Have you ever heard the quote, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to what happens to you”?
It’s totally true.
Life is mostly a mental game rather than a game of luck. And especially as a police wife – where life tends to be a little stickier and more unpredictable – having the right attitude makes a huge difference.
Even though there are a lot of challenges inherent to police wife life, if you can improve your mindset about it, you’ll be in a much better position. In the “age of information” we currently live in, there are so many well-researched, super-effective self help books available which can help you thrive – no matter what challenges you face in your life.
5 Books That Will Help You Be Happier as a Police Wife
The One Thing by Gary Keller
In a nutshell, this book is all about helping you determine the one thing in each area of your life that will make everything else easier – then focus on just that. It helps you prioritize your (often limited) time as a police wife, which will help you make the most of the time you have.
Plus, being focused on just one important thing at any given time will help you feel a lot less overwhelmed (and more productive!)
You can purchase a copy of The One Thing here.
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
I’m admittedly someone who does NOT adapt well to change. I’ve improved a lot over the years of police wife life/”chronic pain” wife life/mom life, but it’s still a struggle for me. If you’re the same way, this book is a great resource for dealing with change in a positive way and being more adaptable.
Whether you struggle to adapt to changes in schedule or loneliness on night shifts, the parable taught in this book helps you remember what’s important. It’ll help you focus more on what you can do about your situation and less on the stuff you don’t have control over – which will help you live a more graceful and less anxious life.
You can purchase a copy of Who Moved My Cheese? here.
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy Morin
I purchased this book just a few months ago when we were in the midst of huge changes: both my husband’s grandmother and father passed away within a week of each other. The deaths (and resulting travel and craziness that followed) made my anxiety go through the roof. As I was searching for help online, I came across this and ordered it right away.
I have to say, it helped a lot – and not just with the time-limited issues of grief and anxiety. It helped me develop a better mindset in general because it helped me identify the mindsets I needed to focus on changing – and to figure out how to change them.
You can purchase a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do here.
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
If you’re set on achieving your New Year’s Resolution this year, you should definitely check this book out.
The Power of Habit is all about identifying why you have the habits you do and how they impact your life – personally, professionally, and in your marriage. It helps you think about both the good and bad habits you have, and helps you develop better ones by identifying the real reason you do what you do.
Super thought-provoking – and absolutely life-changing.
You can purchase a copy of The Power of Habit here.
7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
I actually remember reading the teen version of this book when I was in junior high – and at the time, I really didn’t “get it”. Then again, I was a remarkably hard-headed teenage (which I haven’t necessarily outgrown, but I think I’ve improved over the years :))
Now that I’m an adult, though, Steven Covey definitely speaks to me more. I have a better perspective from which to see what he’s trying to say, and I can see the wisdom behind the habits he recommends.
This is a super actionable, practical book to help you change your habits and work better in life and with other people. There’s even an accompanying workbook you can purchase if you want to make the most of this book!
You can purchase a copy of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People here.
Honestly, having a great experience as a police wife is mostly going to come down to having the right attitude – and these books are all great resources to help you improve yours this year.
Now it’s your turn: What book has changed your life for the better?
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