We have talked about memoirs, about juicy business reads . . . today, self-improvement. I love learning and am always trying to better myself a little bit (whether it’s to be a little more informed, to pick up a new skill, to improve at something I’m bad at (like small talk!), or to learn about a topic I am interested). And Audible and its incredible library of audiobooks play a big part in that. An hour-long walk around my neighborhood becomes much more interesting when I listen to Elizabeth Gilbert talk about creativity.
With the new year approaching, I thought it would be fun to share a bunch of audiobooks in the self-improvement space. I hope you enjoy!
PS – Eligible new subscribers can sign up for a 1 month free trial of Audible Premium Plus anytime!
PPS – For even more great listens, head to The Library and filter to audiobooks!
My Favorite self-improvement books to listen to on audible
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Atomic Habits, by James Clear
If you read one book from this list, make it this one. This is a book that for me, was truly life-changing. I learned so much from it and plan to re-read it again this year. I have been a big fan of James Clear for a long time, his 3-2-1 Newsletter is one of my favorites. I really love his philosophy of striving to be 1% better every day, and that the tiny changes you make over time will add up to yield big results. I also love the mentality of focusing on systems rather than goals. Goals are great of course, but how does one set up systems to help them attain those goals. And his systems will help. Some of the things he shares will probably be a reinforcement of things you already are doing (I think of myself setting out my skincare and lash serum next to my tooth brush so that I am reminded at night to do those things) but there are so many great tips and tricks in this book. My personal favorite is to layer in the habit you want to start between things you already do or really enjoy doing.
Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert
This book is another one that you just can’t miss out on. Back when I was co-hosting Bad on Paper, we did an entire podcast episode about this book (and then had Elizabeth Gilbert on to talk more). This book. I don’t even know where to begin but I will say that everyone should read it, even if you don’t necessarily identify as a “creative person.” The content is just so valuable, it’s a fairly quick read, and every time I read it I take something different away from it. The things for me that really resonated were the parts about fear, and letting fear hold you back. And approaching your creativity (or your whole life for that matter) from a perspective of curiosity as opposed to fear, or even passion. This book is truly life changing. I love that Becca re-reads it every January and may start doing the same exact thing. If you are feeling in a rut, uninspired, a little bit stuck, not sure what you want to do next, OR you’re about to start a new project, read this book!!!!
The Art of Small Talk, by Casey Wilson and Jessica St. Clair
This is a book that really helped me as I’ve always been one of those people who hates small-talk. It is only available as an audiobook and has a pretty tremendous cast of characters (Malcom Gladwell, Amy Poehler, etc.!) At first, I found myself slightly annoyed by the hosts. They are high energy comedians! With time though, they wore me down. I am not kidding when I say that this book changed my perspective about small talk (from vapid and useless to something that can be really helpful). I like that it also gives exit strategies, tips for dealing with energy vampires, and more. And, it’s very entertaining. Wilson and St. Clair have a fantastic energy together and made me laugh out loud more than once. Any book that can do that AND teach me something/change my mind is a winner in my book. I highly recommend it.
Quiet, by Susan Cain
This is a book that helped me better understand myself. It delves into the science of introversion/extroversion, and the ways that we idealize extroversion (and act as though introversion is something to be fixed when in fact it really isn’t). I felt a lot more confident and as though I understood myself better after reading it. I often find myself faking extrovert behavior and genuinely do love being social, but sometimes feel like such a weirdo in how I then need to recharge by being alone. This book explains a lot. I cannot recommend it enough. If you are an introvert, are married to/dating an introvert, or work closely with an introvert, it’s worth the read. I wish that everyone would read it – introverts and extroverts, alike!
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Stolen Focus, by Johann Hari
This is a book that made me want to change a lot of my behaviors. The full title is Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How to Think Deeply Again. It is a masterpiece–both interesting and helpful. It’s changed the way I think about social media and apps (mostly, the way that they are designed), and it has taught me so much. I finished it last week and can’t stop thinking about it (and telling everyone I know to read/listen!). If you ever feel like you can’t pay attention, it’s a must. But also, if you work in the social media space or are a parent (Even as a non-parent, the chapters about parenting and children fascinated me). I love that the book combines relatable anecdotes from Hari’s life and researched interviews with experts. Hari tried everything (even abandoning his phone for three months!) and traveled the world to interview the leading experts on human attention. His findings are incredible and jarring. Sure, there are things that we as individuals can do to improve our focus, but this is less about personal failure and more about the world we are living in.
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Joyful, by Ingrid Fettell-Lee
This is a book that changed how I see! It came highly recommended to me by my sister and I can’t recommend it enough. The reason it took me so long to read is that I was taking copious notes like a good little student. But she mentions so many different artists, architects, creators… that I wanted to stop, pause, look them up, and then keep reading. So I’d read maybe a quarter of a chapter at a time and I do not regret that. I learned so much from it. This book is all about the power of aesthetics and objects to impact our happiness. From the way we delight over rounded objects, to why we are drawn to symmetry, and beyond. It is such an interesting read… if you are someone who nerds out over good design OR are just somebody who wants to create a personal space that leaves you feeling joyful, absolutely read this book. I loved it and learned so so much from it.
The Third Door, by Alex Banayan
This book made me think differently about work and getting things done. It’s so many things. First, it’s a coming-of-age story (the author was 19 when he started writing the book: the night before finals, he hacked The Price is Right, won, and used the money to fund his dream). So that in itself was pretty interesting. He made it his mission to interview the world’s most successful people and learn from them. In doing this, he noticed a theme that he referred to as The Third Door. The idea is that life and business are like a nightclub. Some people wait in line and never get in. Others (billionaires, mostly) walk right in. But what about a third door – being scrappy and creative and figuring out your own way in? Throughout the book he talks to some of the most inspiring people – everyone from Bill Gates to Lady Gaga. I could not put it down. I loved the plot (his friendship with Elliott Bisnow, founder of Summit, was wonderful). I found myself laughing, crying, and also taking notes. I cannot recommend it enough!
Untamed, by Glennon Doyle
This is a book that helped me find my confidence when I was really struggling. When we interviewed Elizabeth Gilbert for Bad on Paper, we talked about her podcast, Magic Lessons. She was talking about the episode with Glennon, so I went back and listened to that and found myself so taken with Glennon (who I did not realize got her start as a blogger) especially with regard to the insights she shared around building her community. And so I found myself downloading Untamed. If you are a people pleaser, you must read this book. One of the biggest takeaways I had from it was the fact that when we focus on pleasing others we stop thinking for ourselves. It’s one of my favorite books I’ve read in ages in terms of self-help/personal growth. If this says anything, I have been relistening and ordered a hard copy so that I can re-read it in sections.
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Daring Greatly, by Brene Brown
Brene Brown is a favorite, and this book is a classic. It’s a book that helped me learn to be more vulnerable and not be afraid of emotions. It is wildly helpful with vulnerability and shame and other very real human emotions. It’s still, all these years later, a favorite of mine. I never really thought about daring and being vulnerable as being one and the same but it’s the truth. Vulnerability is not a weakness. It’s actually one of the most accurate measures of courage. I like the idea that truly daring is not about winning or losing but having courage. It’s about stepping away from a fear mindset, not being afraid to be a little bit uncomfortable, not worrying about being criticized. It’s a book that I think absolutely everyone should read!
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The Tipping Point, by Malcom Gladwell.
This is another classic. A book that absolutely made me smarter, both in work and life. Malcom Gladwell is a genius and I love his thoughts on how the world works, and how the littlest things can make such a big difference. The tipping point is that moment where an idea (or a trend, product, or social behavior) “tips” and begins to spread like wildfire. A precisely targeted push. It’s a must for marketers, but really just for anyone who wants to understand the world + how people work a little bit better. I think about it constantly, years after reading it for the first time. It will change how you think about selling products, disseminating ideas, and the “why” behind how some things get so popular.
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