It's the start of a new year and a new decade. And like every January, maybe you've made a resolution (or two) to conquer this year. Whether your resolution is big or small, you might need some help. Getting the support of your family and friends will hold you accountable and might make it easier. Incorporating your goals into your daily and weekly schedules can make a big difference, too. Doing enough research or putting more thought into your resolution can give you more reason to crush those goals.
For the latter, we've rounded up some self-help and informative books that might help you achieve all different kinds of resolutions—from eating better to staying more organized to focusing on your career goals. These can help you stay in the right mindset and provide some ideas on how to stick to your intentions.
Just remember it's okay if you can't get everything done by the end of the month or even this year. Some things take time, so go ahead and work toward those goals, but cut yourself some slack when (not if) everything doesn't turn out perfectly. It's totally fine to start slow and build up to your bigger goals or be a work in progress.
If Your Resolution Is to Eat Better...
Maybe you've decided to go vegan or try keto or do Whole30. Whatever it is, you've got to do it safely. While you don't necessarily have to start an intense diet to eat healthy in the New Year, since there are plenty of ways to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and nutrients into your diet, many people will try new eating plans in January. Here are a few guidebooks we recommend—but keep in mind that the ultimate goal of eating better shouldn't be to lose pounds quickly. It's all about creating habits that will stick in the long-term.
Celebrity nutritionist (and one of our favorite experts) Kelly LeVeque's new book features 21-day plans for four different archetypes. Whether you want to look and feel good for a big event; are dealing with a hectic schedule; love spending time in the kitchen and at home; or want to live a plant-based lifestyle, there's a plan for you. In addition to eating plans, there are also tips and advice for exercise, stress management, and more.
If you just want to learn the ins and outs about healthy eating, no fad diet required, then this book will be a helpful resource. Much of the information in this book is from nutrition studies and research completed in recent years, and it breaks down all the ABC's of nutrition, from learning about the different types of fats, figuring out what's a "good" carb, and which fruits and vegetables can fight disease.
This New York Times best seller goes through the causes of premature death in America and how to prevent or reverse them through nutrition and lifestyle changes. This book is all about how to take charge of your health through your diet and eating plan and gives recommendations on foods to eat and avoid.
If you read THE/THIRTY regularly, you know our editors are big fans of Sakara Life. The founders' cookbook features classic recipes from the meal program that you can re-create at home, like Eat-the-Rainbow Wrap, Red Beet Burger, and Everything Bagel With Garlic Schmear.
If Your Resolution Is to Work Out More...
The hottest club in town come January 1 will be the gym. Suddenly, everyone puts on their leggings and hightails it to the land of treadmills and ellipticals. So instead of falling into your regular (and maybe boring) workout routine, read these books to try something new or get you inspired.
One of our favorite fitness experts Jessamyn Stanley provides a how-to guide to 50 basic yoga poses and 10 sequences that just about anyone can practice at home. The book also breaks down fitness stereotypes and provides some inspiration and body positivity so you can feel empowered to start (or restart) your practice.
According to celebrity trainer and body alignment expert Lauren Roxburgh, the health of our pelvic floor affects our core, stress levels, and energy. The book goes over exercises to help relieve stress and tension and also make your body stronger altogether. Additionally, included in the book are recipes and holistic therapy suggestions to help with balance and alignment.
Whether you've been a runner for a long time or are looking to dust off your sneakers, this book provides tips, answers, and motivation for your next run. You'll find advice on how to tie your shoes to how to conquer hills to what to eat.
If Your Resolution Is About Career or Money....
You might have made it your mission to get that promotion or raise. Or maybe you're finally going to start working on that big idea you had. Or maybe you just want to be more financially literate and learn how to invest and save wisely. Whatever it is, good for you, and here are some books that will help.
All biases aside, Who What Wear and THE/THIRTY co-founders Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power's book gives you pretty much all the tips and tricks you need to build and succeed in your career. And almost everyone can find inspiration and advice, whether you've just graduated, are switching industries, or are looking to go out on your own.
Like Sincero's original book, You Are a Badass, this money-centric read gives you practical, relatable, and snappy tips to get your finances in order. The book helps readers figure out what their excuses and fears are about money and look beyond perceived financial roadblocks and limiting beliefs.
If you need more confidence at work, this book will help you become your most authentic self at work while commanding respect. Hauser breaks down how women who are perceived as "nice" might be seen as weak, while women who are perceived as "aggressive" might be labeled bitchy—then she gives strategies on how to deal with all of those workplace double standards.
If Your Resolution Is About Relationships
Romantic, platonic, familial… Some relationships might need some work in the New Year. These books offer perspective and advice as you're navigating any complicated situation.
With over 11 million copies sold, Chapman's Love Languages book has acted as a guide for many relationships all over the world. Discover what your and your partner's love languages are to nurture and deepen your relationship.
This book looks at a valuable communication skill, validation, and its impact on all different types of relationships. It provides tips on how to relate to others, how to get others to understand your point of view, and how to better connect with people.
Anyone who's single knows it's hard out there. This book helps you navigate the dating world, but it also makes you think about what you want in a partner, gives you tips on how to stop overanalyzing everything, and how to feel more at peace with past relationships.
Consider this your guidebook to helping your loved ones during tough times when you're afraid to say or do something wrong. With illustrations and compassionate yet humorous advice, the book can help you communicate better and thoughtfully.
If Your Resolution Is to Get Organized
So you feel motivated to get your shit together this year. Now what? These books below will help you put your goals into practice.
Marie Kondo's best seller is pretty much known as the organization bible of our time. And it's not overhyped—Kondo walks through her KonMari method, in which organization is based on category and determining which items in your home "spark joy." Decluttering with the KonMari method is both streamlined and thoughtful, and you'll gain a greater appreciation for your stuff and your space.
The women behind The Home Edit have gotten many celebs organized (from Mandy Moore to Gwyneth Paltrow to the Kardashians), and with their book, you can get your home in shape, too. The tome provides a room-by-room guide to getting everything pared down and neatly arranged. Get ready for a closet or pantry that's truly Instagrammable.
If you've got the organizing thing down, the next step on your list might be to style and decorate. Emily Henderson shares little tricks and tweaks you can make in your home that can transform a room without having to spend so much. You'll be a homebody this year, for sure.
If Your Resolution Is About Self-Love
Let's face it: Treating yourself better should be a resolution on all of our lists. These books will make you really think about your relationship with yourself and give you more reasons for self-appreciation.
If you're feeling stuck, this book gives you the tips and tools to create a more meaningful and fulfilling life, whatever that means to you, through the perspective of design thinking. You'll feel empowered and confident to navigate anything.
A collection of Cheryl Strayed's Dear Sugar advice columns, this book provides a lot of perspective and insight to all of life's curveballs, from love problems to career issues.
This self-help best seller takes a different approach—instead of trying to be positive all the time, Manson suggests you embrace the bad things in life and learn how to confront them in order to live a better life. The book encourages you to think about what to truly care about and to focus your energy on those things.
Next up: 15 Wellness Books That Will Change Your Body and MindThis post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
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