Read this first: top books to inspire a productive year ahead
Choosing the right type of book can set the tone for the year ahead.
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Reading a book can help you reset at the start of a new year.
The right book can guide you to rethink your goals, learn new skills, find calm or see the world differently.
Here are some categories of books that can help you reset, with examples from South African authors.
“Changing the Game: 10 Perspectives to Taking Charge of Your Life" focuses on self-awareness as the foundation for emotional intelligence, showing how understanding your thoughts can redirect your focus and empower your reality.
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Books on personal growth and change
Books in this category can help you understand yourself and offer ways to build new habits, set your goals and make changes in your life.
A notable example is “Changing the Game: 10 Perspectives to Taking Charge of Your Life" by Laurens Boel.
The book is divided into five chapters. The first chapter focuses on self-awareness as the foundation for emotional intelligence, showing how understanding your thoughts can redirect your focus and empower your reality.
The second chapter explains how to challenge negative thoughts safely and effectively, helping you move forward. The third chapter presents ten perspectives to take charge of your life, offering tools to view situations differently.
The fourth chapter covers goal setting and action, providing methods to translate ideas into results.
The final chapter emphasises that your life is the sum of your thoughts, actions and goals. This book provides a roadmap for reflection and practical change at the start of the year.
“In the Flow: Taking Mindfulness to Work" encourages readers to notice small moments in their everyday life and use them to create more focus and balance.
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Books on mindfulness and well-being
Mindfulness books focus on awareness, peace of mind and self-care. They can build inner calm and resilience.
“In the Flow: Taking Mindfulness to Work" by Debbie Goodman-Bhyat is an example.
The book encourages readers to notice small moments in their everyday life and use them to create more focus and balance. It offers practical exercises and reflections that make mindfulness relevant to daily routines.
Books like this can help you start the year with a sense of clarity and groundedness.
“Unleashing Creativity: A Guide to Igniting Your Imagination" is designed to help readers tap into their creative potential. The book provides practical tools and insights to explore imagination in everyday life.
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Books on creativity and expression
Books about creativity can open new ways of thinking and expressing yourself. They are useful if you feel stuck in old habits or want to explore new forms of expression.
“Unleashing Creativity: A Guide to Igniting Your Imagination" by Masonwabe Nyanga is designed to help readers tap into their creative potential.
The book provides practical tools and insights to explore imagination in everyday life. It guides readers through exercises and perspectives that encourage self-discovery and expression.
Whether readers are artists, writers or simply looking to bring creativity into their routines, the book offers ways to approach challenges and opportunities with fresh ideas.
“To Health With It!” is a guide to holistic living. It covers physical, mental, emotional, financial, social and spiritual health.
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Books on health and movement
Books about physical health can help you reset by teaching you about your body and how to support it through movement and habits.
“To Health With It!” by Tebogo “ProVerb” Thekisho is a guide to holistic living. It covers physical, mental, emotional, financial, social and spiritual health.
ProVerb shares personal experiences of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, overcoming challenges and growing from being an entertainer to academic and a boardroom leader.
The book includes insights and references from experts, providing both practical advice and inspiration. It helps readers redefine their approach to health and align their daily choices with long-term well-being.
“Your Career, Your Life: Fast-track to Success" offers a week-by-week approach to achieving success through self-awareness and deliberate action.
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Books on work and career
Many people use the new year to focus on work and career growth. Books on leadership, skills and career planning can guide professional development.
“Your Career, Your Life: Fast-track to Success" by Annette Kinnear is a practical guide to managing careers.
It offers a week-by-week approach to achieving success through self-awareness and deliberate action. Kinnear emphasises that career progress is the result of thoughts, words and actions.
She draws on real-life examples and practical advice to make strategies accessible for both work and personal development.
The book provides tools for goal setting, planning and professional growth at the start of a new year.
“Stuarts’ Field Guide to National Parks & Nature Reserves of South Africa” is a comprehensive guide to South Africa’s conservation areas.
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Books on nature and the environment
Books about nature can help you reconnect with the world and develop new interests in the environment.
“Stuarts’ Field Guide to National Parks & Nature Reserves of South Africa” by Chris and Mathilde Stuart is a comprehensive guide to South Africa’s conservation areas.
It covers 43 reserves with information on history, location, landscape, geology, vegetation and wildlife. Each section includes maps, highlights, climate information and facilities.
The book features over 900 colour photographs and a pictorial identification guide for birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, flowers and trees.
Reading this book can help you reconnect with nature, explore the outdoors and appreciate the environment around you.