21 Books To Read In 2021

2020 was a transformational year for all of us, which is part of what makes 2021 a ‘blank slate’ that feels so exciting and boundless. Through hardship and obstacles, we all learned a bit more about ourselves and what we really want for our lives, as there’s nothing quite like a global tragedy to shake up perspectives.

We have new hope for a new year, and many of us have already penned ambitious resolutions. One of the silver linings of the past year was an abundance of time – time for reading. I fully took advantage of that extra time as I absolutely love to read. I’ve read most business/memoir/personal development books that are popular, absolutely loving “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle, “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson, and “Greenlights” by Matthew McConaughey. But then I started digging into some that hadn’t previously been on my radar, and some that I received advanced copies of.

Enjoy these gems, some just newly released. These are promised to help you reach your goals whether it be in business or life.

1. Soulbbatical By Shelley Paxton

We’ve all heard of corporate sabbaticals, and Shelley Paxton’s twist on her own sabbatical story in “Soulbbatical” will help you get in touch with your own inner roadmap and reignite your own inner flame. After twenty six years as an executive for Harley-Davidson, Paxton embarked on a journey within to understand her true passion and calling. This story kept me glued to the pages and woke me up to my own inner compass. This is a must-read for anyone at any stage in their lives who is looking for a wake-up call for a life full of more courage and purpose.

2. A New 20/20 Vision By Taylor Rochestie

We’ll never look at the term ‘20/20 vision’ the same after 2020 - and Rochestie plays on this metaphor beautifully in “A New 20/20 Vision.” This book introduces a new set of ‘lenses’ we can apply to see the world and our lives with more joy and optimism. The book fixates feelings of joy and happiness before success, making it a true instruction manual for a better, happier year. I was excited to read an advanced copy of this.

3. Ladies Get Paid By Claire Wasserman

Co-founder of Ladies Get Paid, Claire Wasserman, just released her book of the same name. A manual for women to help them navigate the professional challenges that inevitably come up. Real life stories of women who’ve experienced familiar issues and actionable advice to go along with each. From negotiating to self advocating–this book is for any woman who is ready to rise in her career.

4. Sharper Image Success By Richard Thalheimer

Billionaire founder of Sharper Image, Richard Thalheimer, divulges his secrets to business and financial success by telling all in this book. Chronicling his journey through 4,000 employees, 200 worldwide stores, and $750 million in sales, this is a must-read for all product founders and inventors who are interested in the behind-the-scenes roller coaster that produces a truly successful, sustainable business.

5. The Last Law Of Attraction Book You’ll Ever Need To Read By Andrew Kap

I (like many of us) am a big believer in the Law of Attraction, but there are oftentimes some gaps in my understanding. If you’ve been trying and repeatedly failing or falling short with your attempts with the law of attraction, this is the book for you. It offers so many new golden nuggets of manifesting advice and techniques that have totally shifted my perception of creating my reality, and have shaken up my usual routines. A must-read for removing all the blocks we usually have in applying the law of attraction.

6. The Billionaire’s Secret: How The World’s Wealthiest People Get Rich and Stay Rich with Preferred Securities By Herbert Tabin

Herbert Tabin is a retired investment banker and CBS TV news personality who candidly shares his personal story of how he uses preferred shares to earn high returns in today’s marketplace in “The Billionaire’s Secret.” Always interested in financial strategies that are hidden in plain sight, I enjoyed this book and it certainly opened my eyes to a different view of investing.

7. ENRICH: Create Wealth In Time, Money, And Meaning By Todd Miller

After this past year, the majority of us have re-shifted priorities and taken a step back to evaluate what wealth really means, to find out that having time and meaning also contribute to our “wealth.” Todd Miller was navigating a thriving career with multimillion dollar entertainment companies when he knew something had to change so he could have more meaning in life. This book presents everything he learned, which helps readers get back into the driver’s seat of their own lives through an easy six-step process.

8. Tiny Habits By BJ Fogg

I loved this book and found it to be incredibly inspiring. Not only did author, BJ Fogg, overcome his own obstacles using his tiny habit method, but he gives a step by step action plan on how to implement tiny habits in your own life. I’ve used his framework in my personal life and also in my business. This is a great read for those who have any amount of overwhelm in their life or business and wants to get a handle on it.

9. The ENERGY Formula: Six Life Changing Ingredients To Unleashing Your Unlimited Potential By Shawn Wells

Imagine what you could do with abounding energy (get more done!). Most of us struggle with maintaining high and consistent levels of energy, which is harming productivity, the quality of time spent with loved ones and on recreational activities. Shawn Wells is a biochemist and dietitian who holds patents for ingredients found in over 500 products globally. In his book, he shares the true hacks behind boosting your energy for unlimited potential: his ENERGY formula. I was grateful to receive an advanced copy to read, definitely add it to your reading list.

10. Weight Lifting Is A Waste of Time: So Is Cardio, And There’s A Better Way To Have The Body You Want By Dr. John Jaquish

If you ask extremely successful people what their day looks like, almost every single one of them will tell you they worked out and that they attribute exercise to their success. Initially hearing of Dr. John Jaquish on the Bulletproof Radio podcast, I was intrigued to read this book. I ended up devouring this book in one night as the author promises a home workout in just 10 minutes that will change your body. Since the gyms are closed, this sounded right up my alley. Author Dr. John Jaquish presents mind-blowing science around what really moves the needle in health and fitness in this book. Reading this helped me rethink my own workout regimen and make some strategic changes.

11. 7 Figure Agency Roadmap by Josh Nelson

If you’ve dreamed of having an agency, you’ll want to get this book on your list this year. Author, Josh Nelson, outlines every step he took to build a seven figure agency, and then some. From how to pick a niche to serve, to how you need to charge - nothing is left uncovered in this book. It’s a quick, yet impactful read.

12. Marketing Made Simple: A Step-by-Step StoryBrand Guide For Any Business by Donald Miller

A companion book to Donald Miller’s Storybrand framework, “Marketing Made Simple” is a tactical marketing book that is great for any business owner or marketer who is looking to bring more clarity to their brand. The Marketing Made Simple outline is a clear and easy way to focus up your messaging, especially if your business needs to pivot in the new year.

13. Industry Influencer Growing Your Brand Through Meaningful Connections and Engagement Online By Glenn Vo

Glenn Vo is an influencer in the dental industry who has learned how anyone can become an industry influencer. This is one of the most actionable and informative books I’ve ever read as a user manual to growing a digital brand and connections to truly be the go-to in a niche market. I’m always eager to learn more about specific marketing strategies in niche markets I’m not a part of, it stimulates my creativity and will do the same for you.

14. Stress-Free Money: Overcome These Seven Obstacles To Find Financial Freedom By Chad Willardson

Money is an emotional relationship for most of us, me included. Try as I might to view money as just a tool and resource without emotion, I fail. I was eager to read Stress-Free Money because I want to be free of the emotional rollercoaster that money can take us on. “Stress Free Money” explores the main seven obstacles that confuse and overwhelm us when it comes to our finances. This read illuminated areas of my own finances that I didn’t even know needed attention. I’m now recommending this book to anyone if they’re stressed about money and money management!

15. Be Your Own Commander In Chief By Yuri Kruman

It’s no secret that we’re all privy to tenfold more success than ever, and this is affecting workplaces on a global scale. Yuri Kruman is a Chief People Officer and HR expert who authored this revelatory book about taking a holistic approach to work for leaders and employees alike. This book is packed with tools and guidance for finding more clarity and empowerment in a work setting in modern times. I received an advanced copy and it’s quite lengthy. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this one!

16. Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now By Liz Bohannon

“Beginner’s Pluck” brings a unique spin to the usual inspirational book about purpose-finding, by leading from the narrative that you’ll actually probably never find your one, all-consuming life’s passion. However, you can build to it, and Bohannon shares the 14 steps to do so. I was drawn to this book because I loved her philosophy about building a passion, rather than following a passion. This book helped me understand what I was working toward and infuse more energy and excitement for my life within each day.

17. Eat What You Kill: The Uncut Truth About Turning Your Idea Into A Thriving Business By Donald Williams

Business is guaranteed to have ups and downs, which means there’s plenty a new entrepreneur should do to prepare. Author Donald Williams brings his own business experience to the forefront in this book that reflects his learnings from successes and failures alike. It’s entertaining with plenty of practical advice to help your idea reach incredible heights for your first year in business. I received an advanced copy and recommend you put it on your list.

18. Uplevel Your Business, Uplevel Your Life By Kristen S. David

One of the best teachers for business is simply experience. Kristen S. David has plenty, having built her own 7 figure business and serving as a consultant for over 1,500 other businesses. Throughout her success, she noticed that there are four main pillars for business development that every entrepreneur should implement. This book shares the details and implementation steps for each.

19. From Nearly Bankrupt To Financial Freedom By Ivan Tapia

Ivan Tapia moved from being $70,000 in debt to creating over 11 income streams as his own boss — and he shares the full story and everything he learned in this revelatory, educational read of rags to riches. This book is for anyone who is ready to make 2021 the year they get a hold on their finances, and need some inspiration on how to do so.

20. Unknown To Unforgettable: How To Stop Playing Small, Land National Media Attention, And Position Yourself As A Power Player By Ashley Crouch

So many entrepreneurs and creators have incredible stories, powerful messages, and helpful products, but they’re simply…unknown. In “Unknown To Unforgettable,” PR powerhouse Ashley Crouch shares her visibility secrets to launching successful press campaigns and getting the recognition that you and your business deserve.

21. Tax Free Wealth By Tom Wheelwright

I recently finished this book by Tom Wheelwright, and was blown away by the advice. As an entrepreneur, there are ways to amplify your tax savings with some savvy strategies and Wheelright highlights the majority of them. Doesn’t sound very exciting, it’s true, but it was a fascinating read. There are a lot of high-level methods that I learned and some that went right over my head, but nevertheless, I definitely have a new list of ideas that I will take to my tax professional to see what will work for me.

If you’re looking for your next book to read, in my opinion any one of these will be a home run!