11 Motivational Books That Will Help You Achieve Your Dreams

motivational books

Working to achieve your dreams is no easy feat. While you'll definitely have days where things are going perfectly according to plan, you're sure to encounter some tough times as well. Since giving yourself a pep-talk to boost your confidence or watching the most inspiring TED talks of all time doesn't always do the trick, we pulled together a list of some of the most motivational books to help you stay the course. Full of truths, testimony, mantras and stories, they promise to lift you back up and get you where you're going. Bonus: They all make pretty great last-minute grad gifts too.

1. The Quarter-Life Breakthroughby Adam Smiley Poswolsky ($16): You don't have to stay stuck. This book, written for people in their twenties and thirties, promises to help you navigate self-doubt, uncertainty and feeling down in the dumps. Use its inspiring and smart advice to lift yourself up and find work that really matters to you. Break on through, young ones!

2. The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Doby Jeff Goins ($17): We love Jeff Goins' books for their well-explained thoughts, and this read is no exception. By digging into the actual act of working, he'll help you uncover where you can find more inspiration and motivation, as well as how to keep learning, growing and reaching toward your goals and dreams.

3. Born for This by Chris Guillebeau ($26): Though this is one of the more techy-feeling titles on the list (Guillebeau did pen the New York Times Bestseller The $100 Startup, after all), this book is based on principles that apply to pretty much anything you hope to accomplish. We especially adore the included how-to tips, which cover “hacking" your current job, making work work for you, finding joy in the everyday and so much more.

4. The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna ($17): This fantastic, visual and fun read explores the concept of “should verses must" and what both words mean in regard to your personal and professional dreams and goals. A creative, Elle Luna uses her own experiences to illustrate what the crossroads between the two can look and feel like.

5. The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander ($17): Stories and personal notes are the basis of this book, which presents 12 tactics for bringing thought and creativity into everything you do. This is a truly awesome read for recent grads, people thinking about trying something new as a side hustle or even those considering a career change.

6. Leading Women: 20 Influential Women Share Their Secrets to Leadership, Business and Lifeby Nancy D. O'Reilly ($17): You'll be incredibly inspired by the amazing women in this book. O'Reilly does a fabulous job profiling a series of gals who refused to give up, including best-selling authors and Emmy Award winners. Take their advice to exceed expectations with flying colors in your own life.

7. Find Your Happy Daily Mantras: 365 Days of Motivation for a Happy, Peaceful and Fulfilling Lifeby Shannon Kaiser ($18): Who doesn't love a good mantra? This lightweight read features an uplifting message for every day of the year. Use them daily to boost your confidence and discover your potential. This is the companion book to Shannon's bestseller Find Your Happy.

8. Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin ($17): If you're feeling unmotivated or generally down in the dumps, consider your habits. Gretchen Rubin's research can help you get your mojo back by making positive changes that'll give you the energy you need to make your dreams come true.

9. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes ($18): A major success story, Rhimes is the mastermind behind popular shows like Grey's Anatomy and Scandal — and this book, a memoir, became a bestseller. Be inspired by her abilities to overcome fear and push herself outside of her comfort zone, and then go and do the same.

10. 52 Cups of Coffee by Megan Gebhart ($13): A really cool collection of notes, Megan Gebhart has beautifully documented her thoughts following weekly chats over coffee for an entire year. Her idea to have the caffeinated conversations came after realizing she didn't want to work a nine-to-five job after graduating from college. If you feel similarly, you'll have extra appreciation for her 52-week emotional journey.

11. Brave Enough by Cheryl Strayed ($17): If you've read or seen Wild, you're likely already a huge fan of Cheryl Strayed — and are sure to love this book, which is jam-packed with more than 100 of her best quotes. Pull the trigger on a copy for yourself or a friend who needs a pick-me up. We promise this will do the trick.

Which books inspire you? Tag us on Instagram @BritandCo to let us know!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Therise Edwards, founder/CEO of Teshley Solutions, an education consultancy firm that helps students and families navigate the complexities of the education system K through 12.

What is an unexpected business challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?

I wouldn't call myself a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) expert, but I ended up having to know a lot more about it than I ever anticipated. FAFSA is what administers Pell Grants, which is what a lot of colleges base their financial aid on. I knew about the application changes, and some were excellent, but they made a series of critical errors and a lot of parents were scrambling. It was not my intent to have this as my area of focus; it just became a necessity.

What's a recent small win for your business?

Recent small wins are my collaborations. I formed partnerships with one organization that focuses on students with special needs. I hosted a webinar with the executive director of that organization. I formed a partnership with members from an insurance company on planning and paying for college. That was my first corporate sponsorship. And I've got a series of events coming out because others actually reached out to me. One of them I met through another networking platform, but I got to that platform from one of the sessions that I did with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program.

How did you start to collaborate with external partners?

Just changing my strategies and my approach, and just being more secure and more emphatic in making connections. It ends up being this continual cycle.

Is there a woman in business that you admire or that you look up to?

I have two. Leontyne Anglin, who runs a nonprofit called Beyond Expectations. She works with a small pool of students, but she just gives them enormous exposure and opportunity. She's brilliant with collaborating with individuals and businesses and really bringing the students what they need. And then the other on a bigger scale is Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, who taught her Business Plan Bootcamp through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. She is just a dynamo. She is just so supportive of women entrepreneurs. She's awesome.

How did the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program help propel your business forward?

All of the collaborations and partnerships with the exception of one all came from joining the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. I’ve taken all of the free classes and the one on projections and pricing, something every entrepreneur struggles with, was very helpful. There have been so many of them. Sometimes you're completely ignorant in a category so you take the class and it's like, okay, that's good to have. But then sometimes you sign up for it and it's like, oh, yeah, I did know 90 percent of that, but this other 10 percent is going to be very, very helpful.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Teshley Solutions.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces


New year, new relationship status. The shift from 2024 into 2025 has already seen its fair share of heartfelt proposals — and its fair share of heartbreak. Believe it or not, we're only a couple of weeks into the new year and there are quite a few splits among our favorite celebrity couples. And some of them I simply cannot believe.

Here are 2025's biggest & craziest celebrity breakups...at least, so far.

Austin Butler & Kaia Gerber Break Up

Presley Ann/Getty Images for W Magazine

Kaia Gerber and Austin Butler might have called it quits (reportedly at the end of 2024), but thanks to a TMZ source, we know they're still on good terms. And that the relationship "simply ran its course."

Jessica Alba And Husband Cash Warren Split

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

It appears that Jessica Alba and Cash Warren are "moving forward" with a divorce following their 16-year marriage (and after showing up to events without their wedding rings), according to a TMZ source.

Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Settle Their Divorce

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

This breakup isn't technically new information, but the fact Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck settled their divorce is. They'll both reportedly take what they earned during their marriage (and won't pay spousal support). Ben will also keep his stake in his production company with BFF Matt Damon, Artists Equity.

Naomi Osaka And Cordae Call It Quits

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Naomi Osaka confirmed her split from Cordae in a recent Instagram story. “Hi everyone, just wanted to say that Cordae and I are no longer in a relationship,” she said (via E! News). “No bad blood at all, he's a great person and an awesome dad.”

Brandon Routh And Courtney Ford Announce Their Divorce

Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Entertainment Weekly

These DC Legends of Tomorrow stars announced their split with a joint Instagram post on January 10. "To everyone who has loved and supported us, we have some personal news to share," the post reads. "After 21 years together, and 17 years of marriage, we have decided to begin a new journey and enter this next chapter of life as friends and co-parents. We are now and forever rooting for each other as we move through this wild adventure called life. Our son is, and will always be, our highest priority."

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

It’s no secret that Amazon is packed with some real wacky and wild products. From aesthetically-pleasing sprayable hand sanitizers to “game changing” coffee-powered under eye creams, I scoured the retailer’s (virtual) shelves for these 15 best self-care finds to make your 2025 way easier – and filled with plenty of ‘you’ time.

You’ll find some pretty weird (but amazing) skincare products and bedtime essentials in this list, too, so get ready to put on the best, most relaxing self-care sessions ever in the new year!

Scroll through for 15 of the best “weird but amazing” self-care products that’ll totally transform your 2025!

Amazon

Kiehl's Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask

This face mask made with avocado delivers results that are just as fun and satisfying as applying it is. It promises "soft and hydrated skin in just 15 minutes."

Amazon

Lifelines Flameless Candle / Essential Oil Diffuser

Essential oil lovers will love this flameless diffuser since it's compatible with any kind of essential oil. There's no flame, smoke, or spilled wax to clean up after use, plus it's gonna look beautiful on any bookshelf or bedside table.

Amazon

Touchland Glow Mist Revitalizing Hand Sanitizer Spray

This hand sanitizer has got to be one of the weirdest (but most amazing) formats for a beauty product I've ever seen. One tiny container delivers 500 sprays full of rose petals, blackcurrant buds, and rosewater to replenish your skin's moisture, all while fighting common germs and smelling delish.

Amazon

Starument Portable Hand Vacuum Cleaner

This "ultra-powerful" cordless vacuum easily sucks up dirt, dust, and other particles off of any surface. It's insanely compact and portable, perfect for cleaning up smaller spaces like your car or work cubicle!

Amazon

Nodpod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask

Good sleep is the first step to true self-care. This weighted sleep mask provides even pressure and blocks out 100% of light to really help you wind down. You can even pop it in the freezer before use to help tackle pesky mid-day headaches!

Amazon

Alleyoop Tip Off Liquid-Filled Makeup Removing Swabs

These makeup remover-filled cotton swabs are great to keep in your purse for those random makeup mishaps or smudges. The formula is effective but equally calm, so it won't irritate your sensitive eye area or other parts of your skin.

Amazon

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

Made with snail mucin (yes, real snail mucin), this skincare essence has a surprising cult following for its ability to repair dry skin and provide long-lasting hydration. It's a must-have addition to level up your 2025 skincare routine!

Amazon

Good Weird Cold Brew Undereye Cream

Wake up! This under eye cream is powered by caffeine to help de-puff the under eye area, essentially working like an "espresso shot for your face," per the brand. Its unique formula smooths, blurs, diminishes fine lines, brightens skin, and promotes collagen production all at once.

Amazon

Feierdun Adjustable Dumbbells

If you're strapped for space when it comes to at-home workouts, these weird but amazing dumbbells provide the perfect solution, so you don't have to keep multiple sets lying around. They range from 2 to 10 pounds, and are adjustable in 2-pound increments to suit your personal goals.

Amazon

Goshi Exfoliating Shower Towel

Exfoliation is key in retaining healthy, glowing skin! Keep this shower towel on-hand to lather up and clean your skin, all while scrubbing away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells.

Amazon

Viozon Tablet Stand Pillow

Resting can be just as productive as working out, journaling, or locking in on your self-care routine are. When it's time to wind down and let your body and mind catch up, this tablet or phone stand pillow comes in super handy with a hands-free design. Simply grab some snacks and post up with this pillow to veg out and watch your fave TV shows or YouTube vids!

Amazon

Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick

Aquaphor... in stick form? I'll take 10 of them, thank you! This is the only formula to truly nourish and heal my dry lips, skin, and cuticles, especially in the winter. The stick format looks so much more convenient than their traditional squeezable tube.

Amazon

Bee's Wrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps

These food wraps made from beeswax will help you eliminate (or simply just diminish) your use of single-use plastics in the kitchen. Made entirely of organic materials, you won't be crossing paths with any microplastics or toxic chemicals any time soon. When the wraps no longer retain their shape, they can be easily composted or used as a fire starter!

Amazon

Monstake Automatic Soap Dispenser

This automatic soap dispenser just seems like such a fun purchase, plus it'll upgrade any bathroom or kitchen sink setup. It's compatible with any foaming hand soap, dish soap, or body wash for a luxe feel.

Amazon

LED Light Therapy Face Mask

We adore red light therapy tools over here. This face mask makes reaping the benefits super easy, since you can rock it hands-free. It even has four different modes to target specific skincare concerns like dullness, redness, and acne.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more unique self-care finds!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Viewers who were ready to watch Meghan Markle's new Netflix showWith Love, Meghan January 15 will have to wait just a little bit longer. Meghan decided to delay the show in the midst of the L.A. wildfire crisis, focusing on being more of a good samaritan and placing her focus on the cataphoric fires that have demolished parts of L.A. Here's what to know about the delayed release of With Love, Meghan — plus, Meghan's efforts to provide L.A. wildfire relief!

Scroll to find out everything you need to know about Meghan Markle's With Love, Meghan release date!

When is the new premiere date of 'With Love, Meghan?'

According to Netflix, With Love, Meghan will now premiere March 4.

What has Meghan Markle said about delaying her show?

We're sure Meghan Markle was excited to share her love for cooking and living in California, but the Duchess is more concerned about the tragedy occurring in L.A. She said, "I’m thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California," via Netflix.

What have critics said about 'With Love, Meghan?'

Meghan's decision and comment about it come on the heels of some people expressing their dislike for the show. Just last week, Meghan McCain shared her own thoughts about With Love, Meghan.

In a rather length X post, she started by saying, "I was originally a Meghan Markle supporter, I thought she was cool, stylish and refreshing." Her tone quickly changed because she believes Markle not only "disrespected the royal family," but McCain also believes Markle "wants to be American again instead of British aristocracy."

She called the trailer for With Love, Meghan "highly curated, produced, and out of touch" because of the "2 terror attacks in 2 days, major wars raging" and the fact people are facing high grocery prices. As if that weren't enough, McCain decided to throw in, "This is why the world doesn’t like you, nothing else. Just completely and utterly tone deaf to the moment" which feels more based on an emotional opinion than fact.

While this criticism came before the terrible L.A. fires struck, it's in line with a lot of criticism Meghan's faced since. However, PEOPLEspoke with an "industry insider" about why they feel Meghan Markle truly decided to delay With Love, Meghan. "Delaying the release of With Love, Meghan was likely an easy decision for her. I don’t think she could imagine putting out a show centered on joy and hosting when so many people in her home state no longer have homes to host people in," the source said.

They also touched on the continued criticism the Duchess is once again facing for her decision not to premiere her show right now. "I think it’s sad that critics are saying she’s only doing this to avoid the fires overshadowing her show. We’re all human, and we’re dealing with a catastrophe."

How have Meghan Markle and Prince Harry been helping those affected by the L.A. fires? 

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are doing their best to help those who have been displaced by the L.A. fires. They've since made their California home a safe haven for those who have been displaced and have been actively assisting in other ways.

For one, they showed up at the World Central Kitchen in Pasadena, California to "help distribute food and supplies to victims of the Eaton fire" last Friday, January 10 (via PEOPLE). At the time, Mayor Victor Gordo said the couple cared about being "as helpful as they can be" and that "they took the time to meet the people that are affected."

They've also listed resources for those who are inspired to help victims as well on their official Sussex site.

We commend Meghan Markle for doing everything she can to assist with L.A. wildfire relief, and TBH we think that's what others should be focused on instead of critiquing her every move.

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