7 books that will help you make tough decisions and take big risks with confidence

Woman studying at her desk — If you want to get better at making decisions, try reading one of these books.
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Risk-taking is intimidating, but it's essential for growth, achievement, and a fulfilling life.
If you want to improve your decision-making skills, the following books can help.
These 7 picks outline how learning to take risks will help productivity and overall success.

Risk has gotten a bad reputation — it's usually associated with problems, disasters, and things generally going wrong. But when managed properly, risk can also be a pathway to achievement, success, and a fulfilling life. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

So if you're ready to start making better decisions, and maybe become a master risk-taker, be sure to check out the seven stellar reads below.

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'Risk: A User's Guide'

By Stanley McChrystal and Anna Butrico

Drawing on examples ranging from military history to the business world, the retired four-star general illustrates how ten dimensions of control are always in effect, and how by considering them, individuals and organizations can exert mastery over every conceivable sort of risk that they might face.

Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by co-author Stanley McChrystal, in the Next Big Idea App

'You Are What You Risk: The New Art and Science of Navigating an Uncertain World'

By Michele Wucker

The No.1 international bestselling author of "The Gray Rhino" offers a bold new framework for understanding and re-shaping our relationship with risk and uncertainty to live more productive and successful lives.

Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Michele Wucker, in the Next Big Idea App

'Choose Possibility: Take Risks and Thrive (Even When You Fail)'

By Sukhinder Singh Cassidy

From one of the most highly regarded female tech executives in Silicon Valley comes an indispensable guide to decision-making and risk-taking for anyone who finds themselves afraid of making a wrong choice in their career.

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'You're About to Make a Terrible Mistake: How Biases Distort Decision-Making — and What You Can Do to Fight Them'

By Olivier Sibony

A strategy professor and management consultant shows how cognitive biases routinely lead all of us into nine common decision-making traps. He then distills the latest developments in behavioral economics and cognitive psychology into actionable tools for making smart, effective decisions.

Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Olivier Sibony, in the Next Big Idea App

'Winning: The Unforgiving Race to Greatness'

By Tim S. Grover, with Shari Lesser Wenk

From the elite performance coach whose clients have included Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade, comes this brutally honest formula for winning in business, sports, or any arena where the battle is fiercely unforgiving.

Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Tim S. Grover, in the Next Big Idea App

'The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World'

By Dorie Clark

Cultural pressure often pushes us toward doing what's easy, what's guaranteed, or what looks glamorous in the moment. But in "The Long Game," a Duke University professor argues for doing small things over time to achieve our goals—and being willing to keep at them, even when they seem pointless, boring, or hard.

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'Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas'

By Alexi Pappas

Olympic athlete, actress, and filmmaker Alexi Pappas has accomplished much, but has also battled some fearsome inner demons. In this candid and moving memoir, she shares what she's learned about overcoming adversity and living the life you've always wanted.

Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Alexi Pappas, in the Next Big Idea App

Read the original article on Business Insider