At the Bay Club, we’re all about setting new goals for yourself. And since we’ve just kicked off 2019, we’re willing to bet you’ve made a few new years’ resolutions. No matter how you’re trying to improve this year, we all can use some positive reinforcement to remind us of the intentions we set (because let’s face it—after January, we all forget).
Sometimes your best support system comes through a buddy that keeps you accountable; we find that’s definitely the case with exercise and nutrition, and that’s why our group exercise classes are so popular. Other times, the best encouragement comes from reading something that just makes you feel good—the kind of books that inspire you to not give up, introduce a different way of thinking, or offer a little dose of daily positivity.
Below you’ll find our top 5 books to start your year off right. We recommend reading right when you get up—before you check your phone!—or right before you go to bed. It’s a great way to set a positive tone for the beginning or end of your day, and it’s sure to help you stay on track for reaching your goals this year.
Finish by Jon Acuff
Acuff’s notable style in the world of self-help (he’s a NYT best-seller for Do Over) shines in this motivational yet comical how-to. Whether you’re a procrastinator, someone who gets easily distracted, or someone who tends to leave the job half-done, this book will help you laugh at yourself—and then help you regroup and complete your goal.
Make Your Bed by Admiral William H McRaven
When his 2014 commencement speech at University of Texas went viral, it was only a matter of time until Admiral McRaven was encouraged to write a book that offered advice on how to make big changes in your life by doing little things (like making your bed). Inspired by his experiences as a Navy SEAL, McGraven’s lessons on life and perseverance will give every reader the will to pursue their goals—and to work with others to achieve theirs.
The Book of Beautiful Questions by Warren Berger
Sometimes when we set a goal, we get so caught up in the how of achieving it, that we skip the valuable process of evaluating the why. Why is this important to me? Why do I want to achieve this? Why is it going to benefit my life or those around me? Berger’s book offers a constructive framework for asking meaningful questions, developing curiosity, and generating fresh perspectives. If you’re looking for a book that will inspire you to think outside your everyday box, this is it!
Happy by Derren Brown
In Deren Brown’s exploration of what it means to be happy, Happy turns out to have an ever-evolving definition. An all-in-one history lesson, social study, and cultural critique, this book is a witty and educational lesson on how we can shift our way to thinking to truly find what everyone claims they want to be—happy.
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
The power of positive thinking is on full display in Achor’s study of positive psychology. Since we here at the Bay Club are all about living life happy, we loved this book on how our thoughts impact our levels of happiness. A Harvard University lecturer, Achor spent years researching how we can program our brains to be positive, and as a result, reap the benefits in our careers.
Have any book recommendations that have changed your life? We’d love to hear them! Write them in the comments below.