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While I’m happy to see last year go, I have some high expectations for the new year. Rather than meet those fears with the trepidation I feel inside, I’m going to embrace them by putting more books on my shelf this year to conquer a few of those things. In fact, I had stopped using my Amazon wishlist for a long time, and just started scooping stuff onto it the last few weeks. (It seems the year’s end brings book recommendations!)
And, it’s a perfect time to start using your wishlist: Through January 9th, 2016, return and old Kindle and get cash back from Amazon for a gift card or towards a new Kindle! Check out if your Kindle qualifies for trade in. I know mine is all ready to ship!
Without further ado, this is the list of books I’m planning on reading in the months ahead and why.
1. Marketing: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, Revised Edition
Ok, so it’s no secret that I work with brands. This year, I’m hyper-focusing on brands I actually love and how the ways they make my life easier. Additionally, I want to spread the word about what I’m doing to help moms, and the shows I’m developing for you this year. Naturally, part of that work is marketing and selling, both of which is something I absolutely suck at. So, in last month’s mastermind, I learned that this book teaches you how to spread your message in a non-smarmy salesman way. And so far, it seems an easy read and not salesy at all. How did you learn to wield your influence to help others?
2. Creativity: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
You’ll recall that fear was (is) a big hurdle for me, so when I saw a blogger reading this, I decided it had to go on the pile. I need to get past all my fears and just “start.” That’s why I’m co-hosting a Blab and starting a Periscope show this month – hopefully! Anyway, I need to stop saying “I hope” and just “do.” Without Yoda around as a guide, I guess Elizabeth Gilbert is the next best thing. She’s an easy to read and while I don’t necessarily always agree with her, she has a way with words.
3. Parenting: Reset Your Child’s Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen-Time
Yes please! Too much screen time is a huge problem in this house. I’m not sure how it will blend with autism, but it’s worth a shot – for both my kids. The best days around here are when someone gets in trouble because then we go dark – and they start playing with toys and reading books. Now Amelia is amazing with her Disney Infinity game and I want Zoe to learn how to do video editing, so I’m not eliminating it 100% but we need to the best of screen time under control.
4. Home: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
Another blogger I know was completely impressed by this book and I took a preview myself, so now it’s on my list. All the junk has to go! I say this as I look at my case of books that I never, ever look at. Actually, I started decluttering by dumping out a bunch of craft toys that were mostly or barely used. (I loathe crafts!) It energized and left me feeling, “Ok, what next?” I need to get this book!
5. Creativity: The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
I’ve been hearing a lot about this book but it wasn’t until someone I really admired raved about it that it made the list. In fact, I’m thinking this should maybe top the list? Unsure, but this year is all about breaking blocks and barriers to my purpose and creativity so game on! Honestly, I didn’t even download the sample before putting it on my list – simple the title and referrals were all I needed.
6. Faith: Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer
I actually had this on my list a few days before seeing “War Room,” completely unaware that the movie stars this author – and features a lot of what she’s talking about. I didn’t agree 100% with the movie but I was close and that approach to prayer is what I need: intentional, direct, undistracted. Sure, praying in the moment is great, but the day a friend told me she spent an HOUR praying for me and my family made me completely realize how much I come up short in this area. I need all the advice I can get on organizing prayer!
7. Self Care: Say Goodbye to Survival Mode: 9 Simple Strategies to Stress Less, Sleep More, and Restore Your Passion for Life
Chapter 1: “Stop Trying to do it All” – need I say more? To be honest, this was something I adapted in 2015, but I need to improve on this. I still feel a LOT of tension letting stuff go. And I still rearrange the dishwasher after my honey or my girl load it. So I’m not quite there, and this book spoke to me. I still have days/weeks where I go into this mode – like the awful month of December. (How awful is it that such a wonderful month should feel so bad?) I plan on enjoying every day God has blessed me with, so this will help!
8. Finances: Money-Making Mom: How Every Woman Can Earn More and Make a Difference
I’m not saying that my husband should have the option to quit and I support the family, exactly, but I’d like to be more of a money maker. I still feel like I’m a “pocket money maker.” Yea, every little bit helps but I need to learn to more effectively use my time for passive income and managing money, a skill that totally eludes me. I hope this book helps, but I’d also love to sit down with the hubby and make our way through Financial Peace University DVD Home Study Kit
.
9. Writing: Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success
I have tons of books on craft but my current novel is stuck. It has issues that need to be fixed – like no ending, and I have no idea where the arc (yes, I’m a total pantser). This is part of a batch I plan on buying this year, including Making It in Historical Fiction
, which, for $3.99, I hope will help with those historical “stuck” issue. The nice thing about “Outlining” is that you can also buy the Outlining Your Novel Workboo
, in case I’m super stuck!
10. Work: Do the Work: Overcome Resistance and Get Out of Your Own Way
A whole book on how to conquer “Resistance”? (Or better known as “Procrastination” for some of us!) I love it, and I definitely need to overcome those things that are hanging up my great projects. Ideas hang on my mind like beautiful apples and I let some sit there until they rot. No more!
Those my top 10 books to read in the new year. What’s on your list?
