We all know that 2020 didn’t go as planned, so we decided to update our original post and bring you a revised summary of book recommendations for a better 2021! Since we’ve all been living through a global pandemic, you may find that 2020 was marked by some less than stellar achievements, and maybe even the start of some bad habits. If you find yourself ready for a do-over but need some motivation, we’d like to share our list of recommended books for a better 2021. Also, special thanks to our readers who helped us create this list.
This post has been updated and was originally published in December of 2020.
The book recommendations are grouped by category: Professional Development; Spiritual & Self-Improvement; and Health & Wellness. Also, these recommended books for a better 2021 are available in various formats and we have noted those in the descriptions below.
But before we get the actual books…..
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Recommended Books for a Better 2021:
Professional Development
Help! I Work with People: Getting Good at Influence, Leadership, and People Skills by Chad Veach
We know leadership isn’t exclusive to corner offices and multimillion-dollar budgets – some of the best leaders are the mentors and technicians who are more comfortable behind the scenes. But what if being an effective leader isn’t just about having innovative ideas and high levels of productivity? What if becoming a great leader is more about prioritizing self-awareness and people skills than production and performance?
Help! I Work with People is not a book about leadership theory, but rather a handbook on how to connect with people and influence them for good. With his signature transparent and relatable storytelling, Chad Veach uses modern research and biblical principles to encourage you to lean into your leadership potential regardless of your level of influence or experience. In short and easily digestible chapters, he addresses the three phases of becoming a quality leader: learning to lead the hardest person you will ever be in charge of-yourself; recognizing the power of becoming a people person; and creating a culture and environment where the team’s shared vision can grow.
Available as Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook and for Kindle.
The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman and Paul White
Dramatically improve workplace relationships simply by learning your coworkers’ language of appreciation. This book will give you the tools to improve staff morale, create a more positive workplace, and increase employee engagement. How? By teaching you to effectively communicate authentic appreciation and encouragement to employees, co-workers, and leaders. Most relational problems in organizations ow from this question: do people feel appreciated? This book will help you answer “Yes!”
Available as Paperback, Audiobook and for Kindle.
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
In this updated edition of the best-selling leadership book, two U.S. Navy SEAL officers who led the most highly decorated special operations unit of the Iraq War demonstrate how to apply powerful leadership principles from the battlefield to business and life. Detailing the mindset and principles that enable SEAL units to accomplish the most difficult combat missions, Extreme Ownership demonstrates how to apply them to any team or organization, in ANY leadership environment.
Available as Paperback, Audiobook and for Kindle.
Recommended Books for a Better 2021:
Spiritual and Self-Improvement
Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex by Michael Todd
A number one New York Times best seller! Realer than the most real conversation you’ve ever heard on the topic, Michael Todd’s honest, heartfelt, and powerful teaching on relationships has already impacted millions of people in all seasons of life around the world. Now, in Relationship Goals, Michael tells his own story of heartache and healing, unpacks explosive truths from God’s word, and tells it to you straight to help you win at relationships in every part of your life.
Where did the idea for relationships come from in the first place? Does God really care who I hang out with? Is it even possible to avoid relational train wrecks? From his plan for intentional dating in the age of social media to handling break-ups well to doing family instead of just being in a family, Michael tackles the questions we all have about relational success.
As he candidly examines our most common pitfalls in relationships and the start-today ways to get past them, Michael helps you align your longings with God’s awesome desires for your life. Now, that’s a good relationship goal.
Available as Hardback, Audiobook and for Kindle.
Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian
Today’s challenges can make a fulfilling marriage seem like an impossible dream. Yet God delights in doing the impossible if only we would ask! Stormie Omartian shares how God can strengthen your marriage as you pray for your husband concerning key areas in his life.
Available as Paperback, Audiobook and for Kindle.
The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place by Andy Crouch
Making conscientious choices about technology in our families is more than just using Internet filters and determining screen time limits for our children. It’s about developing wisdom, character, and courage in the way we use digital media rather than accepting technology’s promises of ease, instant gratification, and the world’s knowledge at our fingertips. And it’s definitely not just about the kids.
Drawing on in-depth original research from the Barna Group, Andy Crouch shows listeners that the choices we make about technology have consequences we may never have considered. He takes listeners beyond the typical questions of what, where, and when and instead challenges them to answer provocative questions like “Who do we want to be as a family?” and “How does our use of a particular technology move us closer or farther away from that goal?” Anyone who has felt their family relationships suffer or their time slip away amid technology’s distractions will find in this book a path forward to reclaiming their real life in a world of devices.
Available as Hardback, Audiobook and for Kindle.
Goliath Must Fall: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants by Louie Giglio
It’s likely you have a threatening giant in your life…an adversary or stronghold that’s diminishing your ability to live a full and free life. In Goliath Must Fall, pastor Louie Giglio uncovers a newfound twist in the classic story of David and Goliath. The key to living free from our giants is not better slingshot accuracy, but keeping our eyes on the one and only giant-slayer —Jesus. Put your hope in him and watch Goliath fall.
Available as Paperback, Audiobook and for Kindle.
Recommended Books for a Better 2021:
Health and Wellness
This Naked Mind by Annie Grace
Many people question whether drinking has become too big a part of their lives, and worry that it may even be affecting their health. But, they resist change because they fear losing the pleasure and stress- relief associated with alcohol, and assume giving it up will involve deprivation and misery. This Naked Mind offers a new, positive solution. Author Annie Grace clearly presents the psychological and neurological components of alcohol use based on the latest science, and reveals the cultural, social, and industry factors that support alcohol dependence.
Available as Paperback, Audiobook and for Kindle.
Fast. Feast. Repeat.: The Comprehensive Guide to Delay, Don’t Deny® Intermittent Fasting by Gin Stephens
Fast. Feast. Repeat. has it all! You’ll learn how to work a variety of intermittent fasting approaches into your life, no matter what your circumstances or schedule. Once you’ve ignited your fat-burning superpower, you’ll get rid of “diet brain” forever, tweak your protocol until it’s second nature, and learn why IF is a lifestyle, not a diet.
Beginners will utilize the 28-Day FAST Start. Experienced intermittent fasters will strengthen their intermittent fasting practice, work on their mindset, and read about the latest research out of top universities supporting intermittent fasting as the health plan with a side effect of weight loss.
Available as Paperback, Audiobook and for Kindle.
Delay, Don’t Deny: Living an Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle by Gin Stephens
Gin Stephen’s first book that started it all. In this book, you will learn the science behind intermittent fasting, and also understand how to adjust the various intermittent fasting plans to work for your unique lifestyle. The best part about intermittent fasting is that it doesn’t require you to give up your favorite foods! You’ll learn how to change WHEN to eat, so you don’t have to change WHAT you eat. Are you ready to take control of your health, and finally step off of the diet roller coaster? All you have to do is learn how to “delay, don’t deny!”
Available as Paperback, Audiobook and for Kindle.
The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung
Weight gain and obesity are driven by hormones — in everyone — and only by understanding the effects of insulin and insulin resistance can we achieve lasting weight loss. In this highly readable and provocative book, Dr. Jason Fung sets out an original, robust theory of obesity that provides startling insights into proper nutrition. In addition to his five basic steps, a set of lifelong habits that will improve your health and control your insulin levels, Dr. Fung explains how to break the cycle of insulin resistance and reach a healthy weight — for good
Available as Paperback, Audiobook and for Kindle.
Have you read any of these books and what would you add to our list of recommended books for a better 2021? Leave us a comment!
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