Top 6 Books You Need to Read for 2016!

It is no secret that reading is one of my favorite pastimes. I've read some of the best books in 2015, and some that I think will be a great way for you to start your 2016. Here is a list of 6 books I think you should read for 2016!

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

By: Marie Kondo

I kept seeing people with this book and thought, people honestly need to read about putting stuff up where they belong? On a whim, I got the audio version (so okay yeah I didn't actually read it!) and it seriously changed my life! I actually listened to the audio book while I was purging my untidy home. Kondo's methods are actually pretty unconventional, she believes that if you truly tidy your home once, you won't ever need to again. And her perspective on what we bring into our lives and what we should keep, will really help you even get rid of those old sentimental items you just "can't part with"(you know like hoarding all those co-worker gifts that are so not you, or your insane supply of holiday lotions)...and not feel guilty about it.

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

By: Greg McKeown

I NEEDED this book. I am filled with so much moxie, that I can easily channel my inner Taylor Swift take over the world. I need to be told to slow down, more importantly that it is okay to slow down. Did you know the world still continues when we say "no" to a task? Ha, but seriously – last year in, 2015 I was pulled too thin, I said yes to everything! And this year I am focusing on doing what is in the best interest for my sanity. Reading this book was quite refreshing. After purging your house (from the book above), and getting this lesson about enjoying the little things. Respecting the moments and living life as the essentialist. You'll feel very motivated. If I had to recommend ONE Book for you to read it would be this one. I ended up purchasing the Audio version of this to kind of keep as an on-going motivator. I'm sure I will want to read this book again.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

By: Elizabeth Gilbert

I've actually never finished reading Eat Pray Love. But Gilbert's TED Talk on "Your Elusive Creative Genius" was something I really needed to hear. As was reading this book about FEAR. I've already mentioned in my previous post, that because of this book FEARLESS is my word for 2016, and it truly is a wonderful book. It will challenge the way you think about things and really take a step back to challenge perspectives. She is so open about her failures and her successes, and how we cannot truly call them our own. This is one of those books I really valued reading slow, if I wanted to underline inspiration, then I would have underlined the entire book! You will not regret reading this one! And I would LOVE to talk to you about it!

Louder Than Words: Harness the Power of Your Authentic Voice

By: Todd Henry

This book might be more towards small business owners, however, this truly is a great read. Todd Henry is a creative I stumbled across towards the end of the year, and I LOVE his podcasts. He has three books, all which I really love, but his recent Louder Than Words is a great read for something so many creatives struggle with and that is finding your authentic voice. There is a difference between being different and being authentic, and that is something that honestly stands out in a noisy social media world. Also, something that will make you rest easy at night, because you know you put our your true best self.

What To Do When It's Your Turn: and It's Always Your Turn

By: Seth Godin

Who doesn't love Seth Godin? And what is a book list without him on it? This book is super easy to read, it's almost like a novel sized magazine, with words gracing boldly over the pages like magazine ads. I actually gave a copy of this book to a friend that is a mother, and she said that she read the book with her younger son, and he actually enjoyed it too. This book can really motivate you to take over the world, basically to channel your inner Taylor Swift ^_^. It also speaks on looking at your fears and letting that motivate your best works.

Lastly: Read Something Non-Fiction and maybe a little fantastical ^_^

I actually got this from reading Essentialism. It mentioned the importance of reading good literature. How it really simulates the brain. When I was younger you wouldn't catch me reading a Fiction book! Never in a million years would I think I would be so interested in books about creativity, facing your fears, and running a small business. But it is so important to read for pure fun and to mentally work that fantastical part.

Reading something that gets your imagination going can get you out of a lot of mental blocks, look at things with different perspective, understand different cultures, and most importantly it's really fun! It will open other things about your mind that you might have not realized. If you are having a hard time thinking of some books to read. These are a few I've re-read countless times: