10 Books to Kickstart Your New Year's Resolutions

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of our health and performance – yet it’s an area where many of us struggle. How do you get enough sleep, and how do you ensure that the sleep you do get is restful, high quality sleep? Is your sleep schedule out of whack? And, if so, how might it be affecting your daily life and what can you do about it? 

All these questions and more are tackled “with a sleep-wonk’s attention to detail tempered by approachable graphs and illustrations” in this “myth-busting guide to sleep” from a leading sleep researcher whose customers include the U.S. Navy.

“Gen Z’s favorite big sister,” Instagram star Gemma Styles offers a “warm, compassionate, and digestible account of why our imperfect human brains sometimes struggle with the demands of modern life” in this debut book that combines insights into neuroscience, anthropology, psychology, and more, “all dispatched with thoughtful explanations and kind asides” (Sunday Times). 

As she charts the course of her own journey and ADHD diagnosis, she helps to illuminate the struggles of modern readers in ways that will “help a lot of people feel understood and less alone” (Matt Haig, author of Reasons to Stay Alive).

In a world that feels increasingly precarious and challenging, many of us are looking for ways to be kind, help others, and give back. But how do you give back in a way that does the most good while also protecting and empowering yourself? That’s where this workbook from the creator of Oh Happy Dani comes in. 

Using thought-provoking prompts, this interactive journal encourages readers to find their “thing” by examining their priorities, their goals, and what gives them energy – and then turning that energy toward doing good in the world their way.

Giving a speech in front of a crowd is one of the most common fears and sources of anxiety amongst people all over the world – yet it’s also something that every single one of us will probably have to do at least a few times in our lives. Fortunately, Dale Carnegie published what has become the go-to guide to becoming an effective and comfortable speaker all the way back in 1915, and its lessons have remained relevant ever since. 

From how to prepare for a speech to how to speak clearly and eloquently even when you’re nervous, this new edition of Carnegie’s classic is here to help public speakers of the 21st century, just as it has helped speakers for more than a hundred years.

Relationships are at the heart of almost everything we do, including our careers. Yet, too often, these vital connections are missed in days filled with emails, phone calls, and other tasks. That’s where this “masterclass in blending the science of selling with the art of human connection” (Josh Kaufman, author of The Personal MBA) comes in. 

No matter what your career path, Mo Bunnell, the founder of the Bunnell Idea Group, argues that relationships are the key to getting ahead, and you can grow more by giving, if you just know how.

An international bestseller now on its third edition, with new chapters addressing changing technology and our modern era of constant distractions, this guide to managing time takes as its jumping off point (pun intended) that if the first thing you do each morning is eat a live frog, you’ll know that you have the day’s most unpleasant task out of the way. 

From this principle, celebrated speaker and presenter Brian Tracy shows readers how to start their day off right (probably not actually by eating a frog) and how to make the most of their time, energy, and opportunities.

Men deal with mental health challenges just like anyone else, and yet they often face an increased stigma in trying to cope with them – a stigma that can be internalized and manifest as a reluctance to face their own issues. 

In this “compassionate and approachable introduction to managing your mental health that will help even the most reluctant reader feel up to the task” (Anna Borges, senior health editor at SELF Magazine), clinical psychologist Ryan Howes has created “a journaling experience that will help skeptical men become more curious about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without feeling judged or threatened” (Guy Winch, author of Emotional First Aid).

Release self-doubt, build self-compassion, and embrace who you are through proven techniques, inspiring activities, and empowering affirmations in this book that “tackles all of the hurdles women face,” creating something that’s “more like all the self-help books combined, with a therapist thrown in for free” (Jessica Bradstreet, Licensed Clinical Social Worker). 

Filled with “concrete steps to affirm you are enough” (Marilyn Dahl, RDN, MBA, CEDRD, CYT), this unique workbook is perfect for those with busy lives who need to slow down and take time for themselves.

“Jurek’s story and ideas should easily manage to speak to and cheer on anyone seeking to live life as fully as possible” (Denver Post), and in this “shockingly honest, revealing, and inspiring memoir” (Trail Runner), one of the most enduring figures of the growing sport of ultrarunning opens up about his life, his motivations, and his diet – including recipes of his very own. 

“In pursuing the mental side of endurance, Jurek uncovers the most important secrets any runner can learn,” raves Amby Burfoot, author of The Runner’s Guide to the Meaning of Life.

There are countless cookbooks out there, but many of them are either tied to gimmicky diets or simply don’t take into account the realities of a busy family with a tight budget. That’s where this dairy- and gluten-free cookbook from bestselling author Brittany Williams comes in. 

With 125 recipes that all cost less than $10 to make, she demonstrates how wholesome meals don’t have to cost a fortune – and can please even the pickiest eaters!