Starting Something New? Read These 10 Motivational Books

Starting something new can be HARD! It’s usually uncomfortable, scary, and there are a lot of unknowns. Maybe the “something new” is a job, business venture, or moving to a new city. It could also be something smaller like starting a new hobby that involves getting outside of your comfort zone.

Even though starting something new can come with some less than awesome feelings, it can be a super positive thing overall. Starting a new job could change your life. Moving to a new city could bring opportunities. Joining a new club could lead you to life long friends. 

It is easier said than done to push through worries and fears. For some, it may even be pushing through some major anxieties. I know that I struggle a lot with new things regardless of the size! Thanks anxiety! However, I have found a lot of motivation and inspiration from books. Hearing other people’s success stories or even having someone lay out steps for me to take has been so helpful. 

So, if you are on the fence about starting a new venture or jumping into something new here are 10 books that will motivate the heck out of you! 

Disclaimer: Links included in this post might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my blog!

10 books to read if you are starting something new

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert 

Written by the same author as Eat, Pray, Love, Big Magic is all about living beyond fear and being your true creative self. I personally loved this book. I found her personal stories to be encouraging and her tips to be helpful and doable.

101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think by Brianna Wiest

This is a popular one I’m sure you have seen all over the internet. This is full of essays that talk about purpose, happiness, living daily life, and becoming aware of how you think. If nothing else, this book will make you think which is really the best thing a book can do. The first step to starting something new is changing the way you think so pick this one up if you like essay-style books!

Stay Hungry by Sebastian Maniscalco 

This is such a funny, heartfelt, and inspiring story. Sebastian is a stand-up comedian who I have loved long before I knew he had any books. His life story is one of those typical came from nothing and made a name for myself kind of stories and I loved every second of it. Sebastian is a no bullshit kind of person who tells you how it is. A great book to listen to via audiobook! 

Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forelo 

I wrote a whole blog post about how this book changed my life and I still feel all those same feelings. This is a book that will make you think about life’s challenges differently. Everything truly is figureoutable if you put your mind to it. I loved her personal stories about her failures and about her family. I was very inspired after reading and again, this is a great one on audio! 

The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest 

Another Brianna Wiest book and for good reason, this one is very highly rated! There are reviews saying this is the only book you ever need. 

This book is all about self-sabotage. So often people stand in their own way when they want to try something new or go after a big goal. Brianna talks about why we self-sabotage and how to stop doing it. 

Winging It by Emma Isaacs 

I really loved this book and I read it at the perfect time in my blogging/social media journey. This book is about female entrepreneurship. There are so many fantastic stories about women crushing it in the business world and doing it their own way! 

It was inspiring to read about so many success stories but also the setbacks and failures. The whole premise is to stop overthinking and just get to work which is perfect if you are wanting to start something new.

Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter by 50 Cent 

Whether you are a 50 Cent fan or not, his story is crazy and inspiring. I loved to hear him read his own book and get a deep dive into some of the hardest parts of his life. He also shares his biggest successes and how he has created such an empire. 

Can we all relate to his story? No. I know I can’t. I didn’t grow up in extreme poverty and join a gang and then get shot several times. But, all of that just makes his success even more impressive and gives you the kick in the pants you need! 

How To Be A Boss B*itch by Christine Quinn 

Christine Quinn is from the Netflix show Selling Sunset so if you love that show this is a must read! This is one of the books that is more so entertaining but there are good tidbits of information throughout. I love to hear people’s success stories and how they did what they did. This is about finding who you are, being confident, and taking what you want.

We Were Dreamers by Simu Liu 

Okay, where are my Marvel fans? Written by Shang-Chi himself, this is a story about his life being an immigrant with a lot of struggles and becoming a Hollywood star! 

He shares how difficult it was to leave China, how he had to be the “ideal son,” and how those things shaped him. Before becoming the big star he is today he struggled through college and had a failing career. His story is a very relatable one to many people and a reminder that anything is possible. 

Make Your Bed by Admiral William H McRaven 

I heard this little piece of advice from someone and it really did make a difference. The advice? Make my bed every morning. I later came across this book and realized where that advice came from. Written by a retired Navy Seal, this book is full of wisdom about changing your life. It provides practical advice and some great stories from his days in the navy.

Related:

It’s no secret that making changes or starting something new can be scary. No one really likes change but it’s necessary for our own development and happiness. If you find yourself struggling to start I hope these books help you get the push you need. 

If you end up reading one of these I would love to hear your thoughts! Reach out to me anytime and let’s chat books.

Do you have any other recommendations for this list? Tell me in the comments.

You Might Also Like