Often in life, we begin to feel our motivation lagging. We’re tired, and we’re busy. We’re stressed about our jobs, our relationships, and the sometimes-worrisome state of our bank accounts. And as indifferent as we try to be about the pressure of swimsuit season, it has us nervously eyeing last year's bikini.
If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry—the following inspirational books are here to help! Go get ‘em, tiger.
Related: Why The Fifteen Percent Is One of the Best Books for Success
The Not So Subtle Art of Being a Fat Girl
Back in 2013, model Tess Holliday launched #effyourbeautystandards, a social media hashtag that exploded into an industry-changing revolution. Now, she is one of the world’s leading advocates for body positivity—not to mention a badass businesswoman and single mom—who is changing the way we look at our imperfections. The Not So Subtle Art of Being a Fat Girl is her powerful memoir, in which Tessa recounts her own journey to self-love and self-confidence. As she reflects on overcoming our fat-shaming culture, she also encourages readers everywhere to similarly embrace themselves—flaws and all.
What's Your M.O.?
Imagine you’re going through a rough patch—whether personally or professionally—but can turn to the advice-giving guru perched on your shoulder. Now imagine that guru is Michelle Obama.
Okay, so this is scientifically impossible—but Jennifer Worick’s What’s Your M.O.? is the awesome, real-life alternative. Filled with empowering quotes and applicable tips and tricks, the book is a handy compendium of Michelle’s best nuggets of wisdom on careers, relationships, health, and so much more. “What would Michelle do,” you ask? Well, now you know.
Happy by Design
They always say “home is where the heart is,” but did you know it’s also the key to a happier, healthier you? In Happy by Design, an expert shows you why, revealing the surprising connections between the state of our headspace and the state of our living space. From choosing paint colors and decorative plants to organizing your furniture, the book lays out easy-to-follow steps for transforming your home into the ultimate happiness booster.
Career Dreams: An Essential Workbook
When it comes to jobs, author Susan Wilson Hulett has done it all. Over the past two decades, she has worked as an attorney, a teacher, a magazine editor, and a Microsoft employee (plus a whole lot more!). Naturally, such varied experience has lent itself to an expertise in finding, switching, and chasing careers—a knowledge she’s applied to Career Dreams: An Essential Workbook. Through prompt exercises, checklists, and more, Susan guides you towards understanding your professional goals and passions, and how to achieve them.
Love, Inside and Out
With the constant presence of social media, we’re often inundated by bitter tweets and hate-fueled Facebook posts. And let’s face it: It’s easy to get bogged down by that kind of negativity—to read it, to absorb it, and then spread it around again without a second's thought. Enter the Love, Inside and Out journal, which provides a roadmap towards fostering a kinder, more loving attitude. Its prompts, practices, and quotes will help you see yourself and your neighbors with the compassion our toxic, social media-crazed world is frequently lacking.
The Only Way Out is Through
In tricky situations, sometimes all you need are a few encouraging words. The Only Way Out is Through offers them in spades, with beautifully illustrated quotations from the world’s best thought leaders, artistic geniuses, and inspiring go-getters. Page through them whenever you need a pick-me-up—or tack them to a wall so David Bowie can remind you of your greatness each and every day.
Related: Reader Reader: The Bowie Book Club
Keep Reading: 10 Books Every College Grad Should Read
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Featured photo: Levi Guzman / Unsplash
