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New year, new you, right? That’s the dream, whether it’s promising to workout everyday, or eating right, or getting enough sleep, or limiting your time doom-scrolling, or keeping a goal to read more books. But then, reality hits—motivation wanes, life gets in the way, and by mid year, those ambitious resolutions are a distant memory. The truth? Self-transformation isn’t simple, neither is it easy. The real challenge lies in understanding the self you want to change. To be honest, best self-help books aren’t about getting quick fixes; they’re more like a trusted friend or a wise therapist, offering fresh perspectives and real, even personal, insights.
7 books to read and reset your mindset in the new year
Atomic Habits serves up a practical, no-nonsense guide to turning small actions into big results. James Clear champions the power of tiny, consistent changes that stack up over time—think of it as a snowball effect for your habits. With strategies like habit stacking, environmental design, and identity-based habits, it makes personal growth feel less like a lofty goal and more like a simple daily practice. Perfect for a new year reset, this book offers clear tools for starting fresh and building habits that last, making it a must-read for anyone ready to make meaningful changes in your life.
Viktor Frankl's Man’s Search for Meaning is a profound exploration of resilience, purpose, and survival—written by a Holocaust survivor who also happens to be a psychiatrist. Frankl’s Logotherapy teaches that finding meaning is the ultimate motivator in life, even amid suffering. This book is perfect for a new year reset, as it challenges readers to dig deep into their personal values and motivations. With its timeless lessons on hope and finding purpose, it’s an inspiring read for anyone looking to gain clarity and direction in the year ahead. Ready to find meaning even when life throws curveballs? Start here.
In The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg unpacks the science behind why habits form and how they can be reshaped. He introduces the habit loop—cue, routine, reward—and explores how individuals and organisations can harness this cycle to transform behaviour. Drawing from real-world examples, Duhigg offers practical lessons on personal and professional development. As a new year reset, this book equips can help with the tools to understand and control your habits, helping you make smarter, more lasting decisions that lead to a more productive and intentional year ahead.
Kieran Setiya’s Midlife offers a refreshing philosophical take on navigating the often-overlooked midlife stage. Drawing on wisdom from philosophy, literature, and personal experience, Setiya explores how we can embrace the challenges of midlife, including feelings of disillusionment and regret. The book challenges the conventional idea that midlife is a crisis and instead reframes it as a time for growth, reimagining life’s meaning and goals. This makes for a great reset read as it encourages reflection, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of life’s seasons, ideal for approaching a new year with clarity and purpose.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone is a poignant and humorous memoir by therapist Lori Gottlieb, which blends her personal therapy journey with her experiences as a mental health professional. The book delves into the therapeutic process, shedding light on the human condition with empathy and humour. What makes this book special is its ability to explore vulnerability and personal transformation, making it a great read for anyone looking to reset emotionally and mentally. It encourages self-reflection, growth, and understanding—helpful tools for anyone looking to start the new year with renewed emotional well-being.
In How to Do Nothing, Jenny Odell challenges readers to disconnect from the relentless demands of the digital world and reclaim their attention and focus. She critiques the attention economy, which monetises our distraction, and advocates for embracing slow, intentional living. The book blends personal anecdotes, nature, and cultural commentary, urging readers to reconsider the value of productivity. As a reset read for the new year, it invites you to slow down, foster mindfulness, and reconnect with what truly matters, offering a powerful antidote to the pressures of modern life.
Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way is a transformative guide to unlocking creativity and artistic expression, making it ideal for anyone seeking a reset through personal growth and creative exploration. Drawing from spiritual practices, Cameron introduces concepts like "morning pages" and "artist dates" to cultivate self-expression. The book’s holistic approach encourages readers to tap into their inner creativity, build confidence, and break through artistic blocks. For a fresh start in the new year, it offers a roadmap for reawakening creativity, allowing readers to rediscover passions and pursue their artistic dreams with renewed energy.
