As we approach the end of 2024, an irresistible uncertainty about the future can present itself. We tend to ruminate over lists of goals we may or may not have accomplished in the past 12 months, over-analyze events that have altered life’s trajectory, and even begin to worry about the new year. Although there is no play-by-play handbook on navigating the new year successfully, here are three highly acclaimed self-improvement books that can aid your transition into 2025.
Atomic Habits
Clear explains in Atomic Habits that the power of small, consistent adjustments to your everyday habits can create everlasting changes. With repetition and willpower, the minor habits you practice over some time will warrant positive results. The principles explained in the reading include designing your environment to make good habits more visible and obtainable, creating simple routines, shaping your habits around the person you want to become, and much more.
The Power of Now: A guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
World-renowned spiritual teacher and author Eckhart Tolle explores living in the present tense and obtaining inner peace in The Power of Now. Tolle expresses that, more often than not, humans tend to constantly regret or worry about the future, instigating a negative self-undoing pattern. The author also explains that stress and unhappiness can lead to anxious attachments to people, places, and things that do not serve well. By living and being appreciative of the “now,” Tolle argues that one can dissolve the ego hindering one’s potential, create more positive inner dialogue, and quiet the mind of negative thoughts about the future. The Power of Now speaks on observing our thoughts, or “witnessing consciousness,” which can also aid in creating a connection with our highest and most awakened pieces of self.
How to Win Friends and Influence People
A much older but compelling read about improving social skills and garnering purposeful relationships is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Written and published in 1936, the short copy provides critical principles for effective communication and successful networking, including showing appreciation, encouraging others to speak freely of themselves, trying to understand people from all walks of life, avoiding ineffective criticism, and being attentive listener. Carnegie also advises readers to enhance and maintain relationships, win people’s trust, and positively influence their personal and professional circles.
Preparing for the new year can be a little challenging and downright scary, but after completing these three books, you’ll be ready to have a transformative and enriching new year.
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