Atomic Habits
by James Clear
James Clear offers a practical guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones through small, consistent changes. Clear explains the science of habit formation and provides actionable strategies, such as focusing on identity change and using the "four laws of behavior change," to help readers make lasting improvements in their personal and professional lives.
Make Change That Lasts: 9 Simple Ways to Break Free from the Habits That Hold You Back
by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee
This book provides a step-by-step process for identifying and changing habits that hinder personal and professional growth. It outlines nine actionable strategies to break free from unproductive behaviors and cultivate habits that lead to long-term success, emphasizing accountability and mindset shifts.
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We do in Life and Business
by Charles Duhigg
Charles Duhigg explores the science of habit formation and how habits influence every aspect of our lives. Using real-world examples, he explains how habits work, why they are so powerful, and how individuals and organizations can harness this understanding to create positive change and achieve success.
When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
by Pema Chodron
Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön offers wisdom and guidance for navigating life’s most challenging moments. Drawing from Buddhist philosophy, she emphasizes embracing uncertainty, pain, and fear as opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. This compassionate book provides tools for finding peace in chaos and learning to let go.
Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes
by William Bridges PhD & Susan Bridges
William Bridges explores the psychological process of transitions, emphasizing that every change involves an ending, a neutral zone, and a new beginning. He provides insights and practical strategies to help readers navigate life's changes, whether personal or professional, with clarity and resilience.
The Obstacle Is the Way
by Ryan Holiday
Drawing from Stoic philosophy, Ryan Holiday reframes challenges as opportunities for growth. He shares timeless principles for turning adversity into advantage, using stories from historical figures and practical strategies to help readers develop resilience, focus, and determination in the face of obstacles.
The Power of Now
by Eckhart Tolle
Eckhart Tolle teaches the transformative power of living fully in the present moment. By letting go of past regrets and future anxieties, readers can experience inner peace and spiritual awakening. This book blends philosophy and practical exercises to help readers achieve mindfulness and presence.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
by Carol S. Dweck
Carol Dweck explores the concept of a "growth mindset," showing how the belief that abilities can be developed leads to greater achievement and resilience. She contrasts this with a "fixed mindset" and offers strategies to foster a growth mindset in education, work, and relationships, transforming how readers approach challenges and opportunities..
Designing Your Life
by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
Written by Stanford design professors, this book applies design thinking principles to life planning. Through exercises and strategies, readers learn to reframe problems, explore possibilities, and create a meaningful life aligned with their values and passions. It’s a creative and actionable guide to navigating career and personal choices
Life is in the Transitions
by Bruce Feiler
Bruce Feiler explores how to navigate life’s disruptions, which he calls “lifequakes.” Through interviews and research, he identifies patterns and strategies for managing these pivotal moments, emphasizing storytelling, adaptability, and resilience as tools to turn challenges into transformative growth.
Immunity to Change: How to Overcome It and Unlock Potential in Yourself and Your Organization
by Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey
This book explores why change is so hard and introduces the concept of "immunity to change"—hidden beliefs and behaviors that block progress. Through practical tools and insights, it helps readers uncover internal resistance, challenge assumptions, and align actions with goals to unlock lasting transformation.
Memoirs & autobiographies
The Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person
by Shonda Rhimes
If memoir is more your style than how-to, try this New York Times bestseller from the groundbreaking TV producer, writer, and creator known for shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal. Despite her professional successes, Rhimes found herself disconnected and stuck in midlife. When her sister pointed out her habit of saying "no" to life, Rhimes set out on a year of saying "yes" to anything that scared or challenged her. The decision transformed her, helping her embrace new challenges, let go of unhealthy relationships, prioritize her health, and rediscover her joy. Rhimes’ journey is a powerful reminder that midlife can be a time for reinvention, growth, and living boldly.
Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist
by Michael J. Fox
In this deeply moving memoir, Michael J. Fox reflects on his life after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Through personal stories, he explores the challenges of living with a chronic illness while maintaining optimism, humor, and purpose. Fox delves into themes of family, faith, and activism, showing how a positive outlook can transform adversity into a meaningful and fulfilling life.
When Breath Becomes Air
by Paul Kalanithi
This posthumous memoir by Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon diagnosed with terminal lung cancer at the peak of his career, is a profound exploration of life, death, and the search for meaning. Kalanithi shares his journey from doctor to patient, weaving together reflections on mortality, identity, and the human condition. A deeply emotional and philosophical work, it challenges readers to consider what truly makes life worth living
Born a Crime
by Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah, comedian and host of The Daily Show, recounts his childhood in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa in this humorous yet poignant memoir. Born to a black mother and white father when their union was illegal, Noah's stories illustrate the absurdity of systemic racism, the resilience of his mother, and his journey of self-discovery. Blending sharp wit with raw emotion, Noah offers a compelling portrait of life under apartheid.
Living for Change: An Autobiography
by Grace Lee Boggs
In this inspiring memoir, activist and philosopher Grace Lee Boggs chronicles her life dedicated to social justice, community building, and transformative change. Spanning decades of activism, from the civil rights and labor movements to grassroots organizing in Detroit, Boggs reflects on the intersections of race, class, and gender. Her story emphasizes the power of visionary thinking and collective action to create a more equitable and compassionate society.
The Year of Magical Thinking
by Joan Didion
Didion explores the profound changes in her life following the sudden death of her husband. It’s a deeply personal meditation on grief, resilience, and adapting to life's uncertainties.
Do you have second-half book recommendations?