Whether you want to learn something new or just expand your horizons, one of the best places to start is with a book. From personal growth and business books to healthy lifestyle and wellness books, here are 10 inspiring books that will make you happier, healthier, smarter, and more successful.
Books That Make You Smarter & More Successful
Think, Learn, Succeed by Dr. Caroline Leaf: Written by a leading brain scientist, this book gives us insight into how the mind works. It also provides advice on various techniques we can use to develop a better mindset in all aspects of our lives – from work situations to developing successful relationships. A few of the topics the book addresses include memory retention, focus, performance, and personal fulfillment. The author provides scientifically-backed strategies for ways to retrain our minds and behaviors to become smarter and more successful.
I’ve Been Thinking by Maria Shriver: Featuring personal stories and life lessons from this inspiring female leader, this moving book shares Shriver’s thoughts on how to live your best life. From topics like faith and personal beliefs to ways to handle challenging situations, this touching book gives readers insight into the mind and heart of this powerful woman who has touched the lives of so many people.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert: Whether you want to pursue a creative career (like being a writer, artist, or performer), or you just want to explore a new creative hobby, this inspiring book will help you overcome your fears and self-limiting beliefs. The author of the book says, “Your fear will always be triggered by your creativity because creativity asks you to enter into realms of uncertain outcomes.” As the NYT Best-selling Author behind Eat, Pray, Love, in this book, she shares advice on how to get past doubts, fears, and mental blocks so that you can learn to unleash your creative potential.
High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard: Written by a leading performance coach that has helped many of the world’s most successful people go onto greatness, this motivational book shares strategies and techniques on how to become extraordinary. Since success is a result of hard work, focus, and good habits, this book teaches you 6 habits that you’ll need to have in order to create long-term success. The book shares exercises, science-backed information, and inspiring lessons that will shift your perspective and motivate you.
99 Things Women Wish They Knew Before Getting Behind The Wheel of their Dream Job by Sarah Fisher: If you’re stuck in a job that’s unfulfilling, this book is a must-read for you. Compiling insights from successful women around the globe (including myself), this book offers straightforward advice on how to follow your dreams to pursue a career you love. Before I was a blogger, a decade ago, I was a Co-Founder and angel investor in a global music industry e-marketplace that connected talent with industry pros. During this experience, I learned that value is a matter of perception – what someone pays directly correlates with what they think they’re getting in exchange. My commentary in this book shares my perspective on how to “get ahead of the competition by overcoming (prospective) customer resistance… by emphasizing the value that (we) can provide to a customer.” In addition to my advice, the book shares guidance from other women who’ve pursued careers they love.
Books That Make You Happier & Healthier
Pretty Happy by Kate Hudson: From health and fitness tips to natural beauty and wellness advice, this book will teach you how to live a happier, healthier life (while learning to accept that life isn’t perfect). Hudson shares advice on how to eat better, tips on how to love and accept your body (even with all its flaws), and compelling reasons why being “pretty happy” is good enough.
Judgment Detox by Gabrielle Bernstein: If you want to become your best self, one of the negative behaviors you’ll need to let go of is judgment. Often used by the ego as a way to make itself feel better (in comparison with other people), judgment hinders your ability to be compassionate and powerful. This book shares Bernstein’s experiences as an esteemed self-help guru who discovered she was limiting herself by judging others. In the book, she illustrates how a judgment detox can improve your life, shift your outlook, and improve your relationships.
Power Your Happy by Lisa Sugar: Written by the Co-Founder of Popsugar media company, this upbeat and inspiring book shares the story of how Lisa Sugar discovered and followed her passion for writing about pop culture, which led to the creation of her successful global company. She offers advice on how to believe yourself, ways to stay motivated and positive, and tips on how to maintain a work-life balance.
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis: This best-selling book shares funny real-life stories and no-nonsense advice from a popular lifestyle blogger-turned-writer. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences (in business, relationships, and family situations), her refreshing honesty and motivational messages are not only heart-touching but truly life-changing. If you’ve been doubting your own abilities, questioning your value, or feeling like you’re struggling – this book is definitely a must-read. She’ll get you to cut the BS, drop all your self-limiting beliefs, and become your best self.
Love Your Life by Domonique Bertolucci: This charming little book contains 100 inspirational quotes and messages that are designed to put you in a good mood and to keep you feeling motivated. Great for those moments when you need a little pick-me-up, you can open the book to any page to find an uplifting piece of advice that will put a smile on your face.
[Photography by Rachel Krueger. Disclosure: Affiliate links included.]
