2019 is in full swing. Most people are focusing on improving themselves physically. But I think it’s important to also make it a priority to focus on mental expansion. I’ve compiled a list of 7 books I plan to read over the next 3 months to do just that.

Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis

This book is the follow-up to Rachel’s #1 New York Times bestseller Girl, Wash Your Face. The content of her book is separated into 3 sections:

• Excuses to Let Go Of
• Behaviors to Adopt
• Skills to Acquire

Rachel had a HUGE year in 2018. While her career has transitioned from wedding/event planner to food blogger to personal growth coach, she’s now one of the most requested motivational speakers for 2019. Expect to hear more about this one from various online communities throughout the year.

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

I’ve heard a lot of entrepreneurs and online experts mention this life-changing read. The author gives readers a look at scientific discoveries to explain why habits exist and what can be done to change them. Ultimately, the main takeaway I’ve heard from others about Charles’s examination of habits is that while you can’t change the cue that causes a habit, you CAN change your reaction to it. I’m curious to learn more since habits really do become second nature, and if there’s a chance to turn most of them into positive ones, why not?

Launch: An Internet Millionaire’s Secret Formula to Sell Almost Anything Online, Build a Business You Love, and Live the Life of Your Dream by Jeff Walker

I’m in the midst of taking an online course from entrepreneur Danielle Leslie, and she mentions that this book is her launch bible.  Specifically, she turns to it for advice on building email lists, an important tool and asset that all entrepreneurs should focus on securing. As Jeff says, an email list is basically “a license to print money.” Now that’s something I can certainly get behind!

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Currently working my way through this powerful memoir from our Former First Lady. I actually got to see her in Brooklyn in December during her book tour, and she was so engaging and funny. I’ll admit to a few daydreams where Michelle and I take a yoga or spin class, followed up by brunch to talk about life – with a handful of profanities thrown in (because she’s awesome like that). If there’s anyone’s biography that I plan to fully embrace right now for some life advice, it’s going to come the trailblazer who was most recently voted as the most admired woman of 2018. Feel me?

Everyday Millionaires: How Ordinary People Built Extraordinary Wealth – And How You Can Too by Chris Hogan

At first glance, my initial thought is that this is about entrepreneurs who became millionaires. However the author worked with a research team to survey more than 10,000 American millionaires to find out how they achieved their net wealth through everyday means and ordinary tools that we all have access to. I’m curious to learn about those tools and how I can  use them for financial stability, too.

How to Win Friends and Influence People (In the Digital Age) by Dale Carnegie

I’ve heard so many good things about this book but have never read it! A few weeks ago I received a copy in the mail, and I can’t wait to dive in to see what all the fuss is about. The version I received has tweaked its content to address the challenges we deal with in today’s digitally-connected society. Specifically the description notes that this edition “will teach you how to communicate with diplomacy and tact, capitalize on a solid network, make people like you, project your message widely and clearly, be a more effective leader, increase your ability to get things done, and optimize the power of digital tools.” The  digital landscape is constantly changing, so I’m definitely up for some tips and best practices to stay as competitive as possible.

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brene Brown

Dr. Brene Brown is a research professor and in her latest book, she conducted research with leaders and change makers to show how we can put their ideas into practice as effective leaders. Brene has become one of the most talked about and in-demand thought leaders today. I haven’t read her previous books, but when I saw the focus of her most recent release was on leadership, I knew I had to add it to my to-read list.

Let me know if you plan to read any of these, or which books you’re going to read this year. Always looking for suggestions!