progress.
These psychometric tests — specific to building your business and brand — can help reveal how you might be better served by your marketing and promotional efforts.
I would still suggest taking a look at some of the tests mentioned earlier (scroll up), as they will likely help combat a lot of your sticking points in business too.
Marketing DNA
Wasting time using marketing strategies that work against who we are and how we best communicate is a common (but unnecessary) sinkhole for so many business owners. This test was super-helpful in guiding my marketing and self-promotion choices. Essentially it can help you tailor your marketing to your personality so you actually get it done.
Buy the test here or get it free with this book
How to Fascinate
Super helpful as a confidence boost. Get some clarity around what you bring to the table professionally so you can stifle that imposter syndrome, while also increasing your value. Really helpful for branding and positioning.
Take the Fascination Advantage assessment
Credible courses
for professional development
In business there is always something you can level up.
Unfortunately though, the first hurdle (that many never get past) is choosing what to focus on next.
Because, well…decisions are hard. And so is learning.
But hopefully this list can spark some new ideas, help you clarify your goals and point you in the right direction.
Mastering Convertkit
with Brennan Dunn
Holy-moly this is an epic course. If you ever want to climb into the email marketing space (which is what I help my clients with) then this course will blow your MF mind. Very technical. Lots of work. But if you get these lessons and techniques down, you’ll have an incredible (and completely sellable) skill under your belt.
The Blueprint
with Brennan Dunn
If you want to start working with clients, or a Freelancer who wants to work with BETTER clients — this is one of those courses that will deliver you results. It takes you through every step to build a high-value service offering from the ground up. From positioning to powering your sales funnel, it’s pure gold. Will 💯help you stand out as a pro.
Important
If you’re not ready to implement a course, you’re probably not ready to invest in it.
Buy a book instead.
Or…create the opportunity to implement.
You can always do it for someone else, and hopefully, get a return on your investment.
Tested tools
In business, we are nothing without our tools of the trade.
And boy, do I use a bunch.
But there is one that I wanted to put here as I use it regularly (and it has the capacity to make you more money).
When something helps you save time, and earn more — it’s a good’un.
ConvertKit – soon to be Kit
I love email marketing. Not only is it my bread and butter but I don’t think ANY business should exist without an email list. And if you can wrap your head around the technical part, there is just so much you can do with it. ConvertKit have a free plan that will likely be all you need to get started. And they have free migrations if you want to switch from another email marketing provider.
Pregnancy, Birth, Babies…and Beyond
Okay, so this might feel a little left-field.
BUT…
when you’re self-employed, the line between work and life is blurry AF.
And your family (or future family) are a significant part of the equation. IMO they require the same attitude towards growth, improvement and fulfilment.
These are the books I would recommend to any expecting mum.
And they’re great for Dad’s too.
Books for better …babies
Prior to 2018, I had very little knowledge of pregnancy, birth, and babies — other than the ridiculous generalizations (lies) they spread on TV and in movies.
It has been an eye-opening journey to say the least.
But I can confidently say that the loudest “aha” moments came from understanding pregnancy from a less clinical (fear-driven) perspective. And focusing on a more natural, human-centered approach.
I credit the books mentioned below for making my pregnancy, birth, and baby-raising experience truly remarkable.
It has been nothing short of amazing, positive, and empowering.
So I wanted to share my resources (especially given the magnitude and significance of this kind of life project!). Because there are so many misguided beliefs, myths, and questionable advice floating around in this important space — I want to combat that.
I’m a strong believer that every parent chooses their own path.
And, as with everything else in my life, I like to make informed decisions — rather than do what everyone else does just because that’s “how it’s done”.
Hopefully, some of these resources can help shed some light on the good stuff out there.
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth
by Ina May Gaskin
This book flipped my entire worldview on pregnancy and birth. It is hands down one of the most empowering things I’ve ever read. You also don’t need to be considering a home-birth to find value in it. What it gives is a different look at pregnancy and birth. One rarely shown via the media channels we consume. For me, it laid the foundation for a completely stress-free and positive pregnancy. And an open-minded, natural birth plan 🙂 | Buy it
Birth Skills: Proven Pain-Management Techniques for Your Labour and Birth
by Juju Sundin
I cannot explain how helpful this is for the actual process of birthing a human. It is no easy feat. And most women go into it with huge amounts of fear. But arming yourself with these skills, conquers that fear. | Buy it
If you are expecting — read👏this👏book👏.
If your partner is pregnant — read👏this👏book👏.
If you’re someone’s birth partner — read👏this👏book👏.
Baby Love: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby’s First Year
by Robin Barker
Literally, the manual that helped me and my Bebe, not just survive, but thrive during the first few months/years of his life. Being a calm parent is very important to me, and this book allowed for that. I still flick through it for reference. | Buy it
Baby-Led Weaning
by Gill Rapley, Tracey Murkett
Funnily enough, the hardest part I’ve found so far about raising babies — is feeding solids. We’re still in the early stages but this book has been great. It’s an approach to feeding (post breastfeeding) that I had no idea about until I became a part of a Mum group! Highly recommend if you want to raise your kids with healthy eating habits. | Buy it
The Montessori Toddler
by Simone Davies
Toddlers are some of the funniest creatures alive. They’re also kinda hard to communicate with. And unless you’re some pro at home-schooling and playtime activities — figuring out what to do with them (when they aren’t napping and eating) can get tricky! This book is a lifesaver. Not only does it help you gain a mind-blowing understanding of these tiny-humans. But shows you how to play, teach and guide them into being amazing, smart, and independent little people. | Amazon | Bookshop
My promise to you
These suggestions are legit.
I haven’t recommended a book I haven’t read (and taken copious notes from).
The free stuff I mention is all worth paying for!
And — either I have gone through the courses mentioned completely, or picked a part the pieces I needed the most.
I hope you use this guide to your advantage.
If something you’re looking to improve isn’t on here (and you’re looking for a solid resource), let me know and I’ll see if I can recommend something or someone I know 🙂
What’s in it for me?
Some of the links above are my referral links. It doesn’t affect how much you pay at all.
But I will get a small commish for sending you their way if you do purchase.
It’s important that you know I don’t recommend anything lightly and I hope this page is a sign of that. But please do not spend your money on anything you won’t be able to implement somehow.
For a some of the courses, you should get the same opportunity to earn your tuition back 🙂
