Hi guys! I am slowly getting back to regular life after a stellar trip away with Hockey Canada! I love getting out of clinic and having the opportunity to deep dive back into sport coverage. It can be long hours and isn’t always glamorous but I wouldn’t have it any other way- I always leave with a renewed sense of passion and excitement for my job!

I’ve travelled a lot over the past few months and something that has really helped make all the travel time worthwhile and seem to fly by is my Audible subscription. As much as I love Camila, Ariana and Selena, sometimes listening to top 40 music can drive me crazy! Whether flying, driving or walking around a new city, I have loved being able to listen to books at the same time! Since August I have ‘read’ over 31 books! CRAZY!

So today I am going to share my top 10 Audible reads! Here they are in no particular order:

How to Get Shit Done by Erin Falconer

I listened to this book over the Labour Day weekend when I drove approximately 19 hours in 3 days. I wish I had been able to jot notes down at the same time because Erin gives so many real life, practical tips on productivity. She is open, honest and this book truly inspired me to get better with my focus and priorities. When I get a chance, I will listen to it again and this time take notes!

Start with Why by Simon Sinek

This book has received a lot of buzz recently and I know why (pun intended). I listened to this one on my way to and from Collingwood over the summer and it really got me questioning my own purpose, philosophy and vision. Author Simon Sinek has one of the highest viewed TED Talks (you can watch it HERE) so clearly he has struck a chord. Example after example, Sinek proves that when you spend time focusing on you why, everything else will fall into place.

The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins

I am not going to lie, I didn’t love this book most of the way through. I listened to this one in September during my evening walks. At the time, I felt like it was just the same message over and over ad nauseam however; I have to say that this is one of the books that has stuck with me the most. Mel Robbins recounts her own trials and tribulations that lead her to discover the 5 second rule and ultimately the thing that has lead to her amazing success. Though just one simple tool it can lead to massive results- trust me!

The Year of Less by Cait Flanders

Oh man was this a good listen! Fellow Canadian gal, Cait Flanders takes you on her journey as she intentionally lives a year of less- 12 months where she only purchased consumables- groceries, toiletries and gas for her car. Month by month, she chronicles her struggles, her successes and how she not only changed her bank account, but her outlook on life. It is as if I was reading her diary! It totally transformed the way I thought about consumerism and though I haven’t gone full tilt, I am certainly more mindful after listening to this book.

Own the Day, Own Your Life by Aubrey Marcus

Ok, ok, ok. I can’t say that I am 100% down with all of the ideas presented in this book BUT if you seriously want to feel motivated and create small actionable changes in your life, this is a great place to start. I listened to this book while away with Hockey Canada in September. Marcus provides simple strategies to adjust your day from the moment you wake up until you hit the pillow again at night. Though I don’t agree with all of the strategies in the book, I love the idea that you are in charge of your own happiness and need to take steps in order to control for it. This book was a super entertaining listen and always got me fired up!

The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday

I listened to this book over two consecutive weekends travelling to Toronto. It was my second time through the book and this time I felt like I REALLY heard it. This book is a must listen for anyone who thinks they are on the wrong path or feel like they are failing. Holiday reviews how countless historical successes have been borne out of epic failure. Turning adversity into advantage is the name of the game and this book will have you seeing your own situation in a whole new light!

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Want to get better at doing your physio exercises? Want to eat less sugar? Want to run a marathon? I listened to this one while packing up my house in the summer. The Power of Habit explores why habits exist, how they can be changed and ultimately how understanding habit can change your life. From Micheal Phelps to Starbucks to a Rhode Island Hospital, Duhigg outlines real life stories and examples of how habit can breed success. I can’t believe how many times I have brought this book up in conversation! I thought the stories, research and information presented in this book was unreal! Habit is pretty darn cool.

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

I am not going to lie I am only 3/4 of the way through this book but I know I am going to have to go buy in paper copy! I started listening to this on my most recent Hockey Canada trip and it was perfect timing. Brown discusses the importance of daring leadership and the role of empathy, connection and courage. Through a combination of her latest research with leaders alongside her own personal stories, Brene has once again struck a chord with me. If you want to be a strong leader or create a change this book will give you straight forward, actionable tools to get you on the path towards daring leadership.

Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

Literally probably most women reading this blog have read this book by now- it’s everywhere (but for good reason!). I listened to this one while on summer vacation in Montebello. Rachel Hollis is down to earth, real and saying what we all know is true- NO ONE HAS IT ALL TOGETHER. In an Instagram world it is easy to think everyone else has it all figured out but Hollis reminds us that we all struggle with the same insecurities and falsehoods. Chapter by chapter she breaks down the lies that we all tell ourselves and provides practical strategies to move past them. It’s a super funny, witty and an uplifting listen.

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

This book had me shook. The Daily Show’s, Trevor Noah recounts his childhood growing up during the apartheid in South Africa. Kevin and I listened to this in the car on the way to Ottawa in August and it had us both laughing and crying. Noah takes you on a journey describing both hilarious to deeply dark stories from his childhood that no doubt formed him into the man he is today. His writing is brilliantly descriptive and draws you into his world immediately. This book left me with so much respect for the comedian and maybe I should have made this #1 cause damn- it is good!

Up Next: Becoming by Michelle Obama

She is a QUEEN! I can’t wait to dive into this one!

So all of those should keep you busy for approximately the next 6 weeks- 6 months :) I am always on the hunt for a good book so comment below with any suggestions for my next read!

E.

Pressing Play on Audible!