Books to Change Your Life Every Day in Small Ways

The term “happiness” has gotten a bad rap recently. Many are dismissive of the word and the concepts surrounding it. However, true happiness goes beyond a simple display of delight; it creates real value in people’s lives. This journal helps us find joy in our day-to-day lives through its prompts, exercises, and words of inspiration—leaving us with insightful gifts that will last much longer than a smile.

In her latest book, Gretchen Rubin calls on us to eliminate all non-essentials in order to make room for the things we love. With 120 simple tips and insights to use regularly, this text provides us with the tools we need to create peaceful, orderly spaces that reflect the energy we want to present and attract the energy we wish to receive.

Did you feel that the last gathering you attended, big or small, was worth your time? If your answer is no, then you’re not alone. In a world where people are losing the ability to socialize, The Art of Gathering acts as a guide on how to connect and create meaningful experiences every day. It will revolutionize the way you spend your time with others—at work, at home, in your community, and beyond.

Looking to develop practices that will move you forward in life? Look no further than this comprehensive guide to the power of habit by award-winning reporter Charles Duhigg. It shows us how to identify, change, and use habits to create the order and focus we need for a successful life. The key to exercising regularly, managing weight, being productive, and realizing success is understanding our daily habits and how they can work to change our lives for the better.

The honesty in which author Cheryl Strayed bestows her wisdom and compassion in this collection of The Rumpus’s Dear Sugar advice columns will leave you hypnotized. The care she so generously delivers reaches well beyond the intended targets. Whispers of me too and you’re not alone will come to mind as you delve deeper into these pages that connect writer, advice-seekers, and readers alike. It’s an emotional ride you won’t want to leave. Revisit this book regularly for insight, perspective, and kinship. You’ll be a better person for doing so.

Consider this New York Times bestseller a reference guide to building and living a well-balanced life. Creators of TheSkimm bring their trademark real talk and inspirational messaging to this book, providing us with the life hacks we need to successfully navigate our tumultuous world. It covers all aspects of life, from finance to career, health matters, politics, and beyond. Turn to this trusted resource on the regular for empowering guidance and advice on all things adulting.

For many Americans, anxiety is a debilitating condition that touches every aspect of their lives. Thankfully, for most, a respite from the suffering is merely a short distance away. This guide into ecotherapy helps us unlock the restorative power of the natural world. It invites us to participate in the most natural forms of self-care. Make walking and relaxing in a natural space a part of your daily routine, then observe in amazement how effortlessly you slip into a state of relaxation, presence, and well-being. And it won’t cost you a thing.

If you’re familiar with the personal growth space, one might assume you’ve tried and trusted numerous self-improvement techniques with the hopes of reaching your full potential. So why you keep coming up short? In The Miracle Equation, discover a unique yet simple formula that demonstrates how to turn your goals into a reality with wings. Transform your tendencies for procrastination and self-doubt into extraordinary habits you can revisit all day, every day for maximum success.

Some of the books on this list focus on setting goals and staying motivated. James Clear, a leading expert on habit formation, argues that it’s not the results that should be the main focus but the system of habits you have in place. Form good habits and break bad ones with this proven method that morphs complex concepts into simple behaviors that can be implemented into your daily routine, with extraordinary results.