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Editors’ Picks: Self-Improvement
Our editors choose the titles — both new and timeless — that inspire us.
Published on March 16, 2023
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed
Lori GottliebWho better to reassure us that it’s OK to not be OK than a therapist who is also in therapy? Gottlieb’s deeply personal memoir about her experiences on both sides of the couch strikes a chord because she normalizes that we all struggle sometimes, and even more importantly, that it’s healthy to reach out for support. — Katie W.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: the heartfelt, funny memoir by a New York Times bestselling therapist
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: the heartfelt, funny memoir by a New York Times bestselling therapist
Lori GottliebWho better to reassure us that it’s OK to not be OK than a therapist who is also in therapy? Gottlieb’s deeply personal memoir about her experiences on both sides of the couch strikes a chord because she normalizes that we all struggle sometimes, and even more importantly, that it’s healthy to reach out for support. — Katie W.
The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness: How Mindfulness Can Change Your Life in Ten Minutes a Day
The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness: How Mindfulness Can Change Your Life in Ten Minutes a Day
Andy PuddicombeThis is a practical guide to learning how to meditate and de-stress from the founder of Headspace (a former monk). Puddicombe combines mindfulness lessons with a mix of personal stories (and entertaining misadventures) from his time as a monk-in-training. Plus, he shares quick exercises so you can practice his techniques. Combined with his conversational style, the result is a low-key, enjoyable way to absorb the whys and hows of incorporating a daily meditation practice into your life in as little as 10 minutes a day. — Katie W.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen R. CoveyAn oldie but a goodie. I don’t think Covey’s insight will ever go out of style. These habits can be applied at work, in relationships, and beyond. Habit number five: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood,” has become a foundational wisdom in my life, especially since the mid-2010s, as divisive issues seem to be never-ending. — Lanie P.
The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage
Mel RobbinsRobbins’ central premise is as simple as it sounds: When you need to do something, count backwards from five and then get to it. If you’re feeling skeptical of this, I don’t blame you (I was too when I read the summary of the book). However, I think it works because you can consume all of the motivational content in the world but it’ll only get you so far because motivation waxes and wanes while discipline and good habits remain steady. Simple, solid advice for people like me who frequently give in to procrastination. — Emma C.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
Mark MansonManson’s anti-self-help self help book has been one of the most popular books on Everand since its 2016 publication, so I gave in and read it. Its counterintuitive but sensical observations on what brings us true contentment and happiness spoke to my cynical soul (chapter titles include “The Value of Suffering” and “… And Then You Die”). The main takeaway: Don’t waste your energy on things you can’t control. Save your f*cks for what’s truly important. In a world saturated with social media hot takes and 24-hour news cycles, it’s hard, but as Manson shows, far from impossible to achieve. — Ashley M.
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
141 podcast episodes
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
141 podcast episodesWhy are bronze medalists happier with their accomplishments than silver medalists at the Olympics? How have ATMs affected our moods? I’ve found the observations on the psychology of happiness from Yale professor Laurie Santos fascinating, especially in the show’s first season. Happiness may not be an exact science, but these insights have still helped me smile more. — Ashley M.
How To!
254 podcast episodes
How To!
254 podcast episodesWith episodes on everything from how to survive shark attacks to how to get promoted, this Slate podcast almost assuredly has an answer to your toughest questions. While many of the issues raised don’t directly apply to me, I still listen to each episode and enjoy learning something new. — Ashley M.
Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behavior and How to Effectively Communicate with Each in Business (and in Life)
Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behavior and How to Effectively Communicate with Each in Business (and in Life)
Thomas EriksonPunchy title aside, “Surrounded by Idiots” does a great job setting you up for successful social interactions with just about anyone. Communication expert Thomas Erikson defines four main patterns of behavior to recognize and adjust to in conversations. And although any exercise to type people should be taken with a grain of salt, if read for the right reasons, this book can help you better understand your fellow human beings. — Andrea B.
Life Kit
801 podcast episodes
Life Kit
801 podcast episodesRaise your hand if you ever thought, “Why does nobody teach this?!” NPR's “Life Kit” is a podcast about important topics not often taught by most schools or parents. Trouble keeping up with house chores? “Life Kit” brings in an expert. Want to have a baby but are lost with the financials? You got it. After three years on air, there’s rarely a human-in-the-world issue that hasn’t been tackled, and it’s only getting more creative. — Andrea B.