Epictetus said, “Books are the training weights of the mind” and there are two things that happen each time you find a good book: You can’t seem to put it down, and books bring with them a touch of magic that can change your life — and transform your way of thinking. So, whether you’re looking to find a new hobby or regain that lost motivation before stepping into 2021, we’ve got you covered. Below is a list of self-help books to deep dive into that will help you unlock your potential and leave you feeling elated.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Do you find yourself struggling to keep up with that to-do list? Do you have the same excuse daily that’s holding you back from achieving your goals? The solution might just be to build better habits. Backed by neuroscience and psychology, James Clear reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to results.
Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Flow is the state of consciousness and is defined as “being in the zone” — when you’re so absorbed in the activity that you lose track of time and even basic desires such as sleep or hunger. Csikszentmihalyi talks about how you can structure your life and become a master in the activities you pursue.
“The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times. The best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.” – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Read More: Binge-Worthy Books to Dive Into This Month
Grit by Angela Duckworth
The most popular Ted Talks of all time (7.3 million views) by Angela Duckworth is a detailed discussion of her study behind WestPoint cadets and national spelling bee contestants to understand whether talent is innate or if anyone can achieve success with enough effort. Our experiences shape us into who we are but how we perceive them and grow from them, shapes us into who we will be, and this book will elevate your perseverance and passion – both of which are proven to be strong predictors of success.
Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Not only was this book a New York Times bestseller in 2000 but was also one of the seven books that Oprah Winfrey says ‘changed her life.’ We’re so consumed in figuring out the next thing that we often forget to take in everything this present moment has to offer. One of the secrets to living well is being in the present moment and you’ll find yourself doing just that after turning the final page on this book.
Solve for Happy by Mo Gawdat
Former Google engineer Mo Gawdat helps us solve the biggest equation of our lives on finding happiness and breaking any illusions around it. In his words, “Life is short. There’s no time to waste. So, let’s solve for happy.”
See More: Book Clubs to Join in Hoboken, Jersey City, + Bayonne
The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
Early bird gets the worm, and Robin Sharma is here to show you how. In this book, he discusses the pivotal aspects and benefits of waking up early by using the 20/20/20 formula that is known to benefit your mindset, heart set, and soul set. Having a morning routine gears you up to run the day before the day runs you. If you want to build a routine and start the day with energy and purpose, then this is the book you need.
Think like a Monk by Jay Shetty
Monks are some of the calmest, happiest, mindful people in the world. Jay Shetty shares his wisdom from his days at the ashram and how those habits can be inculcated in our day to day lives. He talks about the power of journaling and finding focus on adopting a monk mindset to achieve peace and purpose every day.
If you enjoyed these suggestions, here are a few additional books to add to your list:
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
- You are a badass by Jen Sinchero
And what would make this booklist even better? If you shopped locally to purchase each one. Here is a list of local bookstores to make your next purchase.
