It’s been said many times, but for good reason: last year was tough. One habit that helped me get through 2021 was reading. Fiction, memoirs, business books, real estate books…you name it, I fell asleep with it on my chest most nights. One of my favorite types of books is the pump-you-up book, the kind that motivates you to think more positively, take action now, and be all-around better. Keep reading for my top five “be better” books so you can start your year out right. 

The 5 AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma

For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you know that waking up early is my jam. It’s a habit that I recommend everyone develops, and one that has changed my life. Robin Sharma will introduce this crazy concept to you in a fun and digestible way–he will guide you through putting a morning routine into place to maximize your efficiency, meet your health goals, and be more productive in your personal and professional life.

Untamed, by Glennon Doyle

The best way to describe Untamed is “wake-up call”. It’s written as a memoir, detailing the author’s journey to abandon the world’s expectations of her and live a soulful life. It’s a freeing book, and one that I would recommend to anyone who is feeling stuck, needs some inspiration, or is looking forward to a fresh start in 2021.

 

Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person, by Shonda Rhimes

The Year of Yes is a hilarious book and it’s impossible not to have a smile on your face while reading this one. Shonda Rhimes writes about how saying one simple word (spoiler–the word is “yes”), changed her life, and how it can change yours, too. Throughout the book, Rhimes agreed to public speaking events that scared her silly, spent more time saying yes to loved ones and less time working, and said “yes” to allowing herself to shed toxic people in her life. 

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life, by Jen Sincero

Jen Sincero is the bestselling author and renowned success coach you need in your life. She gives you the advice you need to hear to start kicking some serious butt. The chapters are short and easy to read, and are filled with tidbits and exercises you can start doing NOW to make some serious life changes.  This book will help you recognize and alter your self-defeating habits that stop you from achieving the life you want.

Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals, by Rachel Hollis.

Girl, Stop Apologizing is filled with wake-up calls, the first one being coming to terms with how much you apologize every day…and the many ways that over-apologizing can harm you. In this book, Hollis challenges you to start having confidence in yourself and your abilities and to stop selling yourself short. It’s a great read if you need a reminder that you’re awesome, capable, and an all-around BOSS. 

What books have you been reading lately? Share your recommendations with me on Facebook, or drop them in the comments below!