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Whether you’re on the hunt for a new inspirational read to flip through during the early days of the year or are already looking ahead to snatch a beach read for an upcoming getaway, it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.
While some may reach for an expensive life coach, therapist, or career adviser, those aren’t the only options. Consider investing in a motivational, self-help book to get you back in gear.
“As an example of how many people decide they want to read more as a New Year’s resolution, more people than ever have signed up in the first week of the year to participate in the Goodreads Reading Challenge, which is designed to help people make reading a priority in their lives,” Suzanne Skyvara, vice president of editorial and marketing at Goodreads, told the New York Post.
“The most common range of goals set by Goodreads Reading Challenge participants is between 11 and 25 books, or around one to two books a month,” she adds. “Our members tell us that they find it motivating to mark a book as read on Goodreads and see how they are progressing towards their goal.”
Books like “Atomic Habits” and “Year of Yes” can be super beneficial when making those significant changes you’re craving. Whether you’re looking to get more organized, need guidance on making a career change or need a 101 guide on how to live the life you’ve always wanted — the perfect book is probably right at your fingertips. Not to mention, we curated a list of motivational books we’ve read and *loved*, alongside pulling some top titles Goodreads exclusively shared with The Post.
To highlight some of the best motivational books on the market, the New York Post shopping team rounded up some great options you can shop below.
For more “New Year, New Me” content, check out our articles on planners and the best online classes to master a new skill in 2024.
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Best Motivational Books We Reviewed
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear is one you’ve likely seen front and center on Barnes & Noble shelves and on Instagram stories galore. Why? The author pinpoints starting and maintaining a habit in small, atomic-sized steps. Hence, the name, “Atomic Habits.”
When we read this book, we were nerd-ing out with all of the studies, research and actionable points presented with each page turn. And, as Clear *clearly* mentions (we had to incorporate a pun here): If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system.
Not only did we enjoy “Atomic Habits” but we equally enjoyed James Clear’s MasterClass on “Small Habits That Make a Big Impact on Your Life,” a studio-produced online course that draws upon key talking points in his best-selling book. For more, check out our MasterClass review.
“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg
If you want to better understand how to take full rein on your productivity, pick up “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg. It’s a staple on our bookshelf for a reason, and it’s all because the insight you’ll gain is incredibly motivating — fitting for this guide — and insightful. Not to mention, “Atomic Habits” references this title within its research, further cementing this book’s tangible resourcefulness.
Here, Duhigg uses businesses — like Procter & Gamble and a top-performing Dow Jones businesses — as case studies, all of which have one thing in common: They achieved success by focusing on the patterns that shape every aspect of our lives.
We’re looking forward to reading Duhigg’s second book, “Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business,” a wonderful accompaniment to his first success.
“Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person” by Shonda Rhimes
For an upbeat book that harbors on productivity, “Year of Yes” does it best. Each page is an exclusive behind-the-scenes take on life from born-and-bred success Shonda Rhimes. It underscores how she decided to say “yes” for one year — and all of the fruitful, life-changing moments and experiences that came as a result.
Though the premise may sound cheesy to some, it’s extremely personal and memoir-like in style. The centerfold of the novel includes images of Rhimes, including moments she decided to say “yes” to a major talk show opportunity and “yes” to a university’s commencement address. Overall, it’s a lighthearted, feel-good read that should be on everyone’s TBR list (that’s “to-be read,” for those who aren’t so #bookish).
“Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert
For creatives, “”Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert hits the nail on the head as far as motivational reads. If you love books with beautiful language and even more beautiful takeaways, you’ll love how each page is practically soaked in inspiration.
Inside, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether that looks like writing poetry, conceptualizing that big magic-idea of yours or igniting a creative spark in your personal or professional pursuits, we thoroughly enjoyed this one.
“The Intentional Year: Simple Rhythms for Finding Freedom, Peace and Purpose” by Holly and Glenn Packaim
One of the most recent motivational books we read with a faith-angled lens is “The Intentional Year: Simple Rhythms for Finding Freedom, Peace and Purpose” by Holly and Glenn Packaim. It’s in the perspective of a pastor and his wife, and they both teeter-totter over the following tenets and themes: prayer, rest, renewal, relationships and work.
Though most readers are of the Christian faith, you certainly don’t have to be. In fact, it may be even more insightful if you aren’t. Because there’s a foundational message of slow living and intentionality, it’s the ideal book for the beginning of a new year, season or month.
“Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World” by Bob Goff
We loved this book so much, we emailed the author. And, not much to our surprise, he emailed us back. Why? It’s because that’s what love does.
Going the extra mile insofar as prioritizing communication and connection is exactly why “Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World” by Bob Goff is one of our all-time favorite reads. Each chapter highlights a mesmerizing new story the author reflects upon and shares. By the end, we were already thinking outside-the-ordinary; you truly start living by simply doing.
“Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World” by Jennie Allen
“Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World” by Jennie Allen is a heart-to-heart motivational read about forming connections with all different types of people — regardless of age, social status or season of life.
By the end of the book, you’ll have a firmer understanding of how to overcome barriers to making new friends, how to initiate and nurture new ones and how to be your most authentic selves when approaching relationships. Even if you’re the most outgoing person in the world, we believe you’ll still benefit from the tales in this book.
“The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World” by John Mark Comer
Ah, a book that’s both modern to the times and refreshing to the eyes. “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World” by John Mark Comer is another book grounded in faith that centers on one theme: we need to stop rushing.
This book offers a roadmap to experiencing a more balanced and fruitful lifestyle. Wouldn’t our daily lives be an inch better if we didn’t stress or hurry? Yes, we think so, too, and this book helps you take note of that tenfold.
“To Hell With the Hustle: Reclaiming Your Life in an Overworked, Overspent and Overconnected World” by Jefferson Bethke
Similar to John Mark Comer’s book above, “To Hell With the Hustle: Reclaiming Your Life in an Overworked, Overspent and Overconnected World” by Jefferson Bethke holds the same notion: we need to stop rushing.
After reading, we had a more centered approach on setting boundaries, adjusting to change, embracing silence and solitude and handling stressors that may segue into our weeks. Overall, it’s a reassuring and motivational book simultaneously — and one we wholeheartedly recommend.
“Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living” by Shauna Niequist
If you’re in the mood for a cozy, uplifting and slow living-centered read, pick up “Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living” by Shauna Niequist. This was one of the first motivational books we read and it continues to serve as tentpole for living graciously, patiently and virtually stress-free.
If you’re feeling exhausted or isolated (or both), the humble perspective of Niequist will surely inspire you. Not only that, but it made us consider the most peaceful way forward when it came to a variety of different topics.
Best Motivational Books of 2024, per Goodreads
“A Healthy State of Panic: Follow Your Fears to Build Wealth, Crush Your Career and Win at Life” by Farnoosh Torabi
“If fear is holding you back, Farnoosh Torabi is here to boost your confidence,” Skyvara told The Post. “Blending anecdotes with research and advice, she helps you see fear in a different light and provides tips to help you work with your fears.”
Growing up in the 1980s as the daughter of Iranian immigrants, Torabi was warned to play it safe, resulting in a childhood grounded in fear, rejection and missed opportunities. Now, she highlights how fear can help you take control of your financial future.
“The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness” by Robert Waldinger, MD and Mark Schulz, PhD
“The title says it all: learn more about what leads to a good life, based on a scientific study following people — and some of their families — since 1938,” Skyvara shares. “Goodreads members say it’s an interesting read that has led to them making changes in their behavior, especially when it comes to relationships and community.”
If you’re on the market for a book that’s molded by psychology and insightful tidbits on the science of happiness, this one is for you.
“Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential” by Brian Johnson
”While the size of this book is daunting (1,060 pages!), it’s divided into short, digestible insights blending wisdom from ancient philosophers to the latest scientific research to help you improve multiple areas of your life,” Skyvara says. “It’s good if you’re looking for a daily resource to dip into for inspiration and exercises.”
What’s more, this title integrates ancient wisdom (as its name suggests), modern science and practical tools to motivate you toward advancing in greatness and upholding newfound potential.
“Speak: Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut and Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be” by Tunde Oyeneyin
“Readers say this book is full of inspirational quotes to savor during the tough days and packed with lessons on how to become your most authentic self,” Skyvara highlights. “It’s particularly good for people who have experienced grief over the death of loved ones.”
More, “Speak” is said to be ideal for fans of Shonda Rhimes, Brene Brown, and Glennon Doyle.
“The Old Gays Guide to the Good Life: Lessons Learned About Love and Death, Sex and Sin and Saving the Best for Last” by Mick Peterson, et al.
“Want a motivational book that leads you to laughter at the same time?” Skyvara asks. “This guide, from authors who range in age from 67 to 80, is for you. But fair warning, there are tearful moments too as you learn from their hard-won wisdom.”
Oh, and the premise of this book is entirely trending, as the foursome is, collectively, a social media sensation @theoldgays, so it’ll add some humor, inspiration and aspirational advice to your reading list. Plus, it explores the pre-Stonewall time period to the rise of the LGBTQ+ movement to gay marriage and beyond.
“Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life” by Arnold Schwarzenegger
“The vibe this book leaves you with is ’empowered,’ according to readers who are finding the no-nonsense advice both practical and inspiring,” Skyvara notes. “Plus there’s the added bonus of reading anecdotes from Schwarzenegger’s life about the times he used his seven tools to drive his own success.”
In essence, Schwarzenegger — aka, the the world’s greatest bodybuilder, the world’s highest-paid movie star and the leader of the world’s sixth-largest economy — shares his definition of success to both motivate and encourage you to take full rein of your life, wherever you’re at.
“100 Ways to Change Your Life: The Science of Leveling Up Health, Happiness, Relationships & Success” by Liz Moody
“Looking for actionable solutions to life’s challenges? All based on science?” Skyvara questions. “This one is for the time-pressed readers amongst us, as it is comprehensive yet concise.”
From the creator of “The Liz Moody Podcast” comes this excellent read, translating her years of experience interviewing the world’s leading doctors, scientists and thinkers into a the-world-is-your-oyster type of page-turner. She also integrates digestible tips for building life-giving habits in all aspects of life, from mental health, careers, relationships, confidence and physical health.
“She Who Wins: Ditch Your Inner ‘Good Girl,’ Overcome Uncertainty and Win at Your Life” by Renée Bauer
“Based on readers’ reviews, you may find yourself highlighting the heck out of this one,” Skyvara says. “If you’re struggling right now, this book will reassure you that you’re not alone and will also shine a light on a way to get back on your feet…without being perfect.”
Here, Bauer breaks down some uncomfortable truths about the things that may be holding us back from truly winning in life. After all, if we can survive a pandemic, homeschooling, loss of income, and even a toilet paper shortage — as she describes within the pages — don’t we deserve to win?
“Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most” by Adam Alter
“Everyone gets stuck from time to time,” Skyvara assures. “But instead of seeing it as a failure, this book helps you to see it as an opportunity to learn, reassess, and find a new path forward. Readers particularly love the stories in this book that show the hard, messy stuff that people went through before they found success.”
Interestingly, Adam Alter has spent the past two decades studying how people become stuck and how they free themselves to thrive. Inside this motivational read, he reveals the formula he and other researchers have uncovered.
“Your First Million: Why You Don’t Have to Be Born into a Legacy of Wealth to Leave One Behind” by Arlan Hamilton and Rachel L. Nelson
“This is an uplifting book for anyone who is considering entrepreneurship, especially if you’re looking for candid stories about challenges and how to navigate them,” Skyvara recommends. “People really recommend the exercises in this book as a way to kickstart your entrepreneur journey.”
As having lived nearly her entire life in poverty, Arlan Hamilton understands that money is power — though not for the reasons most people believe. You’ll simply have to read this book to understand how the power of community comes into effect when you have a mission to build up your wealth.
“Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things” by Adam Grant
“With this book, you’ll find inspiration from the stories of seemingly average people who’ve gone on to achieve amazing things,” Skyvara shares. “It’s good for people who are early in their reading of popular psychology.”
Interestingly, Adam Grant weaves together groundbreaking evidence, surprising insights and engaging storytelling that “takes us from the classroom to the boardroom, the playground to the Olympics and underground to outer space,” per Goodreads. The main message? He shows that progress depends less on how hard you work than how well you learn.
“More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say)” by Elaine Welteroth
“Sometimes the best advice can be found from following the story of others,” Skyvara notes. “Readers are finding this book honest, inspiring and entertaining as they think about designing their own careers.”
From climbing the corporate ladder of media and fashion at Teen Vogue, Elaine Welteroth offers both a refreshing and timely memoir where she unpacks lessons on race, identity and success through her own journey.
“Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You” by Ali Abdaal
“Goodreads members say this is a good starting point if you’re interested in improving your productivity,” Skyvara says. “It’s a fun and quick read with lots of actionable ideas. One particularly helpful section — after so many people are feeling worn down by the last few years — is the section on dealing with burnout.”
Not to mention, we completed Ali Abdaal’s Skillshare class, “Grow Your YouTube Channel,” as he is also a skilled content creator.
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