The idea of New Year’s resolutions might be going stale but there’s no denying the motivation it inspires — to be better; to improve; to grow. And self-help books are a great way to go about it.
After all, exploring the ideas, thoughts, and journeys of others around us is a proven method of learning. And hey, why make your own mistakes when you can learn from others’?
Here’s a list of 13 books (admittedly, career-leaning) that are on my reading list this year. They span finance, confidence, behavior, anxiety, and generally, kicking ass. Whether you’re looking for a fresh read, a new way of tackling work, or simply a fresh perspective on things, there’s something here for you.
(And you can check them out on The Tempest’s own virtual bookshop supporting local bookstores!)
1. How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith
Surprisingly, these habits — disease to please. perfectionism, minimizing, overvaluing expertise, etc. — are the same ones that lend success for many early-on before becoming roadblocks to further success.
Get it here for $14.59.
2. Weird in a World That’s Not: A Career Guide for Misfits, F*ckups, and Failures by Jennifer Romolini
Networking, navigating office politics, leaving a crappy job, and learning the right way to lead, Weird in a World That’s Not lays it out succinctly and should honestly come with a highlighter.
Get it here for $9.99.
3. Refinery29 Money Diaries: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Your Finances… And Everyone Else’s by Lindsey Stanberry
Aside from featuring a compilation of entries, Lindsey Stanberry (Work and Money Editor at Refinery29) lays out valuable exercises and information to understand and divide your finances by taking a closer look at your accounts.
Get it here for $9.48.
4. The Happiness Equation: Want Nothing + Do Anything = Have Everything by Neil Pasricha
Get it here for $10.49.
5. The Byline Bible: Get Published in Five Weeks by Susan Shapiro
From crafting cover letters to pitching and publishing on national and international platforms, The Byline Bible give you the line-by-line on breaking into the field of writers.
Get it here for $12.39.
6. 100 Days to Brave by Annie F. Downs
Get it here for $8.99.
7. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown

Brené Brown, for me, is one of those writers and speakers who easily captures your attention with her wit and warmth. In her over two decades of work researching courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy, she’s penned a few titles along the way.
Daring Greatly, however, is one of her most popular. Perhaps because it dances with a characteristic we all struggle with on the regular; vulnerability. This book challenges the equation of vulnerability with weakness and, in fact, proves that our pursuit of this often avoided state is what will lead to a richer life.
Get it here for $9.39.
8. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
“Shit is fucked and we have to live with it,” wrote the blogger-turned-author. For those looking for a rawer telling of how it is, Manson’s approach of stomaching the lemons rather than making lemonade is a wake-up slap in the face… mixed with poop jokes.
Get it here for $14.35.
9. The Suitcase Entrepreneur: Create Freedom in Business and Adventure in Life by Natalie Sisson
Natalie Sisson’s book is a guide on how to achieve just that and fulfill your dream of living as a digital nomad. Free time, money, and independence are what’s on the table Sisson’s working at and she’s sharing her three stage process.
Get it here for $12.90.
10. Anxiety for Beginners: A Personal Investigation by Eleanor Morgan
This deep foray into anxiety stems from a first-person piece Eleanor Morgan published in The VICE Guide to Mental Health which reached five million people in four days. Ultimately, this is a self-help book about acceptance; embracing anxiety in yourself and in others.
Get it here for $12.10.
11. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondō
Enter Marie Kondo who has built a career on helping people organize. A Netflix show, consulting, and a few books to her name, this work of Kondo provides detailed guidance on shifting through your belongings — keeping the ones that “spark joy” and ridding yourself (after thanks!) of the ones you’ve outgrown.
Get it here for $9.69.
12. Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes
Rhimes stumbles upon the fact that she’d been using her busy work schedule as an excuse to bow out of pretty much every social engagement and new experience opportunity. To challenge her stagnancy, she embarked on a Year of Yes, setting a rule that unless completely out-of-the-question, she would always say yes to every invitation. Her tale is poignant and intimate and sparks a desire to set off on a similar journey.
Get it here for $9.69.
13. The Third Door: The Wild Quest to Uncover How the World’s Most Successful People Launched Their Careers by Alex Banayan
Apparently, the path to success is similar to the path into a nightclub. The first one is the one where the crowd is, where 99% are waiting to be let in. The second is the VIP entrance where money and reputation get you through the door. The third one is where you ditch the line, run down the alley, and essentially finagle (break in/barge in/sneak in) your way in.
Get it here for $13.36.
And there you have it; 13 must-reads this year. After all, when it comes to growth, one can never have too many resources at hand. Happy reading, and let us know which ones you end up getting!