By Melissa Chapman

Cataloging Supervisor

It doesn’t have to be a New Year’s resolution to improve one’s self. In fact, it is healthier to make small incremental changes throughout the year.

Self-help books generally try to provide steps that a person can take to help them reach a specific outcome or expectation. They can be a useful resource for people who are struggling or seeking ways to improve their lives. Below are a few of my favorite books.

“Girl, Stop Apologizing” by Rachel Hollis. Rachel explains how women have been taught to define themselves in light of other people. She challenges women to stop talking themselves out of their dreams, identify the excuses to let go of, behaviors to adopt and skills to acquire on the path to growth and self-confidence.

“Girl, Wash Your Face” is also by Rachel Hollis. In this book, she identifies 20 lies people tell themselves to hold themselves back. She shows how to live a joyful and productive life. By the time you finish her book, you will stop worrying about all the wrong things.

“Make Your Bed” by Admiral William H McRaven was Inspired by the advice he gave in a graduation speech that went viral. This book reminds you that sometimes little things can have a big impact.

“Braving the Wilderness” by Brene Brown, is life-transforming. It is a prescription for being alive, of being a kind and loving person. It is about how to be brave, kind and good–no matter what your faith or lack of faith–and of dealing with the division of our country and of moving towards a re-humanizing of our communities, families and transforming conflict in brave and heartfelt ways.

“Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered” by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark is a blunt, amusing, and enlightening reflection on true crime, formative life events and the importance of valuing personal safety over being “nice” or “helpful.”

Everything is Figureoutable” by Marie Forleo is something I’ve been telling my kids for years. Forleo teaches you how to train your brain to think positively and to turn any dream into manageable steps. She emphasizes it isn’t that you’re not hardworking, intelligent or deserving, but that you haven’t installed one key belief: Everything is “figureoutable.”

Whether you’re interested in guidance, insight or motivation, there is a book to help you. Let the Warsaw Community Public Library help guide you on your life’s journey.