Book Suggestions for #Goals in 2019

With the start of the New Year, people have begun their resolutions and, while I like to be optimistic, most resolutions tend to fade quickly because it's easy to make them and then immediately forget them.

Some resolutions are simple to measure and all you have to do is just carry it the steps that make it happen (like my goal of reading 100 books in 2019). Other resolutions are more difficult because it is hard to know where to even begin. You might know that you want to change things, but after that it takes more work to figure out how to take the first step.

I've rounded up some of my favorite books that fall under categories that people generally make resolutions in. Many of these books have made me think about the way that I want to live my own life. I've included a brief description and why I recommend it for each book.

Let's get started.

If you are looking to cook more...

How to Cook Everything Fast - Mark Bittman

Every recipe we've tried so far has been delicious. The steps are clear and easy to follow. There are sections for modifications and suggestions for meals. I'm not the most confident at cooking, but I've enjoyed using these recipes. My sister who cooks much more also uses this cookbook frequently, so it's a good choice for a wide range of skill levels.

Also, you need to get it just to try the Butternut Squash Soup. If it weren't so hard to cut butternut squash, I'd be eating it every week.

If you are looking to simplify...

7: An Experimental Mutiny against Excess - Jen Hatmaker

After an encounter causes her to see that overabundance in her life, Jen Hatmaker decides to evaluate 7 categories in her life: food, clothes, possessions, media, waste, spending, and stress. She spent one month is a version of a "fast" from each category. The book doesn't demand that you follow the same steps that she does, but you will find yourself wanting to try similar experiments in your own life.

Plus, the whole thing is written in Jen Hatmaker's honest, hilarious style. If you've been reading my recommended reading posts, then you know how I feel about Jen Hatmaker's books.

If you are looking for balance...

Thrive - Arianna Huffington

Huffington challenges the current definition of success as being simply money and power. She argues that this kind of success is not sustainable, and that the measure of success should take well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving into account. There's so much pressure to be SUCCESSFUL that it was refreshing to reevaluate what is defined as success.

Y'all, I randomly picked this up at goodwill because I recognized the author's name and because it was $3, and I was so amazed that it ended up being exactly what I needed to read at this point in my life. It's good.

If you are looking for bravery...

100 Days to Brave - Annie F. Downs

This book revolves around the premise that you are already braver than you think you are. Through each day's devotion and task, you are able to see that bravery and multiply it. Unlike the other books on this list, I haven't read this one yet. It's been sitting by my bed for several months. The author is currently running a book club to read it by April. I am so excited about starting it!

If you are looking for inspiration...

Imperfect Courage - Jessica Honegger

Sometimes, we tend to assume that other people have it all figured out and that's why they are able to do things that we would never dare to try. As Jessica Honegger tells that story of beginning to sell jewelry to fund the adoption of her child and it's growth into the Noonday Collection which works with artisans in 14 countries, she shows that her path has not been easy or certain. When you finish this book, you'll start looking for the opportunities to take chances in your own life.

This page contains affliate links. This means I receive a small commission when you purchase a product from a link. I only link to books that I have read and liked.