Okay, so I was scrolling through my feed the other day, and I stumbled upon this quote: “You are the average of the five books you read last year.” 😳 Mind blown. It got me thinking—what have I been feeding my brain lately? Sure, I’ve been reading, but am I really reading the stuff that’s helping me grow? If you’re like me and you’re on a mission to level up in life, I’ve got you covered. Here are some page-turners that have genuinely changed the way I think, act, and live. Let’s dive in!
First up, let’s talk about “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. I know, I know, you’ve probably seen this book everywhere. But trust me, there’s a reason it’s all over your Instagram feed. This book isn’t just about habits; it’s about how tiny changes can lead to massive results. I used to think I needed to overhaul my entire life to get where I wanted to be. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. Clear breaks it down so simply—start small, be consistent, and watch the magic happen. For example, I started with just 5 minutes of meditation a day. Fast forward six months, and I’m now a full-on mindfulness junkie. 🙌
Next on my list is “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not enough (hello, imposter syndrome!), this book is for you. Brown dives deep into the power of vulnerability and how embracing our imperfections can actually lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life. I’ll admit, I cried while reading this one—multiple times. But it was the kind of cry that leaves you feeling lighter, like you’ve just shed a layer of self-doubt. Her message is clear: you don’t have to be perfect to be worthy. And honestly, that’s a mantra I repeat to myself daily now.
Now, let’s get a little unconventional with “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. If you’re someone who’s ever felt stuck creatively or afraid to pursue your passions, this book is like a warm hug and a kick in the pants all at once. Gilbert’s take on creativity is refreshingly simple: it’s not about being a tortured artist or waiting for inspiration to strike. It’s about showing up, being curious, and letting go of the need for perfection. After reading this, I started painting again—something I hadn’t done since high school. And guess what? It’s not about being good; it’s about enjoying the process.
For those of you who are more into the science-backed stuff, “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck is a game-changer. Dweck introduces the concept of fixed vs. growth mindsets, and let me tell you, it’s life-altering. I used to think my abilities were set in stone—like, if I wasn’t naturally good at something, I’d never be. But this book flipped that script. Now, I approach challenges with a “bring it on” attitude, knowing that effort and persistence can take me further than I ever imagined.
And finally, let’s talk about “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle. This book is raw, real, and unapologetically honest. Doyle shares her journey of breaking free from societal expectations and learning to trust her inner voice. It’s a call to stop pleasing everyone else and start living for yourself. Reading this felt like sitting down with a wise, no-nonsense friend who’s telling you, “Girl, you’ve got this.” It’s empowering, uplifting, and just what I needed to hear during a time when I felt lost.
So, there you have it—my top picks for books that have genuinely helped me grow. Whether you’re looking to build better habits, embrace your imperfections, or unleash your creativity, these reads have something for everyone. And hey, if you’ve already read some of these, let me know what you thought! I’m always on the lookout for my next great read. 📚