Today is World Book Day!
I’m inspired to celebrate by honoring a some books that opened my mind, awakened my spirit, and helped shape the woman, teacher, and leader I am today.
Books have been my mentors, mirrors, and medicine. They have inspired me, guided me, challenged me, comforted me… and ignited transformations in every area of my life — from mindset and spirituality to business, leadership, relationships, and beyond.
I would not be where I am today without the sacred power of books.
For that, I am eternally grateful. 🙏
📚 Why Books Are Portals of Transformation
Reading a good book expands your consciousness into new realms of possibility. It teleports you into new worlds.
Books initiate discovery. They refine perception. Awaken wisdom. And plant seeds that bear fruit for years — or even a lifetime.
But here’s the key: Choose books wisely. 💡
Every book has a frequency. A well-chosen book is like a wise teacher arriving exactly when you’re ready to receive.
Compressing Decades Into Days
In my early years working alongside Tony Robbins, as his top trainer, I often heard him say:
“Compress decades into days.”
That’s what the right book does. Imagine someone condensing decades of experience, wisdom, skill, and strategy into a few hundred pages — and handing it to you like a torch.🔥
When you read a good book with presence, clear intention, discernment, and commitment to take action on what you learn, you accelerate your growth and awaken new dimensions of your creative power and next level results.
Books That Changed My Life (In the Order I Read Them)
This list is by no means comprehensive — just a few that deeply shaped my path. I’ll share them in the order I read them because timing matters. Each one met me exactly where I was on my journey and offered insights I needed for that particular chapter.
At the end, I’ll also offer a few tips to maximize your learning and integration as you read — so it becomes embodied wisdom, not just information.
Let’s begin…
THE VISION: Igniting Purpose & Declaring Definite Chief Aim
Before I knew what was possible for my life, I had an inner knowing that I was meant for more. I could feel potential within… but my circumstances didn’t reflect it yet.
Then this book came into my life, and lit the fire!🔥
BOOK #1: Law of Success by Napoleon Hill
The first book that radically changed my life!
It became my mentor when I had none. A roadmap when my outer world looked nothing like the vision I held inside.
I was a teenage runaway when I discovered it. This book gave me the mindset, strategy, and spiritual grit to rise. It offered tools to develop discipline, declare bold goals, and act with purpose. I studied it with a highlighter, pen, and journal — and put its teachings into immediate action.
It laid the foundation for everything that followed — from becoming student body president at the largest college in the U.S., to becoming the #1 top producer with Tony Robbins, to building my own global transformational business and community, to empowering coaches and leaders around the world.
🔍 Note: The classic: Think and Grow Rich (which I also recommend) is a simplified version of Law of Success.
THE AWAKENING: Welcoming Synchronicities & Inner Guidance
While applying the Law of Success, I experienced a quantum leap!
It was during this time of leadership and service that I started to sense something deeper stirring within. Meaningful moments became more frequent. Encounters carried a palpable energy. It felt as though life itself was speaking to me — through intuition, perfect timing, and unexplainable “coincidences.”
That’s when this mystical books arrived...✨
BOOK #2: The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
This fascinating story awakened my mind to the unseen orchestration of life — the magic of meaningful coincidences, or what the book calls “synchronicities.”
It illuminates that life is not random. Everything — every meeting, every challenge, every moment — is part of a deeper unfolding. When we’re present, aligned, and paying attention… Nature speaks.
This book attuned me to the energy behind events, and the purpose of encounters that seem “accidental” but are anything but.
It opened my perception to a new layer of reality where intuition, energy, connection, and evolution are constantly at play.
And it taught me to trust the inner nudges, the "go talk to that person," or "pay attention to this moment” whispers — because often, they lead to destiny.
🗝️ Key Awareness: There are no coincidences. Only Divine appointments.
THE SOVEREIGN SELF: Owning Freedom, Value & Power to Build
After recognizing the grace of meaningful coincidences, I was handed a book that brought me back to Earth — but not in a limiting way. It grounded me into my power to create, to think, and build with unwavering clarity of purpose.
This book was introduced to me by one of my favorite professors — Dr. Brown, who had Einstein-like hair and a fire in his blue eyes. He’d stand on top of desks in the lecture hall, fervently teaching philosophy.
His favorite book was…✨
BOOK #3: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
This novel takes place in a world where visionary creators, innovators, and builders begin mysteriously disappearing — choosing not to sacrifice their brilliance to a system that punishes excellence in order to appease mediocrity.
At its core, Atlas Shrugged is a potent affirmation of the sacred right to live, think, and create according to one’s highest vision and values. It celebrates productivity, self-reliance, and the freedom to bring bold ideas to life.
It’s meaningful to share a bit about the author. Ayn Rand was born in Soviet Russia, where she witnessed firsthand the devastation of collectivism and totalitarian control — an experience that shaped her fierce belief in individual freedom and creative sovereignty.
This book is her magnum opus — a bold declaration of reason, self-responsibility, and the human spirit’s power to innovate and create.
Reading it (twice) at that stage of my life gave me a new understanding of what it means to walk between worlds: to trust the unseen, while enthusiastically creating in the seen.
This book challenged me to think independently, value my worth, and never apologize for living my truth and creating impact in the world, in my unique way.
It was a defining moment in my decision to own my power and consciously create at my highest level of excellence — to embody my best, and build something meaningful.
🗝️ Key Awareness: Your life is your canvas. You are the one who must define, design, and deliver it — powerfully, unapologetically, and with clear purpose.
THE QUEST: Listening to Spirit & Walking the Path of Heart
The dance between spirituality and science… mystery and physics… money and meaning… success and fulfillment… the mundane and higher purpose… continued within me, as I soul searched. I felt called to the desert.
Hiking solo through the red rocks and vortexes of Sedona, I listened in silence.
It was during this season that I immersed myself in the works of Carlos Castaneda — inspiring stories that felt more like transmissions.
BOOK #4+++: The Teachings of Don Juan & Works by Carlos Castaneda
These series of books opened me to a deeper awareness of energy, perception, and the invisible worlds beyond logic. They spoke of power — not as dominance, but as attunement — the ability to see, sense, and act in alignment with the unseen forces of nature.
Castaneda wrote about "the path of heart" and "becoming a warrior of awareness" — concepts that left an impression on me. They helped attune my inner compass — toward deep integrity with soul.
🗝️ Key Awareness: There is a path of power that cannot be taught — only lived. It begins when you choose to listen.
THE ACTIVATION: Personal Power & Taking Massive Action
After communing with the invisible, life invited me to embody it in a tangible way.
That’s when something incredible arrived — by cassette tape. 🎧
Long before AirPods and streaming, I was given a Tony Robbins’ Personal Power audio cassette program. I remember going on power walks with a giant cassette player strapped to my waist, listening to those tapes, and rewiring my brain for success.
As I walked, I visioned a new life. I saw myself on stage — inspiring, empowering, uplifting. I imagined sharing the stage with Tony, impacting lives, and doing the work I felt called to do.
Then, it happened… My dream came true.
I went to work with Tony Robbins, became his #1 corporate trainer, traveled the world delivering transformational presentations, and sharing the stage with him.
That’s when I immersed myself in his book…
BOOK #5: Awaken The Giant Within by Tony Robbins
This book was an invitation and a challenge — to awaken the extraordinary power that lives inside us.
It gave me tools to master my emotions, reprogram limiting beliefs, and recondition my nervous system for lasting, positive change.
Tony’s approach wove together psychology and strategy in a way that felt alive and actionable.
I learned how to command my internal state, clarify my values, and take massive action toward what matters most.
It wasn’t just about success — it was about radical ownership of my mind, body, emotions, and future.
Tony’s teaching opened a powerful portal — one that set in motion my life’s work and greater contribution.
🗝️ Key Awareness: In your moments of decision, your destiny is shaped. The identity you choose to embody now will shape your future.
THE DEVOTION: A Season of Study, Practice & Inner Mastery
From 1995-2000, I traveled with Tony. This was a time of total immersion, devout learning, and intense inner alchemy.
I discovered how to achieve extraordinary sales results in record time — just so I could slip away to rollerblade through Central Park or explore the Metropolitan Museum with my backpack full of books, journals, pens, highlighters, sticky notes… and snacks. 😄
One simple book that inspired my sales success was…
BOOK #6: The Greatest Salesman In The World by Og Mandino
This book reminded me that — business, at its highest, is a form of spiritual practice.
It reframed my perception of sales from one of “being pushy” to being of loving service. I can still recite one of the scrolls: “I will greet this day with love in my heart.”❤️
🗝️ Key Awareness: True success (in sales and life) begins not with what you do — but with who you are being.
THE PATH OF WISDOM: Aligning Action with Higher Purpose
By this point, I was experiencing success—achieving goals, gaining confidence, and feeling empowered. Yet, even amidst momentum and accomplishments, a subtle inner conflict persisted. There was a resistance within that I didn’t fully understand. Deep inside, I sensed a calling toward greater alignment, clarity, purpose, peace.
That's when a wise teacher appeared through the poetic, timeless wisdom of an ancient text. With compassion, this sacred book guided me inward—helping me transcend internal battles, remember my true nature, and embody my highest destiny.
BOOK #7: The Bhagavad Gita
An ancient spiritual dialogue between the ego and Higher Self, The Bhagavad Gita unfolds on a battlefield — literal and symbolic — where Arjuna, the greatest warrior in the world, is called to rise into his destiny, even as he trembles in the face of moral complexity and inner doubt.
Krishna, representing the Higher Self, guides him — not just to fight, but to see clearly, to act in alignment with Dharma (the sacred principle or law that governs and sustains the Universe)… and to transcend the illusions of the separate self.
This text teaches Karma Yoga — the path of selfless action.
It illuminates that our sacred duty is to act with full presence and integrity, while surrendering attachment to the fruit of action. To do what is right because it is the honorable action — not for reward, validation, or fear of consequence.
There are so many translations of this epic text. My favorite — unfiltered and elegant — is by Barbara Stoler Miller, which is free from commentary.
I also recommend the audiobook by Deepak Chopra, Sacred Verses, Healing Sounds I & II: The Bhagavad Gita and the Hymns of the Rig Veda. It brings the verses to life with a vibrational quality that resonates when the soul is ready.
🗝️ Key Awareness: When the battle is within, the greatest weapon is self-realization.
BOOK #8: As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
This one literally flew off a shelf in a mystical old bookstore in Philadelphia and landed at my feet. I still have my original tattered copy.
This little book inspired me to become even more aware, mindful and deliberate with my thoughts.
💭 Remember This: You become what you consistently think. Discipline your mind, and you design your life.
BOOK #9: How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This timeless classic shaped how I communicate, lead, and build relationships — both personally and professionally. It taught me that influence begins with empathy — with genuinely seeing others, listening with presence, and honoring their experience.
Simple principles like remembering names, offering sincere appreciation, and finding common ground created a powerful foundation for how I connect and collaborate with people to this day.
🗝️ Key Awareness: Influence begins with empathy — and deepens through connection.
BOOK #10: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
This book shook me to my core.
Written by Holocaust survivor, psychotherapist, psychiatrist, Viktor Frankl, it revealed the astonishing power of choice — even in the most extreme suffering.
Frankl’s message is simple yet revolutionary:
Our greatest freedom is the power to choose our response. We may not control our circumstances, but we always have the power to choose how we relate to them.
🗝️ Key Awareness: Between stimulus and response, there is a space — and in that space exists your freedom and power to choose.
BOOK #11: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Dr. Robert Cialdini
This eye-opening book cracked open the psychology behind why people say “yes” — and how decisions are often made unconsciously.
It revealed six universal principles that govern human behavior. Understanding these was a total game changer for me! It skyrocketed my sales results and empowered me to recognize patterns and influence with integrity.
🗝️ Key Awareness: Ethical influence begins with awareness and understanding.
BOOK #12: A Course In Miracles
This was not just a book — it was a soul curriculum.
A profound journey of spiritual psychotherapy to release fear and embrace love. It helped me unlearn judgment, rewire perception, and embody love as the ultimate truth.
Interestingly, this book was written in the 1970s by two psychology professors at Columbia University, who described the process as a form of divine dictation. Though unexpected, the message they received was clear: “This is a course in miracles. Please take notes.”
This fascinating book was given to me years before I could fully understand it… so it sat on my shelf, quietly waiting — until I was ready.
It’s divided into three sections:
- Text — a philosophical foundation
- Workbook for Students — 365 daily lessons
- Manual for Teachers — a guide to embody and extend the teachings
One of the best ways to begin is to go directly to the Workbook and commit to one lesson a day. I’ve done that cycle several times, and every time it meets me at a deeper level.
This book helped me retrain my mind, seeing through the eyes of compassion, and living with greater love, harmony, and peace.
🗝️ Key Awareness: Miracles happen when we shift our perception from fear to love.
BOOK #13: Supreme Influence by Niurka✨ (yours truly 💖)
And Now... a Bold Celebration of My Own Work 😄
Supreme Influence is my story — a raw and real journey from pain to possibility… to purpose and power.
It’s both a practical and spiritual guide to mastering communication — so you can influence with integrity, inspire meaningful action, and create results that reflect your highest vision.
Inside, I blend NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), neuroscience, linguistics, and higher consciousness into one potent, transformational toolkit.
And yes — it’s actually fun to read!
🗝️ Key Awareness: When you change, the world around you changes — YOU have that much power!
Those Are A Few Books That Shaped My Early Journey
Of course, this is just the beginning…
The books above are a few of the books that made a meaningful impact in the early chapters of my life — before I launched my company, stepped fully into my calling, and became a Transformational Leader, Master Results Coach, Hypnotherapist, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Master, and Entrepreneur.
That next era brought with it an entirely new wave of books — focused on transformation, business mastery, advanced communication, neuroscience, leadership, wealth creation, and now AI.
🧠 How to Maximize the Impact of What You Read
As promised, here are a few of my favorite practices to help you not just read — but integrate and embody what you learn:
-
Read with Intention
Before opening a book, pause and ask:
What is my intention? What do I intend to learn right now?
Set a clear intention to receive the wisdom you desire — and you’ll be amazed at how the right passages speak directly to you.
- Highlight, Journal, Reflect
Don’t just read passively — engage with the book. Highlight key passages. Journal your insights. Write how you’ll apply them. Declare action steps.
Let the book be a mirror, a map, and an action plan guide.
- Teach It Forward
The best way to embody what you’ve learned is to share it with others. Talk about the book with friends, team members, or community. Share about it on social media. When you teach, you integrate and embody.
- Practice Integration Over Information
It’s not about how many books you read — it’s about how deeply you apply the ones that speak to your soul and evoke the greatest within you.
Ask: How is this book enriching who I am, how I think, how I show up, and who I intend to become?
- Let the Book Choose You
Sometimes the right book finds you! It stands out — on a shelf, in a conversation, at a store, or landing (literally) at your feet. Stay open. Be curious. Follow the nudge.
📚 Now it’s your turn…
I’d really love to hear from you! Share in the comments below👇
✨ What books have changed your life?
✨ Which ones cracked you open, called you higher, or gave you exactly what you needed at the perfect time?
Let’s expand this living library together
Drop your top 1, 2, or 3 life-changing books in the comments below. 📖👇
Let’s celebrate the books that shaped us — and discover new ones to explore!
And… if you'd love me to share the next chapter — the books that fueled my evolution as a teacher, entrepreneur, and leader — let me know. I’m happy to keep this book journey going!
Thank you for walking this sacred path of pages with me.
Here’s to the power of books that awaken, inspire, and guide us to live our best lives.
With Love,
Niurka ✨
Today is World Book Day!
I’m inspired to celebrate by honoring a some books that opened my mind, awakened my spirit, and helped shape the woman, teacher, and leader I am today.
Books have been my mentors, mirrors, and medicine. They have inspired me, guided me, challenged me, comforted me… and ignited transformations in every area of my life — from mindset and spirituality to business, leadership, relationships, and beyond.
I would not be where I am today without the sacred power of books.
For that, I am eternally grateful. 🙏
📚 Why Books Are Portals of Transformation
Reading a good book expands your consciousness into new realms of possibility. It teleports you into new worlds.
Books initiate discovery. They refine perception. Awaken wisdom. And plant seeds that bear fruit for years — or even a lifetime.
But here’s the key: Choose books wisely. 💡
Every book has a frequency. A well-chosen book is like a wise teacher arriving exactly when you’re ready to receive.
Compressing Decades Into Days
In my early years working alongside Tony Robbins, as his top trainer, I often heard him say:
“Compress decades into days.”
That’s what the right book does. Imagine someone condensing decades of experience, wisdom, skill, and strategy into a few hundred pages — and handing it to you like a torch.🔥
When you read a good book with presence, clear intention, discernment, and commitment to take action on what you learn, you accelerate your growth and awaken new dimensions of your creative power and next level results.
Books That Changed My Life (In the Order I Read Them)
This list is by no means comprehensive — just a few that deeply shaped my path. I’ll share them in the order I read them because timing matters. Each one met me exactly where I was on my journey and offered insights I needed for that particular chapter.
At the end, I’ll also offer a few tips to maximize your learning and integration as you read — so it becomes embodied wisdom, not just information.
Let’s begin…
THE VISION: Igniting Purpose & Declaring Definite Chief Aim
Before I knew what was possible for my life, I had an inner knowing that I was meant for more. I could feel potential within… but my circumstances didn’t reflect it yet.
Then this book came into my life, and lit the fire!🔥
BOOK #1: Law of Success by Napoleon Hill
The first book that radically changed my life!
It became my mentor when I had none. A roadmap when my outer world looked nothing like the vision I held inside.
I was a teenage runaway when I discovered it. This book gave me the mindset, strategy, and spiritual grit to rise. It offered tools to develop discipline, declare bold goals, and act with purpose. I studied it with a highlighter, pen, and journal — and put its teachings into immediate action.
It laid the foundation for everything that followed — from becoming student body president at the largest college in the U.S., to becoming the #1 top producer with Tony Robbins, to building my own global transformational business and community, to empowering coaches and leaders around the world.
🔍 Note: The classic: Think and Grow Rich (which I also recommend) is a simplified version of Law of Success.
THE AWAKENING: Welcoming Synchronicities & Inner Guidance
While applying the Law of Success, I experienced a quantum leap!
It was during this time of leadership and service that I started to sense something deeper stirring within. Meaningful moments became more frequent. Encounters carried a palpable energy. It felt as though life itself was speaking to me — through intuition, perfect timing, and unexplainable “coincidences.”
That’s when this mystical books arrived...✨
BOOK #2: The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
This fascinating story awakened my mind to the unseen orchestration of life — the magic of meaningful coincidences, or what the book calls “synchronicities.”
It illuminates that life is not random. Everything — every meeting, every challenge, every moment — is part of a deeper unfolding. When we’re present, aligned, and paying attention… Nature speaks.
This book attuned me to the energy behind events, and the purpose of encounters that seem “accidental” but are anything but.
It opened my perception to a new layer of reality where intuition, energy, connection, and evolution are constantly at play.
And it taught me to trust the inner nudges, the "go talk to that person," or "pay attention to this moment” whispers — because often, they lead to destiny.
🗝️ Key Awareness: There are no coincidences. Only Divine appointments.
THE SOVEREIGN SELF: Owning Freedom, Value & Power to Build
After recognizing the grace of meaningful coincidences, I was handed a book that brought me back to Earth — but not in a limiting way. It grounded me into my power to create, to think, and build with unwavering clarity of purpose.
This book was introduced to me by one of my favorite professors — Dr. Brown, who had Einstein-like hair and a fire in his blue eyes. He’d stand on top of desks in the lecture hall, fervently teaching philosophy.
His favorite book was…✨
BOOK #3: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
This novel takes place in a world where visionary creators, innovators, and builders begin mysteriously disappearing — choosing not to sacrifice their brilliance to a system that punishes excellence in order to appease mediocrity.
At its core, Atlas Shrugged is a potent affirmation of the sacred right to live, think, and create according to one’s highest vision and values. It celebrates productivity, self-reliance, and the freedom to bring bold ideas to life.
It’s meaningful to share a bit about the author. Ayn Rand was born in Soviet Russia, where she witnessed firsthand the devastation of collectivism and totalitarian control — an experience that shaped her fierce belief in individual freedom and creative sovereignty.
This book is her magnum opus — a bold declaration of reason, self-responsibility, and the human spirit’s power to innovate and create.
Reading it (twice) at that stage of my life gave me a new understanding of what it means to walk between worlds: to trust the unseen, while enthusiastically creating in the seen.
This book challenged me to think independently, value my worth, and never apologize for living my truth and creating impact in the world, in my unique way.
It was a defining moment in my decision to own my power and consciously create at my highest level of excellence — to embody my best, and build something meaningful.
🗝️ Key Awareness: Your life is your canvas. You are the one who must define, design, and deliver it — powerfully, unapologetically, and with clear purpose.
THE QUEST: Listening to Spirit & Walking the Path of Heart
The dance between spirituality and science… mystery and physics… money and meaning… success and fulfillment… the mundane and higher purpose… continued within me, as I soul searched. I felt called to the desert.
Hiking solo through the red rocks and vortexes of Sedona, I listened in silence.
It was during this season that I immersed myself in the works of Carlos Castaneda — inspiring stories that felt more like transmissions.
BOOK #4+++: The Teachings of Don Juan & Works by Carlos Castaneda
These series of books opened me to a deeper awareness of energy, perception, and the invisible worlds beyond logic. They spoke of power — not as dominance, but as attunement — the ability to see, sense, and act in alignment with the unseen forces of nature.
Castaneda wrote about "the path of heart" and "becoming a warrior of awareness" — concepts that left an impression on me. They helped attune my inner compass — toward deep integrity with soul.
🗝️ Key Awareness: There is a path of power that cannot be taught — only lived. It begins when you choose to listen.
THE ACTIVATION: Personal Power & Taking Massive Action
After communing with the invisible, life invited me to embody it in a tangible way.
That’s when something incredible arrived — by cassette tape. 🎧
Long before AirPods and streaming, I was given a Tony Robbins’ Personal Power audio cassette program. I remember going on power walks with a giant cassette player strapped to my waist, listening to those tapes, and rewiring my brain for success.
As I walked, I visioned a new life. I saw myself on stage — inspiring, empowering, uplifting. I imagined sharing the stage with Tony, impacting lives, and doing the work I felt called to do.
Then, it happened… My dream came true.
I went to work with Tony Robbins, became his #1 corporate trainer, traveled the world delivering transformational presentations, and sharing the stage with him.
That’s when I immersed myself in his book…
BOOK #5: Awaken The Giant Within by Tony Robbins
This book was an invitation and a challenge — to awaken the extraordinary power that lives inside us.
It gave me tools to master my emotions, reprogram limiting beliefs, and recondition my nervous system for lasting, positive change.
Tony’s approach wove together psychology and strategy in a way that felt alive and actionable.
I learned how to command my internal state, clarify my values, and take massive action toward what matters most.
It wasn’t just about success — it was about radical ownership of my mind, body, emotions, and future.
Tony’s teaching opened a powerful portal — one that set in motion my life’s work and greater contribution.
🗝️ Key Awareness: In your moments of decision, your destiny is shaped. The identity you choose to embody now will shape your future.
THE DEVOTION: A Season of Study, Practice & Inner Mastery
From 1995-2000, I traveled with Tony. This was a time of total immersion, devout learning, and intense inner alchemy.
I discovered how to achieve extraordinary sales results in record time — just so I could slip away to rollerblade through Central Park or explore the Metropolitan Museum with my backpack full of books, journals, pens, highlighters, sticky notes… and snacks. 😄
One simple book that inspired my sales success was…
BOOK #6: The Greatest Salesman In The World by Og Mandino
This book reminded me that — business, at its highest, is a form of spiritual practice.
It reframed my perception of sales from one of “being pushy” to being of loving service. I can still recite one of the scrolls: “I will greet this day with love in my heart.”❤️
🗝️ Key Awareness: True success (in sales and life) begins not with what you do — but with who you are being.
THE PATH OF WISDOM: Aligning Action with Higher Purpose
By this point, I was experiencing success—achieving goals, gaining confidence, and feeling empowered. Yet, even amidst momentum and accomplishments, a subtle inner conflict persisted. There was a resistance within that I didn’t fully understand. Deep inside, I sensed a calling toward greater alignment, clarity, purpose, peace.
That's when a wise teacher appeared through the poetic, timeless wisdom of an ancient text. With compassion, this sacred book guided me inward—helping me transcend internal battles, remember my true nature, and embody my highest destiny.
BOOK #7: The Bhagavad Gita
An ancient spiritual dialogue between the ego and Higher Self, The Bhagavad Gita unfolds on a battlefield — literal and symbolic — where Arjuna, the greatest warrior in the world, is called to rise into his destiny, even as he trembles in the face of moral complexity and inner doubt.
Krishna, representing the Higher Self, guides him — not just to fight, but to see clearly, to act in alignment with Dharma (the sacred principle or law that governs and sustains the Universe)… and to transcend the illusions of the separate self.
This text teaches Karma Yoga — the path of selfless action.
It illuminates that our sacred duty is to act with full presence and integrity, while surrendering attachment to the fruit of action. To do what is right because it is the honorable action — not for reward, validation, or fear of consequence.
There are so many translations of this epic text. My favorite — unfiltered and elegant — is by Barbara Stoler Miller, which is free from commentary.
I also recommend the audiobook by Deepak Chopra, Sacred Verses, Healing Sounds I & II: The Bhagavad Gita and the Hymns of the Rig Veda. It brings the verses to life with a vibrational quality that resonates when the soul is ready.
🗝️ Key Awareness: When the battle is within, the greatest weapon is self-realization.
BOOK #8: As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
This one literally flew off a shelf in a mystical old bookstore in Philadelphia and landed at my feet. I still have my original tattered copy.
This little book inspired me to become even more aware, mindful and deliberate with my thoughts.
💭 Remember This: You become what you consistently think. Discipline your mind, and you design your life.
BOOK #9: How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This timeless classic shaped how I communicate, lead, and build relationships — both personally and professionally. It taught me that influence begins with empathy — with genuinely seeing others, listening with presence, and honoring their experience.
Simple principles like remembering names, offering sincere appreciation, and finding common ground created a powerful foundation for how I connect and collaborate with people to this day.
🗝️ Key Awareness: Influence begins with empathy — and deepens through connection.
BOOK #10: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
This book shook me to my core.
Written by Holocaust survivor, psychotherapist, psychiatrist, Viktor Frankl, it revealed the astonishing power of choice — even in the most extreme suffering.
Frankl’s message is simple yet revolutionary:
Our greatest freedom is the power to choose our response. We may not control our circumstances, but we always have the power to choose how we relate to them.
🗝️ Key Awareness: Between stimulus and response, there is a space — and in that space exists your freedom and power to choose.
BOOK #11: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Dr. Robert Cialdini
This eye-opening book cracked open the psychology behind why people say “yes” — and how decisions are often made unconsciously.
It revealed six universal principles that govern human behavior. Understanding these was a total game changer for me! It skyrocketed my sales results and empowered me to recognize patterns and influence with integrity.
🗝️ Key Awareness: Ethical influence begins with awareness and understanding.
BOOK #12: A Course In Miracles
This was not just a book — it was a soul curriculum.
A profound journey of spiritual psychotherapy to release fear and embrace love. It helped me unlearn judgment, rewire perception, and embody love as the ultimate truth.
Interestingly, this book was written in the 1970s by two psychology professors at Columbia University, who described the process as a form of divine dictation. Though unexpected, the message they received was clear: “This is a course in miracles. Please take notes.”
This fascinating book was given to me years before I could fully understand it… so it sat on my shelf, quietly waiting — until I was ready.
It’s divided into three sections:
- Text — a philosophical foundation
- Workbook for Students — 365 daily lessons
- Manual for Teachers — a guide to embody and extend the teachings
One of the best ways to begin is to go directly to the Workbook and commit to one lesson a day. I’ve done that cycle several times, and every time it meets me at a deeper level.
This book helped me retrain my mind, seeing through the eyes of compassion, and living with greater love, harmony, and peace.
🗝️ Key Awareness: Miracles happen when we shift our perception from fear to love.
BOOK #13: Supreme Influence by Niurka✨ (yours truly 💖)
And Now... a Bold Celebration of My Own Work 😄
Supreme Influence is my story — a raw and real journey from pain to possibility… to purpose and power.
It’s both a practical and spiritual guide to mastering communication — so you can influence with integrity, inspire meaningful action, and create results that reflect your highest vision.
Inside, I blend NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), neuroscience, linguistics, and higher consciousness into one potent, transformational toolkit.
And yes — it’s actually fun to read!
🗝️ Key Awareness: When you change, the world around you changes — YOU have that much power!
Those Are A Few Books That Shaped My Early Journey
Of course, this is just the beginning…
The books above are a few of the books that made a meaningful impact in the early chapters of my life — before I launched my company, stepped fully into my calling, and became a Transformational Leader, Master Results Coach, Hypnotherapist, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Master, and Entrepreneur.
That next era brought with it an entirely new wave of books — focused on transformation, business mastery, advanced communication, neuroscience, leadership, wealth creation, and now AI.
🧠 How to Maximize the Impact of What You Read
As promised, here are a few of my favorite practices to help you not just read — but integrate and embody what you learn:
-
Read with Intention
Before opening a book, pause and ask:
What is my intention? What do I intend to learn right now?
Set a clear intention to receive the wisdom you desire — and you’ll be amazed at how the right passages speak directly to you.
- Highlight, Journal, Reflect
Don’t just read passively — engage with the book. Highlight key passages. Journal your insights. Write how you’ll apply them. Declare action steps.
Let the book be a mirror, a map, and an action plan guide.
- Teach It Forward
The best way to embody what you’ve learned is to share it with others. Talk about the book with friends, team members, or community. Share about it on social media. When you teach, you integrate and embody.
- Practice Integration Over Information
It’s not about how many books you read — it’s about how deeply you apply the ones that speak to your soul and evoke the greatest within you.
Ask: How is this book enriching who I am, how I think, how I show up, and who I intend to become?
- Let the Book Choose You
Sometimes the right book finds you! It stands out — on a shelf, in a conversation, at a store, or landing (literally) at your feet. Stay open. Be curious. Follow the nudge.
📚 Now it’s your turn…
I’d really love to hear from you! Share in the comments below👇
✨ What books have changed your life?
✨ Which ones cracked you open, called you higher, or gave you exactly what you needed at the perfect time?
Let’s expand this living library together
Drop your top 1, 2, or 3 life-changing books in the comments below. 📖👇
Let’s celebrate the books that shaped us — and discover new ones to explore!
And… if you'd love me to share the next chapter — the books that fueled my evolution as a teacher, entrepreneur, and leader — let me know. I’m happy to keep this book journey going!
Thank you for walking this sacred path of pages with me.
Here’s to the power of books that awaken, inspire, and guide us to live our best lives.
With Love,
Niurka ✨
Leave a ReplyCancel Reply
UPCOMING EXPERIENCES
Break Free from Obstacles & Step Into Your Purpose with Power
March 26 - 27
LIVE Online Event
DISCOVER MORE
Exclusive for Graduates of SIIA.
A LIVE Advanced Virtual Training Experience
March 4 - 7, 2027
LIVE Virtual
DISCOVER MORE
A 2-Day LIVE VIRTUAL Total Immersion Training LIVE with Transformational Leader & Creator of Supreme Influence, NIURKA
TBA -
LIVE VIRTUAL
DISCOVER MORE
Learn Sales Mastery Techniques with Master Results Coach and Sales Expert, Niurka
Date - TBA
LIVE Virtual Experience
DISCOVER MORE
Sacred Adventure of a Lifetime to BALI, Indonesia with Niurka!
June 23 - July 1, 2027
Bali, Indonesia
DISCOVER MORE
Create & Deliver DYNAMIC PRESENTATIONS That Produce Record-Breaking Results
May 17 - 18, 2025
2 Days LIVE Online
DISCOVER MORE
A journey of Personal Transformation. Create a New Beginning... in just 4 days!
Nov. 7 - 10, 2025
LIVE Virtual
DISCOVER MORE
A Communication Mastery & Evolved NLP Training Experience
July 23rd - 26th, 2026
LIVE Virtual Experience
DISCOVER MORE
Thank you for sharing! It’s so inspiring! Makes me want to read them!
Happy World Book Day to you! Thank you so much for all your recommendations. The Celestine Prophecy looks so intriguing to me, I will have to dive into that one. So many good books out there. Thank you for reminding me to take the time to plug in to a good book, amazing things can and will happen. ♥️
Happy World Book Dayy!! El Poder, Romano Guardini… He explores power not just in politics, but in the soul. He writes that power in itself isn’t evil , it’s necessary. What matters is who holds it, why they hold it, and what they do with it. It challenged me to ask: Am I conscious of the power I hold, even in small ways and Am I using it with clarity, purpose, and love?
Thanks for sharing Pedro! I love the way you described this book. I hadn’t heard of it. Inspired to check it out <3
What a powerful and inspiring post!
I love how you don’t just share what to read, but how to read it in a way that leads to real transformation.
Thank you for curating this guide with so much love, intention, and depth. I feel inspired to revisit my own relationship with books and to read with more presence and purpose. 🙏
How inspiring and empowering journey! Yours is such a captivating and fascinating story, rich with soul, wisdom, and humanity. These are the best book recommendations with such an exciting blend for personal development, self-improvement, spiritual awareness, and awakening that I know of.
I’m grateful for you kindly sharing your heart and soul. Now I know what to read for World Book Day!
I’m looking forward to receiving your ‘teacher, entrepreneur, and leader recommendations’ too. Thank you for such a powerful sharing of your vibrant energy and for impactful work!
Happy world book day! Looks like we have some crossover on some of the books that were the most impactful for me as well. I’d have to say some of my top books are:
Man’s search for meaning – Viktor Frankl
Think & Grow Rich/Law success in 16 lessons – Napoleon Hill
How to win friends and influence people – Dale Carnegie
The Four Agreements – Miguel Ruiz
The Four Agreements – Miguel Ruiz 🙏🏻
Like you, there have been many, many. I have always wondered what influenced you and how you developed philosophy. When you reread a book I find you will find something you did not see before.
Other books:
The Success Principles. Jack Canfield
You can Heal Your Life Louise Hay
7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Stephen Covey
The Power of Intention Dr Wayne Dyer
I love you for sharing your wisdom. Your teachings has greatly influenced and changed by life. ❤️
I love how you create engagement with each book. Inspiring!
Over half of them are responsible for my life transformations too.
In addition, The Untethered Soul had created positive shifts in how I see the world. I have read it multiple times💗💗
Love your list. They are great.
My most impactful life changing books, from about the age of 18:(not in order)
Think and grow rich. The greatest salesman in the world. Success through a positive mental attitude. The Success System That Never Fails! How I raised myself from failure to success in selling. Medical Medium.
Science and Health with Key to the scriptures.
Ask and It Is Given by Abraham Hicks and Atomic Habits by James Clear changed my life. Understanding that the way we relate to our mind is what generates a specific emotion and ultimately what makes things happen (externally) is a living philosophy that puts complete responsibility back on us. Atomic Habits also gave me the ability to understand those little tricks we can use to exponentially change anything in the short to medium term.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Niurka! From your list, I would love to read The Bhagavad Gita. I’ve heard that incredible things can happen after reading this book. You inspire me to make time in my schedule to read it!
Thanks for sharing this list of awesome books and the inspiration and significance they had in your life. I love the Key Awareness tips you added after each book. Many of your books are on my list too. I’ve been meaning to read Atlas Shrugged… will be ordering it today.
Rich Dad Poor Dad/ Cahflow Quadrant_Robert Kiyosaki
Think and Grow Rich_Napoleon Hill
Good Leaders Ask Great Questions_John C. Maxwell
Supreme Influence/ Niurka… w/lots of highlights and book marks
XOXO
1- The Science of Being by Eugene Fersen. 2- The Game of Life and How to Play it by Florence Scovil Schinn,
3- Conversations with God, by Neale Walsch.
4- The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P. Hall,
5- The Power of Now by Echart Tolle
Thank you for your thoughtful and articulate summaries of the books that shaped you. While I have read many of these, it is through common books that bind us closer. I imagine if we shared our deepest selves through the books we hold dear, our world would be a much healthier place.
Aside from some on your list, two of my most cherished books are:
Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius is a timeless and powerful book because it was written to no one, yet holds truths for everyone.
The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz
Hi Miurka
Thank you for sharing the books. Believe it or not I have read all of them except two.
But I think it’s a good idea to reread them again since it’s been a few years.
Thank you again