The Books of 2020

It’s no secret that I love an audiobook. Being able to listen and walk, listen and drive, listen and meal prep and listen and fold laundry literally changed my life. There was a stretch of years, longer than I’d like to admit, where I barely read anything. After diving deep into the world of personal development, I realized how important it was for me to read/listen to books, not only for my own personal development, but so that I could coach others to the best of my abilities. I read (and re-read) several great books this year. Here’s my list and who I think they would be good for:

Switch On Your Brain: The Key to Peak Happiness, Thinking and Health by Dr. Caroline Leaf

If you like the teaching of Joe Dispenza, you will enjoy this book. I love how Dr. Leaf reminds us that we are NOT victims of our biology, but rather have immense control over our lives. If you’re feeling stuck, a little hopeless or struggle with negative thoughts, this is a great book to read. 

Brainwash: Detox Your Mind for Clearer Thinking, Deeper Relationships and Lasting Happiness by  Kristin Loberg , David Perlmutter MD , Austin Perlmutter MD

This was mind-blowing! As you can see, I started the year very curious about our brain and how the thought process works. This book shed light on how modern life is ruining our brain, if I may be a bit dramatic. It describes what our phones, media and daily habits do to the structure of our brains. If you have a hard time focusing, struggle with productivity, or simply want to optimize your life, I recommend this book. It’s all science-based and offers practical application. 

Atomic Habits (re-read) by James Clear

I mean, if you haven’t read Atomic Habits yet, what are you even doing with your life??? But seriously, this is an annual read for me. I have the hard copy and audio version and recommend it to each and every one of my clients. The biggest takeaway from this book is that the small things add up. I could quote James Clear all day long if you let me. This is a great read for anyone who succumbs to all-or-nothing thinking, as it’s a great reminder that something is always better than nothing. 

Open Book: A Memoir by Jessica Simpson

This was probably my biggest surprise of the year. I read this after a client recommended it and I was blown away. Jessica Simpson is open (hence the title), vulnerable and inspiring. I had no idea how spiritual she was and this book made me love and appreciate her as a person, not just a celebrity. She describes the hell she went through in high school and in the early days of the music business, her relationships with Nick Lachy and that scumbag John Mayer (ew). Jessica describes how her alcoholism came about and when she knew she needed to ask for help. 

This is a great read for anyone who grew up listening to Jessica Simpson not only because of the stories she tells, but because of her struggles with body image and disordered eating that was pretty much pushed on her. If you are trying to live up to unreasonable expectations of yourself, you might find some comfort in her story. 

Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Mid-Life Crisis by Ada Calhoun

THIS BOOK! Another client recommendation (I have the best clients!).  Gear specifically towards Gen X women (born 1965 - 1980), this book explains everything!!  The author puzzles together how the events of our childhood, the economic state when we started in the workforce, and the pressure to have it all has put us in this spot of struggle and fatigue. In short, Gen X women were the first women to be told we could HAVE and BE everything, and that put tremendous pressure on us. And now, since we chased our career ambitions and climbed the corporate ladder, many got married later, had children later and are now dealing with a demanding career, young children and aging parents. Many of us ask ourselves, “where did I go wrong?”

I promise, this book is not all doom and gloom. It’s honestly very hopeful and comforting to know that you’re not alone. The author also offers advice for how you can pull yourself out of the darkness. I recommend all women aged 40 - 55 read this book. You will finish this book feeling empowered and inspired.

Tiny Habits: The Small Changes that Change Everything by BJ Fogg

You know I love a good habit book! This book is similar to Atomic Habits, but a little more application based. If you find yourself understanding the concepts of Atomic Habits, but still have a hard time starting the habits you want to do, this book teaches you how. The author breaks habit formation down into “tiny habits” and before you know it, your habits are engrained. 

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Who should read this?! Every single woman on the face of the earth! There are no rules about how to be a woman, but for some reason, women are guided by a set of social norms that have no place in the modern world. Forget everything you’ve been taught, forget everything you’ve seen and start showing up for you. I’m not kidding when I say every woman on the face of the earth should read this. You owe it to yourself. I guarantee you will feel more confident and empowered with each chapter. 

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

This book is all about growth mindset versus a fixed mindset. I recommend this book to any fellow coaches and also any parents out there. Not only does this book describe the difference between the two mindsets, it explains how you can develop more of a growth mindset with yourself, your clients and you kids. If you geek out on how people think, this is an excellent read!

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by  Robin DiAngelo

This was eye opening to say the least. Becoming more aware of my privilege and also my discomfort and fragility around the topic of racism was tough, but necessary to face. This is a book that every white person should read. And if you don’t read this book on racism, try to read another. You cannot deny the systemic racism that exists and we owe it to our BIPOC community to educate ourselves so we can do better. 

The Buddha and the Badass: The Secret Spiritual Art of Succeeding at Work by Vishen Lakhiani

I’m not going to lie, this book stressed me out a little bit because the author talks a lot about vision and 5 - 10 year plans. Anytime I start thinking that far in the future, I start to freak out a little. At the end of the book, he did make me feel better by reinforcing that as long as I’m living in alignment with who I am, everything will be fine and I can trust in myself to take care of future me. I recommend this book for any entrepreneur, or business owner. 

Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday

This was a timely read as I’m always getting my high performing, over achieving clients to understand and accept the importance of rest. We move at an incredible speed these days, and it’s easy to stay in reactive mode and constantly consuming information. The author explains why rest and stillness are so important and also gives examples of leaders in different areas utilized stillness to achieve greatness. I recommend this book for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed, feeling like they don’t have enough time, or anyone who wants to increase their productivity and effectiveness without getting burnt out. 

Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol by Holly Whitaker

Ladies, it is without judgement that I bring up this topic. But we MUST examine our use of alcohol. Like anything, “why” we drink is important to examine. In my coaching, I explain what alcohol does to your macros for the day and how the alcohol is used by your body, but this book offers some real insight into what alcohol really is (poison) and why you might consider cutting back or quitting all together. I promise, the author does not get judgey or preachy. She simply lays out the facts and describes her personal experience. If anything, this book is eye opening and you cannot unlearn what you learn in this book and it will empower you to make the best decisions for yourself.

Again, I’m not telling you to quit drinking and neither is she. I’m telling you that you need to know what you’re putting in your body and you need to understand how you are being marketed to and what this alcohol is actually doing to you. Not just on a physiological level, but how it’s holding you back from your true potential.  

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor

“No matter what you eat, how much you exercise, how skinny or young or wise you are, none of it matters if you’re not breathing properly.”

And that is exactly why you should read this book. Improving your breath is one of the quickest ways you can improve your health. I recently saw a quote somewhere that said, “Breathing is the new yoga.” I only partly agree because breathwork is already one of the eight limbs of yoga, but nonetheless, the importance of our breath is often overlooked. You can quickly change your physiology by focusing on your breath. The benefits go on and I recommend this book for anyone looking to optimize their health and wellness. Even if you are in the early stages of your journey, starting with your breath is a fantastic way to start feeling better right now. 

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski

Ladies. Just read it. If you are tired, if you are overwhelmed, if you are burnt out, if you want to give up, you need to read this book. I picked up this book after hearing the authors on a podcast with Brene Brown. Start with the podcast if you want. This book is validating and empowering. Validating because you will connect the dots from what you are feeling to what you are doing. Empowering because you will get advice on what to do if you are feeling stressed out to the max, like you have nothing left to give and are resentful for everything that you have to do. 

Burnout is real and it will manifest itself in your physical body. I see this in my nutrition clients all the time. It shows up as inflammation, poor sleep, digestive issues, poor recovery and the inability to lose weight. You deserve to feel your absolute best and if you’re feeling anything less than that, READ.THIS.BOOK.