We’ve crossed the threshold into a brand new year. 2020 is finally over. Of course, things didn’t magically go back to “normal” once the clock struck midnight on December 31. While the initial rounds of the Covid-19 vaccine have thankfully been distributed, the pandemic is still raging nationwide, and the effects of everything that happened last year will remain with us for a very long time.
However, while you should by no means ignore what’s going on in the world, you can’t let it hold you back from making positive steps forward. I’ve rounded up 21 books that’ll help you improve several different areas of your life—from finding happiness, to achieving career success, to building a better relationship with your significant other, your friends, your money, and yourself. Happy reading!
1. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
Contrary to popular belief, external rewards are not the best way to motivate people. Sure, this carrot-and-stick approach may work short-term, but once the shine of the prize wears off, the drive will simply fizzle out. Leveraging 40 years’ worth of research, Pink brings to light the three elements that are absolutely key to human motivation.
2. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
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If you’re suffering from a major creative block, this book’s for you. Gilbert, author of bestselling books City of Girls and Eat, Pray, Love, shares her secrets on how to find inspiration and follow through on creative dreams. So, whether you want to write a book, make some type of artwork, or find an innovative way to tackle a work challenge, read Big Magic to unlock and unleash your hidden creativity.
3. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
The secret to true career happiness? Achieving a state of consciousness called flow, which is when you’re fully immersed in an experience and it brings you deep joy. But these situations don’t have to happen by chance. As Csikszentmihalyi explains, you can control when this positive state occurs (and use it as a data point to find your personal Genius). His book will teach you how.
4. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
According to award-winning business reporter Charles Duhigg, in order to successfully build habits and harness your true potential, you must understand the science behind habits. In his books, Duhigg shows us how this extra knowledge can help you change your life for the better—and for good
