We’re halfway through January… how are those new year resolutions coming along? Still working out every day? Did you get around to organizing your home yet? Ready to reveal that new skill you’ve been working on? If you haven’t hit the ground running yet, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are five book recommendations to get your goals in gear.
If you resolved to get your personal growth on…
Internationally-renowned game designer Jane McGonigal faced anxiety and depression after suffering a severe concussion that left her unable to work. After turning to what she does best, McGonigal transformed her recovery process into a resilience-building game. She wrote SuperBetter: The Power of Living Gamefully to document her experience. Through personal examples, scientific evidence, and more than 100 mini-challenges, let this interactive guide show you how the mindsets used to win games (i.e. optimism, creativity, determination) can help you achieve personal and professional goals, too.
If you resolved to eat healthier…
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life is Barbara Kingsolver’s narrative of the year her family vowed to only eat food grown in their own backyard or neighborhood. As she says though, “this is not a how-to book aimed at getting you cranking out your own food.” It’s simply a reminder of where our food comes from and an opportunity to renew your own focus on eating mostly fresh, local, plant-based foods. Plus, enjoy the free weekly meal plans and recipes she offers throughout the book. Braised winter squash and sweet potato quesadillas next Friday? It’s a date!
If you resolved to get organized…
While middle school English teachers insist “stuff” must get out of our vocabulary, author and minimalist Francine Jay insists stuff must get out of our homes. To her, the word has a very real definition– encompassing any “distractions that keep us from fully appreciating life.” If you have a hunch that de-cluttering might lead to more happiness, then The Joy of Less is for you. Jay holds your hand every step of the way, offering pep talks, checklists, and even a room-by-room breakdown of tactics.
If you resolved to learn something new with your kids…
Looking for a fun activity to do with that special child in your life? Try learning a new language together! In El Oso Panadero Hace Un Pastel (Baker Bear Bakes A Cake), written by Philadelphia-based author and Morning Circle Media* founder Cynthia Kreilick, you can practice basic words in Spanish while stepping into Baker Bear’s cozy kitchen for a sweet treat. PRO TIP: baking real cupcakes while reading this book is strongly encouraged.
If you resolved to stop letting food go bad in your fridge…
You pick up some greens at the grocery store with good intentions, but time and time again, you forget about them until they’re wilted. Many of us end up repeating the same vicious cycle in a few weeks. Americans are throwing away more than one-third of available food, so it’s time to kick the food waste habit for good. Try Waste Free Kitchen Handbook: A Guide to Eating Well and Saving Money By Wasting Less Food by Natural Resources Defense Council senior scientist Dana Gunders. Her how-to guide is “packed with engaging checklists, simple recipes, practical strategies, and educational infographics” that are sure to get you back on track.
* Author’s note/disclosure: I have worked with this organization for some time now. I love their mission, their people, and their books!
What are your New Year’s resolutions? Comment below to share it with us, and we’ll offer a book suggestion to help you achieve it!
