12 Books That Will Change Your Life

The Defining Decade underscores the importance of making the most of your 20s (and 30s). Bestselling author and psychologist Dr. Meg Jay shares stories and insights from two decades of helping young adults and professionals sort through the mental clutter to thrive. She offers a candid, compassionate, and motivating perspective for taking steps toward building the life you want.

Crucial Conversations is enlightening and instructional. No more fretting about or avoiding the tough stuff. This book arms you with practical tips (and scripts!) for common workplace conflicts and dilemmas. (Pro tip: if you have the opportunity to take one of their courses, do it!)

How Women Rise illuminates how we unknowingly hold ourselves back from making more money, getting promoted, and excelling at work and life. Learn the 12 common pitfalls to steer clear of and you’ll be on the road to a life you love.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People is well known and expected in a list such as this one. Yet, it’s timeless, too, so it can’t be overlooked. What kind of human do you want to become? Steven R. Covey outlines the core principles that have shaped the lives of millions of people for over 30 years.

Atomic Habits lays out the simple day-to-day processes needed to transform an intention into a habit. James Clear unlocks how our brain works and how we can take small actions to stay on track, increase our motivation, and kick bad habits to the curb.

The Artist Way is a life-changing book that shepherds personal transformation using provocative reflection prompts and thoughtful exercises such as “daily pages.” Julia Cameron demonstrates how creativity isn’t simply reserved for a subset of “artistic” people but resides in everyone – and simply needs to be unleashed. (Pro Tip: This is more than a book you read. It’s a book you do.)

Wherever You Go There You Are is a practical introduction to the importance of mindfulness for reducing stress, resolving anger, and living more calmly. Who doesn’t need that these days?(!) Master teacher and thought leader Jon Kabat-Zinn provides an accessible approach for anyone who wants to be more present and less stressed.

The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety is a simple guide for helping others feel safe to unlock their potential and the collective innovation of teams. While this was written for managers, it’s an excellent primer for anyone who wants to constructively contribute to a culture of inclusion and belonging. (Pro tip: Prioritize working for leaders who understand psychological safety–you’ll be more energized and fulfilled.)

Pay Up shares tips, insights, and language for negotiating an offer, a raise, and a promotion. Don’t wait to be seen, valued, and paid fairly. This gem by Kate Dixon will ensure you confidently navigate money talks and never leave money on the table.

Dare to Lead reminds us that expressing vulnerability is not weakness. It’s courageous and essential for effective communication and leadership, according to Brene Brown. This book will help you examine your level of self-awareness, authenticity, empathy, and whole-heartedness–the ingredients for increasing your impact on others.

21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership was released 25 years ago and it’s still relevant today. Whether you aim to lead a team or a company or simply yourself as an individual contributor, John Maxwell reveals insights that apply to every aspiring professional–and underscores the attributes of leaders to learn from.

Lessons for Living imparts wisdom for embracing the ups and downs of life. As one of the world’s most notable therapists, Phil Stutz, combines psychology and psychiatry to help you deal with hardship, develop resilience, and embrace life more fully. (Pro tip: his techniques and insights come to life in the Netflix hit Stutz.)