Today’s post is for the holidays and beyond. I am sharing with you my top 7 picks for motivational books for us grown ups and the children in our lives. My list includes books that I read this year and love – suggestions to add to your reading list or to gift for the holidays or anytime.
These motivational books will set you and your loved ones up for personal growth, a positive mindset, and an amazing start for the New Year.
You Are The Ultimate Resource
Books are an amazing resource for our personal growth journey. And reading, my friends, reading is so important for our minds.
Reading nurtures and nourishes us in ways that quickly consumable information simply cannot.
There is no fast pass to redefining our mind or our soul. You must take the time to sit in a quiet spot and allow the words of the motivational books you read to enter deeply inside. I mean penetrate.
A motivational book is only as valuable as how much it makes the person flipping the pages feel, think, and act.
While not all motivational books are created the same, it is undeniable that if you get into the habit of reading books that inspire you to be your very best, take notes, remind yourself of the lessons, and then take action, you can transform your life and the world in profound ways.
I won’t get into the benefits of reading, but click here if you want to read more about this.
I know this is a busy time for you, so today I am going to get right into it… almost.
IF YOU WANT TO JUMP STRAIGHT TO THE LIST CLICK HERE.
First, I want to reiterate this:
It doesn’t matter how much you read. If you do not have the courage to apply the lessons to your life and actually change, nor you or the world, will reap the potential benefits of the wisdom between the front and back covers.
In the end, we and we alone are our most valuable resource.
The World Needs Us To Do Better
Last week I shared some thoughts about the world, our responsibilty, our responsibility to acknowledge our blessings, and basically stop bitching about inconsequential things.
We do a lot of this.
I truly believe that we are all doing the best we possibly can in an era where there is a shitload of horror and complexity out there. But because of the enormitiy of it all, we hide. We stay silent. We take sides without evaluating what we truly believe – we are so conditioned.
It is like a hammer banging too much one-sided information into our heads and souls. Too much information in general.
Stereotypes, out-dated definitions, excessive judgment and blaming going on.
More and more separation between right and wrong, you and me and them.
I feel like people have gotten too comfortable with the labels they use to define themselves, to the point they no longer recognize themselves or humanity as whole unless there’s a label added.
Labels that fit us into tiny categories – separating and organizing us like color-coded files in a cabinet – to the extent that we cease being fully feeling, independently thinking, well-reasoning beings.
We are becoming as inanimate as a binder. Numb and numbered. Scared and censored. Stagnant. Excessively passive.
It feels safer this way. But it is anything but safe.
What does all this have to do with today’s post? Well….
The Goal Of The Personal Growth Journey
Reading motivational books alone is NOT enough to redefine us. It just isn’t enough.
So our feeds are overflowing with inspirational messages. We read them, save them, share them. And maybe even our bookshelves are filled with motivational words, experiences shared, expert advice.
Sure they are. Our intentions are pure.
There is no doubt that the self-help/self-development industry is huge. Courses, seminars, podcasts, movies, & books. We want to be better and do better. But at the end of the day…
- How are we living our lives, really?
- How are we responding and showing up every, ordinary day?
- Are we distracted or fully present to the subtleties and details?
- Are we being guided by increased kindness, compassion, and patience – or fear, frustration, maybe judgment, and hate?
- How are we using or not using our experiences, voices, and actions to serve?
These are fundamental questions that we need to be asking ourselves.
Because when…
- we are too busy or distracted to offer compassion,
- when overwhelm is our go-to mode if something shifts in a direction we did not choose and would not have chosen,
- when we are easily persuaded away from our beliefs and core values,
- when all our reading and rereading does not lead us to remembering what matters most and applying the passages we highlight, underline, and star to our lives…
More specifically...
when we can watch genocide taking place in another part of the world, live footage and videos showing us the worst of humanity, and those who are suffering for it –
and still remain stuck in the idea of separation, pointing fingers, and frozen in our absolute truths –
while we complain about some trivial holiday detail…
WE HAVE MISSED THE POINT OF OUR JOURNEY.
There is no judging going on here. We all fall victims to this.
However, the goal of the practice must be to put what we learn into practice. To act. And as humans – especially those of us who are on the journey towards a higher self – we must do better.
You’re under no obligation to be the same person you were 5 minutes ago.
Alan Watts
So let’s get started…
My 7 Favorite Motivational Books This Year
Where available, links to the Italian editions are provided.
Motivational Books #1 – FOR SOMEONE WHO NEEDS Self-inquiry & Straight Talk
How Are You, Really?: Living Your Truth One Answer at a Time by Jenna Kutcher
Are you stuck between where you are and where you want to be? Are you constantly lying to yourself, maybe your go-to response is, I’m fine. Maybe you don’t truly know how you are doing? You are not alone.
This world does not set us up for real honesty or intimately getting to know ourselves. We are continuously being bombared with information and placed in situations that do not make us feel like our true selves.
In this book, author Jenna Kutcher will guide you in reframing your entire life and finally finding your own sense of joy and fulfillment in a world telling you who to be. It’s about understanding what’s going on in your head and finding your way back to a life that is truly your own.
FROM THE BOOK
The way we are living is not sustainable for a human soul. Constantly covering up who we are just means we inevitably get buried.
Jenna Kutcher
Motivational Books #2 – FOR SOMEONE WHO CANNOT BREAK THE HABIT, BEHAVIOR OR PATTERN
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
Have you tried and tried, but you always fall back? Or even worse, you cannot get yourself to begin to break that habit, behavior or pattern?
Author James Clear says that it is not you. It is your system.
Atomic Habits is a simple, concrete guide to breaking bad behaviors and adopting good ones in four steps, showing you how small, incremental, everyday routines compound into massive, positive change over time.
James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.
In this book, you will read about true, inspiring stories from Olympic gold medalists, award-winning artists, business leaders, life-saving physicians, and star comedians who have used the science of small habits to master their craft and vault to the top of their field.
CLICK HERE FOR ITALIAN EDITION – Atomic habits. Piccole abitudini per grandi cambiamenti di James Clear.
FROM THE BOOK
The only way to become excellent is to be endlessly fascinated by doing the same thing over and over. You have to fall in love with boredom.
James Clear
Motivational Books #3 – FOR SOMEONE WHO IS EXPERIENCING GRIEF AND LOSS
I’m Not a Mourning Person: Braving Loss, Grief, and the Big Messy Emotions That Happen When Life Falls Apart by Kris Carr
This book, by New York Times bestselling author and cancer thriver Kris Carr, is about love, loss, grief, and all the life-changing insights we receive when we embrace them.
When Kris’ world was falling apart (her father was dying, the pandemic hit, she was dealing with her own health issues) she asked herself, “If embracing my intense emotions helped me feel even the slightest bit better, why was I so determined to avoid them?
In her latest book, Kris tackles the universal experience of loss with a personal touch of raw honesty and irreverent humor.
You cannot get more real than this when discussing the complexities that arise when us humans face incredible pain and suffering.
As she writes:
I never wanted to be a “mourning person.” I spent years trying to run from the big, scary feelings explored in this book: loss, sadness, anger, fear, and the rest of the unpleasant posse that rolls in when the sh*t hits the fan. And hit the fan it did.
FROM THE BOOK
Anger is especially common in the face of loss.
We act out instead of crying out, because anger feels powerful, while grief feels powerless.
Kris Carr
Motivational Books #4 – FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS LOST FAITH IN THE INNATE GOODNESS OF HUMANITY
Trusting the Gold: Uncovering Your Natural Goodness by Tara Brach
This world teaches us to divide, distrust, and disconnect – from one another and from ourselves. However, this is the opposite of what we need to be guided by joy and peace.
Instead we must stop judging, stop avoiding, stop trying to resist that which makes us afraid or ashamed. When we do this, we open to our true nature and full awareness. We become fearless and full of love.
As author, meditation teacher and psychologist, Tara Brach writes:
This recognition of our essential human goodness may be the most radical act of healing we can take. The gold of our true nature can never be tarnished.
Trusting the Gold offers mindfulness practices based on Buddhist wisdom and adapted to our modern challenges so that we can reconnect with the beauty of our humanity and regain trust.
FROM THE BOOK
Even in the midst of our deepest emotional suffering, self-compassion is the pathway that will carry us home,
What a joy to pause and behold our basic goodness, and to see how it shines through each of us. Seeing that secret beauty, we fall in love with all of life.
Offering companionship in pain acknowledges that suffering is living through all of us, and in our togetherness we enlarge the heartspace that can hold it with compassion.
Tara Brach
ALSO AVAILABLE BY TARA BRACH – A 3 Book Collection: True Refuge, Radical Compassion, Radical Acceptance
CLICK HERE FOR BOOKS BY TARA BRACH AVAILABLE IN ITALIAN.
Motivational Books #5 – TO PROTECT JOY WITH OUR YOUNG CHILDREN, RECOMMENDED AGE 3-7
The Sad Princess – The search for a happily-ever-after smile by Dannielle Levy
Of course, I love this book. THE SAD PRINCESS – The search for a happily-ever-after smile, is my first children’s book.
Although it is a children’s book, it speaks about all of us – big and small– as full human beings along our journey.
Look closely and you shall see yourself, with all your limits and your fullest potential.
It is a personal growth journey. It is a try and try again kinda journey. And it is an empowering journey made up of love, compassion, courage, and human connection.
THE SAD PRINCESS is a book that teaches us core values. and reminds us not to be afraid of our emotions, challenges, or failures.
We must mess up and fail before we find our way. This is a fundamental part of healthy growth and self-development.
This book reminds us that when we decide what we want – truly decide – we cut the possibility of giving up out of the equation.
THE SAD PRINCESS teaches us and our children:
- to listen.
- that our past self does not define our future self.
- to become humble and courageous enough to ask.
- to find the confidence to get out of our comfort zones and start the journey. And that when we do, there is always something extra special to be found way before we arrive.
- to connect with ourselves and by doing so, we will find love outside of ourselves as well
ITALIAN EDITION COMING SOON!
FROM THE BOOK
The Sad Princess’s journey is a Universal journey. We all have both a happy and sad princess inside of us…
and we must learn to embrace this and not give up on ourselves in order to grow.
“Keep searching my child and do not get discouraged, one day a solution will appear along with your invincible courage,” her magic mirror tenderly said.
From the book, The sad princess
Motivational Books #6 – FOR TEENS (AND ADULTS) FINDING THEIR WAY
I Wish I Knew: Poems to Soothe Your Soul & Strengthen Your Spirit by Donna Ashworth
The book, I Wish I Knew, is a collection of poems to guide us through the messiness of life – the type of messiness that often causes us to doubt our personal journey and purpose at any age.
With honest lessons learned from her rock bottom, Donna Ashworth’s offers fundamental messages to find courage in chaos and rise to from every challenge. This book soothes the soul, strengthens the spirit and helps the reader find their own unique voice.
As she suggested in a recent FB post:
If you know someone in their teens struggling with their sense of self, this book is a perfect self-esteem building guide to start their journey towards a more confident and empowered self. An self-loving stocking stuffer!
I personally believe that this book is a gem at any age.
I just recently discovered Donna Ashworth’s work by chance – the way I most love to discover beautiful things and people.
FROM THE BOOK
Follow the flawed, the real, the messy… who say it like it is, no filter, no glossing, no bull. Follow those people who accept themselves, and you, as you are. And leave the rest to edit their lives to perfection,
Don’t change the way you look sweet one, change the way you see.
Donna ashworth
Motivational Books #7 – FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES WHO LOVE ANIMALS AND WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD
Saving Animals: A Future Activist’s Guide by Catherine Kelaher
You’re never too young to change the world!
Do you know a kid who is sensitive and compassionate?
Maybe a kid who wants to help animals and the world, but they are not sure how?
Catherine Kelaher’s book, Saving Animals: A Future Activist’s Guide, provides a comprehensive, accessible plan for aspiring animal rights activists.
Saving Animals provides step-by-step actionable instructions, tips, and resources for saving animals and spreading awareness.
This amazing book covers all aspects of animal protection – from pets to farm animals to wildlife – as well as how to make the world a better place for animals through outreach, animal advocacy, and volunteerism.
In addition to information on why animal protection is vital for all living beings as well as our planet, this book is filled with the stories of more than two dozen young activists, (including my daughters, Kenia and Bianca Jade), all of whom are doing amazing things to help create a kinder world.
FROM THE AUTHOR
There are plenty of people who care about animals and hate to see them in pain, but very few of us who will take action to change things. This book will inspire people who do not want animals to suffer and give them the tools and inspiration they need to make a difference.
Catherine Kelaher
Final Note – Today A Reader, Tomorrow A Better Human
I truly believe in the power of holding a book in your hands. And of course, reading it.
I love books – best-self books and memoirs are my personal favorite. But basically anything that has the ability to move me.
Reading often seems like a dinosaur nowadays, but for this reason, books are more important for both us and our children more than ever before.
Reading provides us with everything that is being quickly lost iin this world:
knowledge, inspiration, dreams, and the ability to sit – reading books offers all this.
Time spent reading is extremely precious time whether on our own, with our children, or someone else we love. And our ability and desire to read is much more important for the future and future generations than we can immagine.
You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.
Ray Bradbury
The Gift Of Books
I often give books as gifts. I used to doubt giving a book to anyone, especially a child who would probably prefer a toy or video game. However, I always followed my heart instead of trying to win the contest of best present or favorite mom or aunt.
And I have found that books are much more appreciated than we usually expect.
So don’t shy away from giving books for the holidays or any other time. It is a gift that will last a lifetime. And read. Read, absorb, take action, and grow.
Hope that you enjoyed this post. I would love for you to share some of your favorite motivational books. Let us know what you are reading and being inspired by. Share them with me here or write your suggestions in the comments below. 🙏
Resources
Further Reading
PERSONAL GROWTH READING + 6 Of The Best Books To Inspire You to Love Better, Feel More, And Live Fully
Meditations To Improve FOCUS & Concentration
- BUILD YOUR PATIENCE Guided Meditation, 18 Minutes
- SHAPE YOUR MIND Guided Meditation, 20 Minutes
- MINDFUL BREATH Guided Meditation, 8 Minutes
- THE DAILY CALM Guided Meditation, 10 Minutes
