Every January we all do the same things. First, we reflect on the previous year and determine that there are aspects of our lives that need to change in the New Year. Then, we either create resolutions that are way too vague, like “lose weight” or “get a new job,” without doing any research on how we plan to accomplish these resolutions. Finally, without fail, we fall off of the resolution bandwagon by the end of the month.
Going through the phases of achieving our goals can be stressful and difficult, but with a bit of sage advice and ample motivation, we can take our goals from dreams to reality. Here are 5 books that can give you that much needed boost to keep you motivated beyond January.
photo credit: Year of Yes/Shonda Rhimes
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
Calling all introverts and Shonda Thursday fans! This book by the creator and producer of all of your favorite shows, Shonda Rhimes, is everything you need to start off your new year on the right note. It follows Shonda as she chronicles the year she said yes to absolutely every opportunity that came her way. Whether it was for business or for pleasure, Shonda changed her life and harnessed the power of one little three-letter word. This is the kind of book that will motivate you to do absolutely anything you have ever dreamed of doing.
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
This book is a must read for all women, everywhere, but it’s especially vital for women looking to break into any male dominated field. Sandberg’s story about her rise to success is incredibly inspiring, and she share tips from mentors and friends about how to succeed in your career. From how to get a mentor without directly asking for one, to how to conduct yourself in one on one meetings with important people. If your new year’s resolution is to get a new job, break into a new career, or to start succeeding more at your current job, consider this book required reading.
Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy
Looking to boost your confidence this year? Amy Cuddy’s newest book on the power of the human body will feel like a workout for your self-esteem. Amy speaks to people around the country about how important it is to have control of your body and the untapped power that body language has to transform you into the most confident person in the room. After reading this book, you will have a whole new respect for your body and will find any excuse to break into your power pose.
Fat Girl Walking: Sex, Food, Love, and Being Comfortable in Your Skin by Brittany Gibbons
Before buying a gym membership or planning out your New Year’s diet, read this book by beloved blogger Brittany Gibbons. It chronicles Brittany’s life from unknown blogger mom to body positivity advocate, without leaving out and details along the way. Her struggle to accept her body, even after appearing in a bathing suit on national television, is something that all women can relate to and learn something from regardless of size.
How to be Parisian Wherever You Are by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret, and Sophie Mas
Channeling our inner fashionista is always in style, and this book written by four women from Paris will show you how to do just that -with an effortless Parisian flair. In this book you’ll find first person accounts by all four women about what it is really like to live the coveted Parisian lifestyle, and how you can add some French influences into all aspects of your life. This is a great book for anyone with a bit of wanderlust for Paris, or who has made a resolution to step up their fashion game or try new things this year.
