Master Mind

Control your thoughts and your life with this selection of winter reads

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

“Tiny Habits” by BJ Fogg is a new take on how to form habits. This book explores the idea that it’s our methods for making change are flawed, not us as people. By associating habits with feelings, you can create small habits that lead to large changes in your life. Fogg starts off by suggesting one tiny habit: eat a little chocolate each day. These habits don’t have to relate to some great life changing event that you are trying to accomplish. They can be as small as something that brings you a tiny bit of joy each morning, which makes your efforts relatable and more sustainable. Give this book a read, to put some life altering practices into action.

–Mahogany Skillings

Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins

“Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds” is the life story of David Goggins, named by Outside Magazine as The Fittest (Real) Man in America. He also is the mysterious live-in SEAL from Jesse Itzler's book, “Living with a SEAL: 31 Days Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet” (another great self-help book). Goggins will motivate you by describing how he overcame early (and late) hardships and the life lessons he has picked up along the way. Despite his difficult childhood and later unhealthy lifestyle, he became the only man in history to complete elite training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller. He will teach you how to become your own superhero. Readers should know he uses curse words often.

–Lisa Gieskes

The Extremely Busy Woman's Guide to Self-Care: Do Less, Achieve More, and Live the Life You Want by Suzanne Falter

Suzanne Falter begins “The Extremely Busy Woman's Guide to Self-Care” with her own story of loss, showing how she came to value self-care so much. Like many self-help books, it covers the basics you might expect. The delivery of that message is what makes the difference here. This book isn't telling you all the things you're doing wrong or claiming time management is your problem; instead, it meets you where you are and asks you what you need. It covers technology use, play time, boundaries, and so many often-overlooked aspects of your life that can affect your mental health. Full of great tips, anecdotes, and questions to guide you, this book shows you how to get started on a path to better self-care.

–Rebecca Kelley

Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport

“In 2020, I resolve to reduce my screen time by 50%.” If this sounds relatable, then you might want to pick up “Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World” by Cal Newport. This book provides practical lessons on cultivating a high quality of leisure time and helps you understand why you are compelled to go back to social media apps over and over. The business of “Attention Economy” is out there and actively finding ways to get your attention, keep it and sell it. Learn the value of solitude and being more intentional with your time and build constructive steps to decluttering your digital world.

–Becky Patrick