Books to Read Each Month to Achieve Your 2018 Goals

One item that almost always lands on someone’s New Years Resolutions list is to “read more.” If you read my recent post, Why I am Quitting New Years Resolutions, you know that simply saying you will do something rarely works when you are trying to make drastic changes in your life. Listing specific goals and what you will do to achieve them is a far more effective then making resolutions. 

I have always been someone who enjoys reading. There are several other blog posts you can read that discuss some of my favorite books or recent reads. You can read them here, here, and here. But this year, I am taking my commitment to reading to a whole new level. A weakness that I have is reading multiple books at time. The positive side to this is that I am constantly inspired and excited about the materials I am reading. But the issue is that I can often get distracted by one concept a book is discussing and completely forget to practice another. So I have created a solution that will help us accomplish more than ever before during 2018. 

 I have categorized each month of the year to cover a specific topic. During that month you can read one or both of the selections chosen and practice implementing the topics at hand. This way we are spending time putting the advice given into action. If you read one book each month, at the end of the year you will have had a gathered 12 books worth of well rounded information! 

January: Health

At the start of the year, many of us are ready to get our health and fitness back into line after all the sweets and treats from the Holiday season. These are my picks for starting your health journey off on the right foot. 

1. Bright Line Eating by Susan Peirce Thompson

2. The Case Against Sugar by Gary Taubes

February: Love

With Valentine’s Day during this month, I thought it appropriate to to focus on relationships. But even if you are single, these books with help you learn more about yourself and others. 

1. The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

2. The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown 

March: Organization/ Cleaning

The Spring cleaning bug usually bites around this time of year. So get your home back into shape with the help of these reads!

1. The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondoē

2. A Simplified Life by Emily Ley

April: Budgeting/ Money

One of my main goals this year is to get my finances in order. I started the first book listed and I am enjoying it so far! 

1. Rich Bitch by Nicole Lapin 

2. You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero 

May: Success/ Career 

After focusing on health, money, and even love, you are probably ready to make your career a top priority. Start with these reads. 

1. I Know How She Does It by Laura Vanderkam

2. Start with the Why by Simon Sinek

June: Entertainment 

Summer is the time to sit back and relax. Have a little fun with your book list during this time and read some fiction novels. 

1. The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin

2. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

July: Parenting

I read several books while pregnant, but I have yet to pick up a parenting book. I read the first recommendation when Oliver was in my belly, but now I am ready to dive a little deeper. 

1. Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Drunkerman

2. The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegeln and Tina Payne Bryson

August: Beauty/ Fashion

With back to school starting around this month, I thought it would be appropriate to update your closet and makeup routine! Here a few suggestions to get you started. 

1. Eat Pretty by Jolene Hart

2. The Curated Closet by Anuschka Rees

September: Education/Improvement

This month often calls for a push in the motivation department. I have heard so many great things about these books to improve productivity. 

1. The Power of Habit by Charles Dunhigg

2. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

October: Biography/ Memoir 

Often another person’s story can really uplift our spirits and bring clarity to our minds. If you want to be moved and inspired, I suggest the first. The second is more light hearted and fun. 

1. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

2. Bossypants by Tiny Fey

November: Reflection/ Gratitude

With the Thanksgiving Holiday, our mentality should be more focused on others and an attitude of gratitude. Try this read to reset your mind to one of thankfulness. 

1. Thanks! by Robert Emmons

December: A Classic

There are so many classic novels that I have always wanted to read, but have yet to make time for. These reads will get you in the Christmas spirit and end your year right! 

1. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

2. Emma by Jane Austen

By categorizing your reads into specific months, I believe you can be more successful at mastering the content within the reads. What are your thoughts? What books are you looking forward to reading this year? Share your favorites below!