New Year’s is just around the corner, and everyone is starting to think about ways that they can make improvements to their lives as we head into 2019. While I have never been a fan of resolutions, I do believe in frequent short-term and long-term goal setting. Recently, I have also looked towards incorporating motivational books and people in my life. If you need a little motivation to help you feel like you can tackle the world in 2018, I have the perfect books for you! No, this is not a sponsored post, but these are two books that I read (ok, listened to on Audible) this year that have helped me transform my life. Pro-Tip: If you order the books on Amazon, they just might get here before the New Year! (or immediately if you are a Kindle or Audible user like I am!).

YOU are a BADASS:

How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life

By: Jen Sincero

Mom, please excuse me for cursing on such a public forum, but the title itself should be a personal mantra. I will say, that if you are offended by cursing, you may not want to listen to this book written and narrated by Jen Sincero (there are quite a few f-bombs). However, language is not a distraction from the great messages in the book. I would say that the central theme is to be “proactive about living the life that you love,” despite the naysayers and your own self-doubt. To do this, Jen believes that you must make changes—even changes that may cause ridicule—to live the like that you want to live. This includes getting out of your own way! The book starts by discussing how personal beliefs are formed (spoiler alert, it’s not your fault!) and the disconnect between your subconscious and conscious mind.

I am a fan of this book because it sparked some introspection about how my beliefs may be limiting and my experience with self-sabotage. It also prompted me to think about the people that I allow in my life and how I can be more intentional in who I surround myself with. Couldn’t have chosen a better book to start my Audible journey with.

Girl, Wash Your Face:

Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be

By: Rachel Hollis

It’s no secret that I am obsessed with this book, Rachel Hollis, Dave Hollis, Hollis Co., and the entire Hollis family (seriously, ask my bestie). Girl, Wash Your Face tops my list as my favorite read of 2018, and rightfully so. In her book, Rachel starts each chapter with a lie about herself, proceeds with an anecdotal story relating to the top, then ends the chapter with things that helped her stop believing the lies. She narrates the book like your tough-loving best friend who is tired of seeing you squander your potential. Or, like a sister who is tired of seeing you make up excuse after excuse about why you can’t live the life that you want. I believe that in order to really take in advice, you have to be ready to receive it. This book appeared in a time in my life where I was ready to leap into my wellness journey and grow into the person that I am meant to be.

My favorite thing about the book, besides it being super motivating for me, is that it is incredibly relatable. Rachel puts her fears and hardships into words—many of which are present in the minds of others. For example, there are chapters that discuss fears having to do with not being good enough (HELLO <- in my Dave Hollis voice), not being a good parent, and issues with sex and alcohol usage.

Rachel and Dave Hollis are basically my life gurus right now, which is great because they have so many resources to help me stay on track with my goals. Together, they do an Instagram live every weekday morning. The couple is the force behind the Last 90 Days Challenge that I have been doing. In addition to their couple podcast, Rachel has an individual podcast and tours the country doing speaking engagements and conferences. Last but not least, the Start Today journal, which has become a daily practice that I am OBSESSED with. See, Rachel Hollis does not leave any room for excuses. The resources are there when you are ready to make the change.

I believe in the book and journal (currently sold out!) so much, that I decided to give it away as part of my New Year Starter Pack Giveaway on Instagram and Facebook. By the time this post goes live, the giveaway will be over, but I am so excited to share these tools with a lucky winner!

These books will challenge you to be more introspective, facilitate the change of limited mindsets, and encourage you to be more intentional about the life you want to live. Can’t wait to see more boss mindsets in 2019.