There are many sources of motivation in life: parents, teachers, friends and books. Motivational books are often critical in a person’s success in life, and so one must always keep reading inspirational books to get the regular push towards one’s goals in life. Here is a list of the top motivational books to read this year.
1. Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven
In 2014, Admiral William McRaven from US Navy spoke at the valedictory event at the University of Texas. His valedictorian speech went viral with over 13 million views so far (here is the link to the speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70).
The speech became so popular that it became a book. The lessons from the book are straightforward and adaptable in everyday life. The most basic lesson is about making your bed when you wake up in the morning. The simple act of making your bed tells you that you have finished your first task of the day. The feeling of getting something done motivates you to take up the next task and complete it, and so on. Millions of people have adopted this habit in their lives and have seen the change in themselves.
2. Smarter Faster Better: The Transformative Power of Real Productivity by Charles Duhigg
One of the best motivational books published in recent times is Smarter Faster Better. The author has identified eight concepts that influence how we do anything and then invites us on a journey to apply these concepts systematically to transform our lives or our organisations.
The eight concepts relate to setting goals, generating motivation, staying focused, making better decisions, learning new information, making effective teams, manage others productively, and innovation.
3. Choose Yourself: Be Happy, Make Millions, Live the Dream by James Altucher
This book is all about living your new life in the new world. The world is changing, markets are volatile, jobs are uncertain, and industries are being disrupted and remade before we know it.
This book is about changing what happens in your life amidst the chaos brought on you by forces beyond your control. It reminds you that you are still in control to choose how you live your life, how you choose your new self, your moments of happiness, and your health – inward success, as the author calls it. Also, it shows you the way to master the skills and develop the right attitude to find fulfilling work and wealth – outward success, he calls it.
The book is just the right text to read these days when the future is most uncertain, and everything from work to health to education has to be redefined for the post-pandemic world.
4. High-Hanging Fruit: Build Something Great by Going Where No One Else Will by Mark Rampolla
When you see someone following his dreams and then making them come true, you are motivated to follow your dreams too. This book is Mark’s own story of Zico – Coconut water.
The book is about how the author wanted to do something different to change the world. He found his calling in coconut water and built up the idea to form a company. He expanded the company to a point where Coca Cola had no choice but to acquire it for $200 million. This story is about motivation, ideas, dreams, taking risks and reaching new heights. It’s the perfect recipe for a motivational book.
5. The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage by Mel Robbins
The 5 Second Rule is a transformational book by Mel Robbins. She touches upon the fact that most problems in life seem big because we don’t gather the confidence of courage to face them and deal with them.
The book goes on to share a simple tool with the readers that enable them to do the following in just 5 seconds:
- Become confident
- Break the habit of procrastination and self-doubt
- Beat fear and uncertainty
- Stop worrying and feel happier
- Share your ideas with courage
It’s a good read if you have the time and a must-read if you have 5 seconds.
