Photo by Corey David Robinson

As we head into the new season, you may be goal setting, sharing your intentions, or even refining your new year resolutions, and in the process, may find yourself needing a little added inspiration. That’s why each year, one of my goals is to tackle a well-rounded collection of good reads. Understandably, for many, finding the time actually to sit and read may be a goal in and of itself, but there’s just something so fulfilling about a good book. If you can’t seem to carve out 30 minutes a day for yourself – no worries. Most selections are also available in an audiobook version; making that drive home far more bearable. This year’s list of must reads has something for everyone; from the creative with a side gig, to the social change maker who’s still in startup mode, to the fun 30 something who’s still figuring it all out.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
by Elizabeth Gilbert 

Author Elizabeth Gilbert generously offers her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity and the mysterious nature of inspiration. She shows us how to embrace what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need to live our most creative lives. Whether you are looking to start that novel you’ve kept on the back burner, make art full time, or simply infuse everyday life with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder, inspiration, and pure joy.

Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers
by Timothy Ferriss

Author Timothy Ferris shares insight from over two years worth of past podcast guests to bring you the distilled tools, tactics, and life lessons you won’t find anywhere else. With a relentless focus on actionable details, we learn the habits of some of the most successful people in the world. For example: What do these people do in the first sixty minutes of each morning? What do their workout routines look like, and why? What books have they gifted most to other people? What are the biggest wastes of time for novices in their field? What supplements do they take on a daily basis?

This is a perfect read for anyone looking to launch a new endeavor in the coming year.

The Desire Map: A Guide to Creating Goals with Soul
by Danielle LaPorte

When we think about our bucket list, quarterly business objectives, strategic plans and big big dreams they all have one thing in common: goals. Lots of goals and plans to achieve those goals—no matter what. Except…

Author Danielle LaPorte believes we’re not actually chasing the goal itself, but rather chasing the feeling that we hope achieving that goal will bring. We go after the stuff we want to have, get, or accomplish, and we hope that we’ll be fulfilled when we get there. It’s backward. And it’s burning us out. So first things first, we need to get clear on how we actually want to feel in our lives, and then create some “Goals with Soul”. With The Desire Map, Danielle LaPorte brings you a holistic life-planning tool that will revolutionize the way you go after what you want in life. With interactive self-assessment quizzes, tools, and workbooks, the reader can truly work through their desires and create an actionable map for the future.

People Over Profit: Break the System, Live with Purpose, Be More Successful
by Dale Partridge

Every day major headlines tell the story of a new and better American marketplace. With established corporations reevaluating the quality of their products, the ethics of their supply chain, and how they can give back by donating a portion of their profit to meaningful causes. Meanwhile, millions of entrepreneurs who want a more responsible and compassionate marketplace have launched a new breed of socially focused business models. Sevenly founder Dale Partridge uncovers the seven core beliefs shared by consumers, starters, and leaders behind this transformation. These beliefs have enabled Dale to build a multimillion-dollar company that is revolutionizing the marketplace. He believes they are the secret to creating a sustainable world that values honesty over deception, transparency over secrecy, authenticity over hype, and ultimately, people over profit.

The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion
by Elle Luna 

Who hasn’t asked the question “How can I find my true calling?” Elle Luna frames this moment as “standing at the crossroads of Should and Must.” “Should” is what we feel we ought to be doing, or what is expected of us, what society tells us we should be doing. “Must” is the thing we dream of doing, our heart’s desire, the risk we dream of taking. Now Author Elle Luna expands her ideas into an inspirational, highly visual gift book for every recent graduate,  artist,  seeker,  and career changer.

The Crossroads of Should and Must has a universal message—we get to choose the path between Should and Must. It’s the difference between a job, career, and a calling. The difference between going to work and becoming one with your work. It gives eye-opening techniques for reconnecting with one’s inner voice, talks about the most common fears of choosing Must over Should—money, time, and the ultimate fear: total vulnerability. Our hesitation is quieted by inspiring stories of and quotes from artists, writers, and thinkers who’ve faced their own crossroads of Should and Must and taken the leap. It explains the importance of mistakes, keeping moving, and following a soul path.

Why Not Me?
by Mindy Kaling

In Why Not Me?, Kaling shares her ongoing journey to find contentment and excitement in her adult life, whether it be falling in love at work, seeking new friendships in lonely places, or attempting to be the first person in history to lose weight without any behavior modification whatsoever. With each chapter, Mindy turns the anxieties, glamor, and the celebrations of her second coming-of-age into a laugh-out-loud funny collection of essays that anyone who’s ever been at a turning point in their life or career can relate to.

FROM THE EDITOR
At Conscious, we are inspired by stories that cause us to think differently and think big-picture, and so we set out to tell stories with the help of leaders and influencers within the social good community. You can read more stories like this when you join as a member.