Having a quick glance through all the men’s style magazines, journals and blogs, you find a great deal of information about personal appearance, grooming etc. From GQ to Esquire, The Sartorialist to Style Salvage, everyone is giving out tips and information about a gentleman’s style and how to find it, improve it or maintain it.
And all do a very fine job at that. However, I strongly believe that style goes deeper than just your appearance. One’s personal style is something that lies deep within. It is mainly expressed through the medium of fashion/design but what many guys seem to lack is ‘mental style’. Yeah you might be dressed in a fancy suit and Serengeti sunglasses , but i’m talking about their personal values; charisma, manners and intelligence. Why look so on point and attract many towards you, only to repel them because of your arrogance, lack of mental stimulation or timidness?
We’ve compiled a list to our top 5 books that have given us inspiration to build on our own MENTAL STYLE. There are many that we’ve had to miss out due to the fact that us guys like things SHORT. To the point. And in digestible LISTS.
- MEN ARE FROM MARS WOMAN ARE FROM VENUS BY JOHN GRAY
Yes it’s an oldie and I’m pretty sure most of you guys have read it already but it still has relevance in today’s world. Although traditional family set-ups are changing due to globalisation, and many are taking a more liberal stance on their religious faiths, there are still certain rules that will stand the test of time.
Our personal lives are becoming a lot more instant and mobile-more partners, less time etc.. This takes us back to the age-old rule of solid communication with those closest to us, and teaches us men to stop and actually listen, rather than waiting for our time to talk. It’s great for the ladies in your lives as well. The title, ‘Mr Fix-it Hat’ has never left me. Genius.
- TRIBES BY SETH GODIN
For most Internet-using males, Seth Godin is a name that probably resonates with many. Godin has the most successful marketing blog on the planet. In his bestselling book ‘Tribes’, he hits home his idea about becoming a leader and the importance of tribes.
It’s a great read if you are looking to boost your confidence or need some persuading in starting up a new business venue. The world is changing drastically, and he wants each of us to stand up and be counted, regardless of what it is you stand for. So, what are you waiting for?
- UNLIMITED POWER BY ANTHONY ROBBINS
You either love this guy or you don’t. Mocked by thousands around the world as an extreme optimist, yet Anthony Robbins has managed to change thousands of lives. His first book is an intense read but it will provide you with confidence galore. I’m thinking it will have a resurgence in sales for those of you who have just finished Dan Brown’s new book, ‘The Lost Symbol.’ By the time you finish, you’ll feel like this guy!
- THE SARTORIALIST BY SCOTT SCHUMAN
A great reminder of the creativity of those across the globe. Scott Schuman is famous for snapping people in NYC, and when he was hired by GQ, he soon had tickets for flights jetting him across the world. This book is a compilation of all his best work.
Style, we say, is an ongoing thing. Like a journey, your style changes over time as you mature and is influenced by the things you pick up along the way. This book should give you the confidence to pull off the clothes you wouldn’t normally dare not try. It’s helped those come out their comfort zone and reveal their true personal style. Go on and experiment. Just make sure it’s done tastefully. This is universally un-stylish, full stop!
- OUTLIERS BY MALCOLM GLADWELL
Written by renown New York Times journalist Malcolm Gladwell, ‘Outliers’ is the story of success. We can sometimes get sucked in by our over-optimistic look on life; there are those that just read Anthony Robbins whilst sat at home in their pants, waiting for their break, because they are thinking about it as they have just read ‘The Secret.’
Gladwell underlines the importance of hard work. It’s a harsh bite back to reality but for those that see its hidden message, it can provide hope that success isn’t just luck. It’s something that is earned, maybe longer for some than others, but it starts with a goal!