These books can help you clarify your vision for the future and motivate you to create a meaningful life plan, or help you in general. 

The Paradox of Choice - Barry Schwartz

Intro & basic information:
In The Paradox of Choice, Barry Schwartz explains why limiting our choices is useful in today’s world. Failing to do so can lead to feelings of overwhelm and dissatisfaction. This book covers the psychology behind decision-making and offers practical tips on how to handle choices in modern life.

Author: Barry Schwartz
Publication date: June 16, 2016
Pages: 273 pages including notes
Genre: Self-development

Strengths:

  • Easy to read, with many practical examples and background insights.

  • Includes a summary, tips, and references to studies and notes at the end.

Weaknesses:

  • Limited number of illustrations; I personally prefer more visuals in books.

What I learned & my conclusion:
I learned that exposing yourself to too many choices can lead to overwhelm, wasted time, and a higher chance of dissatisfaction. I struggled with this myself and often noticed feelings of doubt and discontent. I take the book’s advice seriously and recommend others to do the same.

My conclusion is that this book is definitely worth reading. With the increasing number of options in modern life, its relevance has only grown.

Links

Bol.com = https://www.bol.com/nl/nl/p/paradox-of-choice/9200000046984236/?referrer=socialshare_pdp_www

Hero on a mission - Donald miller

Intro & Basic Information
In this book, the author explains that our life is essentially a story – like a movie or series – and that we ourselves are the writers of that story. Many people live “in the moment” and just see what happens. In that case, life lives you and you don’t have the control you could have. This book helps you create a life plan.

  • Author: Donald Miller

  • Year of publication: 2022

  • Number of pages: 224

  • Genre: Self-development

Strengths

  • Starts as a story, later becomes more of a guide. Helps you write a script for your dream life.

  • Can help prevent midlife crises and feelings of aimlessness.

  • Offers practical tools and is relatively short, making it quick to read.

Weaknesses

  • At times a bit repetitive and the structure is not always very strong.

  • To truly apply the information, you need to actively work with it after reading (not necessarily a disadvantage).

Conclusion
If you feel that your life lacks a clear purpose, this book can be an interesting and valuable read.

Freedom in a unfree world - Harry Brown

Intro & Basic Information
This book is about achieving individual freedom. Many people long for it but never reach it due to faulty thinking and poor choices. This book shows which mindset can actually help.

  • Author: Harry Browne

  • Year of publication: 2012 (e-book)

  • Number of pages: 387

  • Genre: Self-development

Strengths

  • Reads like a combination of story and step-by-step guide; practical and directly applicable.

  • Covers many life areas (relationships, housing, children, finances, friends).

  • Contains numerous tips and questions for the reader that encourage reflection.

Weaknesses

  • At times confrontational and somewhat repetitive, which makes it feel unnecessarily long.

  • Tips are hard to find again without taking notes.

  • Not scientifically substantiated, though the points are solid.

Conclusion
The book is pleasant to read and contains enough information to work with for years. Step by step, you can address different areas of life to achieve greater freedom.