While some may reach for an expensive life coach, therapist, or career adviser, those aren’t the only options. Consider investing in some of the best motivational books to get you back in gear.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a new inspirational read to flip through to resurge your motivation or are already looking ahead to snatch a beach read for an upcoming getaway, it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.
RELATED: The complete list of Reese’s Book Club picks
“The most common range of goals set by Goodreads Reading Challenge participants is between 11 and 25 books, or around one to two books a month,” vice president of editorial and marketing at Goodreads, told the New York Post. “Our members tell us that they find it motivating to mark a book as read on Goodreads and see how they are progressing towards their goal.”
Pick up any of the below top titles at any point of𓄧 the year to reclaim your productivity, creativity and inspir𒊎ation.
Books like and can be super beneficial when making those significant changes you’re craving. Whether you’re looking to get more organized, need guidance on making a career change or need a 101 guide on how to live the life you’ve always wanted, the perfect book is probably right at your fingertips.
We at the Post Wanted team curated a list of motivational books we’ve read and *loved*, alongside pulling some top titles Goodreads exclusively shared with The Post.
Click to jump to a specific section:
Best Motivational Books We Reviewed
Goodreads rating: 4.35/5 stars
About the book: “Atomic Habits” by James Clear emphasizes that small, consistent changes in habits can lead to remarkable improvements in one’s life by focusing on the system and identity behind those habits.
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear is one you’ve likely seen front and center on Barnes & Noble shelves and on Instagram stories galore. Why? The author pinpoints starting and maintaining a habit in small, atomic-sized steps. Hence, the name, “Atomic Habits.”
When we read this book, we were nerd-ing out with all of the studies, research and actionable points presented with each page turn. And, as Clear *clearly* mentions (we had to incorporate a pun here): If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system.
Not only did we enjoy “Atomic Habits” but we equally enjoyed James Clear’s MasterClass on “,” a studio-produced online course that draws upon key talking points in his best-selling book. For more, check out our MasterClass review.
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Goodreads rating: 4.13/5 stars
About the book: “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg explores how habits form and how understanding and altering these habits can lead to significant personal and organizational change.
If you want a better understanding of how to take full rein in your productivity, pick up “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg. It’s a staple on our bookshelf for a reason, and it’s all because the insight you’ll gain is incredibly motivating — fitting for this guide — and insightful. Not to mention, “Atomic Habits” references this title within its research, further cementing this book’s tangible resourcefulness.
Here, Duhigg uses businesses — like Procter & Gamble and top-performing Dow Jones businesses — as case studies, all of which have one thing in common: They achieved success by focusing on the patterns that shape every aspect of our lives.
We’re looking forward to reading Duhigg’s second book, “,” a wonderful accompaniment to his first success.
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Goodreads rating: 4.06/5 stars
About the book: “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg explores how habits form and how understanding and altering these habits can lead to significant personal and organizational change.
For an upbeat book that harbors on productivity, “Year of Yes” does it best. Each page is an exclusive behind-the-scenes take on life from born-and-bred success Shonda Rhimes. It underscores how she decided to say “yes” for one year — and all of the fruitful, life-changing moments and experiences that came as a result.
Though the premise may sound cheesy to some, it’s extremely personal and memoir-like in style. The centerfold of the novel includes images of Rhimes, including moments she decided to say “yes” to a major talk show opportunity and “yes” to a university’s commencement address. Overall, it’s a lighthearted, feel-good read that should be on everyone’s TBR list (that’s “to-be read,” for those who aren’t so #bookish).
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Goodreads rating: 3.96/5 stars
About the book: “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert encourages readers to embrace creativity with curiosity and courage, overcoming fear and self-doubt to live a more inspired and fulfilling life.
For creatives, “”Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert hits the nail on the head as far as motivational reads. If you love books with beautiful language and even more beautiful takeaways, you’ll love how each page is practically soaked in inspiration.
Inside, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether that looks like writing poetry, conceptualizing that big magic-idea of yours or igniting a creative spark in your personal or professional pursuits, we thoroughly enjoyed this one.
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Goodreads rating: 4.02/5 stars
About the book: “The Intentional Year: Simple Rhythms for Finding Freedom, Peace and Purpose” by Holly and Glenn Packaim offers practical strategies for cultivating intentional living through mindful routines and purposeful practices to achieve a balanced and meaningful life.
One of the most recent motivational books we read with a faith-angled lens is “The Intentional Year: Simple Rhythms for Finding Freedom, Peace and Purpose” by Holly and Glenn Packaim. It’s in the perspective of a pastor and his wife, and they both teeter-totter over the following tenets and themes: prayer, rest, renewal, relationships and work.
Though most readers are of the Christian faith, you certainly don’t have to be. In fact, it may be even more insightful if you aren’t. Because there’s a foundational message of slow living and intentionality, it’s the ideal book for the beginning of a new year, season or month.
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Goodreads rating: 4.31/5 stars
About the book: “Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World” by Bob Goff illustrates how love can transform everyday experiences into extraordinary adventures by actively living out love in practical and unexpected ways.
We loved this book so much, we emailed the author. And, not much to our surprise, he emailed us back. Why? It’s because that’s what love does.
Going the extra mile insofar as prioritizing communication and connection is exactly why “Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World” by Bob Goff is one of our all-time favorite reads. Each chapter highlights a mesmerizing new story the author reflects upon and shares. By the end, we were already thinking outside-the-ordinary; you truly start living by simply doing.
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Goodreads rating: 3.97/5 stars
About the book: “Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World” by Jennie Allen provides insights and strategies for forging meaningful, authentic connections and fostering strong, supportive communities in a world often marked by isolation.
“Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World” by Jennie Allen is a heart-to-heart motivational read about forming connections with all different types of people — regardless of age, social status or season of life.
By the end of the book, you’ll have a firmer understanding of how to overcome barriers to making new friends, how to initiate and nurture new ones and how to be your most authentic selves when approaching relationships. Even if you’re the most outgoing person in the world, we believe you’ll still benefit from the tales in this book.
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Goodreads rating: 4.53/5 stars
About the book: “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer advocates for slowing down and simplifying life to maintain emotional well-being and spiritual vitality amidst the demands and distractions of modern living.
Ah, a book that’s both modern to the times and refreshing to the eyes. “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World” by John Mark Comer is another book grounded in faith that centers on one theme: we need to stop rushing.
This book offers a roadmap to experiencing a more balanced and fruitful lifestyle. Wouldn’t our daily lives be an inch better if we didn’t stress or hurry? Yes, we think so, too, and this book helps you take note of that tenfold.
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Goodreads rating: 3.99/5 stars
About the book: “To Hell With the Hustle” by Jefferson Bethke challenges the culture of constant busyness and over-connection, advocating for a more intentional and balanced life focused on what truly matters.
After reading, we had a more centered approach on setting boundaries, adjusting to change, embracing silence, solitude, and handling stressors that may segue into our weeks. Overall, it’s a reassuring and motivational book simultaneously — and one we wholeheartedly recommend.
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Goodreads rating: 3.82/5 stars
About the book: “Present Over Perfect” by Shauna Niequist encourages letting go of the pursuit of perfection and embracing a more mindful, soul-nourishing way of living by focusing on the present moment and meaningful connections.
If you’re in the mood for a cozy, uplifting and slow living-centered read, pick up “Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living” by Shauna Niequist. This was one of the first motivational books we read and it continues to serve as a tentpole for living graciously, patiently, and virtually stress-free.
If you’re feeling exhausted or isolated (or both), the humble perspective of Niequist will surely inspire you. Not only that, but it made us consider the most peaceful way forward when it comes to a variety of different topics.
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Best Motivational Books of 2024, per Goodreads
Goodreads rating: 4.15/5 stars
About the book: “A Healthy State of Panic” by Farnoosh Torabi advocates using fear as a motivator to drive personal and professional growth, ultimately leading to greater wealth, career success and overall life satisfaction.
“If fear is holding you back, Farnoosh Torabi is here to boost your confidence,” Skyvara told The Post. “Blending anecdotes with research and advice, she helps you see fear in a different light and provides tips to help you work with your fears.”
Growing up in the 1980s as the daughter of ✤Iranian immigrants, Torabi was warned to play it safe, resulting in a childhood g🔴rounded in fear, rejection and missed opportunities. Now, she highlights how fear can help you take control of your financial future.
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Goodreads rating: 4.16/5 stars
About the book: “The Good Life” by Robert Waldinger and Mark Schulz distills insights from the longest-running scientific study on happiness, revealing that deep relationships and social connections are key to a fulfilling and happy life.
“The title says it all: learn more about what leads to a good life, based on a scientific study following people — and some of their families — since 1938,” Skyvara shares. “Goodreads members say it’s an interesting read that has led to them making changes in their behavior, especially when it comes to relationships and community.”
If you’re on the market for a book that’s molded by psychology and insightful tidbits on the science of happiness, this one is for you.
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Goodreads rating: 4.68/5 stars
About the book: “Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential” by Brian Johnson provides a framework for unlocking personal greatness and achieving one’s highest potential through intentional habits, mindset and daily actions.
“The title says it all: learn more about what leads to a good life, based on a scientific study following people — and some of their families — since 1938,” Skyvara shares. “Goodreads members say it’s an interesting read that has led to them making changes in their behavior, especially when it comes to relationships and community.”
If you’re in the market for a book that’s molded by psychology and insightful tidbits on the science of happiness, this one is for you.
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Goodreads rating: 4.30/5 stars
About the book: “Speak: Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut and Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be” by Tunde Oyeneyin empowers readers to harness their inner strength and authentic voice to navigate personal and professional growth with confidence.
“Readers say this book is full of inspirational quotes to savor during the tough days and packed with lessons on how to become your most authentic self,” Skyvara highlights. “It’s particularly good for people who have experienced grief over the death of loved ones.”
More, “Speak” is said to be ideal for fans of , , and .
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Goodreads rating: 3.91/5 stars
About the book: “The Old Gays Guide to the Good Life” by Mick Peterson and co-authors offers a candid and humorous exploration of life’s most significant lessons on love, aging and embracing joy, drawn from their rich and varied experiences.
“Want a motivational book that leads you to laughter at the same time?” Skyvara asks. “This guide, from authors who range in age from 67 to 80, is for you. But fair warning, there are tearful moments too as you learn from their hard-won wisdom.”
Oh, and the premise of this book is entirely trending, as the foursome is, collectively, a social media sensation , so it’ll add some humor, inspiration and aspirational advice to your reading list. Plus, it explores the pre-Stonewall time period to the rise of the LGBTQ+ movement to gay marriage and beyond.
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Goodreads rating: 4.14/5 stars
About the book: “Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life” by Arnold Schwarzenegger shares practical advice and personal anecdotes on achieving success and fulfillment through resilience, hard work and a commitment to personal growth and contribution.
“The vibe this book leaves you with is ’empowered,’ according to readers who are finding the no-nonsense advice both practical and inspiring,” Skyvara notes. “Plus there’s the added bonus of reading anecdotes from Schwarzenegger’s life about the times he used his seven tools to drive his own success.”
In essence, Schwarzenegger — aka, the the world’s greatest bodybuilder, one of the highest-paid movie stars, and the leader of the world’s sixth-largest economy — shares his definition of success to both motivate and encourage you to take full rein of your life, wherever you’re at.
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Goodreads rating: 4.09/5 stars
About the book: “100 Ways to Change Your Life” by Liz Moody provides evidence-based strategies for enhancing health, happiness, relationships and success, offering practical tips for transformative personal growth.
“Looking for actionable solutions to life’s challenges? All based on science?” Skyvara questions. “This one is for the time-pressed readers amongst us, as it is comprehensive yet concise.”
From the creator of “” comes this excellent read, translating her years of experience interviewing the world’s leading doctors, scientists and thinkers into a the-world-is-your-oyster type page-turner. She also integrates digestible tips for building life-giving habits in all aspects of life, from mental health, careers, relationships, confidence and physical health.
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Goodreads rating: 3.96/5 stars
About the book: “Anatomy of a Breakthrough” by Adam Alter explores the psychological and practical strategies for overcoming obstacles and achieving significant personal and professional breakthroughs.
“Everyone gets stuck from time to time,” Skyvara assures. “But instead of seeing it as a failure, this book helps you to see it as an opportunity to learn, reassess, and find a new path forward. Readers particularly love the stories in this book that show the hard, messy stuff that people went through before they found success.”
Interestingly, Adam Alter has spent the past two decades studying how p🎉eople become stuck and how they free themselves to thrive. Inside this motivat💃ional read, he reveals the formula he and other researchers have uncovered.
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Goodreads rating: 4.20/5 stars
About the book: “Your First Million” by Arlan Hamilton and Rachel L. Nelson outlines a practical roadmap for building wealth and creating a lasting financial legacy, regardless of one’s starting point or background.
“This is an uplifting book for anyone who is considering entrepreneurship, especially if you’re looking for candid stories about challenges and how to navigate them,” Skyvara recommends. “People really recommend the exercises in this book as a way to kickstart your entrepreneur journey.”
As having lived nearly her entire life in poverty, Arlan Hamilton understands that money is power — though not for the reasons most people believe. You’ll simply have to read this book to understand how the power of community comes into effect when you have a mission to build up your wealth.
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Goodreads rating: 4.12/5 stars
About the book: “Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things” by Adam Grant explores how individuals can unlock and harness their latent capabilities to reach higher levels of achievement and personal growth.
“With this book, you’ll find inspiration from the stories of seemingly average people who’ve gone on to achieve amazing things,” Skyvara shares. “It’s good for people who are early in their reading of popular psychology.”
Interestingly, Grant weaves together groundbreaking evidence, surprising insights and engaging storytelling that “takes us from the classroom to the boardroom, the playground to the Olympics and underground to outer space,” per Goodreads. The main message? He shows that progress depends less on how hard you work and is more about how well you learn.
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Goodreads rating: 4.01/5 stars
About the book: “More Than Enough” by Elaine Welteroth encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves and assert their worth, overcoming societal expectations and self-doubt to claim their rightful space and achieve personal fulfillment.
“Sometimes the best advice can be found from following the story of others,” Skyvara notes. “Readers are finding this book honest, inspiring and entertaining as they think about designing their own careers.”
From climbing the corporate ladder of media and fashion at Teen Vogue, Elaine Welteroth offers both a re꧅freshing and timely memoir where she unpacks lessons on race, identity and success through her own journey.
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Goodreads rating: 4.01/5 stars
About the book: “Feel-Good Productivity” by Ali Abdaal provides strategies for enhancing productivity by focusing on what truly matters and aligning daily actions with personal values to achieve greater satisfaction and effectiveness.
“Goodreads members say this is a good starting point if you’re interested in improving your productivity,” Skyvara says. “It’s a fun and quick read with lots of actionable ideas. One particularly helpful section — after so many people are feeling worn down by the last few years — is the section on dealing with burnout.”
Not to mention, we completed Ali Abdaal’s Skillshare class, “,” as he is also a skilled content creator.
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