When I am actively making positive changes in my life or trying something new, I like to read inspiring books to keep me engaged and help to either shift my mindset, or support my efforts.
Simplicity has been at the core of every major change I’ve made, from food to clutter to debt to creativity, productivity, and doing work I really believe in and care about. I purchase books to support authors and to feed my soul, and then I pass them on (unless I’m reading them on Kindle). If I want to read them again, I get them from the library.
The books that changed me.
These books have all made a difference in my life. They’ve changed me, or helped me change me. They helped me to try something new, think about things in a new way, or simply encouraged changes I was making.
Many of the them are written by friends, which makes them even more enjoyable. The first 2 books in the list below have just become available, but I was lucky enough to receive advanced copies and highly recommend them if you are in the beginning stages of decluttering your life, or if you are finding your way back to simplicity.
The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own
I endorsed this book saying, “I’ve enjoyed Joshua Becker’s message and writing for many years, and this is by far his best work. His very practical advice for living with less, together with moving stories from real people living with less, provides the tools and motivation for powerful change. I’m in awe of how Becker weaves the step-by-step how to with the moving why to of minimalism.”
The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Guide to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify
Francine Jay shares simple steps to cultivate a minimalist mindset and form new habits, paving the way to lasting success. Her easy-to-follow STREAMLINE method works in any space—from a single drawer to a closet, room, or entire house. What’s more, it can be called upon during clutter-inducing life events such as moving, getting married, having kids, or downsizing.
Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence: Revised and Updated for the 21st Century
This book really planted the seed for me that the life I craved would be found in less, not in more. In Your Money or Your Life, Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez show readers how to gain control of their money and finally begin to make a life, rather than just make a living.
You Can Buy Happiness (and It’s Cheap): How One Woman Radically Simplified Her Life and How You Can Too
The author of this book, Tammy Strobel is a close, personal friend and I hope she’ll be joining me on a few of my Tiny Wardrobe Tour stops. She has a powerful story and a very tender way of sharing it in You Can Buy Happiness (and It’s Cheap).
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
This book will help you say no, and remind you to choose what matters most to you in work and life.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
Use Marie Kondo’s powerful question, “Does this bring me joy?” to let go.
The Whole30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom
I’ve done the Whole 30 Challenge twice and have shifted the way I eat as a result. I’m planning another official 30 day challenge in June. Check out the book if you want to join me.
Everything That Remains: A Memoir by The Minimalists
Not a how-to book but a why-to book, Everything That Remains is the touching, surprising story of what happened when one young man decided to let go of everything and begin living more deliberately. Heartrending, uplifting, and deeply personal, this engrossing memoir is peppered with insightful (and often hilarious) interruptions by Ryan Nicodemus, Millburn’s best friend of twenty years.
Authors, Joshua and Ryan are out on tour now with Minimalism, A Documentary about the Important Things. You can see if they are coming to your city here.
The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
This book changed the way I think about money. It offers a simple, common sense approach to pay off debt and build wealth.
Born for This: How to Find the Work You Were Meant to Do
I’m reading Chris Guillebeau’s newest book now, and speaking briefly at his book tour event in Salt Lake City this weekend. Learn more about the book and event here.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
I listened to this book as author Elizabeth Gilbert reads the audio book version herself. If there is creative work in your heart that you want to bring to life, this is a must read.
The 3 books I’m reading next.
I’d like to start reading one book a week alternating between non-fiction and fiction, but these are the three books I’m reading next.
Wellness on a Shoestring: Seven Habits for a Healthy Life
Author, Dr. Michelle Robin recently interviewed me for her podcast, Small Changes, Big Shifts and we hit it off right away. She sent me a copy of her book, and I can’t wait to dig in to her brilliant advice. She will also be hosting the Tiny Wardrobe Tour in Kansas City at her Wellness Center. You can hear our chat here.
Stuffocation: Why We’ve Had Enough of Stuff and Need Experience More Than Ever
Stuffocation is a movement manifesto for “experiential” living, a call to arms to stop accumulating stuff and start accumulating experiences, and a road map for a new way forward with the potential to transform our lives.
When Breath Becomes Air
I’m about 45 pages into this beautiful memoir, but I put it on hold while I was traveling recently. I didn’t want to be on an airplane or somewhere unfamiliar while experiencing this moving story about Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer.