If there’s one lesson I keep returning to, it’s this: growth never really ends. No matter your career, your role at home, or where you are on your journey, there’s always a new way to stretch yourself and step into a stronger version of you. Personally, I wear many hats—entrepreneur, wife, mom, and friend—and I’ve found that reading has been one of the most transformative tools in helping me move closer to my goals.
Books have a way of nudging us forward, offering both perspective and practical steps we can apply immediately. So if you’re craving a little extra motivation this year, I’ve rounded up a collection of must-read titles that will push you toward becoming more productive, intentional, and fulfilled. Consider this your personal growth starter kit.
1. Smarter, Faster, Better by Charles Duhigg
Productivity is one of those buzzwords that gets tossed around, but Duhigg makes it tangible. In this book, he breaks down eight core concepts of productivity using real research in psychology and case studies from high-achieving professionals. What I love most is how he shows that productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing better. It’s a practical read that makes you reflect on how your brain works and how to unlock its potential.
2. Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
We all know technology is both a blessing and a curse. Newport challenges us to rethink how much of it we actually need. Digital minimalism is less about deleting everything and more about making conscious choices with your time online. This book hit home for me, especially since so much of my career relies on the internet. It reminded me that the offline world is still where the real magic happens and encouraged me to build a healthier relationship with tech.
3. The Gift of Forgiveness by Katherine Schwarzenegger
Forgiveness is one of the hardest lessons to learn, yet one of the most freeing. In this book, Schwarzenegger gathers powerful stories of people who’ve faced the unimaginable and found peace through compassion. One of the most moving accounts comes from Sue Klebold, the mother of one of the Columbine shooters. This isn’t just a book—it’s an emotional journey that will shift how you see empathy, healing, and letting go.
4. The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo
Julie Zhuo, VP of Design at Facebook, proves that leadership is learned, not innate. Through her honest reflections and professional insights, she shares what it really looks like to step into management. What stood out to me is that her advice isn’t just for people with “manager” in their title—it’s for anyone who wants to lead, influence, and grow in their career. It’s a guide to building confidence, navigating challenges, and becoming someone others want to follow.
5. Indistractable by Nir Eyal
If you’ve ever caught yourself refreshing your phone for no reason (guilty!), this book is a game-changer. Eyal digs into why we’re so easily distracted and offers strategies to help us focus on what truly matters. It’s not about swearing off technology but rather training yourself to regain control over your time and attention. For anyone who feels pulled in a thousand directions, this book is like a reset button.
6. Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
What if you approached your life like a design project? That’s exactly what this book encourages you to do. Burnett and Evans show how the principles of design—problem-solving, prototyping, and creativity—can be applied to building a life filled with joy and purpose. It’s empowering to realize you can design your days in a way that reflects your values, no matter what stage of life you’re in.
7. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
Few books have inspired women in the workplace as much as Lean In. Sandberg, COO of Facebook, shares candid advice on leadership, ambition, and navigating the challenges of work-life balance. For me, it was a reminder that pursuing big goals doesn’t mean sacrificing authenticity or personal fulfillment. It’s a rallying cry for women to embrace their ambitions unapologetically.
Final Thoughts
Each of these books offers something different: a productivity hack, a mindset shift, a reminder to slow down, or a push to step into leadership. But they all share one common thread—they’re designed to help you grow. Whether you’re looking to improve your career, nurture relationships, or simply live more intentionally, these reads will inspire you to take action.
So, grab a blanket, pour yourself a cup of tea, and let one of these titles challenge you to look at your life in a new way. After all, the best investment you can make is in yourself.
