I think of myself as a motivated and ambitious person. I make to-do lists, try to be productive all day long, and I get a lot of work done. I’m the type of person who loves to stay busy and hates being bored. With that being said over the last few months I haven’t had a lot of work to do because I’ve been cooped up inside thanks to coronavirus. I was struggling to fill my day with stimulating activities and felt lazy all the time. This is when I decided to create a daily schedule to keep my routine going throughout the day, and this included 1 hour of reading time every day.
Since I couldn’t go out and buy books due to stores being closed, I turned to my own bookshelf collection to see what I haven’t opened yet. That’s when I discovered my love for personal stories and motivational books. I never thought of my life as needed a kick in the butt but these books that I am sharing with you today have changed my outlook on life. I know that sounds dramatic, but they have. They offered life advice about how to step out of your comfort zone, how to make choices that will make yourself happy, how to set yourself up for a successful day and so much more!
The 5 books below have been on my nightstand next to my bed for the last 3 months because I can’t put them down. They were all easy to read and had me taking notes on the advice the authors were giving. Not only are these books the kind that you can’t put down, but they will also give you the knowledge and tools to take on the world, start a business, or raise a family. They will teach you to go get what you want in life and don’t apologize for being driven.
Are you ready to have your life changed?
Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven
This book is a short and sweet little book that is jam-packed with life advice on how to keep your daily routine in order. I read this book in an hour or so and it is filled with practical advice and words of encouragement. The book is part of a graduation commencement speech that the author gave at a university. McRaven describes stories from his own life and from those of people he encountered during his military service who dealt with hardship and made tough decisions with determination, compassion, honor, and courage. He shares ten principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and his life. He explains how anyone can use these basic lessons to change themselves-and the world-for the better.
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
Rachel Hollis is my new favorite person. I was memorized by every story that she told an took notes on all the advice she was giving. This was actually the first book that I took off of my bookshelf to read because I have heard good things about it. Rachel Hollis tries to convince women to stop apologizing and embrace a shame-free life. Stop apologizing to your partner when you ask him to help around the house or with the kids, stop apologizing to your friends when you want to spend time alone than with them, and stop apologizing to your mom when you want her to stop hovering.
I loved learning about how she became so successful and how she manages a company, her family and making time to take care of herself. If you are looking for a book to read, I recommend this one 100%.
Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis
As soon as I finished her first book, I had to go out and buy her second book right away. I knew that I already loved reading her books and taking life advice from her but, I was not prepared to be inspired and motivated every time I finished a chapter.
In this book, Rachel Hollis talks about women not living up to their full potential. She knows that many women have been taught to define themselves in light of other people—whether as wife, mother, daughter, or employee—instead of learning how to own who they are and what they want. With a challenge to women everywhere to stop talking themselves out of their dreams, Hollis identifies the excuses to let go of, the behaviors to adopt, and the skills to acquire on the path to growth, confidence, and believing in yourself.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
When I bought this book, I had no idea what to expect. I saw Rachel Hollis praising the book and how she said it was like a big sister to the book Girl, Stop Apologizing. It’s a long book but worth the read and very inspiring. She talks about her struggles growing up and how she has lived her life to this point and what changes she had to make. She also tells women that we deserve more in our lives and that we shouldn’t feel weary, stuck, or overwhelmed.
The book is a life story of Glennon and how she learned that a responsible mother is not one who slowly dies for her children, but one who shows them how to fully live. It is the story of navigating divorce, forming a new blended family, and discovering that the brokenness or wholeness of a family depends not on its structure but on each member’s ability to bring her full self to the table. And it is the story of how each of us can begin to trust ourselves enough to set boundaries, make peace with our bodies, honor our anger and heartbreak, and unleash our truest, wildest instincts that we have.
In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It by Lauren Graham
We all loved watching Gilmore Girls on television when we were younger, so why not take a little life advice from one of the stars of the show? Lauren Graham gave a commencement speech in her hometown in 2017 and turned her words into a cute yellow book. She reflects on growing up, pursuing your dreams, and living in the here and now. “Whatever path you choose, whatever career you decide to go after, the important thing is that you keep finding joy in what you’re doing, especially when the joy isn’t finding you.”
I enjoyed reading this book because she reminds us to be curious and compassionate, no matter where life takes us or what we’ve yet to achieve. This book is great for anyone anyone going through a transitional phase in their life.
Whether you are seeking career advice, family advice, or just want proof that hard work pays off, these books will inspire you. I have read each one of them over the last couple of months and they have helped me to become a better more motivated and positive person. I hope that when you also read these books that they will help you make positive changes in your life and that their messages will stay with you long after the last page.
Some amazing books here, I’ve never really read any motivational books before but I may try reading one of these! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I had never read any before either but I found them very inspiring and made me want to make change in my life.
Honestly! I loved your list ! Especially thr first four and all of this is going to be in my reading list. Thank you so much ✨
Yay! So glad that I could help you find new books!
I have never read any of this, will try them out, thank you so much for sharing. its helpful
You’re very welcome!
So many great books here! I’ve heard amazing things about Rachel Hollis and have had her books on my list for awhile now 🙂
Her life advice is amazing!
Will definitely try to read them. Thanks for sharing this.
So glad you liked all my suggestions!
I absolutely loveeee the sound of all of these! I love books like this that encourage you to make those positive changes, so thank you for these recommendations!
I never knew how much I needed these books in my life until I read them!
Great list. I still have to read Lauren Graham book, heard a lot about it. Thanks for sharing.
It’s a fun little book that she wrote!
Wow amazing collection. I didn’t hear for these books.
Rachel Hollis is the discovery, I would love to read..
You won’t regret reading a Rachel Hollis book!
I love this list! With coronavirus occurring, I’ve started blogging again and it’s really helped me to stay motivated and be productive. There are still days when I feel lazy and unmotivated and I’m not always sure how to get out of them. These books sound like they’d be very helpful especially as I want to try and get out of my comfort zone more and improve my confidence in daily life. I don’t usually read books like these but if they can provide advice and motivational tips then I’ll be adding them to my reading list. Thanks for writing this post and sharing these books.
It’s great that you’re working on your blog again! I was never really the type to read motivational books either, but I found them very inspiring during these tough times.
This is a great list. The books sound so positive and encouraging. I’ll check some of them out. Thank you for the recommendations.
They make you want to have a better more motivated life!
Love them so much, such inspiring books to read, I read girl wash your face it was amazing❤️❤️
You should read the next book to Girl, Wash your face. It’s even better!
Always looking for more motivational books to read!! I have seen Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis in many posts..def need to check that one at some point.
You won’t regret reading her books!
I’ve read Girl Wash Your Face and loved it so I’ll def have to check out the others that you mentioned. Saving this post to come back to later!
Tracy
https://www.findyourdazzle.com
You should really read her second book Girl, Stop Apologizing. It’s even better than her first book!
I just got my hands on Girl, Wash Your Face and I can’t wait to dig into it! I have heard so many people talking about how much they loved the book and how it made a positive impact on their lives. I haven’t read any of the other books on your list, so I’m going to have to look into them as well. During this whole lockdown situation, I’ve been making more time for reading, and that’s something that I’m definitely going to carry forward as we move back into our ‘normal’ lives again.
I started reading more because of the lockdown too! You’ll love all Rachel Hollis books!
I’ve never tried a motivational book before but some of these sound fab, thanks for sharing!
Reading motivational books and listening to uplifting podcasts always help put me in a positive mood!
Great list! I’m on the lookout for fresh inspiration in the form of new books to read. I’ve never read any of these ones before but I’ve heard only good things about Rachel Hollis. I’ll have to add these to my reading list!
I LOVED Girl, Wash Your Face! Such an inspiring read for sure. I also thought Girl, Stop Apologizing was really good too, although the first one is still my favorite. Thanks for sharing this great list!
Motivational books are great to read! Thank you for sharing.