Published on | Prototyping: From UX to Front End — Medium Lucy-Jane Funnell

“When I grow up I want to be a children’s author.” I would announce to my class proudly as I stood amongst the circle of fellow 5 year olds.

When I was younger, I loved books. My Roald Dahl and Michael Rosen collection took pride of place in my bedroom, right next to tiny mountain of beanie babies. And then as I got older, Mary-Kate and Ashley: Two of a Kind (literary classics…), Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging and finally… Harry Potter.

And then I guess there was just, nothing. Books weren’t cool anymore and I would tell myself as I got older ‘I just don’t have the time to read books anymore.’

Being forced into reading certain books for University didn’t help either, as I was losing more and more interest in my chosen subject. This almost cemented the idea in my head that adult books were just boring. Almost.

‘Know Your Onions… especially the ones in the curry you spilt all over your brand new book.’

And then I discovered self-help books, to-do books, stories about real life with real people and I suddenly fell in love with story-telling again. It relight my imagination and provided me with a creative, protective bubble during my stressful commute.

Now I don’t tell myself I’m too busy. I just read when I get the chance. On my commute, in the park on my lunch break and any spare 5 minutes where I can take myself away from the world and get lost.

Most of the time you’ll find me reading non-fiction, as this is where I source the majority of my inspiration for creative projects. Below is my top 5 books to perk you up when you’re lacking motivation.

1. Show Your Work by Austin Kleon
Austin’s first book ‘Steal Like an Artist’ was a New York Times best seller, but personally I prefer the latter. This book is about applying your creative work to something practical and getting noticed. There is snippets of practical information that you can digest and react with quickly, meaning it’s the perfect book to get you out of a rut. The chapters are introduced with well-known quotes as an intro with my personal favourite being from Foo Fighters front-man, Dave Grohl –

“I DON’T BELIEVE IN GUILTY PLEASURES. IF YOU FUCKING LIKE SOMETHING, LIKE IT.”

2. Don’t Get a Job… Make a Job by Gem Barton

This is a book written by a creative graduate for creative graduates, but don’t be put off if you’re not! This is essentially a book of people telling their stories about how they went against the tide, tried something and went it alone, rather than setting on the path society had set. If you’re thinking of going freelance or starting your own business then I would recommend this.

3. Legacy by James Kerr

This is actually my boyfriend’s book which he’s never read and I’ve read a couple of times… In contrast to the previous book this is about working together as a team. New Zealand rugby legends, The All Blacks, help illustrate the importance of leadership and team work. This is probably more one for those who work for an agency or own a company but still an inspiring read none-the-less.

4. A Book About Innocent: Our Story and Some Things We’ve Learned

I may be bias, as I love Innocent, but this book is so interesting! It’s very simple and quite literally describes how Innocent got to where they are today (or 2009 as that’s when the book was published) but as written in the introductory ‘hopefully, in some small way, this book will help.’

5. Know Your Onions by Drew de Soto

This may seem like a strange one to include on a motivational book list as it is a somewhat basic self-help book for Graphic Design, but when you’re inundated with 1000 ideas a minute, but with no direction to turn, it is very useful to remind yourself of some of the basic tips and tricks. The mixture of curry and coffee spilt on my version is awe inspiring too…

What books are on your go to motivational reading list?

Originally published here.

5 Books to Read When You’re Lacking Motivation was originally published in prototypr on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

5 Books to Read When You’re Lacking Motivation

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