For many of us, 2020 was among the most challenging years in recent memory. In short, it was brutal. And while we have yet to conquer the global pandemic, each of us still has the power to make 2021 a little happier, a little healthier, and a little better. So whether you’re hoping to exercise more, eat more mindfully, or stick to some other New Year’s resolution, these nine books are sure to help you along your journey.
Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Positive Changes That Stick
By Wendy Wood
If your resolution involves building or breaking some kind of habit, University of Southern California psychologist Wendy Wood is the expert to consult. View on Amazon
Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives
By Daniel Levitin
We’re all one year older, so if you’re wondering about how to stay mentally sharp and physically fit far into the future, just ask neuroscientist Daniel Levitin. View on Amazon
The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage
By Kelly McGonigal
Hoping to work out more this year? Stanford lecturer Kelly McGonigal can help you fall back in love with movement. View on Amazon
The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices
By Casper ter Kuile
Whether you’re religious or not, you can find spiritual fulfillment by breathing new life into old activities—and Harvard Divinity School Fellow Casper ter Kuile shows you how. Listen to our “Book Bite”
The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals
By Michael Pollan
If you aim to eat a little better this year, this classic from journalist Michael Pollan is an absolute must-read. View on Amazon
You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters
By Kate Murphy
With the pandemic still raging, many of us are still connecting with one another via phone calls and Zoom sessions—and journalist Kate Murphy gives us the tools we need to make the most of these precious conversations. View on Amazon
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
By James Clear
This #1 New York Times bestseller proves that small, manageable changes in your life can lead to tremendous results down the line. View on Amazon
Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life
By Nir Eyal, with Julie Li
It’s hard to work toward your goals if you’re constantly distracted by texts and social media. Fortunately, Stanford lecturer Nir Eyal knows how to become truly indistractable. View on Amazon
The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters
By Priya Parker
Hopefully by year’s end, we’ll be able to enjoy meaningful get-togethers once again. Until then, master facilitator Priya Parker shows us what the best gatherings look like, and how we can create them for ourselves. View on Amazon
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