As the year comes to an end, it’s time to get ready for the next chapter of your life. In this blog, I am sharing 11 must-read books that will help you get your life on track in the new year. No, reading alone will not do any good. Yes, implementation is the key. However, I am making things easier for you with this list of my curated collections.
Goals are an important part of life. They give you a purpose, a meaning to your life. Every year you set some New Year resolutions. Some are fulfilled and many are dropped within a few weeks or months.
I was this on-and-off goal-setter too before I found the ocean of knowledge: books.
Ever since I began my journey as a writer, my books have been a constant companion that has held me strong in my moments of despair.
Thus, today I am sharing a list of some must-read books for you to improve your life and build a stronger sense of self. These books will teach you practical strategies to embrace change and growth in your daily life.
11 Must-Read Books to Embrace Change and Growth in 2024
Books have been my safest place for a long time now. They have helped me sail through some of the toughest times in life.
Books are a rich resource of information and knowledge. They educate you on a range of topics, including history, science, politics, psychology, philosophy, personal, and many others. They are a great way to improve yourself in all areas of life.
Will Reading Books Improve Your Life?
Reading books improves your life. As you learn new things, your mind develops.
I was also hesitant to read as a beginner. I still remember the day I read my first book. I was in 10th class. I was attending a lecture on business management, and my friend mentioned that she had a novel in her bag. Since I was already bored I thought of reading it.
The book was titled ‘World’s Worst Best Girlfriend’, by Durjoy Dutta.
There was no stopping after that. Since then, I’ve read many books. Among them, my favorite is The Cruel Prince trilogy by Holly Black. I highly recommend reading it if you’re into fantasy fiction.
Every book I’ve read has left a piece of its lessons with me. Some of them have been so convincing that I have reread them multiple times.
So, if you wish to end your year on a positive note and start your new year on a high note, then here are some of my must-read book suggestions that you can add to your home library and work on your personal development in the easiest way possible.
11 Must-Read Books to Grow More in the New Year
Here are the must-read books from my personal reading collection which I hope to add more knowledge, perspective, and liveliness to your mindset, career, and life.
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Atomic Habits is a guide on how tiny changes in behavior can transform your life. James Clear is one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation.
In his book, he has revealed some practical strategies to embrace change and growth. This book will make you fall in love with the power of everyday, minimal efforts. Clear will help you realize that you don’t need big efforts to achieve something exceptional. Small, daily efforts are all you need to create remarkable changes.
The book encourages the idea of continuous improvement. By adding regular tiny efforts, you can achieve significant and long-lasting results. It also demonstrates the importance of effective habits in your success through various examples.
2. The 5-Second Rule by Mel Robbins
A national bestseller, this book explains how you can enrich your life and destroy self-doubt in 5 seconds.
Your mind opens a 5-second window before you start to overthink. If you interrupt your brain in that span of 5 seconds, you can stop from spiraling into the web of overthinking.
Here are the 5 most important lessons you can learn from this book.
- The 5-Second Rule: Explains how you can change your life in just 5 seconds. If you want to work on a goal, you must physically act within five seconds, or your brain will kill it. When you feel an instinct to act on a goal, work spontaneously.
- The Power of Courage: It suggests courage as a powerful force in overcoming challenges, facing fears, and achieving personal growth. Courage is the first step in your success ladder that many people fail to climb. People are afraid of taking risks and standing up for what they believe. But it has the power to impact your life in various aspects
- Courage Changes Your Behavior: When you dare to achieve something, you perceive it positively. You become more productive and start working on your health and other things.
- Courage Changes Your Mind: If you decide something in your brain, nothing can stop you from achieving it. Everything starts in your mind. It is the key to unlocking all the doors to your success.
- Courage Changes Everything: Courage has the power to change everything. This book explains this in the best way possible.
And the most important aspect is YOU.
You have to work towards your goals and achieve all those dreams. Everything begins and ends with your willingness to take charge.
3. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
Let’s be honest. What fun is life without a little mess?
You can’t control some things in life. You can’t stop anything from happening. You definitely can not stop worrying about things out of your control.
So, Mark Manson highlights that being positive in life is not what you always want. Once you start embracing your fears, faults, and uncertainties, you begin your true journey of self-achievement.
Not everything in life is worth concerning or giving attention to. You need to start focusing on what truly matters to you.
The book also caters to the societal standards and misconceptions about living a contented life when everything is messed up.
Whether it’s money, work, or personal responsibilities, the only solution is to start taking charge of your actions and lives.
4. The Five People You Meet in Heaven
This 2003 novel revolves around the story of the life and death of a ride mechanic named Eddie. After being killed, he meets five people in heaven who had a significant impact on him while he was alive.
It explains how death leads to a new beginning. It tells how your lives are interconnected and how daily incidents affect your life.
This book has also helped many people heal from some of their most challenging phases in life.
5. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
“Tuesdays with Morrie” is a memoir by American author Mitch Albom.
It unfolds the author’s conversations with his former sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz, during the last months of Morrie’s life. Throughout the book, you will witness the bond between the two main characters. Both talk about various areas of life, including love, work, family, and death.
The motive behind the book is to provide valuable teachings on love, forgiveness, and the path toward a fulfilled life.
6. Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
This book is a masterpiece in itself. It talks about how the mind shapes itself. Written by psychologist Daniel Kahneman, it scientifically explores the two systems of your mind.
- System 1 is fast, instinctive, and emotional.
- System 2 is slower, more deliberative, and more logical.
It offers a theory explaining the concept of human biases, exemplifying your thinking process.
7. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
This self-help book beautifully explains the 48 essential laws of power. These laws will arouse more questions and bring you one step closer to solving the mysteries of life.
Some of the laws discussed in the book are:
- LAW 1 – Never Outshine the Master
Abstain from outshining your superiors. Let the person in authority comfortably feel their position as superior to yours.
- LAW 2 – Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends; Learn How to Use Enemies
Fear your friends, and stay close to your enemies. More than your enemies, your friends will betray you.
- LAW 3 – Conceal Your Intentions
Never disclose too much, as it can be dangerous. Keep your plans and goals to yourself and keep working towards their achievement.
- LAW 4 – Always Say Less Than Necessary
Sometimes, saying more leads to revealing more. So, be mindful of what you say. Say less and do more.
- LAW 5 – So Much Depends on Reputation – Guard It With Your Life
Reputation is a critical asset. Reputation attracts power. Guard your reputation in the best way possible.
Learn more about these life-impacting laws in his books and understand the dynamics of power.
8. Quiet by Susan Cain
“Quiet – The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” is a book on introverts.
The author herself is an introvert. In her book, she highlights the challenges of being an introvert.
In earlier times, introverts were not highly accepted. People used to believe being shy was a sign of weakness. But this book explains the quiet nature of introverts.
She discusses the differences between the two personality types and how each has a unique place in this world.
9. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Next on the list of must-read books is “The Secret”.
It is by far the best book explaining the concept of the law of attraction.
The central idea of this book is “thoughts become things”, and “what you think impacts your lives”. Your emotions, feelings, and thoughts powerfully influence your lives. The energy you release in your surroundings is the one you attract.
The author focuses on positive thinking and the power of manifestation coupled with conscious actions.
10. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
You all are aware of the benefits of meditation. It highly impacts your lives, whether it is promoting good health or increasing emotional well-being.
Meditation is the foundation for living a calm, happy, and fulfilled life.
This book is a series of personal writings by the Roman Emperor. It reflects on various aspects of philosophy, leadership, and life.
This outstanding piece sheds light on self-discipline, rationality, acceptance, mind control, detachment, materialism, humanity, and many other important aspects of life.
It inspires readers to:
- Understand the power of unity
- Cultivate the practice of mindfulness
- Learn the importance of duty and virtue
- Learn how to stay calm and think rationally in difficult times
- Acknowledge the importance of detachment from materialism
11. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
In this busy life, a man is searching for many answers. The authors shed light on the concept of logotherapy; the scientific approach to helping people find meaning in their lives.
He touches all three branches of human life: history, psychology, and philosophy. The book also concludes that a man’s deepest desire is to find meaning. The only way to search these is by believing in yourself.
Conclusion
These were must-read books from my personal reading collection. I hope you found the inspiration to choose from the best and add them to your reading list.
Reading these books will help you learn different things in life. These books are filled with great insights into living your best life, from talking about embracing change to overcoming self-doubt to the power of taking action.
This new year as you make new goals and set new deadlines for yourself, make sure you add these masterpieces to your daily routine and make the most of your time.
What is the one book that changed your life? I’d love to know your answers in the comments below.
